Admission Requirements for All Courses in Nigeria. Gaining admission into a higher institution in Nigeria requires proper understanding of subject requirements, examination combinations, and academic qualifications. Every year, many students lose their chances of admission simply because they chose the wrong subjects, lacked the required credits, or misunderstood the admission process.
In Nigeria, admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education is coordinated mainly through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while O’Level results are obtained from examination bodies such as West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
This guide explains the general admission requirements for major courses in Nigeria, including O’Level subjects, JAMB subject combinations, and important notes every candidate should know.
General Admission Requirements in Nigeria
Before choosing any course, every candidate is expected to meet the following basic requirements:
First, the candidate must register for and sit for the JAMB UTME and score reasonably well according to the chosen institution and course.
Second, the candidate must possess at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O’Level, including English Language and, in most cases, Mathematics.
Third, the required subjects must be obtained in not more than two sittings, except in schools that accept only one sitting.
Fourth, candidates must participate in the Post-UTME or screening exercise of their chosen institution.
Without meeting these general conditions, admission becomes very difficult, no matter the course chosen.
Admission Requirements for All Courses in Nigeria
Admission Requirements for Medical and Health-Related Courses
Medical and health courses are among the most competitive in Nigeria. They require strong science backgrounds and high academic performance.
Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Special Notes
Medicine requires very high JAMB scores and excellent O’Level results. Most universities prefer one sitting. Candidates must be strong in science subjects.
Nursing Science
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Special Notes
Some schools may accept Health Science in place of Biology, but Biology is safer. Competition is usually high.
Pharmacy
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Special Notes
Pharmacy is highly competitive and requires strong performance in Chemistry and Biology.
Medical Laboratory Science
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Special Notes
Candidates must have good science backgrounds and high UTME scores.
Admission Requirements for Law and Legal Studies
Law (LL.B)
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Literature in English
Mathematics
Any two Arts or Social Science subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Literature in English
Government or History
One other Arts or Social Science subject
Special Notes
Literature in English is compulsory in most universities. Without it, admission into Law is difficult.
Admission Requirements for Engineering and Technology Courses
Engineering courses require strong foundations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, etc.)
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Chemistry
Physics
One other Science subject
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Chemistry
Physics
Special Notes
Mathematics and Physics are very important. Weak grades in these subjects reduce admission chances.
Computer Engineering
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
One other Science subject
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Special Notes
Some schools may accept Biology instead of Chemistry, but Chemistry is safer.
Admission Requirements for Science-Based Courses
Computer Science
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Two other Science subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Physics
One of Biology, Chemistry, or Agricultural Science
Special Notes
Mathematics is compulsory. Without credit in Mathematics, Computer Science admission is impossible.
Biochemistry
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Special Notes
Strong knowledge of Chemistry and Biology is needed.
Microbiology
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Special Notes
Candidates must have good science results.
Physics
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
One other Science subject
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Special Notes
High level of Mathematics ability is important.
Chemistry
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Chemistry
Physics
Biology or Agricultural Science
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Chemistry
Physics
Admission Requirements for Business and Social Science Courses
Accounting
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Economics
Two other relevant subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Economics
One other Social Science subject
Special Notes
Strong Mathematics skills are needed for Accounting.
Economics
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Economics
Two other relevant subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Economics
One other Social Science subject
Business Administration
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Economics
Two other subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Economics
One other subject
Banking and Finance
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Economics
Two other subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Mathematics
Economics
One other Social Science subject
Political Science
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Government or History
Two other Arts or Social Science subjects
Mathematics
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Government or History
Two other Arts or Social Science subjects
Mass Communication
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Literature in English
Mathematics
Two other Arts or Social Science subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Literature in English
Government or History
One other subject
Admission Requirements for Education Courses
Education (Arts, Science, Social Science)
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Three other relevant subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Three relevant subjects related to chosen area
Special Notes
Education courses are generally less competitive and accept wider subject combinations.
Primary Education Studies
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Three other subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Any three subjects
Admission Requirements for Agricultural Courses
Agricultural Science
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Biology or Agricultural Science
Chemistry
One other Science subject
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Biology or Agricultural Science
Chemistry
Physics or Mathematics
Animal Science
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Agricultural Science
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Mathematics
Admission Requirements for Arts and Humanities
English Language
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Literature in English
Three other Arts subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Literature in English
Two other Arts subjects
History and International Studies
O’Level Requirements
English Language
Government or History
Three other Arts subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
Government or History
Two other Arts subjects
Religious Studies
O’Level Requirements
English Language
CRS or IRS
Three other Arts subjects
JAMB Subject Combination
English
CRS or IRS
Two other Arts subjects
Admission Requirements for Popular Courses in Nigeria
| Course | O’Level Requirements (Minimum 5 Credits) | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Nursing | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Pharmacy | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Medical Lab Science | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Law | English, Literature, Maths, +2 Arts/Social Science | English, Literature, Govt/History, 1 Art/Social |
| Engineering | English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, 1 Science | English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics |
| Computer Science | English, Maths, Physics, +2 Sciences | English, Maths, Physics, Bio/Chem/Agric |
| Accounting | English, Maths, Economics, +2 Subjects | English, Maths, Economics, 1 Social |
| Economics | English, Maths, Economics, +2 Subjects | English, Maths, Economics, 1 Social |
| Business Admin | English, Maths, Economics, +2 Subjects | English, Maths, Economics, 1 Subject |
| Mass Communication | English, Literature, Maths, +2 Arts/Social | English, Literature, Govt/History, 1 Subject |
| Political Science | English, Govt/History, Maths, +2 Arts/Social | English, Govt/History, +2 Arts/Social |
| Education | English, Maths, +3 Relevant Subjects | English, 3 Relevant Subjects |
| Agricultural Science | English, Maths, Bio/Agric, Chem, 1 Science | English, Bio/Agric, Chem, Phys/Maths |
| English Language | English, Literature, +3 Arts | English, Literature, +2 Arts |
Important Things Every Candidate Must Know
Many students fail to gain admission not because they performed badly, but because they ignored simple rules.
First, always confirm subject combinations from JAMB brochure before registration.
Second, do not assume that all schools accept the same requirements, because some institutions have special conditions.
Third, avoid choosing a course that does not match your O’Level background.
Fourth, ensure your O’Level results are uploaded on the JAMB portal.
Fifth, aim for high UTME scores, especially for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Nursing, Engineering, and Pharmacy.
Common Admission Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is choosing wrong subject combinations during UTME registration.
Another mistake is lacking compulsory subjects like Mathematics or Literature in English.
Some candidates also fail to upload their O’Level results on time.
Others choose courses without checking institutional requirements.
All these mistakes can cost a candidate admission, even with a good JAMB score.
Final Thoughts on Admission Requirements for All Courses in Nigeria
Understanding admission requirements is one of the most important steps toward gaining admission in Nigeria. Before choosing any course, candidates must carefully check their O’Level subjects, JAMB combinations, and school requirements.
A good combination of the right subjects, strong academic performance, and proper preparation increases the chances of securing admission into the desired institution.
Students who plan early, make informed decisions, and follow official guidelines stand a better chance of achieving their academic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions and answers
On Admission Requirements for All Courses in Nigeria
1. Can I gain admission if I do not have Mathematics or English Language?
No. English Language is compulsory for all courses, and Mathematics is required for most courses in Nigerian institutions. Without credit passes in these subjects, admission is usually impossible.
2. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for admission?
Yes. Most universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education accept two sittings, including a combination of WAEC and NECO, except in courses or schools that insist on one sitting.
3. Is Literature in English compulsory for Law and Mass Communication?
Yes. In most institutions, Literature in English is compulsory for Law and Mass Communication, and candidates without it are often disqualified.
4. Can I study Science courses without Physics or Chemistry?
No. Most science and engineering courses require both Physics and Chemistry at O’Level and in JAMB. Without them, admission chances are very low.
5. What happens if I choose the wrong JAMB subject combination?
Choosing the wrong subject combination can lead to automatic disqualification, even if you score very high in JAMB.
6. Can I change my course or institution after writing JAMB?
Yes. JAMB allows candidates to do change of course or institution, provided the new choice matches their O’Level subjects and UTME combination.
7. Is it possible to gain admission with low JAMB score?
Yes, it is possible for less competitive courses or institutions, but competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Nursing usually require high scores.
8. Do all schools accept two sittings?
No. Some universities, especially for professional courses, prefer or insist on one sitting. Candidates should always check individual school policies.
9. Must I upload my O’Level result on the JAMB portal?
Yes. Uploading your O’Level result on the JAMB portal is compulsory. Failure to do so can prevent your admission from being processed.
10. Can I gain admission without writing JAMB?
Generally, no. JAMB UTME is required for most admissions, except for special cases like Direct Entry or some private institutions.
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