Top 10 Nigerian Dental Schools With International Recognition In 2025

Dental education in Nigeria has evolved significantly over the years. Today, several institutions offer internationally recognized dental programs that meet global standards in teaching, clinical practice, and research. These schools not only produce highly skilled dentists but also open doors for international postgraduate opportunities, licensing exams abroad, and global job placements.

Below is the list of the Top 10 Nigerian Dental Schools with International Recognition in 2025.

1. University of Lagos – College of Medicine (CMUL)

• Location: Idi-Araba, Lagos

• Recognition: Accredited by the MDCN and recognized by WDOMS

• Highlights: World-class dental hospital, robust clinical training, and affiliations with international dental bodies.

• Program: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

2. Obafemi Awolowo University – Faculty of Dentistry

• Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State

• Recognition: WDOMS listing and international research collaborations

• Highlights: Strong community dental outreach, research opportunities

• Program: BDS, postgraduate diplomas

3. University of Ibadan – Faculty of Dentistry

• Location: Ibadan, Oyo State

• Recognition: Ranked top for dental research in West Africa

• Highlights: Partnership with Harvard School of Dental Medicine (projects & exchange)

• Program: BDS, MSc Oral Biology

4. University of Benin – School of Dentistry

• Location: Benin City, Edo State

• Recognition: WDOMS listed, recognized by foreign dental councils

• Highlights: Advanced training clinics, student exchange programs

• Program: BDS, Housemanship program

5. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) – College of Dentistry

• Location: Enugu Campus

• Recognition: Approved by MDCN, with international affiliations

• Highlights: One of the oldest dental schools, alumni working abroad

• Program: BDS, Oral Surgery specialization

6. Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM)

• Location: Ikeja, Lagos

• Recognition: Rapidly rising in global dental rankings

• Highlights: State-of-the-art simulation labs, strong MDCN accreditation

• Program: BDS, clinical attachments abroad

7. Bayero University Kano – Faculty of Dentistry

• Location: Kano, Kano State

• Recognition: Well-structured clinical training, WHO-linked oral health programs

• Highlights: Northern Nigeria’s best dental school

• Program: BDS, Housemanship training

8. University of Port Harcourt – Faculty of Dentistry

• Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State

• Recognition: Known for research in tropical oral diseases

• Highlights: WDOMS listed, offers diverse clinical experience

• Program: BDS, public health dentistry specialization

9. Babcock University – School of Dentistry (Private)

• Location: Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State

• Recognition: Accredited by MDCN, NUC, and affiliated with global SDA health institutions

• Highlights: Modern dental equipment, global curriculum

• Program: BDS, Christian ethics integrated training

10. University of Maiduguri – Faculty of Dentistry

• Location: Maiduguri, Borno State

• Recognition: WHO & UNDP support for oral healthcare programs

• Highlights: Training dentists for underserved regions in Africa

• Program: BDS, postgraduate programs

Comparison Table of Nigerian Dental Schools with International Recognition

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which dental school is the best in Nigeria?
A: The University of Lagos (CMUL) is often ranked highest due to its facilities, faculty, and global partnerships.

Q2: Are Nigerian dental degrees accepted abroad?
A: Yes, graduates from recognized schools like UNILAG, UI, and OAU can sit for licensing exams in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA after credential evaluation.

Q3: How long does it take to study dentistry in Nigeria?
A: The BDS program typically lasts 6 years, including clinical rotations.

Q4: What is the average cost of dental school in Nigeria?
A: For public universities, annual tuition ranges from ₦50,000 to ₦150,000. Private universities like Babcock may charge ₦1 million or more.

Conclusion

Choosing a dental school with international recognition ensures you're well-equipped for both local and global opportunities. The institutions listed above not only provide quality education but also open pathways for further studies, research, and career development worldwide. Whether you're aiming to work in Nigeria or pursue opportunities abroad, these dental schools will give you a competitive edge in the healthcare industry.