Research preparedness and competence among Nigerian medical and dental students applying for a research fellowship

Research skill acquisition is critical for undergraduate medical and dental students, but deficiencies in knowledge and motivation persist in low-resource environments such as Nigeria. Self-perceived research competence, motivations, and preparedness among applicants to a highly competitive research fellowship were evaluated, and predictors of high competence were identified, to provide information for capacity-building. A descriptive cross-sectional analysis of 237 anonymised applications from Years 2 to 6 medical and dental students of the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) to the Medix Frontiers Research Fellowship (January–February 2026) was performed. Demographics, previous research experience (yes, no), competence (8 Likert items from 1 to 5), motivation (5 Likert items from 1 to 5), and preparedness (e.g., hours/week, willingness) were assessed. Calculated variables: competence_mean (mean competency scores), motivation_mean (mean motivation scores), high_competence (> 3.5), high_motivation (≥ 4). Cronbach’s α was used to evaluate reliability. Descriptive statistics: Means ± SD, proportions (%). Bivariate: Non-parametric tests (non-normal distribution data), Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test, Pearson’s correlations. Multivariable: Logistic regression (Dependent: high_competence; Independent: previous experience, Medix member, age, sex, stage of training, hours/week, dependable internet); linear regression for continuous competence_mean. No data were lost to follow-up. Analyses in Python (Pandas, SciPy, Statsmodels). Participants were predominantly young adults, with a slight predominance of females, and a majority at the clinical level of training. Prior research experience was generally limited, with a small number of participants reporting involvement in research projects, fellowships, or authorship. Despite excellent internal consistency of the competence scale, self-perceived research competence was generally low, and a limited number of participants reported high competence. In contrast, motivation to engage in research was high, although the interest scale had a somewhat lower reliability. Self-reported competence also differed significantly based on previous research experience, with higher levels observed among those with previous experience. Competence did not vary meaningfully by stage of training or gender. There was no meaningful relationship between motivation and competence. There was an almost universal willingness to participate in the fellowship among respondents, which meant that there was insufficient variation to conduct meaningful regression analysis. The study population comprised applicants to a competitive research fellowship and, therefore, represents a highly motivated subgroup of students; hence, the findings cannot be generalised to all Nigerian medical students. These findings suggest that while research interest is high among applicants, gaps in practical skills persist and may be addressed through earlier and more structured training opportunities.