Everything You Need To Know About Enugu State University Of Medical And Applied Sciences (Updated 2025)

If you’ve ever driven through Enugu and found yourself asking, “What is that new university doing in Igbo-Eno?” – you’re not alone. Nestled in the calm and culturally rich Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State is a rising star in Nigeria’s academic sky: the Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS). If that name’s a bit long for your taste, you’re not alone again—many students already fondly refer to it as “SUMAS Igbo-Eno.”

So, whether you're a secondary school graduate wondering where to begin your university journey, a parent searching for the best place to send your ward, or just a curious reader wanting to know what the buzz is all about, this blog post is your one-stop guide. I promise, no boring talk—just real, useful information, served hot and spicy like good pepper soup.

Let’s dive in.

A Brief History: How SUMAS Came to Be

SUMAS was officially established by the Enugu State Government in 2022 during the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The university was envisioned to bridge the gap in medical and applied science education in the southeast. And honestly, it came at a perfect time—because Nigeria needs more qualified health professionals like yesterday.

Located in Igbo-Eno, the university is designed to offer specialized courses in the fields of medicine, health sciences, and other applied sciences. In fact, SUMAS is Enugu State’s very first university dedicated exclusively to medical and scientific studies. That's no small feat.

Mission and Vision: Big Dreams, Bigger Goals

The mission of SUMAS is pretty ambitious—and I mean that in the best way possible. The university aims to provide world-class teaching, cutting-edge research, and community service in the areas of medicine, nursing, medical laboratory science, and beyond.

Their vision? To become a global center for excellence in medical and applied sciences education. Yep, they’re not playing small.

And you know what? From what we’ve seen so far—the infrastructure, the staffing, the student orientation—it looks like they’re really trying to walk the talk.

Courses Offered at SUMAS

Now let’s talk about the meat of the matter—what courses are available? SUMAS isn’t trying to offer everything under the sun, and that’s a good thing. It focuses on quality over quantity. Here are some of the key programs:

• Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)

• Nursing Science

• Medical Laboratory Science

• Physiotherapy

• Pharmacology

• Radiography

• Public Health

• Biomedical Engineering

• Biochemistry

• Anatomy

• Physiology

More programs are expected to be rolled out gradually, especially in the tech and engineering fields. But as it stands, the core focus is health sciences and medical technology.

And guess what? The academic structure is modeled to meet international best practices. That means if you’re dreaming of working abroad someday, your SUMAS degree won’t be an academic orphan.

Admission Requirements

Okay, let’s get serious—how do you get in?

UTME Admission

For candidates applying through UTME (that’s the JAMB route), here’s what you need:

• Five O’Level credit passes in core science subjects (including English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology)

• A JAMB score of at least 180, although some courses (like Medicine) may require much higher scores

• The right subject combination in JAMB (usually Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English)

Once you’ve scaled that hurdle, you’ll likely be invited for post-UTME screening or an interview depending on the program you’re applying to.

Direct Entry

Direct Entry students (usually diploma or A-Level holders) can also gain admission, provided they meet the specific departmental requirements. This is common for Nursing and Medical Lab Science.

School Fees

Let’s talk about the money part. SUMAS isn’t cheap, but it’s not outrageous either—especially considering it’s a specialized university.

As of the current academic session, tuition ranges between ₦150,000 and ₦400,000 depending on your course of study. Medicine and Surgery, as you might guess, sits at the upper end.

Also, there are other compulsory charges like registration, accommodation, medical fees, etc. But here's the good news: being a state-owned university, SUMAS tuition is still far more affordable than many private universities offering the same courses.

Facilities and Campus Life

Let’s be real: infrastructure can make or break a university experience. Fortunately, SUMAS seems to understand this very well.

Modern Classrooms and Labs

The university boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation rooms, and smart lecture halls. We’re not talking chalk and blackboard here—these guys are tech-forward.

Hostel Accommodation

SUMAS has on-campus hostels that are secure, clean, and within walking distance from lecture halls. No "okada" wahala. Although the number of available rooms may not yet meet demand, expansion is underway.

Library and E-Learning

The university library is both physical and digital. Students can access a growing repository of books, journals, and e-learning materials. Again, another nod to international standards.

Campus Environment

Let’s be honest: SUMAS is located in a relatively quiet and rural setting. But that’s actually part of the appeal. Less distraction, more focus. It’s the kind of environment where you can actually hear your brain work.

Accreditation and Recognition

As of now, SUMAS is recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which is the regulatory body for universities in Nigeria. This means its degrees are valid, respected, and recognized nationwide.

Some of its professional programs—like Nursing and Medical Lab Science—are also in the process of gaining full accreditation from the appropriate bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

Why Choose SUMAS?

Great question! Here are a few reasons why this relatively new university is worth considering:

• Focused Programs: You’re not lost in a sea of unrelated departments. Everyone here is working towards medical and applied science goals.

• State Government Support: Being a state-run university, SUMAS enjoys funding and infrastructure support from the Enugu State Government.

• Modern Facilities: From smart classrooms to digital libraries, it’s not your average Nigerian university experience.

• Small Class Sizes: You’re not just a number. Lecturers actually know their students by name—at least for now.

• Future-forward Curriculum: The curriculum is aligned with current global practices, making graduates competitive both locally and internationally.

Challenges? Yes, It’s Still a Young University

We can’t ignore the fact that SUMAS is still finding its feet. Challenges like:

• Limited hostel space

• Relatively low number of academic staff (though this is being addressed)

• Fewer student clubs and extracurriculars—because it’s still early days

That said, every big university today once had humble beginnings. And if SUMAS continues on its current path, it's safe to say it’s going to be a force to reckon with.

Final Thoughts

Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, is one of the most promising educational institutions to emerge in recent years. With a clear focus, solid infrastructure, and a mission that aligns with Nigeria’s urgent healthcare needs, this university is doing more than just making up the numbers—it’s making a difference.

So, if you—or someone you know—is looking for a place that combines affordability with academic seriousness, SUMAS is worth a very close look. It may not have the ancient trees of UI or the sprawling campuses of UNILAG, but what it lacks in age, it’s quickly making up for in vision and ambition.

Now you know everything you need to know. The only question is: are you ready to be part of history?