Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria: Job Opportunities, Career Growth, and More
Jun 12, 2024
Share
Biomedical Engineering is an emerging field in Nigeria that offers a unique blend of medical and engineering sciences.
This multidisciplinary domain focuses on applying engineering principles to healthcare in a way that encourages innovation in medical devices, diagnostics, and treatment methods.
As the healthcare sector in Nigeria evolves, Biomedical Engineering stands at the forefront of technological advancements. That means you have the chance to make significant contributions to improving patient care and medical outcomes.
This blog post explores the vibrant prospects, educational pathways, and career possibilities awaiting you in this promising field.
Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria: Job Opportunities, Career Growth, More
What Is Biomedical Engineering?
In a very simple and basic way, Biomedical Engineering is all about using engineering skills to solve medical problems.
It combines your love for technology and healthcare to create devices like artificial limbs, heart monitors, or even advanced medical imaging machines.
It's a field where you get to design, build, and improve tools that doctors and nurses use to help people get better.
If you enjoy science, maths, and technology, and want to make a difference in people's lives, Biomedical Engineering is a perfect fit for you.
Benefits of Studying Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria
Studying Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria offers you a chance to be at the cutting edge of medical technology and innovation right here at home. As the healthcare sector in Nigeria grows, there is a rising demand for skilled professionals who can develop and maintain advanced medical equipment.
It's an interesting field that equips you with the knowledge and skills to design lifesaving devices, improve diagnostic tools, and contribute to groundbreaking medical research.
This means you play an important role in enhancing the quality of healthcare services available to Nigerians.
Also, a degree in Biomedical Engineering opens up diverse career opportunities both locally and internationally.
Choose where you work, whether in hospitals, research institutions, medical device manufacturing companies, or even start your own tech-health enterprise.
With the increasing focus on healthcare technology in Nigeria, there are plenty of opportunities to collaborate on innovative projects and bring new solutions to the market.
Additionally, this field provides a solid foundation for further studies or specialisations. It tells you that your career can evolve with the advancements in technology.
Pros and Cons of Studying Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria
Pros of Studying Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria
-
Engages with cutting-edge technology and innovation in healthcare
-
Offers the high demand for skilled professionals
-
Provides access to diverse career opportunities locally and internationally
-
Impacts healthcare quality significantly
-
Allows for active participation in research and development
-
Builds a solid foundation for further studies and specialisations
-
Benefits from a growing healthcare sector with increasing investments
Cons of Studying Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria
-
Faces limited resources and funding for advanced research
-
Encounters potential challenges in finding specialised internships or job placements
-
Requires continuous learning to keep up with rapid technological advancements
-
Accepts possible initial lower salary compared to some other engineering fields
-
Is available in limited institutions within the country
Career Opportunities in Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria
This is a new field in the country. Biomedical engineers are not in plentiful supply. The job opportunities are massive. You can practise as a:
-
Medical device designer: Your duty is to create and develop new medical devices, such as prosthetics, pacemakers, or imaging equipment. Medtronic and GE Healthcare are examples of companies you can work for. Your salary range is typically between NGN 1,500,000 to NGN 3,000,000 per year.
- Clinical engineer: Maintain and manage medical equipment in hospitals as you ensure they function correctly and safely. A popular example is working in a place like Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Expect any digits between NGN 1,200,000 to NGN 2,500,000 per year.
- Research scientist: Conduct experiments and research to develop new medical technologies and treatments. Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is a typical example in this sector. Your salary starts from NGN 1,000,000 to NGN 2,000,000 per year.
- Biomaterials engineer: In this specialisation, you're going to be developing materials that interact with the human body for medical applications, such as implants or tissue engineering. Example companies include Johnson & Johnson and local startups. Your salary range is typically between NGN 1,300,000 to NGN 2,800,000 per year.
- Regulatory affairs specialist: Ensure that medical devices and technologies comply with government regulations. Example employers include the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Your salary range is from NGN 1,100,000 to NGN 2,200,000 per year.
- Healthcare IT specialist: Manage and implement health information systems, integrate technology to improve patient care. Look at a company like health tech firms. Helium Health is an example, here. Expect a salary that starts from NGN 1,200,000 to NGN 2,500,000 per year.
Factors that Influence your Salary as a Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineering doesn't offer a robust salary as other engineering courses, like Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Civil Engineering, etc., do. What influence your paycheck include:
-
Experience level: The more years you have in the field, the higher your salary is likely to be. Entry-level positions start lower, but as you gain experience and demonstrate your skills, your earning potential increases.
-
Education and certifications: Having advanced degrees or specialised certifications significantly boosts your salary. Pursuing additional qualifications, such as a master's degree or specific certifications in medical device design or healthcare technology, can make you more valuable to employers.
-
Industry and company size: Working for large, well-established companies or multinational corporations typically offers higher salaries compared to smaller firms or startups. Industries like medical device manufacturing or major hospital systems tend to pay more.
-
Location: Salaries can vary greatly depending on where you work in Nigeria. Biomedical engineers in major cities like Lagos or Abuja earn more and the reason is simple: The higher living costs and the presence of larger healthcare institutions and companies.
Universities that Offer Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria
Biomedical Engineering is a new course in the country. Only a few universities offer it and those that offer it are
-
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
-
Achievers University, Owo
-
Bells University of Technology, Otta (BELLSTECH)
-
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
-
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
-
Oyo State Technical University, Ibadan (TECH-U)
-
Federal University of Health Science, Otukpo
-
Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University
-
Karl-Kumm University, Vom
-
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Biomedical Engineering University UTME Subjects Combination
If you're a science student, you cross the first barrier. Other boxes to tick include:
-
Have at least C6 in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry Physics and Biology in either of WAEC, NECO, or NABT
-
Apply for JAMB and choose English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology as your subject combination
-
Pass the UTME and post-UTME exams in order to improve your chances of getting admitted.
Pro Tips
-
Research universities thoroughly: Make sure to investigate the universities offering Biomedical Engineering programmes. Look at their curriculum, faculty expertise, available facilities, and any partnerships they have with hospitals or research institutions.
-
Consider accreditation: Ensure the programme you choose is accredited by relevant bodies, such as the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Accreditation guarantees the program meets certain quality standards.
-
Evaluate career support services: Check if the university you choose has a good career services department that offers guidance on job placements, resume building, and interview preparation. Strong career support can help you secure a good position after graduation.
Recap
Embracing Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria offers you a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of medical innovation and technology within the country.
This field combines your passion for healthcare and engineering. It allows you to develop life saving devices and improve medical treatments.
With the growing healthcare sector in Nigeria, the demand for skilled biomedical engineers is on the rise, opening up diverse career paths and the chance to make a significant impact on patient care.
