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Ikiodiete George
- 4 Min Read
Nysc 2025: Top 10 Most Desired States For Medical Doctors To Serve In Nigeria
So, you just finished med school and you’re now holding that green call-up letter, hoping NYSC doesn’t send you to the middle of nowhere. Let’s be honest — not all NYSC postings are created equal, especially for medical doctors.
Whether you’re chasing clinical experience, juicy state allowances, job offers after service, or just a safe, chilled location with good vibes, this list is for you.
Below are the top 10 most desired NYSC states for medical doctors in 2025, based on:
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Work experience in hospitals
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Availability of modern health infrastructure
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Opportunities for extra income
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Safety & quality of life
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State allowance (bonus cash doesn’t hurt, abi?)
Criteria for Ranking the Best States for NYSC Medical Doctors
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
| Clinical Exposure | Teaching/General hospitals and specialist centres |
| Remuneration | State "allawee", hazard allowance, and locum jobs |
| Location & Lifestyle | Cost of living, security, housing, and recreation |
| Post-Service Opportunities | Chances of permanent job retention |
| Accessibility & Infrastructure | Good roads, network, power, and city life |
1. Lagos State
Why Lagos Tops the List
Lagos is every young doctor’s dream for NYSC. From LUTH to LASUTH, plus countless private hospitals, your clinical exposure is solid. You can also earn extra from locum jobs.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦15,000 – ₦45,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | LUTH, LASUTH, FMC Ebute-Metta |
| Bonus Perks | Job opportunities, networking, side gigs, city life |
Downside: Cost of living can humble you if you’re not careful.
2. Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
Abuja gives you the best of both worlds — modern city vibes and relatively less chaos than Lagos.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦15,000 – ₦35,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | National Hospital, FMC Jabi |
| Bonus Perks | High-class networking, job links in NGOs, embassies, and health orgs |
Accommodation can be expensive, but it’s a great place for career growth.
3. Rivers State (Port Harcourt)
Portharcourt is not only rich in oil but also has well-equipped hospitals and good state pay.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦20,000 – ₦40,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | UPTH, Braithwaite Memorial Hospital |
| Bonus Perks | Side income, city vibes, chance to get retained post-service |
Just stay security-conscious in some areas.
4. Ogun State
Ogun is close to Lagos (hello weekend getaways) but less expensive.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | FMC Abeokuta, Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital |
| Bonus Perks | Extra income, peaceful environment |
Ideal for doctors who want exposure and peace.
5. Oyo State (Ibadan)
Ibadan is that chill city with big energy. UCH Ibadan is a prestigious place to work during service.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦15,000 – ₦25,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | UCH, Adeoyo Hospital |
| Bonus Perks | Academic exposure, affordable lifestyle |
6. Akwa Ibom State
This state is very corper-friendly. It’s peaceful and pays well.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦20,000 – ₦30,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | St. Luke’s Hospital, UUTH |
| Bonus Perks | Hospitality, good living conditions, chances of retention |
Plus, their local dishes will feed you fat. Afang soup lovers gather here.
7. Delta State
Delta is one of the richest states in the South-South region.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦15,000 – ₦25,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | FMC Asaba, Delta State Teaching Hospital |
| Bonus Perks | Well-funded healthcare, lots of NGOs, high demand for doctors |
A great place to earn and learn.
8. Cross River State
Calabar is peaceful, scenic, and full of culture.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | UCTH, General Hospital Calabar |
| Bonus Perks | Low cost of living, good accommodation, clean city |
You’ll actually enjoy your service year here.
9. Edo State
Benin City is a rising medical hub in the South-South.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | UBTH, Stella Obasanjo Hospital |
| Bonus Perks | Good training ground for young doctors, easy job retention |
A solid place if you want to stay post-NYSC.
10. Anambra State
Safe, friendly, and lots of missionary hospitals.
| Category | Details |
| State Allowance | ₦10,000 – ₦15,000/month |
| Notable Hospitals | NAUTH Nnewi, Iyienu Mission Hospital |
| Bonus Perks | Faith-based work experience, supportive communities |
Great for doctors seeking peace, structure, and stability.
Summary Table: Top States for NYSC Medical Doctors
| Rank | State | State Allowance (₦) | Notable Hospital(s) | Key Advantage |
| 1 | Lagos | 15k–45k | LUTH, LASUTH, FMC | Exposure + Locum opportunities |
| 2 | Abuja (FCT) | 15k–35k | National Hospital, FMC Jabi | Career growth + NGOs |
| 3 | Rivers | 20k–40k | UPTH, Braithwaite | High demand + pay |
| 4 | Ogun | 10k–20k | FMC Abeokuta, OOUTH | Calm + extra income |
| 5 | Oyo | 15k–25k | UCH Ibadan | Prestige + learning |
| 6 | Akwa Ibom | 20k–30k | UUTH | Friendly + supportive |
| 7 | Delta | 15k–25k | FMC Asaba | Funded healthcare system |
| 8 | Cross River | 10k–20k | UCTH | Safe + low cost of living |
| 9 | Edo | 10k–20k | UBTH | Good hospitals + retention |
| 10 | Anambra | 10k–15k | NAUTH, Mission Hospitals | Peaceful + NGO potential |
Final Thoughts
If you're a medical doctor getting ready for NYSC in 2025, your posting can either make or mar your service year. Choosing the right state — whether by lobbying or divine favour — can open doors to:
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Advanced training
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Side hustle income
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Life-changing job opportunities
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Or just a stress-free year with AC and functioning oxygen in the ward.
Wherever you end up, keep your stethoscope close, your spirit high, and your JAMB admission story in mind — you’ve come a long way.
