Veterinary Medicine is a well-known and prestigious course, particularly among science students, offering a plethora of opportunities. Due to its competitiveness, it’s crucial to understand the admission requirements thoroughly.
The program is open to both O’Level and Direct Entry students. O’Level applicants must present their WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results, while Direct Entry students can apply with qualifications such as National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or a Bachelor’s degree.
What is Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinary Medicine is a branch of medical science that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries in animals. Veterinarians, who are experts in this field, work to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and injuries in different animals like pets, farm animals, and even wildlife. They cover various areas like surgery, medicine, and preventive care to keep animals healthy. The main aim is to ensure the well-being of animals and, sometimes, to prevent diseases that could affect humans too.
Why Should I Study Veterinary Medicine as a Course?
Studying Veterinary Medicine is all about caring for animals and ensuring their health. This course teaches you how to take care of different animals, from pets to farm animals. As a veterinarian, you’ll learn to prevent and treat illnesses in animals, conduct research to improve animal health, and contribute to public health by controlling diseases. It’s a rewarding path that allows you to make a positive impact on both animal and human communities. If you have a passion for animals and want to play a crucial role in their well-being, Veterinary Medicine is the right course for you.
Note: Please be aware that the requirements listed below may vary in some schools. In such cases, it is recommended to refer to the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for accurate information.
O’Level Requirements to Study Veterinary Medicine
For admission into Veterinary Medicine, candidates are required to have five O’ level credit passes, including English Language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study Veterinary Medicine
- A’ level passes in Chemistry, Biology/Zoology, Physics or Mathematics.
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Jamb Subject Combination for Veterinary Medicine
- English
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Universities that Offer Veterinary Medicine
- ABU – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
- ABUJA – University of Abuja, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- FUNAAB – Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State
- IBADAN – University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- ILORIN – University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
- JOS – University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State
- MAIDUGURI – University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State
- MAKURDI – Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State
- UDU – Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
- UMUDIKE – Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State
- UNN – University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Veterinary Medicine a Science course?
Yes, Veterinary Medicine is basically a Science course. In most Nigerian Universities, it falls under the Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences.
Can Commercial or Arts Students Study Veterinary Medicine?
No, Commercial or Art Students will not be able to study Veterinary Medicine due to the requirements in relevant science subjects. Nevertheless, students aspiring to pursue the course, regardless of whether they come from a commercial or arts background, should review the university’s unique entry criteria to which they intend to apply to. Some institutions may stipulate specific subject requirements for admission, and candidates may meet these criteria in the special consideration tab.
What Jobs can I apply for after studying Veterinary Medicine?
After completing a degree in Veterinary Medicine, you can pursue rewarding careers such as Veterinarian, Research Scientist, Zoo Veterinarian, Livestock Inspector, Public Health Official, Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Animal Behaviorist, and more. These roles involve ensuring the health and well-being of animals, conducting research, contributing to public health, and promoting animal welfare.
How many years does it take to Study Veterinary Medicine?
It takes a minimum of 6 years to earn a degree in Veterinary Medicine. However, if you are a direct entry student, this should take at least 5 years since you are more likely to start from the 200 Level.
How challenging is it to gain admission to study Veterinary Medicine at Nigerian universities?
Veterinary Medicine is highly competitive. Admission into these programs is usually based on a combination of high academic performance, particularly in the relevant science subjects, as well as success in entrance examinations like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and sometimes post-UTME screenings conducted by the individual universities.
What is the cut-off mark for Veterinary Medicine?
Students who score a minimum of 140 in the JAMB UTME are eligible to participate in the POST UTME as part of the requirements for applying to study Veterinary Medicine in their chosen universities.
Note: Understand that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, it is advisable to check the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.
