Nigeria has several teaching hospitals that play an important role in healthcare delivery, medical education, and research. These institutions provide specialised medical services and help train the next generation of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
From the South to the North, here are 10 notable teaching hospitals in Nigeria, their locations, histories, and the universities they are associated with.
1. University College Hospital (UCH) – Ibadan, Oyo State
University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most historically significant teaching hospitals. It was established in 1952 to support medical education and provide advanced healthcare services, with its development closely linked to the University of Ibadan.
Over the decades, UCH has contributed significantly to medical training, specialist healthcare, and research in Nigeria. The institution offers services across numerous medical specialties and has played an important role in the development of healthcare professionals in the country.
Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
University affiliation: University of Ibadan (UI)
2. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) – Lagos, Lagos State
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary healthcare institutions. It was established in 1962 and has since developed into a major centre for specialised medical care, medical education, and healthcare research.
Located in Idi-Araba, Lagos, LUTH provides a wide range of specialist services and serves patients from Lagos State and other parts of Nigeria. The hospital also supports the clinical training of medical students and other healthcare professionals through its affiliation with the University of Lagos.
Location: Idi-Araba, Lagos State
University affiliation: University of Lagos (UNILAG)
3. University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) – Enugu State
The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) is an important tertiary healthcare institution in southeastern Nigeria. Its history dates back to the early 20th century, when it operated as a healthcare facility before developing into a general hospital and later a specialist hospital.
The institution supports specialised healthcare, medical training, and research. Its permanent site is located at Ituku-Ozalla, along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. UNTH serves patients from Enugu State and other parts of southeastern Nigeria.
Location: Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State
University affiliation: University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
4. Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) – Zaria, Kaduna State
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) is one of the notable tertiary healthcare institutions in northern Nigeria. Its history is connected to the development of medical education and healthcare services in the former Northern Region.
The hospital provides specialised medical care and supports the training of doctors and other healthcare professionals. Its facilities serve patients from Kaduna State and other parts of northern Nigeria. Although ABUTH operates as a federal teaching hospital, it maintains a close relationship with Ahmadu Bello University.
Location: Shika, near Zaria, Kaduna State
University affiliation: Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
5. Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) – Ile-Ife, Osun State
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) is a major healthcare and medical training institution in southwestern Nigeria. The hospital complex was formed in 1975 by bringing together existing healthcare facilities to serve as a teaching hospital for the then University of Ife.
Its facilities provide a variety of medical and specialist services, while its connection with Obafemi Awolowo University supports medical education and clinical training. OAUTHC serves patients from Osun State and other parts of the country.
Location: Ile-Ife and other locations in Osun State
University affiliation: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
6. University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) – Benin City, Edo State
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) is a well-established tertiary healthcare institution in southern Nigeria. It began as the Midwest Medical Centre in 1971 and was officially opened as a teaching hospital on 12 May 1973.
Over the years, UBTH has expanded its medical services, specialist departments, training programmes, and research activities. It serves patients from Edo State and beyond, making it an important centre for advanced healthcare and medical education in the region.
Location: Benin City, Edo State
University affiliation: University of Benin (UNIBEN)
7. University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) – Ilorin, Kwara State
The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) is a major referral centre serving Kwara State and surrounding areas. It provides a range of specialist medical services and supports the training of medical students and other healthcare professionals.
Through its clinical departments and specialist services, UITH contributes to medical education, research, and healthcare delivery in north-central Nigeria. Its connection with the University of Ilorin also supports the practical training required for medical education.
Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
University affiliation: University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
8. Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) – Kano, Kano State
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) is a prominent tertiary healthcare institution in northern Nigeria. Located in Kano, the hospital provides specialised medical services to residents of the state and patients from neighbouring states.
The hospital supports medical training, clinical research, and the development of healthcare professionals. Its relationship with Bayero University, Kano, makes it an important institution for medical education and clinical experience in northern Nigeria.
9. Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) – Ikeja, Lagos State
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) is one of the major healthcare institutions in Lagos State. Its history dates back to 1955, when it began as a cottage hospital serving Ikeja and surrounding communities. It was formally upgraded to a teaching hospital in July 2001.
LASUTH provides specialised healthcare services across various medical fields and plays an important role in medical education, research, and the treatment of patients referred from other healthcare facilities. Its location in Ikeja makes it an important part of Lagos State’s healthcare system.
Location: Ikeja, Lagos State
University affiliation: Lagos State University (LASU)
10. University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) – Port Harcourt, Rivers State
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) is a major tertiary healthcare institution serving Rivers State and neighbouring communities. It began operations in 1980 as a small 60-bed facility before expanding and eventually relocating to its permanent site in Alakahia, Choba, near the University of Port Harcourt, in 2006.
UPTH provides specialised medical services and supports the clinical training of medical students and other healthcare professionals. It is an important referral centre for patients requiring advanced medical attention in the Niger Delta region.
Location: Alakahia, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
University affiliation: University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Why Teaching Hospitals Matter in Nigeria
Teaching hospitals are important to Nigeria’s healthcare system because they combine patient care with medical education and research. They provide opportunities for medical students and other healthcare professionals to gain practical experience while helping patients access specialised treatment.
These institutions also contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of better healthcare practices.
From Port Harcourt to Kano, Lagos to Ibadan, Nigeria’s teaching hospitals remain an important part of the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
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