Public Health Course in Nigeria: Learn what it is, where to study, how to apply, and the career paths it opens for Nigerians.
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| A group of Nigerian students learning about public health. |
What Is Public Health?
Public health is the study and practice of how to protect and improve the health of people and communities. It is not about treating one sick person at a time. Instead, it focuses on preventing diseases, promoting healthy living, and improving access to health care for everyone.
When you study public health, you learn how to solve health problems in Nigeria like malaria outbreaks, poor sanitation, unsafe water, and lack of vaccines. You also learn how to educate communities on staying healthy and implementing disease prevention strategies
This course is useful for Nigerians who want to help their communities stay healthy, especially in rural or low-income areas.
Why Should You Study Public Health?
There are many reasons why public health is a good course for you:
It helps you make a real difference in people’s lives.You can work in many places hospitals, NGOs, government, or even international health agencies.
Public health professionals are in demand, especially after COVID-19 showed how important health education is.
You can work in areas like disease prevention, vaccination, community health, health communication, and research.
Also, public health is not just for doctors or nurses. Anyone with a passion for improving lives can study and work in this field.
Who Can Study Public Health in Nigeria?
Public health is open to many types of students. You can apply for a Diploma, Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, or even Ph.D. depending on your level of education.
1. Diploma & Bachelor’s Degree (BSc or BPH):
You can apply if you have at least 5 O’Level credits including English, Biology, and sometimes Chemistry or Maths. This is ideal for secondary school leavers.
2. Master of Public Health (MPH):
You need a degree in health or science-related fields. Health workers, doctors, nurses, or biology graduates often apply.
3. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD):
If you didn’t study health in school but want to switch to public health, PGD is a good way to start.
Where Can You Study Public Health in Nigeria?
Many universities and colleges across Nigeria offer public health courses. You can choose from federal, state, private, and open universities, depending on your location, budget, and learning style.
Here are some trusted options:
Federal & State Universities
University of Ibadan (UI) – Offers Master of Public Health (MPH) and other postgraduate options.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Offers undergraduate and postgraduate public health-related courses.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Known for strong health science programmes.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU) – Offers B.Sc and MPH programmes through its Faculty of Medicine.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – Public health under Environmental Health Sciences.
University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Provides postgraduate training in public health.
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – Offers community and public health programmes through its College of Health Sciences.
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) – Known for medical and public health training.
College of Health Technology (various states) – Good for Diploma in Public Health or Environmental Health.
Open and Distance Learning
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) – Offers B.Sc, PGD, M.Sc, and Ph.D. in Public Health. Flexible for working-class and rural learners.
Iconic Open University, Sokoto – Offers B.Sc and Master’s in Public Health. No JAMB required. Teaches online and in hybrid mode. Focuses on epidemiology, health informatics, and community work.
Private Universities
Babcock University – Offers B.Sc Public Health with a strong Christian-based structure.
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano – Private school with affordable public health programme.
Azman University, Kano – Offers public health and health-related programmes under its Allied Health faculty.
Other Institutions
Polytechnics & Health Colleges – Many offer Health Education, Community Health, or Environmental Health as ND or HND courses.
This list is not complete, but it gives you good schools to start with. Before applying, always check if the course is accredited by NUC or NBTE, and read the admission guidelines on the school’s website.
What Will You Learn in a Public Health Course?
The course covers a wide range of topics such as:
- Epidemiology (study of disease spread)
- Biostatistics
- Health education and promotion
- Environmental health
- Nutrition and maternal health
- Health policy and planning
- Research methods
- Disease prevention and control
- Reproductive health
- Community engagement and development
These subjects prepare you to understand health challenges in Nigeria and how to solve them using science, communication, and teamwork.
Career Opportunities After Studying Public Health
After studying public health, you can work in many roles, such as:
- Health Educator
- Public Health Officer
- Community Health Worker
- NGO Program Officer
- Environmental Health Officer
- Disease Surveillance Officer
- Health Researcher
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
- Sanitation and Hygiene Advisor
You can also work with organizations like:
- Federal Ministry of Health
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
- National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- UNICEF
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
How to Apply for a Public Health Course
Here’s a simple guide for applying:
Check your qualifications (O’Level, degree, or PGD)Choose a school that offers public health
Visit the school’s website to see admission requirements
Apply online or at the school, and submit documents
Write any needed entrance exam or screening test
Wait for admission list and prepare for classes
For NOUN and distance learning, the process is simpler. You can apply at any time during the year.
Tips for Success in Public Health
Read widely about health trends in NigeriaFollow agencies like NCDC and WHO for updates
Learn basic data analysis and research skills
Join health student groups and attend events
Be ready to serve communities with passion
Public health is a calling, not just a course. The more you care about helping people, the more you will grow in this field
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is public health a good course in Nigeria?
Yes. It is highly relevant, especially with ongoing health challenges like malaria, cholera, and poor sanitation. It also opens many career paths.
2. Can I study public health without being a science student?
Yes, but most schools require at least Biology and English. Some allow art or commercial students through PGD.
3. How many years does it take to study public health?
- Diploma: 2 years
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4–5 years
- Master’s: 1–2 years
- PGD: 1 year
4. Can I get a job after studying public health?
Yes. You can work in hospitals, NGOs, government, or international organizations.
5. Is public health only about hospitals?
No. It also covers community work, policy making, education, and disease prevention outside hospital walls.
6. What is the best university to study public health in Nigeria?
Top choices include UI, UNN, OAU, ABU, UNILAG, and NOUN.
In conclusion, Public health is a course that teaches you how to protect lives and promote wellness in your community. In Nigeria, this knowledge is needed more than ever.
Whether you want to study for a diploma, degree, or master's, public health will give you the tools to help others, get meaningful work, and make a real difference.
If you want to serve, educate, and solve real health problems, public health is the right course for you. Start today, and build a future that helps others live better.
Source: National Universities Commission (NUC) and public university course catalogs (2024)