For any medical or healthcare student in Nigeria, the name University of Benin Teaching Hospital carries real weight. UBTH — as it is widely known — is not just a hospital. It is one of Nigeria’s most established centres of medical training, clinical research, and specialist healthcare delivery. For doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals at various stages of their careers, it represents one of the most respected institutions to train at in the country.
This guide is specifically for medical and healthcare students who want to understand what UBTH offers in terms of training programs, residency opportunities, and internship positions — including what the requirements are, how to apply, and what to expect once you are in.
About the University of Benin Teaching Hospital
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital is a federal tertiary healthcare institution located in Ugbowo, along the Lagos Road in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It was established on May 12, 1973, and taken over by the Federal Government of Nigeria on April 1, 1975 — making it the fifth federal teaching hospital in Nigeria, coming after the Ibadan and Lagos Teaching Hospitals.
The concept of UBTH originated in 1969, under the vision of Colonel Samuel O. Ogbemudia — then Governor of the Midwestern State — and Professor Tiamiyu Belo-Osagie. Their goal was to create a modern, world-class medical centre that would serve the healthcare needs of the then Mid-Western Region and provide a training ground for high and mid-level healthcare professionals. That vision has been more than realised. Today, UBTH serves as the primary referral centre for Edo and Delta States and their surrounding regions.
The hospital currently has a bed capacity of over 860 and offers a robust range of multi-specialist services across internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, pathology, radiology, oncology, ophthalmology, dentistry, physiotherapy, and many other specialties. It is affiliated with the University of Benin, which adds a strong academic layer to its clinical operations.
The official website of UBTH is www.ubth.org. All training applications, vacancy announcements, and official communications are published through this platform.
UBTH as a Medical Training Institution
What sets UBTH apart from many Nigerian hospitals is its dual identity as both a healthcare provider and a training institution. As a teaching hospital, it has a formal mandate to train the next generation of Nigerian medical and health professionals — and it takes that mandate seriously.
The hospital runs several training programs simultaneously, catering to students and professionals at different levels of their medical journey. These range from undergraduate clinical rotations for MBBS and BDS students of the University of Benin to highly structured postgraduate residency programs for qualified doctors seeking specialist certification.
UBTH is also home to the Institute of Health Sciences and Technology (IHS&T) — a dedicated arm of the hospital that runs diploma, certificate, and degree programs for students pursuing careers in community health, health information management, medical records, and other allied health fields. The IHS&T has its own admissions process and academic calendar, making it accessible to students who want structured health sciences training in a hospital setting.
Undergraduate Medical Training at UBTH
UBTH serves as the primary clinical training ground for medical and dental students of the University of Benin. Students enrolled in the MBBS and BDS programs at UNIBEN spend a significant portion of their clinical years rotating through UBTH’s various departments.
The clinical rotations are structured to give students hands-on exposure to real patient care under the supervision of experienced consultants and senior resident doctors. Students rotate through departments including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pathology, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Radiology, Ophthalmology, ENT, and Anaesthesia — among others.
The Department of Internal Medicine — one of UBTH’s oldest and most established clinical departments — has a particularly strong reputation for training. It also hosts resident doctors from sister institutions for clinical attachments in subspecialties such as Nephrology, Pulmonology, Neurology, and Clinical Pharmacology, which means the training environment is enriched by interaction with professionals from different institutions.
For UNIBEN medical students, UBTH is not just a training location — it is where the theory you have studied in lecture halls meets the reality of patient care. The exposure gained during clinical rotations at UBTH is widely regarded as one of the strongest aspects of medical training at the University of Benin.
Housemanship at UBTH
After graduating with an MBBS or BDS degree, the next mandatory step before full medical registration in Nigeria is completing a one-year housemanship — also known as internship for doctors. UBTH is one of the most sought-after housemanship centres in Nigeria, and positions are typically competitive.
During housemanship at UBTH, house officers rotate through the major clinical departments — Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology — gaining broad clinical exposure under the supervision of consultants and senior residents. The structured nature of housemanship at UBTH means house officers are genuinely involved in patient care from day one, which accelerates clinical competence significantly compared to less structured programs.
To apply for housemanship at UBTH, candidates must:
- Hold an MBBS or BDS degree from a university recognised by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
- Have provisional registration with the MDCN
- Have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program or hold a valid exemption letter
- Submit a completed application form along with all relevant credentials to the office of the Chief Medical Director
Application forms and current vacancy announcements for housemanship positions are published on the official UBTH website at www.ubth.org. Positions are advertised as they become available, so checking the website regularly is the best way to stay informed.
Residency Training Programme at UBTH
The UBTH Residency Training Programme is one of the most comprehensive and fully accredited specialist training programs available to doctors in Nigeria. It is the pathway through which medical officers progress to become certified specialist consultants in their chosen disciplines.
Residency training at UBTH is conducted in partnership with the two primary postgraduate medical colleges in Nigeria — the West African College of Physicians (WACP), the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN). Successful completion of the residency program, combined with passing the relevant fellowship examinations, leads to the award of a Fellowship certificate — either FWACP, FWACS, or FMCP/FMCS depending on the specialty and college.
Specialties Available for Residency Training at UBTH
UBTH offers residency training across a wide range of medical and surgical specialties. The disciplines available include:
- Internal Medicine (all subspecialties)
- Surgery (general and subspecialties)
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Child Health (Paediatrics)
- Chemical Pathology
- Haematology
- Medical Microbiology
- Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology
- ENT, Head and Neck Surgery
- Mental Health (Psychiatry)
- Community Health
- Family Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
- Anaesthesia
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology
- Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology
- Dentistry and Oral Surgery
This breadth of specialties makes UBTH one of the most versatile residency training centres in southern Nigeria. Whether your interest is in medicine, surgery, pathology, or community health, there is likely a training slot available at UBTH.
Requirements for Residency Training at UBTH
To be eligible for the UBTH Residency Training Programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Possession of an MBBS or BDS degree from a university recognised by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
- Full registration with the MDCN — provisional registration is not sufficient for residency; you must be fully registered
- Completion of housemanship — you must have successfully completed your one-year internship before applying for residency
- Completion of NYSC or possession of a valid NYSC exemption letter
- Primary Fellowship Certificate — for candidates applying for the position of Registrar II, you must have passed the Primary Fellowship examination in your intended specialty from the relevant postgraduate college
- Relevant credentials — including academic certificates, MDCN registration certificate, NYSC certificate or exemption letter, and other supporting documents
How to Apply for Residency Training at UBTH
- Monitor the UBTH website at www.ubth.org for vacancy announcements. UBTH advertises residency positions periodically — there is no fixed annual cycle, so checking the website regularly is essential.
- Download the application form from the website or collect it in person from the Human Resources Division of the hospital between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.
- Complete the form carefully — fill in all required fields accurately and attach all relevant credentials.
- Submit the completed form at the Office of the Chief Medical Director, UBTH, P.M.B. 1111, Benin City — either by hand or by post, before the stated deadline.
- Attend the interview — shortlisted candidates are contacted and invited for an interview at UBTH. Come prepared to discuss your specialty interest, your primary examination result, and your career goals in detail.
Salary for resident doctors at UBTH is paid in line with the Federal Civil Service salary structure, as applicable to all federal teaching hospitals in Nigeria.
Internship Programs at UBTH for Allied Health Professionals
Beyond medical housemanship, UBTH offers structured internship programs for a wide range of allied health professionals. These are mandatory post-graduation internships required before full professional registration in each respective field.
The internship positions available at UBTH cover the following fields:
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
- Optometry
- Occupational Therapy
- Nursing Services
- Medical Laboratory Science — including Chemical Pathology, Histopathology, Medical Microbiology, and Haematology
- Dietetics and Nutrition
General Requirements for Allied Health Internships at UBTH
To apply for an internship position in any of these fields, candidates must:
- Hold a university degree in their chosen specialty from a recognised institution
- Have provisional registration with their respective professional regulatory body
- Possess all relevant academic credentials including degree certificate, professional license, and logbook where applicable
- Have a birth certificate or sworn affidavit of age declaration
How to Apply for Allied Health Internships at UBTH
- Visit the UBTH website at www.ubth.org to check for current internship vacancy announcements in your field
- Download the application form from the website
- Complete the form accurately and attach all required credentials — academic certificates, professional license, logbook, birth certificate, and passport photograph
- Submit the completed application at the Office of the Chief Medical Director, UBTH, P.M.B. 1111, Benin City
- Attend the interview — shortlisted candidates will be notified of the interview date through the UBTH website or directly by the hospital management
Institute of Health Sciences and Technology (IHS&T) — UBTH
The UBTH Institute of Health Sciences and Technology is a dedicated academic arm of the hospital that offers structured diploma, certificate, and degree programs for students interested in health sciences and community health. It operates as a semi-autonomous institution within the UBTH structure and has its own admissions process.
Programs offered through the IHS&T include Community Health, Health Information Management, and other allied health disciplines. For the 2025/2026 academic session, the institute was accepting applications from suitably qualified candidates — a sign that it continues to expand its academic footprint.
Admission into IHS&T programs involves a computer-based entrance examination, after which successful candidates proceed to registration and induction. Application forms are available on the UBTH website, and the application process is fully online including fee payment.
For students who want structured health sciences training in a hospital environment — with direct exposure to real clinical operations — the IHS&T offers a pathway that combines academic learning with practical healthcare experience.
Research Opportunities at UBTH
UBTH is not just a training institution — it is also an active research centre. Resident doctors at UBTH are encouraged to participate in research activities, and the hospital provides opportunities to attend update courses, research methodology sessions, and management training programs both within and outside the hospital.
The Department of Internal Medicine, for example, actively involves its residents in research and gives them opportunities to attend academic conferences and subspecialty workshops. This research culture adds significant value to the training experience at UBTH — producing specialists who are not only clinically competent but also academically engaged.
For postgraduate students and residents who want to combine clinical training with research output, UBTH provides a genuinely stimulating environment. The hospital’s affiliation with the University of Benin also opens doors to joint research initiatives and academic publications.
Contact Information for UBTH
For enquiries about training programs, internship positions, residency vacancies, or any other matter related to UBTH, here is how to reach the hospital:
- Address: University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1111, Ugbowo Lagos Road, Benin City, Edo State
- Phone: 09152209819
- Email: info@ubth.org
- Website: www.ubth.org
The Human Resources Division handles all applications for training, internship, and residency positions. Visit or contact them between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions About UBTH Training Programs
Is UBTH accredited for residency training?
Yes. UBTH runs a fully accredited Residency Training Programme recognised by the West African College of Physicians (WACP), the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN). Completion of residency training at UBTH qualifies doctors to sit for the relevant fellowship examinations.
How do I know when UBTH is recruiting for residency or internship positions?
UBTH publishes all vacancy announcements on its official website at www.ubth.org. There is no fixed annual recruitment cycle — positions are advertised as they become available. Checking the website regularly and following UBTH’s official social media channels is the best way to stay updated. Be cautious of fake social media accounts impersonating UBTH — the hospital has officially warned about the existence of unauthorised accounts.
Do I need the Primary Fellowship to apply for residency at UBTH?
For the position of Registrar II — which is the standard entry-level residency position — yes, you must have passed the Primary Fellowship examination in your intended specialty. The Primary Fellowship is offered by the relevant postgraduate college (WACP, WACS, or NPMCN) before residency commences.
Can non-UNIBEN medical students do housemanship at UBTH?
Yes. UBTH accepts housemanship applications from graduates of any university recognised by the MDCN — not just the University of Benin. Positions are competitive and subject to availability, but being a UNIBEN graduate does not give automatic preference.
What allied health internship fields are available at UBTH?
UBTH offers internship positions in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science (Chemical Pathology, Histopathology, Medical Microbiology, and Haematology), and Dietetics and Nutrition. Positions are advertised on the UBTH website as vacancies arise.
Is there a salary for interns and resident doctors at UBTH?
Yes. Both house officers and resident doctors at UBTH receive salaries in line with the Federal Civil Service salary structure applicable to federal teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Allied health interns also receive allowances during their internship period, though the specific amounts vary by profession and the prevailing government pay scale.
How long does residency training take at UBTH?
The duration of residency training varies by specialty. Most residency programs run for four to six years, depending on the discipline and the specific requirements of the postgraduate college overseeing that specialty. The timeline also depends on when the resident sits and passes their fellowship examinations.
Final Thoughts
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital is one of Nigeria’s most respected medical training institutions — and for good reason. Its long history, broad range of specialties, fully accredited residency program, structured internship opportunities, and active research culture make it a destination of choice for medical and healthcare professionals who are serious about their training.
Whether you are a medical student doing your clinical rotations at UNIBEN, a fresh graduate looking for a housemanship centre, a doctor preparing to start your residency journey, or an allied health professional seeking an internship placement, UBTH has a structured pathway for you.
Monitor the official UBTH website regularly, meet the stated requirements, and apply promptly when positions are advertised. A training placement at UBTH is an investment in a medical career built on solid clinical foundations.
If this guide was helpful, share it with a fellow medical student or healthcare professional who is considering UBTH. And if you have questions not covered in this article, drop them in the comments below.