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Abstract Background: Clinical placement links theoretical learning with practical experience and shapes radiography students' specialty interests. Evidence on this relationship remains limited in Nigerian radiography education, particularly in the northeast. Objective: To describe clinical placement experiences and specialty preferences among clinical radiography students at the University of Maiduguri, and identify perceived barriers and suggested improvements. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300-500 level radiography students. A self-administered online questionnaire assessed demographics, clinical placement exposure, specialty preferences, supervision, resource barriers, and suggested improvements. The calculated sample size was 171 from a population of 298, using convenience sampling. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 27 using frequencies and percentages. Results: All 171 students participated; 103 (60.2%) were male and 68 (39.8%) female. Most were aged 20-24 years (95, 55.6%), and 67 (39.2%) were in 500 level. Overall, 166 (97.1%) had completed at least one clinical placement, while 98 (57.3%) reported three or more rotations. Ultrasound was the most preferred specialty 59 (34.5%), followed by CT 32 (18.7%) and radiotherapy (25, 14.6%). A total of 153 (89.5%) reported an increased interest in their specialty following clinical posting. Major barriers were inadequate specialty exposure (47.4%), inadequate supervision (40.9%), lack of mentorship (40.4%), equipment malfunction or unavailability (34.5%), and overcrowding (30.5%). Conclusion: Clinical placement was perceived as relevant to specialty interest. Structured exposure across specialties, stronger supervision and mentorship, functional equipment, and reduced overcrowding may improve clinical learning and support informed specialty preferences. Keywords: Clinical placement; Radiography education; Specialty preference; Radiography students; Clinical learning environment; Nigeria.