This post provides direct insight into public health career in Nigeria; the career, accredited institutions offering health courses and opportunities for prospective students from any part of the world.
Public health in Nigeria is a dynamic field that addresses the health needs of the population at large.
Here are some key points:
- Challenges: Nigeria faces numerous public health challenges, including infectious diseases (such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis), maternal and child health issues, malnutrition, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.
- Government Initiatives: The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international organizations, has implemented various initiatives to improve public health. These include vaccination programs, campaigns against communicable diseases, and efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure.
- Education and Research: Public health education and research play a crucial role. Institutions across Nigeria offer programs in public health, contributing to the training of professionals who work on health promotion, disease prevention, and healthcare policy.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs play a vital role in complementing government efforts. They often focus on specific health issues, providing services, awareness, and support to affected communities.
- Epidemiological Surveillance: Due to the risk of disease outbreaks, epidemiological surveillance is a priority. Monitoring and early detection help in containing the spread of diseases.
- Collaboration: Collaboration between different sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture, is essential for addressing the diverse factors influencing public health.
- Traditional Medicine: Traditional medicine is still prevalent in Nigeria, and efforts are made to integrate it into the overall healthcare system to ensure a holistic approach to public health.
It’s important to note that public health career in Nigeria is a multifaceted and evolving field, and ongoing efforts are being made to address the unique health challenges faced by the country.
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68 Approved/Accredited Schools Offering Public Health Courses in Nigeria
These Schools Offering Public Health in Nigeria are accredited by the National Board for Technical Education in Nigeria; comprising of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the 36 States and Capital of the nation.
Desire great public health career in Nigeria? Here is a list of the accredited schools:
| S/NO | NAME OF INSTITUTION | YEAR ESTABLISHED | OWNERSHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Abia State College of Health Technology, P.M.B. 7016, Aba | 1976 | State |
| 2. | ABUTH School of Health Records Administration & Biostatistics, Zaria, Kaduna State. | 1968 | Federal |
| 3. | Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Science Bauchi, Bauchi State | – | – |
| 4. | Anambra State College Of Health Technology, P.M.B. 1001, Obosi. [email protected] [email protected] | 1991/2001 | State |
| 5. | Bayelsa State College of Health Technology, Otuogidi, Bayelsa State. | – | State |
| 6. | Bill and Melinda Gates College of Health Technology, Ningi Bauchi State | – | State |
| 7. | College of Health Science and Technology, Ile-Ife, Osun State | – | – |
| 8. | College of Health Technology, Zawan, Plateau State | 1977 | State |
| 9. | College of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe, Gombe State. | – | State |
| 10. | College of Health Science and Technology, Idah, Kogi State. | – | State |
| 11. | Cross Rivers State College of Health Technology, Calabar | 1977 | State |
| 12. | Cross River State College of Nursing & Midwifery Sciences, Itigidi | – | State |
| 13. | Delta State School of Health Technology, P.M.B. 22, Ofuoma, Ugheli | 1993 | State |
| 14. | Ekiti State College of Health Sciences & Technology, Ijro-Ekiti | – | State |
| 15. | Federal College of Orthopaedic Technology, NOH, Igbobi, Lagos | 1996 | Federal |
| 16. | Federal School of Dental Technology & Therapy, P.M.B. 01473 Enugu, Enugu State. | 1982 | Federal |
| 17. | Federal School of Biomedical Engineering Technology, LUTH, Lagos | – | Federal |
| 18. | Gombe State College of Health Technology, Kaltungo, Gombe State | – | State |
| 19. | Imo State College Of Nursing & Health Sciences, P.M.B 2, Amaigbo, Nwangele LGA. | 2013 | State |
| 20. | Institute of Health Technology, University Teaching Hospital, Benin, P.M.B. 1111, Benin City, Edo State. | 2004 | Federal |
| 21. | Kano State College of Health Sciences and Technology, BUK Road, Kano. | – | State |
| 22. | Kano State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Sani Marshall Road, Kano. | – | State |
| 23. | Katsina State College of Health Sciences & Technology, Kankia | – | State |
| 24. | Kebbi State College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi | – | State |
| 25. | Kwara State College of Health Technology, PMB 430,Ojoku Road Offa, Kwara State | 1976 | State |
| 26. | Lagos State College of Health Technology, Yaba | – | State |
| 27. | Lagos State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Igando. | – | State |
| 28. | Nasarawa State College of Health Science & Technology, Keffi | – | State |
| 29. | Nigerian Army College of Nursing, Myhoung Barracks, Yaba, Lagos | – | Federal |
| 30. | Nigerian Airforce College of Nursing Sciences Kaduna, Kaduna State. | – | Federal |
| 31. | Nigerian Army School of Medical Sciences, Ojo – Lagos State. | – | Federal |
| 32. | Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences Offa. | – | Federal |
| 33. | Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ijebu, Ilese, PMB. 2081, Ijebu-Ode. | 1976 | State |
| 34. | Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa | – | State |
| 35. | Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, | – | State |
| 36. | Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan | – | State |
| 37. | Rivers State College of Health Technology, Port Harcourt | 2001 | State |
| 38. | School of Biomedical Engineering Technology, ABUTH, Shika-Zaria, Kaduna State | – | Federal |
| 39. | School Of Biomedical Engineering, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin P.M.B. 1111, Benin City, Edo State. | 2004 | Federal |
| 40. | School Of Biomedical Engineering, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1414, Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State | 1990 | Federal |
| 41. | School of Health Information Management, AKTH, Kano. , P.M.B. 3452, Kano, Kano State. www.akth.org [email protected] | 1992 | Federal |
| 42. | School of Health Information Management, ATBUTH, Bauchi | – | Federal |
| 43. | School of Health Information Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi. | – | Federal |
| 44. | School of Health Information Management, OAUTH, P.M.B. 5538, Ile-Ife | 1982 | Federal |
| 45. | School Of Health Information Management, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1111, Benin City, Edo State. | 2004 | Federal |
| 46. | School of Health Information Management, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. | 1993 | Federal |
| 47. | School of Health Information Management, UCH, P.M.B. 5116, Ibadan. | 1976 | Federal |
| 48. | School of Health Information Management, UDUTH, P.M.B. 2370, Sokoto. | 1992 | Federal |
| 49. | School of Health Information Management, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State | 1996 | Federal |
| 50. | School of Health Information Management, UMTH, P.M.B. 1414, Bama Road, Maiduguri | 1990 | Federal |
| 51. | School of Health Information Management, UPTH, Portharcourt, Rivers State | – | Federal |
| 52. | School of Health Information Management, LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos | 2005 | Federal |
| 53. | School of Health Information Management, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1136, Uyo | 2005 | Federal |
| 54. | School of Health Technology, P.M.B. 791, Akure, Ondo State. | 1962 | State |
| 55. | School of Laundry and Dry Cleaning Technology, AKTH, Kano | – | Federal |
| 56. | School of Nursing, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) | – | State |
| 57. | School of Nursing and Midwifery, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. | – | Federal |
| 58. | School of Nursing Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife | – | Federal |
| 59. | School of Nursing University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City | – | Federal |
| 60. | School of Nursing Wesley Guild`s Hospital OAUTH, Ilesa | – | Federal |
| 61. | School of Orthopedic Cast Technology, National Orthopedic Hospital, PMB 01294, Enugu. [email protected] | 1973 | Federal |
| 62. | School of Orthopedic Cast Technology, National Orthopedic Hospital, Dala, Kano | – | Federal |
| 63. | School of Orthopedic Cast Technology, UITH, Ilorin, Kwara State | – | Federal |
| 64. | School of Social Development, UPTH, Port-Harcourt | – | Federal |
| 65. | Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, P.M.B. 1050 Makarfi, Kaduna State. [email protected] [email protected] | 1954 | State |
| 66. | Shehu Sule College of Nursing & Midwifery, Damaturu, Yobe State | – | State |
| 67. | Sokoto State College of Nursing | – | State |
| 68. | Zamfara State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe | – | – |
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Career Opportunities in Public Health
Public Health Career Opportunities: Navigating a Path to Impactful Roles; public health offers a diverse range of career opportunities aimed at addressing community well-being and preventing health issues.
Here are some impactful paths individuals can pursue:
1. Epidemiologist:
Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases, playing a critical role in disease control and prevention. They analyze data to understand health trends and develop strategies for intervention.
2. Health Educator:
Health educators work on promoting wellness by designing and implementing programs that inform communities about healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and the importance of healthcare.
3. Healthcare Administrator:
Administrators manage healthcare facilities, ensuring efficient operations. They focus on budgeting, staff management, and implementing policies to enhance the overall quality of healthcare services.
4. Environmental Health Specialist:
Specialists in this field assess and mitigate environmental factors affecting public health. They work on issues like pollution, food safety, and occupational hazards to create healthier living and working environments.
5. Biostatistician:
Biostatisticians apply statistical techniques to public health research. They analyze data to identify patterns, interpret results, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in health policy.
6. Global Health Specialist:
Professionals in global health work on international health issues, addressing challenges that cross borders. They may be involved in initiatives related to infectious diseases, maternal health, and healthcare infrastructure.
7. Health Policy Analyst:
Analysts study and evaluate healthcare policies, proposing improvements to enhance overall health outcomes. They play a key role in shaping public health policy at local, national, and international levels.
8. Community Health Worker:
Working directly with communities, health workers provide education, support, and basic healthcare services. They bridge the gap between healthcare providers and community members, promoting preventive care.
9. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist:
Focusing on workplace health, these specialists ensure that occupational environments comply with safety regulations, reducing the risk of accidents and occupational diseases.
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FAQ on Public Health Career in Nigeria
Starting from schools offering public health courses in Nigeria, to scholarships for eligible students, jobs and other career opportunities, this guide on public health career in Nigeria has you as its intention. To help you make more informed decision, here is a list of answers to frequently asked questions around the topic:
How many years to study public health in Nigeria University?
Enrolling in a Nigerian university’s Public Health program typically spans four (4) years, covering eight (8) semesters starting from the second year (200 Level). The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of public health issues, including epidemiology, health policy, and community health.
The extended duration allows for in-depth exploration, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experiences. Graduation requirements emphasize a holistic approach, ensuring graduates possess critical thinking skills and practical insights to tackle real-world public health challenges.
The program aims to produce well-rounded professionals ready to address the complexities of the dynamic field of public health.
What are the public health issues in Nigeria as at today?
In the present day, Nigeria grapples with a myriad of pressing public health concerns akin to those faced by numerous nations worldwide. These include the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the burnout experienced by health and social workers, instances of suicide, communal violence, and insecurity, all of which contribute to the emergence of mental health issues.
Is public health a good course in Nigeria?
Public health stands out as one of the expansive and dynamically rewarding high-paying professions within Nigeria’s medical sector. It encompasses a wide range of activities, with active participation from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and diverse developmental partners, collectively engaged in various public health initiatives.
What is the difference between public health and nursing?
The distinction between public health and nursing lies in their primary areas of focus and scope of practice. Nurses play a crucial role in direct patient care, including administering medication and collaborating with physicians and healthcare teams.
On the other hand, public health professionals have a broader perspective, concentrating on strategies to diminish exposures and addressing factors that might influence individuals to seek the care provided by nurses. While nursing is centered on immediate patient well-being, public health adopts a preventative approach to enhance the overall health of communities.
