If you want to study Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) in Nigeria, attending a private university can be a smart choice.
Private schools often have smaller classes, newer labs, and more one-on-one time with teachers.
They must also have approval from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
This article shows private universities in Nigeria offering MLS.
Each one is accredited, has good facilities, and trains students to become professional medical lab scientists.
What private universities in Nigeria offer Medical Laboratory Science?
Several private universities offer MLS, and they all must have provisional or full accreditation from MLSCN.
According to the MLSCN list, these include:
- Madonna University, Elele (Rivers State) – full accreditation with 126‑student quota
- Lead City University, Ibadan (Oyo State) – provisional accreditation, 50‑seat quota
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port‑Harcourt (Rivers) – full accreditation, 70 seats
- Elizade University, Ilara‑Mokin (Ondo State) – approval to commence with 35 seats
- Babcock University, Ilisan‑Remo (Ogun State) – provisional, 71 seats
- Afe Babalola University, Ado‑Ekiti – full accreditation, 100 seats
- Igbinedion University, Okada (Edo State) – provisional accreditation
- Achievers University, Owo (Ondo) – full accreditation, 90 seats
- Evangel University, Akaeze (Ebonyi) – approval to commence, 40 seats
- Fountain University, Osogbo (Osun State) – approval to commence, 40 seats
- Adeleke University, Ede (Osun) – provisional accreditation
- Chrisland University, Abeokuta (Ogun) – approval to commence, 30 seats
- Other private schools (Bowen, Novena, Clifford, Coal City, Khadija, Maryam Abacha University) also offer MLS.
These are confirmed by MLSCN and educational websites.
How long is the MLS programme in private universities?
Most private MLS programmes last four years for students entering with A‑Levels or equivalent, and five years for those entering through UTME. For example:
- Madonna University: a four‑year direct‑entry path or five years via UTME entry. Upon completion, students get a BMLS degree and register with MLSCN.
What do students learn in Medical Laboratory Science?
MLS students learn about testing body fluids like blood, urine, and tissue. Major study areas include:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion
- Histopathology
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
- Immunology/Immunochemistry
At Madonna University, students also train to make reagents, use and fix lab machines, and understand disease diagnosis and management.
What are the admission requirements for MLS?
Admission may differ slightly, but general requirements include:
- UTME entry: credit passes (C6 or better) in five subjects (English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths) at WAEC, NECO, or GCE, in no more than two sittings
- Direct entry: Advanced level or HND in related science (Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry)
Each university may add other rules, so check their admission brochure.
Do private universities have teaching hospitals or clinical attachments?
Yes. Hands-on training is needed for MLS students. Examples:
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences has its own teaching hospital and simulation labs.
- Madonna University uses well-equipped labs in its faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.
- Afe Babalola University partners with Federal Medical Centre, Ido‑Ekiti, to give real hospital experience.
Are the MLS programmes accredited?
Yes. Accreditation ensures quality training:
- Full accreditation: Madonna University, Achievers University, Afe Babalola University, PAMO University.
- Provisional accreditation: Babcock, Igbinedion, Lead City, Adeleke.
- Approval to commence: Elizade, Evangel, Fountain, Chrisland
Accreditation status matters, so confirm before applying.
What is the student quota for MLS?
Quotas vary, but here are some examples:
- Madonna University – 126 seats
- PAMO University – 70 seats
- Lead City – 50 seats
- Afe Babalola – 100 seats
Smaller quotas often mean more individual attention during training.
What careers can MLS graduates from private universities pursue?
When you graduate with BMLS and register with MLSCN, jobs are available across Nigeria:
- Public and private hospitals
- Diagnostic and research laboratories
- Public health agencies and disease control centres
- Blood banks and transfusion centres
- Industries (e.g., food, water testing)
- Further study: Master’s or PhD in related fields
- Entrepreneurship: starting a private lab or testing service
Graduates are equipped to work in hospitals or run their own diagnostic labs.
Private universities offering MLS in Nigeria provide quality training with smaller classes, modern labs, and clinical experience.
Accredited options include Madonna, PAMO, Afe Babalola, Babcock, and others.
The programme spans four to five years, includes theory and hands-on practice, and leads to a career in lab science or further study.
If you’re aiming to work in laboratories or diagnostics, these universities are a great start.