Neurosurgery, a specialized field within medicine, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system. While commonly associated with brain surgery, neurosurgeons handle a broad spectrum of conditions, including spinal cord issues, peripheral nerve disorders, and more. This blog post aims to provide valuable information on neurosurgery in Nigeria, covering aspects such as training, universities offering programs, the cost of education, and the salary structure for neurosurgeons.
Training in Neurosurgery in Nigeria:
Neurosurgery is not offered as a first-degree program at the bachelor’s level in Nigerian universities. Instead, aspiring neurosurgeons must pursue postgraduate training after obtaining certification as medical practitioners from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). To qualify for a residency program in neurosurgery, candidates need to pass a medical exam known as “Primaries.” The West African College of Surgeons (WACS) oversees neurosurgery regulation in Nigeria, not the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).
The journey to becoming a neurosurgeon in Nigeria involves approximately fifteen years of education, including six years of medical school, one year of doctor’s housemanship, one year of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and seven years of residency training at certified teaching hospitals or federal medical centers.
Universities Offering Neurosurgery Programs in Nigeria:
The following accredited university teaching hospitals in Nigeria provide neurosurgery training:
- Usmanu Danfodiyyo Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Sokoto State
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State
- University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu
- Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna
- University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State
- Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ife, Osun State
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos State
- University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Rivers State (Partial accreditation)
- Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu – The only private hospital with full accreditation by WACS
- Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano
Cost of Studying Neurosurgery in Nigeria :
Becoming a neurosurgeon in Nigeria requires substantial financial investment. On average, the estimated cost for studying neurosurgery in 2023 is around ₦2 million. Factors influencing the total cost include the location of the study and the specific hospital chosen for training. It’s important to note that this is an estimate, and actual costs may vary based on location and other variables.
Neurosurgery Salary Structure in Nigeria :
Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid medical professionals in Nigeria, reflecting their rare skill and limited number. With only 97 neurosurgeons in the country, their expertise commands a handsome salary. Experienced neurosurgeons earn salaries ranging between ₦700,000 and ₦800,000 per month, totaling ₦8.4 million to ₦9.6 million annually. The salary structure also varies based on the type of hospital, with government hospitals offering higher compensation than private institutions.
Conclusion:
This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into neurosurgery in Nigeria, covering training requirements, universities offering programs, the cost of education, and the salary structure for neurosurgeons in 2023. Aspiring neurosurgeons can use this information as a resourceful guide to navigate their educational and professional journey in this specialized field.