| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2019 | Volume
: 24
| Issue : 2 | Page : 95-99 |
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Entry points into a Nigerian medical school at the graduate and undergraduate levels: A three-year prospective and retrospective comparison of performances at the first MBBS professional examinations
Ed Nwobodo1, Uchechukwu Dimkpa1, Chidiebere Ugwu1, Ugochukwu B Anyaehie2
1 Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnewi Campus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), Nsukka, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Prof. Ugochukwu B Anyaehie
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), Nsukka.
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/ijmh.IJMH_21_19
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Background: It is alleged that there is a mismatch between candidates’ performance in University Matriculation Examination (UME) and their subsequent academic achievement in medical schools in Nigeria. Aim: The present study compares the performance of medical students admitted via Direct Entry (DE) module and that of UME using their 1st professional examination. Methodology: A total of 343 undergraduate medical students of College of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra state, Nigeria were used for this study. 270 of the students were admitted through UME, while 73 were admitted through DE modes of admission. The results of the 1st MBBS examinations taken in the years 2014 to 2017 were collated, analyzed and compared between the two groups of students. Results: The rate of success in 1st MBBS examination was greater in the DE students (74%) compared with the UME students (44.1%). The failure rate was higher in the UME entrants (55.9%) compared with the direct entrants (26%). The frequency of withdrawals in the group with UME (n = 28) was greater than that of the group with DE (n = 0). Chi square test of association indicated significant (p < 0.001) association between performance of students in 1st MBBS examination and the mode of admission. Logistic regression test shows that the odds of failure were against students with UME module than those with DE. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the admission module of DE with previous degree increases the chances of academic success in medical education in Nigeria. This suggests the need for a review of the mode of admission into medical schools to favour students that have a previous degree. |
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