Medical Radiography is the best and most lucrative medical course to study in Nigeria. It offers professionals plenty of career prospects within and outside Nigeria.
A medical radiographer is a professional that uses imaging equipment to examine the human body for medical diagnosis.
The role of the radiographer is indispensable in the medical world. Diagnosis of the world’s leading ailment will not be possible without medical imaging.
For example, the radiography profession makes the diagnosis of cancer possible.
There are many good reasons why you should study medical radiography in Nigeria.
This post will highlight the perks of studying medical radiography and becoming a radiographer in Nigeria.
I will love to hear from you in the comment box at the end of this post. Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Table of contents
- History of Medical Radiography in Nigeria
- Medical Radiography
- Becoming a Radiographer in Nigeria
- Studying Radiography in Nigeria
- Radiography Course Requirements
- Course Duration
- The Field Medical Radiography
- Division of Medical Radiography
- Radiography Specialities in Nigeria
- Doctor of Radiography in Nigeria
- Why Medical Radiography?
- Job Opportunities for Radiographers
- Job Opportunities Abroad
- Where Can Medical Radiographers Work?
- Radiography Salary in Nigeria
- Richest Radiographer in Nigeria
- Association of Radiographers in Nigeria (ARN)
History of Medical Radiography in Nigeria
Medical radiography has been in existence in Nigeria since its inception in the 1940s, though it was then known as ‘radiography education’.
Medical radiography is better regarded as ‘the eye of modern medical science‘ because it is indispensable in health care delivery in the modern world.
Medical radiography is gaining prominence in Nigeria. It is a result of increasing advancement in the area of diagnostic biotechnology.
Medical Radiography
Medical radiography is a department in the college of medicine that deals with the use of radiant energies in health care delivery and management.
A radiographer in Nigeria is a practitioner with a degree in medical radiography with certification from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN).
Medical radiographers produce images of the internal organs of the body. A radiologist interprets these images for medical diagnosis.
Radiography is not the same as a radiologist. A radiologist is a physician that interprets radiological examinations for diagnosis.
A medical Radiographer is a person who carries out radiological examinations.
Becoming a Radiographer in Nigeria
My journey into the medical radiography profession is somewhat funny.
Growing up as a young Nigerian student, I never knew what Medical Radiography was all about.
My mindset of being a medical professional was being a doctor or a Nursing.
It was not until I went for my chest x-ray scan in senior secondary school I came across the medical imaging profession.
After that experience, I began to research radiography. That is how I fell in love with the profession.
I am glad that I went for Medical Radiography.
Now, let’s go to the rest of the post on studying radiography and becoming a radiographer in Nigeria.
Studying Radiography in Nigeria
The duration for Radiography and Radiological Science in Nigerian universities is five (5) years plus one (1) year each for internship and NYSC youth service.
Universities Offering Radiography in Nigeria
There are twenty-seven (27) universities offering medical radiography in Nigeria.
The following is the list of universities offering Radiography and Radiological Science in Nigeria;
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU Zaria)
- University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- David Nweze Umahi University of Medical Sciences
- Baze University, Abuja
- Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
- Benue State University
- Coal City University
- Federal University of Lafia (FULafia)
- Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Kaduna State University
- Lead City University
- NOK University Kachia
- Pamo University Of Medical Sciences
- Osun State University
- Ajayi Crowther University
- Bingham University
- Evangel University
- Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (OSUMS)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
No Polytechnic in Nigeria offers Medical radiography currently.
Radiography Course Requirements
Below are the JAMB and O’level requirements for Medical Radiography in Nigerian universities;
JAMB Subject Combination
- Use of English
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
See how to study and pass your JAMB examination excellently with high scores.
O’level Subject Combination
Students who want to study medical radiography in Nigeria must have a minimum of credit pass in the following subjects;
- Mathematics
- English language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Course Duration
Medical radiography in Nigerian universities spans five (5) years with a one (1) year compulsory internship program at the end of which you will get a bachelor’s degree (B.Sc in some universities and B.Rad in others).
The Field Medical Radiography
The following are the classification for Radiography;
- Industrial Radiography
- Medical Radiography
Division of Medical Radiography
The division of Medical Radiography is;
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Therapeutic Radiography
Diagnostic Radiography
Diagnostic radiography uses ionizing and radiant energies to take pictures of the internal body structures to aid the diagnosis of diseases or injuries.
Therapeutic Radiography
Therapeutic Radiography involves the treatment of defects or diseases with the help of radiation or ionizing energies (radiotherapy).
Medical radiography is more than a professional. It is a skill that only well-trained personnel can handle with sophisticated radiology equipment.
Moreover, radiography is a technology-dependent profession.
A radiographer requires the same knowledge of body anatomy as a medical doctor.
Radiography Specialities in Nigeria
Medical radiography and radiological science in Nigeria encompass a lot.
Some of its sub-specialities in Nigerian universities include:
- Medical Diagnostic Radiography
- Medical Ultrasound Technology
- Nuclear Medicine Sciences and Technology
- Diagnostic and Interventional radiology
- Basic Medical Imaging
- Pharmacology and Radiobiology
- Radiotherapy and Oncology
- Dosimetry
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technology
- Computerized Axial Tomography
- Radiation Protection
- Radiological Health Management and Education
- Mammography
- Dental Radiography
- Cardiography
- Sonography
- Angiography
Doctor of Radiography in Nigeria
Doctor of Radiography is a six (6) year course in Nigerian universities.
The program is not yet accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for Nigerian universities.
Why Medical Radiography?
Medical radiography is the best medical course to study in Nigeria if your passion is to save lives.
Radiography offers many opportunities for students and professionals. The radiography job description fits the hospital and other related health sectors.
Job Opportunities for Radiographers
Radiography offers a whole range of job opportunities. As the field develops further in the country, job opportunities will also widen.
Moreover, imagine a course that only ten (10) universities in Nigeria offer. It will offer more job opportunities than others.
“Although the president of the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria, Dr Joseph Dlama, said Nigeria requires about 50,000 Radiographers for effective coverage of the entire country, there are only about 2,500…” Vanguard newspaper: Nov. 19, 2021
From the above statement, Radiographers are clearly in high demand in Nigeria.
Job Opportunities Abroad
Brain drain has also hit the Radiography profession that even from the currently small number available, a few often move abroad in search of greener pastures.
There are many opportunities for medical radiographers to practice abroad in countries like the USA, Canada, UK, etc.
Where Can Medical Radiographers Work?
Medical Radiographers are health professionals that work in the Radiology Department of the following types of hospitals;
- Specialist Hospitals
- Teaching Hospitals
- Health Clinics
- General Hospitals
- Industries
- Multinational Companies
- Civil Service
Medical radiography offers you the opportunity of being self-employed by opening a diagnostic centre.
Radiography Salary in Nigeria
Here is the radiography salary scale in Nigeria;
- Interns = ₦95,000 – 130,000
- Youth Corpers = ₦50,000
- Radiography Professionals = ₦150,000 – 500,000
Richest Radiographer in Nigeria
The richest radiographer in Nigeria are professionals with world-class diagnostic centres in big cities like Lagos and Abuja.
Establishing a diagnostic centre is expensive in Nigeria. You need to pool resources to open and become a rich radiographer in Nigeria.
Association of Radiographers in Nigeria (ARN)
The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria is a registered health professional association representing the interest of Radiographers and Radiation therapists in Nigeria.
Membership Registration
Here are the Association of Radiographers in Nigeria (ARN) membership procedures;
- Visit the ARN registration Portal
- Select the Association of Radiographers in Nigeria (ARN)
- Enter your name and password
- Click on Sign Up
- Verify your email address
- Login to your ARN account
- Fill in your profile information
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
You can watch my videos on the Studentship YouTube Channel by clicking here.
Join my Facebook Group for more interactive discussions.
This is a beautiful piece. I love the level of detail and research that went into writing this, even going further to interview a student radiographer. Radiography is not a very popular course, so this piece is truly an eye-opener. I started the program in 2021; this piece answered a lot of questions I had then. Well done!
Hello Adetona,
It is lovely to hear from you.
I am glad the article and video were helpful.
I wish you success in your academics.
This is a well detailed post. You’re doing a good job here.
The pleasure is mine.
I am glad you find this post helpful.
Alright, this is interesting.
I really love everything discussed here, now my question is.
1.is radiography a prestigious course in Nigeria?
2. How well is it outside the country?
3.is it a dependable course in terms of salary?
4. In your opinion, btw pharmacy and radiography, which one will you recommend?
Hello Favour,
1. Yes, Radiography is a prestigious course to study in Nigeria.
2. Radiography is recognized outside of Nigeria. For example, you can work in the UK as a Radiographer.
3. Yes, Radiography is a well-paid profession like other health workers.
4. Pharmacy if you want to stay in Nigeria. Radiography if you’re going to travel abroad.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Thanks for the content
You said radiology is not being taught in Nigeria so who are the image interpreters present in Nigeria because that is what a radiologist do
Ngozi,
Radiology is under Medicine.
So, it is medical doctors who specialize in Radiology that do the image interpretation.
Hello
You said radiology is not taught here in Nigeria,and the work of a radiologist is to interprete the images from scan and tests and curing of diseases using radioactivity
My question is who is then interpreting the images if radiologist is not being taught in Nigeria
Ngozi,
Radiology is under Medicine.
So, it is medical doctors who specialize in Radiology that do the image interpretation.
Can someone who had B. Sc (ed) in biology education apply for direct entry into radiography in any of the universities you mentioned sir?
Morakinyo,
What university do you intend to apply to study Medical Radiography via direct entry?
Can someone who had B. Sc. (Ed) in biology education apply for direct entry into radiography in any of the universities you mentioned sir?
What university are you applying to?
Please can I change from medical radiography to medicine in unn
Yes, it is possible.
Can I study radiography in fuoye
Yes
Thanks for the update,but i want to ask a question you said that radiography is a (5) five years duration course but in fulafia is (4) four years
Henry,
Radiography is a five (5) course in Nigerian universities.
Where did you get the information Radiography is four (4) years at FULAFIA?
Uniben offers radiography
THanks for the update
Thanks so much the article is very informative, question though what is the state of radiography study in University of Benin?
UNIBEN does not offer Medical Radiography yet.
Uniben offers radiography
Thanks for the update.
Good day Sir
Will I get a licence to establish a diagnostic centre in Nigeria after studying Radiography
Thanks for the content, it’s really helpful
Yes.
I study x-ray in college of health,
Will i get admsion throug direct entry to study radiography in university?
Yes,
You can apply for Direct entry.
am also x-ray technician but love to become a radiographer.
what is the process about the direct entry sir. thanks
Omowumi,
What school are you applying to to study Radiography?
Hi sir,
Pls can I apply direct entry for radiography using darkroom assistance certificate. Thanks
Adesola,
From what institution did you get the Darkroom assistance certificate?
Good sir, I had to change my course to radiography due to low mark in jamb but can I switch to nursing after 100 level since they are in the same faculty?
Hello, Felicity
What University are you applying to study Radiography?
It depends on the school in question.
But, generally, you should be able to switch from Radiography to Nursing.
It depends on the University policy.
Hello sir
Please I scored 199
In jamb this year
I don’t know if I can still gain admission into UNN with a good post utme result?
Hello Henry,
The chance of admission is low.
Good day Sir, I’m left with a choice to enroll for radiography or medlab…I’d like to know the better one here thanks.
Hello Excel,
I’ll recommend Radiography.
Good evening sir I love everything you said a about radiography I myself didn’t know about it when I had to change course due to cut off mark that was when I heard about it
My parents are interested seriously in the course
Now my question is this is radiologist a senior to radiography
2.can I study radiography and cross to radiology
Hello Diamond,
You cannot study Radiography and become a Radiologist.
While Radiography can be seen as the art of making a radiograph, Radiology is an aspect of medicine that deals with radioactive materials and treating diseases with them.
Radiologists are doctors. Radiographers are simply health professionals.
Good evening I love everything you said about radiography my and I didn’t know about it too when I had to change course that was when I heard about the course I am really interested in the course
Now my question is this can I study radiography and become a radiology
2. Can I get a clear difference between them
Good morning sir
Please I just want to know if it’s possible for a student of anatomy to change to radiography after 100 level since they are in the same faculty in Uniben
Asking for a friend……
Yes, Mercy.
It is possible.
Hi sir I have HND certificate in food technology and I want to go for radiology please which university in Nigeria offers this course thanks
Hello Amaka,
Sadly, Nigerian universities offer Radiography and not Radiology.
I gained admission into FULAFIA
to study SLT for 2021/2022 session
but due to the strike I haven’t been
able to resume , I applied for radiography but my utme wasn’t good enough so I changed the course in order to secure admission which I did , will I be able to switch to radiography after 100 level?
Or should I rewrite another jamb again. Thanks in anticipation to ur
reply sir!
Hello Joseph,
The fact that SLT and Radiography are under different faculties might pose a problem.
But if you can borrow the right courses and meet the requirements of the Department of Radiography, you’ll be able to switch successfully.
What is the cut off mark for radiography in Nigerian university
Bashir,
The cut-off mark varies across the universities offering Radiography in Nigeria.
What school do you want to study Radiography?
Good evening sir
How many years will I study medicine and surgery after having a bachelor in radiography
Ifeoluwa,
Medicine and Surgery are five (5) years for Radiography graduates who get admission through Direct Entry.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Hi I wanted to find out if there are post graduate programmes for someone who wants to further in radiography
Yes, Harris
There are postgraduate programs for Medical Radiography.
Pls, with 214 can i gain admission into unizik for radiography, and is unizik writing post utme this year?
Pls sir I scored 236 in jamb. And I then unwillingly changed my course from radiography to medlab to get a better chance for gaining admission into unizik .
I intend to switch to radiography after the post utme result is out.
Is it still possible for me to gain admission to study radiography if my mark is high?
And what mark should I be targeting?
Hello Anto,
First of all, UNIZIK has not conducted Post UTME exams.
You can see the UNIZIK Post UTME and admission process here.
To answer your question,
Yes, you have a chance to get Radiography if you have a good O’level result.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Hello,please I studied Industrial Chemistry as my first degree can I use this as direct entry to study radiography?do I have to write JAMB or post UTME to be qualified?please can you help with information on how I can go about crossing or starting afresh to study radiography?
Thanks in anticipation 🙏
Hello Abiola,
It is nice to hear from you. I hope things are going great at your end.
To answer your question, you can study Radiography via direct entry using your first degree in Industrial Chemistry.
Though, your acceptance depends on the class of degree (2.1, 2.2, etc) you hold.
After admission, you will start the Radiography programme at the 200 Level in the university.
Concerning exams, it depends on if the school you are applying to conducts screening tests for direct entry.
To increase your chances for admission, you could also register for JAMB UTME alongside the Direct Entry.
Good day, Sir…
It’s my pleasure to write you here..
I must say that this is a very good content..
I gained a merit admission to study Medical radiography and radiation science last year November for 2021/2022 academic session but we haven’t commenced as a result of the incessant ASUU strike…
Sir, I want to humbly correct an assertion you made here, you said that there’s no state or private university taking Radiography…
There are about three or four private universities who are taking Radiography eg the Base university in Abuja, Gregory University Uturu, Abia State etc..
Then, that of the state university,
it’s only the new King David university of medical sciences Uburu,Ebonyi state which was fully supervised and accredited by NUC last year. The school offers all medical courses in Nigeria and they have their teaching hospital.
👆 Recently, about two months ago, when Buhari visited Ebonyi state for the commission of all the completed project done by the governor, the university was among them and Umahi, the Ebonyi state governor promised to name the school “after” Buhari.
Sir, I learnt that FUTO is currently taking medicine and radiography but don’t know their stand in terms of accreditation…
Thank you
Hello Isaac,
Thank you for the correction.
At the time this post was published, the following universities were not offering Radiography.
All the necessary corrections and updates have been done.
Thanks once again.
I wish you success in your academics.
Pls after graduation in medical Radiography Nigeria, pls can someone used direct entry to study medicine and surgery
Yes, Alih
You can use your Radiography certificate to study Medicine and Surgery.
Can a jamb score of 240 guarantee’s one admission into department of radiography uniuyo?
Well, Udoh
It depends on whether you get a high Post UTME score to meet the cut off mark.
But, you have a chance with Medical Radiography.
I attend a jupeb program, what is the minimum points for me to gain admission into radiography
Well, Kenny,
The minimum points required for admission depend on your school of choice and the performance of other applicants.
You would need 14 points to be on the safe side.
Please I scored 206 in my jamb which university in Nigeria will offer me admission to study radiography
How can I use radiography to become an entrepreneur in Nigeria
Hello Martins,
You can become an entrepreneur Radiographer by selling Radiography and other medical equipment.
A good approach is to import medical equipment from China.
Yeah
Good day, I have diploma in medical imaging pls can I use it to study radiography in unilag?., Moreover, pls what are the requirements?
Yes.