UNN Medical School || Everything You Need To Know

Do you desire to study medicine and surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)? This article gives an in-depth description of studies at UNN medical school, a preeminent medical school in Nigeria.

As one of the largest universities in Nigeria and arguably described as the institution with the best medical school in the country, information about UNN medical school is so much desired by prospective students. This article gives great insight into medical school. Ensure to read to the end.

Brief History Of UNN Medical School

UNN medical school was established in 1966, the year preceding the bloody civil war in the country. However, the first intake of medical students occurred in 1970, at the end of the conflict.

At inception, only sixty (60) students were admitted into the Faculty of Medical Sciences. The medical school continued under the management of the Faculty of Medical Sciences until it became a fully-fledged college in 1984 known as the College of Medicine.

In UNN medical school, medicine and surgery is a six-year program leading to the award of a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Degree (MBBS). Medical graduates from UNN medical school have the capacity to work both independently and as a team in the care of patients in any hospital.

Structure Of UNN Medical School

The bachelor’s study in Medicine and Surgery at the UNN medical school is a five/to six-year program leading to the award of MBBS upon successful graduation.

Students that get admitted through the UTME route must spend at least six years in the college, while the five-year option is solely for students that gain entry through the Direct-Entry (DE) route.

The program is divided into three (3) distinct parts:

1. The Pre-Medical Year:

This is the Year 1 of undergraduate students. Students in this category are known as Pre-Meds as their courses are devoid of any advanced medical teachings.

Teachings are mainly focused on A-Level courses in basic sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, Genetics and Parasitology as well as English and General Studies. Students here are expected to pass all their core basic science courses here to move into the next stage.

2. The Pre-Clinical Years:

This comprises the second and third years of medical school. Students are introduced to basic medical courses on Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. They study each course in detail including basic laboratory practices.

Pre-clinical students also take a few other General studies courses to balance their knowledge. At the end of the second semester in their third year, students sit for their first professional examination known as the 2^nd MBBS Examination in the three core courses.

Students who pass all courses are allowed to move into the third MBBS class. Also, Students who fail all three courses are sent out of medical school. Students who fail one or two courses are required to resit their examinations within 3 months, and they are expected to pass all their failed courses in one sitting before they move to the next part.

3. Clinical Years:

This comprises the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th years of medical school. It is where the students get trained in clinical practice, clerkship, and clinical laboratory techniques. They move into teaching hospitals to develop the clinical skills and competence needed for successful medical practice. Students are expected to sit for a professional exam at the end of each academic year.

In the 4^th year, medical students take courses primarily on Clinical Pathology Pharmacology & Therapeutics. At the end of the year, they must sit for and pass their 3^rd MBBS Examinations in order to move into the next class.

To qualify for professional examinations, every student is expected to have a minimum of 70% class and laboratory attendance record. Students who fail any part of their examinations are given opportunities to either “resit the examination”.

In the 5^th year, students take courses on Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, and Community Medicine, and also undergo medical postings to rural communities to acquire and observe clinical procedures in rural environments.

At the end of the academic year, they sit in for their 4^th MBBS Examinations, which they are expected to pass before moving into the final year.

In the 6^th Year which is the final year, students are trained in Medicine, Surgery, Community Medicine, Public Health, and other courses. This is the most intensive year in UNN medical school as students are subjected to very rigorous clerkships and training. They go for medical postings in rural communities to provide basic medical care to the rural populace.

They are expected to be competent and sound in patient care and disease management. At the end of the year, students take the final professional examinations known as the 5^th MBBS Examinations. Successful candidates are then graduated as medical doctors and awarded the MBBS degree.

This article has given great insight into UNN medical school. I hope you enjoyed the read. Do give your comments and ask your questions in the comment section below.

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