Midwifery Courses in Nigerian Universities: Everything You Need to Know

Bringing new life into the world is one of the most rewarding professions, and midwifery plays a major role in making that happen safely. If you have ever thought about becoming a midwife in Nigeria, you are probably wondering which universities offer the course, the requirements, and what to expect after graduation. The truth is, not all universities in Nigeria offer midwifery, and finding the right information can be frustrating.

Some people assume midwifery is the same as nursing, while others believe it is only for women. But is that really the case? If you’re serious about pursuing this career, there are things you need to know before applying. This article will show you the universities offering midwifery in Nigeria, the admission requirements, career prospects, and everything in between.

What is Midwifery?

Midwifery is a healthcare profession that focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Midwives ensure that mothers and babies receive proper medical attention before, during, and after delivery. Unlike general nursing, midwifery is more specialized and deals specifically with maternal and newborn care.

In Nigeria, midwives work in hospitals, maternity homes, and rural health centers, where they assist women in safe deliveries. Some also provide counseling and support for expectant mothers, making the profession both medical and humanitarian.

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Universities That Offer Midwifery in Nigeria

Midwifery courses are not available in every university in Nigeria. Most universities focus on nursing, while midwifery is often offered as a separate program in select institutions. Below are some universities where you can study midwifery in Nigeria:

1. University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Offers Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) with an option for midwifery specialization.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Provides midwifery courses within the nursing department.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife – One of the top universities for nursing and midwifery studies.
4. University of Ibadan (UI) – Offers nursing and midwifery training at the College of Medicine.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – Provides a nursing degree with midwifery as a specialization.
6. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Has nursing and midwifery programs within its medical faculty.
7. Babcock University – One of the few private universities offering midwifery courses.

Apart from universities, midwifery is also taught in some schools of nursing and health sciences, such as:

• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) School of Midwifery
• University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
• Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria

These schools offer diploma programs in midwifery, which are shorter than university degrees but still qualify graduates to practice as midwives.

Admission Requirements for Midwifery Courses

To study midwifery in a Nigerian university, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the general qualifications needed:

• O’Level Requirements – Five credits in SSCE (WAEC/NECO) in subjects like English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• JAMB UTME Subjects – English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• Cut-Off Marks – Most universities require a JAMB score of at least 180–200, but this may vary.
• Direct Entry Option – Some universities accept registered nurses (RN) or diploma holders into 200 level.

If you choose to study midwifery at a school of nursing, you may not need JAMB, but you will have to pass an entrance exam and interview.

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Duration of Midwifery Courses

The length of midwifery programs depends on the institution and level of study:

• Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) with Midwifery Specialization – 5 years.
• Direct Entry (For Registered Nurses) – 3–4 years.
• Diploma in Midwifery – 3 years.

After graduation, students must undergo a one-year internship and register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to become licensed midwives.

Career Opportunities for Midwives in Nigeria

Midwifery is not just about delivering babies; it comes with multiple career opportunities. As a midwife in Nigeria, you can work in:

• Hospitals and Maternity Homes – Most midwives work in government and private hospitals, assisting in childbirth.
• Primary Healthcare Centers – Midwives are needed in rural areas where doctors may not be available.
• Teaching and Research – Some midwives go into academics, training new students in universities and nursing schools.
• NGOs and International Organizations – Groups like UNICEF and WHO employ midwives for maternal health programs.
• Private Practice – Some midwives set up their own maternity homes.

With the increasing focus on maternal health in Nigeria, midwives are always in demand.

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Challenges of Studying and Practicing Midwifery in Nigeria

While midwifery is a respected profession, it comes with challenges. Some of the issues midwifery students and professionals face include:

• Limited Universities Offering the Course – Many students struggle to find universities that offer midwifery directly.
• High Workload – Midwifery students have intense practical training, which can be demanding.
• Poor Working Conditions – Some midwives work in hospitals with outdated equipment and limited resources.
• Low Salaries – Compared to doctors, midwives in Nigeria earn lower wages, especially in government hospitals.
• Long Working Hours – Midwives often work long shifts, including nights and weekends.

Despite these challenges, midwifery remains a fulfilling career, especially for those passionate about maternal health.

Is Midwifery Better Than Nursing?

One common question among students is whether midwifery is better than nursing. The answer depends on personal interest. If you want a broad medical career covering different aspects of healthcare, nursing is a better choice. However, if you are passionate about childbirth and maternal care, midwifery is the way to go.

Both careers are important, and some professionals even combine both by first studying nursing and later specializing in midwifery.

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