Choosing a medical career path starts with finding the right university, and Abia State University (ABSU) is a solid option for students who want quality medical education in southeastern Nigeria. If you are searching for the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees, this guide gives you everything you need in one place. From the specific programmes available to tuition breakdowns and admission requirements, every detail is covered here.
ABSU offers a strong selection of health and medical science programmes through its various faculties. Whether your goal is to become a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or optometrist, understanding the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees is the first step toward making an informed decision about your academic future.
About Abia State University (ABSU)
Abia State University is a state-owned institution located in Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. It was originally established in 1981 as part of the old Imo State university system and later became part of Abia State following the state creation exercise in 1991. ABSU holds full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across multiple faculties including Medicine, Sciences, Law, Arts, Engineering, Agriculture, and Education.
The university is known for producing competent medical professionals who go on to practise both within Nigeria and abroad. The Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences house the core medical programmes, and ABSU continues to invest in laboratory facilities, teaching hospitals, and clinical training infrastructure to support these departments. For prospective students researching the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees, the university’s strong reputation adds real value to the investment.
Complete List of Medical Courses Offered in ABSU
The list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees covers programmes spread across different faculties. Below is a comprehensive table showing each medical course, its duration, and the required O’Level subjects for admission.
| Course | Duration | O’Level Subject Requirements |
| Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) | 6 years | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Nursing / Nursing Science | 5 years | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Pharmacy | 5 years | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Optometry | 6 years | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Medical Laboratory Science | 5 years | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Public Health | 4 years | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Anatomy | 4 years | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| Physiology | 4 years | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| Biochemistry | 4 years | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
All the courses listed above require a minimum of five credit passes at WASSCE, NECO, or GCE O’Level, obtained in not more than two sittings. ABSU does not accept awaiting results for medical and health science programmes.
Overview of Each Medical Course at ABSU
Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
This is the most competitive medical course at ABSU. The programme runs for six years and trains students to become licensed medical doctors. Graduates proceed to a one-year housemanship before practising independently. The JAMB cut off for this programme is typically 200 and above, with departmental merit scores often exceeding 280.
Nursing / Nursing Science
The Nursing Science programme at ABSU runs for five years and prepares students for careers in clinical nursing, public health nursing, and healthcare administration. Graduates register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to obtain their practising licence. This is one of the most sought-after programmes on the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees for nursing fall under Category A.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a five-year programme that equips students with knowledge in drug development, pharmaceutical care, and clinical pharmacy. Graduates register with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). The JAMB cut off for Pharmacy at ABSU is 200, placing it among the most competitive medical programmes.
Optometry
ABSU is one of the few Nigerian universities that offer Optometry at the undergraduate level. This six-year programme trains students to diagnose and manage eye conditions. Graduates register with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN).
Medical Laboratory Science
This five-year programme trains students to perform diagnostic laboratory tests that support clinical decision-making. Graduates register with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and can work in hospitals, research laboratories, and diagnostic centres.
Other Medical and Health Science Courses
ABSU also offers Public Health (4 years), Anatomy (4 years), Physiology (4 years), and Biochemistry (4 years). These programmes provide foundational knowledge in biomedical sciences and open pathways to postgraduate medical training, research careers, and allied health professions. Knowing the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees for each programme helps you plan your budget and academic trajectory.
ABSU School Fees for Medical Courses (2025/2026)
Understanding the financial commitment is just as important as knowing the academic requirements. The list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees includes tuition fees that vary depending on whether the programme falls under Category A or Category B. Category A programmes, which include Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Optometry, and Pharmacy, carry higher tuition because of their specialised facilities and training requirements.
Tuition Fee Breakdown by Course
| Course | Fresh Students | Returning | Category |
| Medicine and Surgery | N56,000 | N56,000 | Category A |
| Nursing / Nursing Science | N56,000 | N56,000 | Category A |
| Optometry | N56,000 | N56,000 | Category A |
| Pharmacy | N56,000 | N56,000 | Category A |
| Medical Lab Science | N48,000 | N48,000 | Category B |
| Public Health | N48,000 | N48,000 | Category B |
| Anatomy | N48,000 | N48,000 | Category B |
| Physiology | N48,000 | N48,000 | Category B |
| Biochemistry | N48,000 | N48,000 | Category B |
Note: The tuition figures above represent the base school fees per session. New students also pay additional one-time charges including an Acceptance Fee of approximately N45,000 to N50,000, an Accreditation Fee of N30,000, and a Development Fee of N50,000. When these are added, the total first-year cost for Category A medical students can reach N180,000 to N250,000 or more.
Medical and science students in their clinical years (400 to 600 level) also pay a Practical Fee of N2,950 per session. All payments are made through the ABSU online portal using approved bank channels. Late payment attracts a penalty of approximately N5,000, so timely payment is essential.
Admission Requirements for Medical Courses at ABSU
To gain admission into any of the programmes on the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees, candidates must meet the following requirements. First, you need a minimum JAMB (UTME) score of 160 for general courses and 200 for competitive medical programmes like Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Second, you must have at least five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at WASSCE, NECO, or GCE O’Level in not more than two sittings.
Additionally, ABSU must be your first-choice institution during JAMB registration, and you must participate in the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise. For Direct Entry candidates, a minimum of two A’Level passes in relevant science subjects is required alongside acceptable O’Level results.
JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Courses
All medical and health science courses at ABSU require the same JAMB subject combination: English Language (compulsory), Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This applies to Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Medical Laboratory Science, and the basic medical science programmes. Any deviation from this combination results in automatic disqualification, so verify your JAMB registration carefully. Having the correct subjects is just as critical as knowing the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees before applying.
Why Choose ABSU for Medical Studies?
ABSU offers several advantages for medical students. The tuition fees are significantly lower than those of private universities, making it accessible to a wider range of students. The university maintains partnerships with teaching hospitals that provide clinical exposure from the early years of training. ABSU also has a track record of producing graduates who perform well in professional licensing examinations such as the MDCN, PCN, and NMCN qualifying exams.
The campus in Uturu provides a relatively peaceful environment for focused academic work, away from the distractions of major city centres. For students reviewing the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees, these factors make ABSU a strong contender among state universities in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the full list of medical courses offered in ABSU?
ABSU offers Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, Pharmacy, Optometry, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. These cover both clinical and basic medical science disciplines.
How much are the school fees for Medicine and Surgery at ABSU?
The tuition fee for Medicine and Surgery is N56,000 per session. However, first-year students pay additional one-time charges (acceptance, accreditation, and development fees) that bring the total to approximately N180,000 to N250,000 for the first year.
Does ABSU accept second-choice candidates for medical courses?
It is very unlikely. Medical programmes at ABSU are highly competitive, and first-choice candidates typically fill all available spaces. Always select ABSU as your first choice if you intend to study a medical course.
What is the JAMB cut off mark for medical courses at ABSU?
The minimum JAMB cut off for competitive medical courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, and Pharmacy is 200. However, candidates who gain admission usually score significantly higher, often 260 and above. Reviewing the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees alongside the cut off marks helps you set realistic expectations.
Is the list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees the same every year?
The list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees can change from year to year. While the core programmes remain largely the same, tuition fees may be reviewed by the university senate. Always check the official ABSU portal for the most current figures before making payment.
Can I pay ABSU school fees in instalments?
Yes. Returning students have the option to pay school fees in two instalments, with half paid in the first semester and the remaining half in the second semester. However, fresh students are generally required to make full payment upon admission.
Conclusion
Abia State University remains a reputable institution for students pursuing careers in medicine and health sciences. The list of medical courses offered in ABSU and fees includes nine programmes ranging from Medicine and Surgery to Biochemistry, with tuition fees that are relatively affordable compared to private alternatives. Understanding the admission requirements, fee structure, and programme details puts you in a strong position to plan your academic journey effectively.
Take the time to prepare thoroughly for JAMB, secure excellent O’Level results, and stay updated on ABSU admission announcements through the official university website. Your path to a rewarding medical career starts with the right information and proper planning. Good luck!