JAMB subject combination for Political Science in 2026/2027

JAMB subject combination for Political Science in 2026/2027

With politics influencing almost every aspect of people’s lives, political science has become one of the most lucrative courses in Nigeria. The course enables you to analyse, understand, and discuss various political phenomena, including governance, power, thoughts, and laws. As a learner interested in this area, you must know the JAMB subject combination for political science.

The JAMB logo and students applying for courses on the JAMB website
The JAMB logo (L), and students applying for courses on the JAMB website (R). Photo: @Jamb official (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Political science refers to the systematic, scientific study of government, political institutions, processes, and behaviour. It focuses on the acquisition and application of power.
  • The course is offered in various Nigerian universities, including Covenant University, University of Nigeria, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Lagos State University.
  • The 4 subjects for political science in JAMB (UTME) are English, Government, History/Literature in English, and Economics/Commerce/Mathematics.
  • The O-level subjects for political science are English, Mathematics, Government or Civic Education, Economics or Commerce, and History or Literature in English.

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JAMB subject combination for political science

Political science is the study of the theoretical and practical study of how governments work and politics at local and international levels. Since politics impacts almost everything, people who study political science can work in nearly every sector.

Political science graduates can be political analysts, governance experts, political journalists, policy researchers, and communication coordinators. The major study areas of the four-year degree course are:

  • Government and Constitution
  • Comparative politics
  • Political philosophy
  • Peace and Conflict
  • International relations
  • International organisations
  • Political economy
  • Public policy

What are the JAMB subject combinations for political science?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) conducts matriculation examinations for entry into tertiary learning institutions in Nigeria. It also selects qualified candidates for placement in the universities.

For a candidate to take a Political Science course in a university through JAMB, they must pass the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with the right subject combinations.

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UTME subject combination for political science

You should register for the following subjects to qualify for a Political Science course at a university.

  • English
  • Government
  • History/Literature in English
  • Economics/Commerce/Mathematics

For a direct entry, a candidate must have two A Level passes, which include Government or History. Alternatively, a candidate can have five SSC credit passes in Government or History, English, and three other subjects. Additionally, a pass in mathematics is required.

Students registering for JAMB exams and placements
Students registering for JAMB exams and placements (L and R). Photo: @Jamb official (modified by author)
Source: UGC

O-level subjects for political science

A candidate sitting for the O-level examinations should have credit passes in the following subjects to qualify for a degree programme in Political Science.

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Government or Civic Education
  • Economics or Commerce
  • History or Literature in English

Other best subject combinations for Political Science

Regardless of the subject combination you settle for, make sure it has English, Government, and other relevant arts or social sciences. You should also confirm the specific requirements of the institution you intend to join. The best subject combinations are explored below.

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  • English, Government, Mathematics, Commerce
  • English, Government, Civic Education, Literature in English
  • English, Government, Geography or Physics, Economics
  • English, Government, Literature in English, CRK/IRS

WAEC subjects for Political Science

For candidates sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), you need a nine-subject combination to pursue political science. The nine subjects are:

  • English
  • Government
  • Literature in English
  • Economics
  • Mathematics
  • CRS
  • Commerce
  • Agricultural Science
  • Biology

JAMB cut-off mark for political science and international relations

Having the subject combination on your UTME result slip is insufficient to qualify for the course. You must perform well in the subjects and aim for a minimum score of 180. The score may vary depending on your chosen university, and you should also consider the departmental requirements.

Universities in Nigeria offering political science

Various Universities in Nigeria offer political science. Each university has specific requirements for studying the course. Therefore, you should know a university’s requirements apart from the JAMB and WAEC requirements. Here is a list of Nigerian universities offering a degree in political science.

University

State

Ambrose Alli University

Edo State

Adekunle Ajasin University

Ondo State

Abia State University

Abia State

Al-Hikmah University

Kwara State

Arthur Jarvis University

Cross River State

University of Benin

Edo State

Benson Idahosa University

Edo State

University of Calabar

Cross River State

Coal City University

Enugu State

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

Anambra State

Delta State University

Delta State

Ekiti State University

Ekiti State

Federal University, Gusau

Zamfara State

Godfrey Okoye University

Enugu State

University of Lagos

Lagos States

Al-Qalam University

Katsina State

Wellspring University

Edo state

Joseph Ayo Babalola University

Osun State

Nasarawa State University

Nassarawa State

Usman Dan Fodio University

Sokoto State

Gombe State University

Gombe State

Sokoto State University

Sokoto State

Afe Babalola University

Ekiti State

Niger Delta University

Bayelsa State

Benue State University

Benue State

Kogi State University

Kogi State

University Of Mkar

Benue State, Nigeria

Chrisland University

Ogun State

Edwin Clark University

Delta State

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Is maths compulsory for political science in JAMB?

Mathematics is not among the mandatory subjects in the combination for JAMB. Therefore, candidates pursuing political science must not necessarily pass mathematics in the UTME.

Is literature compulsory for political science in JAMB?

Literature in English is not a compulsory subject for the course. You can do any other relevant arts or social science subject.

What is the JAMB subject combination for political science and International Relations in NDA?

In the Nigerian Defence Academy, a candidate aspiring to study the course should pass English Language, Government/History, and two other arts and social science subjects.

What are the political science subjects for WAEC?

Unlike JAMB, WAEC has a nine-subject combination for political science. The subjects are English, Government, Literature in English, Economics, Mathematics, CRS, Commerce, Agricultural Science, and Biology.

What is the cut-off mark for political science in JAMB?

Apart from the JAMB subject combination, anyone wanting to study political science must pass the subjects. The general cut-off mark for the course is 180.

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Is Government compulsory for political science?

Government is one of the two compulsory subjects for the course. It is an essential inclusion because the course mainly deals with the study of government.

Is the English Language important for political science?

Yes. You must be good at English to pursue the course. Most of the communication is done in English.

What are the 4 subjects for science in JAMB?

The 4 UTME subjects for political science in JAMB are English, Government, History/Literature in English, and Economics/Commerce/Mathematics.

What are the subjects needed to study political science?

The UTME subjects for political science in JAMB are English, Government, History/Literature in English, and Economics/Commerce/Mathematics. On the other hand, the O-level subjects for political science are English, Mathematics, Government or Civic Education, Economics or Commerce, and History or Literature in English.

Which subject combination is best with political science?

Check out the best subject combinations in the previous sections of this article. It is prudent to note that the JAMB syllabus in 2026 covers standard subjects like English, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

Read also

Mewar International University: courses offered and application process

Knowing the JAMB subject combination for political science helps you know which subjects to focus on if you are interested in the course. You must pass English Language, Government, and two other arts or social sciences. Additionally, you must aim for a minimum JAMB score of 180.

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Source: Legit.ng

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Muhunya Muhonji (Lifestyle writer) Muhunya Muhonji is a writer at Legit.ng. He joined the team in July 2021 and has over five years of experience. Muhonji specialises in covering entertainment, technology, business, and biographies. He earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from Egerton University in 2014. To advance his technical expertise, he completed the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course in 2023. Additionally, he finished the Google News Initiative training in March 2024 and a Fact-Checking and Research training in September 2024. Email: muhunyah@gmail.com.

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Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over seven years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University (graduated in 2017). Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Cyprine received the 2023 and 2025 Writer of the Year awards. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com