Top 10 Schools of Health That Teach Traditional Medicine in Nigeria

Nigeria boasts a rich tradition of knowledge and practice in traditional medicine, passed down through generations.

This ancient wisdom is rapidly gaining recognition for its effectiveness and affordability, particularly in rural communities. Consequently, the demand for qualified practitioners of traditional medicine is soaring.

To meet this growing demand, several schools of health in Nigeria now offer programs in traditional medicine.

These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses using traditional methods.

Here are the top 10 schools of health in Nigeria that teach traditional medicine:

1. College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Established in 1962, UNILAG’s College of Medicine is a renowned institution offering a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree program with a focus on integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare practices.

2. Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI)

UI’s Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) program with a specialization in Traditional Medicine. This program equips students with the skills to promote and manage traditional medicine practices within the public health framework.

3. College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

OAU’s College of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Traditional Medicine. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of traditional methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

4. College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

UNN’s College of Medicine offers a Diploma in Traditional Medicine program. This program is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the basic knowledge and skills to integrate traditional medicine into their clinical practice.

5. College of Medicine, Bayero University Kano (BUK)

BUK’s College of Medicine offers a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Phytomedicine. This program focuses on the scientific research and development of herbal remedies derived from traditional medicine practices.

6. College of Medicine, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

UNIMAID’s College of Medicine offers a PhD program in Ethnopharmacology. This program focuses on the study of traditional medicines and their potential for development into modern pharmaceuticals.

7. College of Medicine, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

UNILORIN’s College of Medicine offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Herbal Medicine. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the use of herbs in traditional medicine practices.

8. College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

UNIPORT’s College of Health Sciences offers a Diploma in Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) program. This program trains women to provide safe and effective traditional birthing assistance in rural communities.

9. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

NOUN offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Traditional Medicine through distance learning. This program provides flexible learning opportunities for individuals seeking to acquire knowledge and skills in traditional medicine practices.

10. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FCCAM)

FCCAM is a specialized institution dedicated to the teaching and research of traditional medicine. It offers a variety of diploma and certificate programs in various aspects of traditional medicine.

FAQs

What are the career opportunities for graduates of traditional medicine programs?

Graduates of traditional medicine programs can pursue various careers, including:

Traditional medical practitioner: Providing consultations, diagnoses, and treatments using traditional methods.

Herbalist: Growing, preparing, and dispensing herbal remedies.

Traditional birth attendant: Assisting women in childbirth using traditional techniques.

Researcher: Conducting research on traditional medicine practices and their effectiveness.

Educator: Teaching traditional medicine in schools and colleges.

Integrative healthcare practitioner: Working alongside conventional medical professionals to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.

Are traditional medicine programs accredited in Nigeria?

Yes, several traditional medicine programs in Nigeria are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). This accreditation ensures that the programs meet the required standards for quality education and professional training.

What are the admission requirements for traditional medicine programs?

Admission requirements vary depending on the specific program and institution. However, most programs require applicants to hold a secondary school certificate and meet specific English language proficiency requirements. Some programs may also require additional qualifications or experience in traditional medicine practices.

How much does it cost to study traditional medicine in Nigeria?

The cost of studying traditional medicine in Nigeria varies depending on the program, institution, and duration of study. Public universities generally charge lower fees than private institutions. You can find the specific tuition fees and other financial information on the websites