JAMB subject combinations for Nursing: Everything you need to know
Candidates are required to have achieved acceptable scores in a set of JAMB subject combinations for Nursing, which include English, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics for the UTME candidates. While the same applies to Direct Entry candidates, entry may also be dependent on the candidate's school of choice.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- JAMB subject combinations for nursing
- Which universities in Nigeria offer nursing?
- What is the JAMB score for nursing?
- Which subject is more important in nursing?
- Is maths compulsory for nursing in JAMB?
- Is physics compulsory for nursing in JAMB?
- How many years does it take to become a nurse in Nigeria?
Key takeaways
- Required JAMB subjects for UTME students are English, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Depending on the university, Direct Entry candidates may be required to have further mathematics, human anatomy and physiology, hygiene and health science, and general science.
- The cut-off score for admission into a nursing course in a Nigerian university or college ranges between 140 and 150 points.
JAMB subject combinations for nursing
Candidates must write the UTME and attain an acceptable score in English, Mathematics, and three other subjects required for the study of their desired programme, as set out by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Additionally, when applying for any science courses, such as nursing, some universities and colleges require one to have biology, chemistry, or physics. Other subjects include Further Mathematics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Hygiene and Health Science, and General Science.
To qualify for admission into any nursing programme, the following subject and score requirements must be met, according to guidelines that are based on the 2020 JAMB Brochure. Be sure to check and confirm the specific subject combinations that the universities you intend to choose will require.
| Level | Subject combinations | Qualification |
| UTME | Mathematics, English language, physics, chemistry, and biology | 5 credit passes |
| Direct Entry | Biology/zoology, chemistry, and physicsMathematics, physics, and the English languageOr,English language and four science subjects chosen by the university | 2 A-level passes and 3 O-level credits Or,5 O' Level |
Which universities in Nigeria offer nursing?
JAMB and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) accredit and regulate nursing schools in Nigeria. Here is a list of all approved training institutions;
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Babcock University
- Baze University
- Fountain University
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Abuja
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- National Open University of Nigeria
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
- Bayero University, Kano
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi
- University of Calabar
- Usman Danfodio University
- University of Uyo Federal
- University of Health Sciences Ila-Orangun
What is the JAMB score for nursing?
The minimum JAMB score for admission into a nursing program in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 academic session is 140 for colleges and 150 for universities. However, top competitive universities and colleges may require a higher score of 220 to 250 points or higher. The JAMB set this cut-off mark for nursing for colleges and universities offering nursing sciences.
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Which subject is more important in nursing?
Nursing has no single “most important” subject. The JAMB subject combination for Nursing or Nursing Science includes core science subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
Is maths compulsory for nursing in JAMB?
Mathematics is a compulsory subject required for nursing admission in JAMB, both for the O'Level credit passes and as part of the UTME subject combination. Other important JAMB subjects for nursing are the English language, biology, chemistry, and physics.
Is physics compulsory for nursing in JAMB?
Having acquired credit passes in physics is typically preferred, but it is not a compulsory subject for nursing programs. However, while the subject is generally required, prospective candidates must always verify whether it is a compulsory subject, depending on their desired institution's specific admission requirements.
How many years does it take to become a nurse in Nigeria?
The B.NSc. degree is a five-year programme for candidates admitted through the UTME, while the direct entry (DE) students enter the programme in the second year, thereby running a four-year degree programme.
JAMB subject combinations for nursing include science subjects such as biology, chemistry, or physics, as well as English and mathematics. Other subjects required for admission to the course may include Human Anatomy, Physiology, Hygiene, Health Science, and General Science, depending on the specific university.
Legit.ng has recently published an article listing the federal universities offering Nursing in Nigeria. Nursing schools allow students to specialise in different disciplines of nursing to create diverse nursing professionals.
Do you aspire to become an oncology, orthopaedic, cardiac, gerontology, paediatric, urgent care, family, neonatal, or anaesthetist nurse? Read on for essential details about federal universities in Nigeria that offer nursing programs.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
