Introduction
If you are planning to study Nursing Science in Nigeria, choosing the correct JAMB UTME subjects is one of the first things you need to get right. A wrong subject combination can affect your eligibility for admission, even if you have a good UTME score.
For Nursing Science, the standard UTME combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and other Nigerian universities publish these four subjects for Nursing applicants.
This guide explains the JAMB subject combination for Nursing, the required O’Level subjects, common mistakes to avoid, and what you should check before submitting your JAMB application.
What Is the JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing?
The JAMB subject combination for Nursing Science is:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
English Language is compulsory in the UTME, while Biology, Chemistry and Physics are the three main science subjects required for Nursing Science. The University of Lagos and University of Ibadan both list English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics as the UTME subjects for Nursing.
So, if Nursing Science is your intended course, these are the four subjects you should select when registering for JAMB UTME.
Does Mathematics Replace Physics for Nursing?
Generally, no.
Mathematics is an important O’Level requirement for Nursing, but it is not normally used as a replacement for Physics in the UTME combination.
For example, the University of Lagos lists the Nursing UTME subjects as English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, while Mathematics is included among the five required O’Level credits.
This distinction is important because some candidates confuse JAMB subjects with WAEC, NECO or NABTEB requirements.
JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing 2026: UTME & WAEC Requirements
JAMB Subjects for Nursing at a Glance
| Requirement | Subject |
|---|---|
| UTME Subject 1 | English Language |
| UTME Subject 2 | Biology |
| UTME Subject 3 | Chemistry |
| UTME Subject 4 | Physics |
| Important O’Level subject | Mathematics |
The exact admission requirements can vary slightly between institutions, so candidates should always check the current requirements for their chosen university through JAMB’s eligibility system and the university’s official admission information. JAMB’s Eligibility Checker allows candidates to select their institution, programme, O’Level subjects and UTME combination before checking eligibility.
Why Biology, Chemistry and Physics Are Required for Nursing
The three science subjects are closely connected to the study and practice of Nursing Science.
Biology
Biology helps students understand the human body, cells, tissues, organs and living systems.
Nursing students later study areas such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology and other health-related subjects. A good foundation in Biology can therefore be useful when entering the programme.
Chemistry
Chemistry provides knowledge about substances, chemical reactions and processes that are relevant to health sciences.
Understanding basic chemistry can also help students when they encounter topics involving medicines, body chemistry, solutions and laboratory-related concepts.
Physics
Physics introduces students to scientific principles involving energy, motion, pressure, electricity, waves and measurements.
Although Nursing is not a Physics degree, Physics is part of the standard UTME combination for Nursing Science.
English Language
English Language is compulsory because university education in Nigeria is conducted largely in English.
Nursing students also need strong communication skills for academic work, documentation, interaction with patients and communication with other healthcare professionals.
O’Level Requirements for Nursing Science
Choosing the correct JAMB subjects is only one part of the admission process. You also need the required O’Level credits.
The common five O’Level subjects for Nursing are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) states that its approved entry requirement for basic and post-basic programmes includes five O’Level credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, obtained in not more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO or NABTEB.
University requirements can be more specific. For example, the University of Lagos requires five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for its Nursing programme.
Is Mathematics Required for Nursing?
Yes.
Mathematics is an important O’Level requirement for Nursing Science.
A candidate might therefore have the correct JAMB combination of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics but still have an admission problem if the required O’Level Mathematics credit is missing.
This is why you should consider both your UTME subjects and O’Level subjects when preparing for Nursing admission.
Can I Study Nursing Without Physics?
For the standard university Nursing Science route, you should not assume that Physics can be omitted.
Major universities such as the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan list Physics together with Biology and Chemistry as part of the UTME combination for Nursing.
Physics is also one of the five O’Level subjects required by NMCN for its approved entry requirements.
If your result does not include Physics, do not simply register for a different JAMB subject and assume that a university will accept it. Check the exact requirements of the institution and programme before applying.
Can I Study Nursing Without Chemistry?
Chemistry is also a core requirement for Nursing Science.
University of Lagos and University of Ibadan both list Chemistry among the required UTME subjects for Nursing.
NMCN also includes Chemistry among the five O’Level credits in its approved entry requirements.
Therefore, candidates who want Nursing should prepare seriously for Chemistry at both secondary-school level and UTME level.
Can Agricultural Science Replace Biology?
You should not assume that Agricultural Science can replace Biology for Nursing.
The published requirements from institutions such as the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan specifically identify Biology for Nursing Science.
If Biology is missing from your O’Level result, check the exact requirements of your chosen institution before proceeding with your application.
Does JAMB Score Matter for Nursing Admission?
Yes, your UTME result is part of the admission process, but there is no single universal Nursing admission score that applies to every university and every admission year.
Universities may set their own admission requirements and selection processes within the applicable JAMB framework.
Candidates should therefore avoid relying on unofficial claims such as “Nursing always requires exactly X marks.”
Instead, check:
- The current JAMB requirements.
- Your chosen university’s admission requirements.
- The university’s post-UTME or screening information, where applicable.
- The current admission policy for your application year.
Your UTME score should be considered alongside your O’Level results and other institutional admission requirements.
Nursing Admission Requirements at Some Nigerian Universities
Requirements can differ in details, so checking your chosen institution is essential.
University of Lagos
The University of Lagos lists the Nursing UTME subjects as:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Its published O’Level requirement includes credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan lists Nursing under its College of Medicine with the UTME combination:
- English Language
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Its published O’Level requirements include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin’s Nursing Science information requires UTME participation and states that the relevant five O’Level credits must include English and the required faculty subjects. Its general admission information also states that Nursing Science candidates must obtain the five relevant credits, including Mathematics and English, at one sitting.
The university’s published academic programme information also identifies English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for Nursing UTME requirements.
These examples show why it is useful to verify requirements directly with the institution instead of depending entirely on admission blogs or social-media posts.
How to Choose the Correct JAMB Subjects for Nursing
If you are registering for JAMB and want to study Nursing, follow these steps.
- Decide on Nursing Science as your intended course.
Make sure the programme you select is actually Nursing Science and not another health-related course.
- Check the JAMB requirements.
Use JAMB’s official Eligibility Checker and current IBASS information to verify the programme requirements.
- Select English Language.
English Language is compulsory in the UTME.
- Select Biology.
Biology is a core subject for Nursing.
- Select Chemistry.
Chemistry is also required.
- Select Physics.
Physics completes the standard four-subject combination.
- Check your O’Level result.
Make sure you have the required credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Confirm your university’s requirements.
Some admission details can differ between universities, so check the official admission page of your chosen institution.
Common Mistakes Nursing Candidates Should Avoid
Choosing Mathematics instead of Physics
One of the common areas of confusion is treating Mathematics as one of the four UTME subjects simply because Mathematics is required at O’Level.
For the standard Nursing combination, the subjects are English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Ignoring O’Level requirements
Passing JAMB does not automatically mean you have met every admission requirement.
You still need the required O’Level credits for your programme and institution.
Relying on an old admission requirement
University requirements can be reviewed.
A requirement found in an old social-media post or an outdated blog may no longer apply to the current admission year.
Always compare information with the latest official university and JAMB information.
Assuming every university has identical rules
The core Nursing UTME combination is widely consistent, but other admission conditions may vary.
For example, universities can differ in rules relating to O’Level sittings, Direct Entry, screening and other admission conditions. Official university pages demonstrate these differences.
Confusing Nursing Science with other health courses
Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy and other health-related programmes do not necessarily have identical admission rules.
Always check the specific course you intend to study.
What to Do If You Chose the Wrong JAMB Subject Combination
If you have already registered for JAMB and later discover that your subjects do not match Nursing requirements, do not panic.
First, confirm the current requirements from JAMB and your chosen university.
Then check whether JAMB provides an applicable correction or change-of-course/subject option during the relevant admission cycle. Use only official JAMB channels for any correction and follow the instructions available for your examination year.
Avoid paying unofficial agents who promise to “fix” your JAMB combination outside the official process.
If you have not completed registration yet, verify your combination before final submission.
Does the Subject Combination Apply to Direct Entry?
Direct Entry is different from regular UTME admission.
For example, the University of Lagos publishes separate Direct Entry requirements for Nursing, including professional registration routes and A-Level/JUPEB-related qualifications.
University of Ibadan also lists separate Direct Entry requirements for Nursing.
Therefore, candidates applying through Direct Entry should not simply copy the UTME requirements and assume they are the complete Direct Entry requirements.
How to Prepare for JAMB Nursing Subjects
Once you have selected the correct combination, preparation should focus on the actual JAMB syllabus and past questions.
Start with the JAMB syllabus
Use the official syllabus to identify the topics you are expected to study.
Organise your preparation around Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English Language rather than studying randomly.
Practise past questions
Past questions can help you understand the structure of UTME questions and identify topics where you need more practice.
Do not simply memorise answers. Study why an answer is correct.
Give attention to weak subjects
If Chemistry or Physics is difficult for you, spend additional time on those subjects.
A balanced preparation strategy is more useful than concentrating only on Biology because you intend to study Nursing.
Create a realistic study timetable
A simple weekly timetable can divide your study time between the four subjects.
For example:
- Monday: Biology
- Tuesday: Chemistry
- Wednesday: Physics
- Thursday: English Language
- Friday: Biology and Chemistry revision
- Saturday: Physics and English practice
- Sunday: Review and practice test
You can adjust this schedule according to your school timetable and personal study needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB subject combination for Nursing?
The standard JAMB UTME combination for Nursing Science is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This combination is published by universities including the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan.
Is Mathematics a JAMB subject for Nursing?
Mathematics is generally an important O’Level requirement for Nursing, but the standard UTME combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Is Physics compulsory for Nursing?
Physics is part of the standard UTME combination for Nursing Science and is also included among the O’Level subjects required by NMCN’s approved entry requirements.
Is Chemistry compulsory for Nursing?
Yes. Chemistry is one of the standard UTME subjects for Nursing Science and is also among the required O’Level subjects in the NMCN entry requirements.
Can I study Nursing with Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics instead of Physics?
Do not assume this combination will qualify you for Nursing Science. The standard university UTME combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Check your chosen institution’s current requirements before applying.
What five subjects do I need in WAEC or NECO for Nursing?
The commonly required five O’Level credits are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. NMCN lists these five subjects in its approved entry requirements.
Can I use two sittings for Nursing admission?
This depends on the institution and programme route. NMCN’s published approved entry requirement permits the five credits for its basic and post-basic programmes at not more than two sittings, while some universities impose stricter conditions. For example, University of Lagos and University of Ilorin publish one-sitting requirements for their university Nursing admission.
Does JAMB subject combination guarantee Nursing admission?
No. Having the correct subjects only means you have addressed one part of the admission requirements. You must also satisfy the applicable O’Level, UTME score, institutional screening and other admission conditions.
Where can I verify my Nursing eligibility?
Use JAMB’s official Eligibility Checker and also check the admission information published by your chosen university. JAMB’s checker allows candidates to select the institution, programme, O’Level subjects and UTME combination before checking eligibility.
Conclusion
For candidates planning to study Nursing Science in Nigeria, the standard JAMB subject combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Mathematics remains an important O’Level requirement, so candidates should pay attention to both their UTME subjects and their secondary-school results.
Before submitting your JAMB application, check the current requirements for your preferred university and confirm your eligibility through official JAMB and university sources. Getting the subject combination right from the beginning can help you avoid an unnecessary admission problem later.
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