JAMB Subject Combination for Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics 2026/2027

Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics is a multidisciplinary course that connects food, health, science, and domestic management. The program focuses on how food affects the body, how nutrition influences health, and how home management contributes to community and national development. With increasing awareness of proper nutrition, food safety, and healthy living, this course has gained significant relevance in Nigeria.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know, including the correct JAMB subject combination, O’level requirements, Direct Entry criteria, top universities that offer the course, career prospects, and helpful tips to improve your chances of gaining admission.

What Is Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics?

Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics is an academic discipline that deals with the study of food, nutrients, family living, and health. It explores how food affects human growth, disease prevention, and overall wellness. The course also covers household management skills, clothing and textiles, child development, environmental sanitation, family psychology, and meal planning.

The field is highly practical and relevant across public health, hospitality, education, food processing, healthcare, and community development. Students who study Nutrition and Dietetics learn how to develop healthy diets, diagnose nutritional deficiencies, counsel patients on eating habits, and design diet plans for individuals, schools, and institutions.

Home Science covers areas like interior decoration, home management, consumer education, housing design, and family welfare. Because of this, graduates are versatile and can work in various sectors.

Why Study Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics?

There are several reasons why this course is becoming increasingly popular among Nigerian students:

• It focuses on health, which is essential in today’s world.

• Nutrition experts are needed in hospitals, schools, food industries, and NGOs.

• There is a rising demand for dieticians and nutritionists due to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

• It offers opportunities for self-employment, such as running a nutrition consultancy or diet planning service.

• Students acquire practical skills in cooking, meal planning, child development, home management, interior decoration, and textile science.

• The course creates opportunities in public health and community development.

If you love food science, health, home management, and helping people achieve wellness, then Nutrition and Dietetics is an excellent career choice.

Correct JAMB Subject Combination for Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

Below is the official and correct UTME subject combination for Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics:

• English Language (Compulsory)

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Physics or Agricultural Science

Some universities strictly prefer Physics, while others accept Agricultural Science. However, the safest combination for all universities is:

English, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.

This combination provides a strong scientific background necessary for the course.

WAEC/NECO/NABTEB O’Level Requirements

To study Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.

The required O’level subjects include:

• English Language

• Mathematics

• Biology or Agricultural Science

• Chemistry

• Physics

• One additional subject such as:

  • Food and Nutrition

  • Home Economics

  • Health Science

  • Economics

Any combination of these subjects is acceptable as long as the candidate meets the core science requirements. Some universities may also require credit in Home Economics.

Direct Entry Requirements for Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

Candidates applying through Direct Entry must meet any of the following qualifications:

• Two A’level passes in Chemistry and Biology or Home Economics.

• OND or NCE with at least Upper Credit in:

  • Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Food Science and Technology

  • Home Economics

  • Science Laboratory Technology

  • Agricultural Science

• HND holders may be admitted into 300 level depending on university policies.

• JUPEB/IJMB passes in relevant subjects.

Direct Entry candidates usually have a greater advantage during screening processes.

Cutoff Mark for Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

Different universities use different cutoff marks. However, JAMB’s general minimum is usually 160.

• Federal Universities: 180–220

• State Universities: 160–180

• Private Universities: 150–160

To be safe and increase your chances, aim for at least 200 and above, especially for competitive universities.

Universities Offering Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics in Nigeria

Many Nigerian universities offer this course in either the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Health Sciences, or Faculty of Home Economics.

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• University of Ibadan (UI)

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)

• Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)

• Bayero University Kano (BUK)

• University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

• Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)

• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

• Lagos State University (LASU)

• Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)* for related programs

Subjects Studied in Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

• Introduction to Human Nutrition

• Food Microbiology

• Dietetics

• Biochemistry

• Food Chemistry

• Home Management

• Textile Science

• Food Processing and Preservation

• Community Nutrition

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Child Development

• Consumer Education

• Meal Planning and Food Preparation

• Nutrition in Disease Prevention

• Public Health Nutrition

Skills Needed to Succeed in Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong scientific and analytical thinking

• Creativity and innovation

• Good cooking and food preparation skills

• Patience and attention to detail

• Problem-solving abilities

• Interest in helping others

• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene

• Strong research ability

Career Opportunities for Graduates of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

One of the biggest advantages of studying this course is the wide range of job opportunities available. Graduates can pursue careers in sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality, agriculture, and research.

• Nutritionist

• Dietician

• Public Health Worker

• Food Consultant

• School Nutrition Supervisor

• Diet Planner

• Community Health Educator

• Home Economics Teacher

• Food Scientist

• Meal Planning Expert

• Research Officer

• Food Safety Inspector

• NGO Worker in health and nutrition programs

• Hospital Dietician

• Hotel/Hospitality Nutrition Specialist

• Entrepreneur in food and nutrition services

Many graduates also start their own businesses in areas like:

• Meal planning and diet consulting

• Nutrition coaching

• Catering services

• Home management services

• Food processing businesses

With rising emphasis on wellness and healthy living, nutrition experts are becoming increasingly important in society.

Challenges Students May Face and How to Overcome Them

Studying this course comes with challenges, such as:

• Heavy practical components

• Scientific coursework

• Intensive food lab sessions

• Difficult assignments and research

• Managing time between theory and practicals

To overcome these challenges:

• Attend classes regularly

• Join study groups

• Get involved in laboratory activities early

• Ask lecturers for clarification

• Practice good time management

• Make use of online resources

• Read widely on nutrition and home science topics

Tips to Gain Admission to Study Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

1. Choose the correct JAMB subjects—English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Agric.

2. Score at least 200+ in UTME, especially for federal universities.

3. Get strong credits in your O’level, especially in Chemistry, Biology, and English.

4. Choose a less competitive university if your score is low.

5. Prepare well for Post-UTME, as some schools test basic science knowledge.

6. Use past questions for JAMB and Post-UTME preparation.

7. Apply for Direct Entry if you have OND, NCE, or A’levels.

8. Stay informed through JAMB CAPS and the school’s website.

Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Food Science and Technology 2026/2027

Understanding the correct JAMB subject combination for Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics is the first step toward gaining admission into your preferred university. The right UTME subjects, English, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics/Agricultural Science, give you a solid foundation and ensure you meet university entry requirements.

This course provides rewarding career opportunities in hospitals, schools, government agencies, NGOs, food industries, and private practice. With increasing awareness of healthy living and nutrition, the demand for professionals in this field continues to grow.

If you follow the guidelines in this article, choosing the right subjects, preparing well for exams, and meeting O’level requirements—you stand an excellent chance of gaining admission to study Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics in any Nigerian university.