Housemanship in Nigeria is the compulsory one-year rotation done by all fresh medical graduate who wishes to get a full Medical Registration/Medical license in Nigeria. Here is a Review of Best Centers for House job 2025
1. Essential Documents: Get Prepared Early
As you step into the world of housemanship, having your documents ready is crucial. The job-hunting season can be competitive, and missing out on required paperwork can set you back. Below is a table of key documents you should have:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Summarizes your academic and professional qualifications |
| Birth Certificate | Proof of age and identity |
| First School Leaving Certificate/Testimonial | Confirms primary school completion |
| West Africa Secondary School Certificate | Required for medical school admission verification |
| Statement of Result/Degree Certificate | Confirms completion of medical training |
| Certificate of Local Government of Origin | Proof of state and local government identity |
| MDCN Provisional License & Annual Registration | Legal requirement to practice medicine in Nigeria |
| Letters of Recommendation | Provides references from mentors or previous employers |
| Passport Photographs | Required for various official forms and IDs |
It’s best to keep two separate envelopes: one for original documents and another for photocopies. Make at least five copies of each document and laminate critical ones for durability.
Related: More tips on document preparation
2. Choosing the Right Hospital: Key Considerations
Before diving in, you need to decide: When do I want to start? and Where do I want to practice? While statistics and logic are helpful, many also seek spiritual guidance in making this decision. Consider factors like:
- Proximity to family and friends
- Accessibility and transport costs
- Financial implications ( Cost of living is very high in ASABA, ABUJA, PH and LAGOS)
- Career goals and specialty interest
- Hospital staff capacity and workload ( Workload is very high at LUTH, UBTH, UCH, AE-FETHA, UITH, UPTH and NHA)
- Opportunities for networking and skill acquisition
- Security in the area
Your choice can significantly impact your experience, so research thoroughly before making a final decision.
Choosing the right hospital for your housemanship in Nigeria is a pivotal decision that can shape your medical career. Below is a list of hospitals in Nigeria along with their monthly salaries for house officers
| Hospital | Location | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| General Hospital (Odan) Lagos (HSC) | Lagos | 374,000 |
| Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) | Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State | 260,000 |
| Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) | Ikeja, Lagos | 244,500 |
| Asokoro District Hospital (ADH) | Abuja | 274,000 |
| Maitama District Hospital (MDH) | Abuja | 270k+ |
| Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi | Abuja | 244,500 |
| Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebutte Meta | Lagos | 244,500 |
| University College Hospital (UCH) | Ibadan, Oyo State | 244,500 |
| Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti (FETHI) | Ido Ekiti, Ekiti State | 244,500 |
| Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri (FUTH Owerri) | Owerri, Imo State | 244,500 |
| Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital (NNRH) | Ojo, Lagos | 171,000 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) | Ile-Ife, Osun State | 244,500 |
| Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida | Bida, Niger State | 244,500 |
| University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) | Benin City, Edo State | 244,500 |
| R-Jolad Hospital | Lagos | 260,000 |
| University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) | Ilorin, Kwara State | 244,500 |
| University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) | Gwagwalada, Abuja | 244,500 |
| Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba
ASABA SPECIALIST HOSPITAL |
Asaba, Delta State | 244,500
277,000( Paid total after 4 months) |
| University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) | Calabar, Cross River State | 244,500 |
| Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) | Lagos | 244,500 |
| University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) | Port Harcourt, Rivers State | 244,500 |
| 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital | Yaba, Lagos | 171,000 |
| Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA) | Abakaliki, Ebonyi State | 244,500 |
| National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC) | Ebonyi State | 244,500 |
| Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) | Port Harcourt, Rivers State | 260,000 |
| Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) | Jos, Plateau State | 244,500 |
| Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) | Awka, Anambra State | 244,500 |
| Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi | Keffi, Nasarawa State | 244,500 |
| Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) | Zaria, Kaduna State | 244,500 |
| Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital | Gusau, Zamfara State | 178,000 |
| University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) | Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | 244,500 |
| University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) | Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State | 244,500 |
| Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH) | Kaduna | 148,000 – 150,000 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) | Sagamu, Ogun State | >270,000 (after deductions) |
Note: Salaries marked as 244,500₦ are standardized under the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for all hospitals listed on their portal.
For more detailed information on each hospital, including application processes and working conditions, please visit the Best Centers for House Job 2025
Related: Choosing the best hospitals for housemanship
3. Setting Realistic Expectations: Avoid Surprises
Starting your housemanship in Nigeria with uninformed expectations can lead to frustration. Speak with current or past house officers at your chosen hospital to understand the work culture, challenges, and perks. Some key questions to ask include:
- How competitive is the application process?
- How long did they wait to get in?
- What is the pay and frequency of payment?
- Is accommodation provided?
- What’s the hospital’s reputation on the MDCN portal?
Gathering this information will help you mentally prepare and navigate the system more effectively.
4. Developing Capacity: More Than Just Medical Knowledge
Housemanship is more than just applying medical knowledge; it requires emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and resilience. Be prepared to:
- Manage patients and their families effectively
- Navigate workplace dynamics and team collaboration
- Handle biases based on gender, medical school background, or even personal appearance
- Address unwanted advances professionally and assertively
- Set personal goals for skill development in different departments
- Stay security-conscious, both within and outside the hospital setting
Resilience and adaptability are key to excelling during your house job year.
5. Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Doctors often struggle with balancing work and personal life. However, maintaining your well-being is essential. Here are some tips:
- Establish a routine that includes rest and leisure
- Build meaningful friendships, as some old ones may fade
- Join professional and social communities for support
- Set boundaries to prevent burnout
You can have a fulfilling life as a doctor—it just requires intentionality and balance.
Related: Work-life balance strategies for doctors
6. Safety First: Protect Yourself at Work
Hospitals can be hazardous environments, and safety precautions should never be taken lightly. Always:
- Get all required vaccinations before starting
- Follow strict infection control protocols
- Be cautious with needle-prick incidents and seek immediate care
- Wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves and lab coats
- Remain alert, as workplace violence or intimidation from patients or relatives can occur
Your safety matters, and prioritizing it will ensure you have a smooth experience.
Related: Essential safety tips for house officers
Enjoy the Journey
Housemanship is a stepping stone to greater things. Instead of just waiting for it to be over, embrace the learning process and make the most of each phase. Stay present, be proactive, and most importantly—enjoy the experience!
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