Education and demographic patterns of foreign trained medical graduates sitting the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Licensing Examination

Abstract

Context: Foreign medical graduates (FMGs) represent a growing proportion but constant group of candidates sitting the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing examination. An understanding of their demographic distribution and medical training background is essential for designing targeted preparatory course and policy interventions for FMGs.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among FMGs preparing for the MDCN licensing examination. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and undergraduate medical education were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: One hundred and twenty-five respondents were recruited. The mean age was 27.6 ± 3.5 years, with majority of the respondents being females (60.8%). Respondents trained mainly in China (36; 28.8%), Sudan (26; 20.8%), and Ukraine (23; 18.4%) with a significant association between the regional origin of the graduates and the choice of country of medical training (P= <.001). Most of them spent six years in medical school (76; 60.8%). Although 119 respondents (94.4%) reported clinical rotations, only 60 (48.0%) had exposure to tropical medicine and 43 (34.4%) had research exposure during their undergraduate training with a significant association between research exposure and their country of training (P< .001).

Conclusion: FMGs preparing for the MDCN licensing examination have heterogeneous educational backgrounds with important gaps in tropical medicine and research exposure. Structured bridging and preparatory programmes may enhance readiness for medical practice in Nigeria.