JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing Sciences – 2026/2027 Guide

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about JAMB subject combination for Nursing Sciences, including WAEC/NECO requirements, Direct Entry qualifications, cut-off marks, top universities offering Nursing, and tips for securing admission.

By following this guide, prospective students will avoid common mistakes, increase their admission chances, and build a strong foundation for a successful career in Nursing.

What Is Nursing Sciences?

Nursing Sciences is a professional healthcare course focused on patient care, health promotion, disease prevention, and medical assistance. Nursing students are trained in clinical care, health management, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and medical ethics.

Graduates earn a Bachelor of Nursing (BNSc) degree and can practice as registered nurses after completing their one-year internship and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

Nursing is a critical component of healthcare systems in Nigeria and globally. Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, research institutions, NGOs, and other medical facilities.

Is Nursing Sciences Competitive in Nigeria?

Yes. Nursing is highly competitive due to:

• Limited university admission slots

• High demand for trained nurses

• Required academic qualifications

• Growing awareness of nursing as a career

This competition makes it essential to choose the right JAMB subjects, meet cut-off marks, and prepare thoroughly for post-UTME exams.

Official JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing Sciences

The correct JAMB subject combination for Nursing Sciences is:

1. Use of English (Compulsory)

2. Biology

3. Chemistry

4. Physics

This combination is mandatory for all Nigerian universities offering Nursing.

Why These Subjects Are Required

• Biology: Provides the foundation for understanding human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.

• Chemistry: Essential for pharmacology, biochemistry, and understanding medical treatments.

• Physics: Important for understanding medical equipment, fluid dynamics, and diagnostic tools.

• English: Ensures effective communication and comprehension, crucial for patient care and documentation.

Choosing incorrect subjects, such as Agricultural Science or Health Science, can disqualify a candidate from admission, no matter their JAMB score.

O’Level (WAEC, NECO, GCE) Requirements for Nursing Sciences

To study Nursing Sciences, applicants must have at least five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:

• English Language

• Mathematics

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

Important notes:

• Credits must be obtained in one or two sittings.

• Some competitive federal universities prefer one sitting.

• Mathematics and English are mandatory and must meet minimum pass grades (C6 or better).

Having these subjects ensures a strong foundation in science and analytical skills necessary for nursing.

Direct Entry (DE) Requirements for Nursing Sciences

Students applying through Direct Entry must meet one of the following qualifications:

• A-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

• National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing or related fields with Upper Credit or Distinction

• NCE in Science or Health-related subjects with good grades

Direct Entry candidates usually start at 200 Level, but in some universities, they may begin from 300 Level depending on the equivalency of their previous qualification.

JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing Sciences

Nursing is a competitive course, and universities set varying JAMB cut-off marks:

• Federal Universities: 200 – 250

• State Universities: 180 – 220

• Private Universities: 160 – 200

High JAMB scores, combined with strong O’level results, significantly increase the chances of gaining admission.

Post-UTME Screening for Nursing Sciences

After JAMB, most universities require candidates to take a Post-UTME or screening examination, which tests:

• English Language

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

Some universities also consider general knowledge or aptitude tests. Post-UTME performance is a key factor in admission decisions.

Top Universities Offering Nursing Sciences in Nigeria

Federal Universities

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• University of Ibadan (UI)

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

• Bayero University Kano (BUK)

State Universities

• Lagos State University (LASU)

• Delta State University (DELSU)

• Ebonyi State University (EBSU)

• Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

• Rivers State University (RSU)

Private Universities

• Babcock University

• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)

• Bowen University

• Madonna University

• Covenant University

These universities follow the same JAMB and O’Level requirements but may vary in post-UTME criteria and cut-off marks.

How Long Does It Take to Study Nursing in Nigeria?

• 5 years for UTME students

• 4 years for Direct Entry students

The program typically includes:

• Science foundation courses (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

• Nursing theory and practice

• Clinical placements in hospitals

• Research projects

• Internship

After graduation, students must complete a one-year internship and NYSC before full professional registration.

Why Nursing Sciences is a Great Career Choice

• High demand in hospitals, clinics, NGOs, and private practice

• Attractive salary and benefits

• Job stability and career growth

• Opportunities for specialization in areas like Pediatrics, Midwifery, Community Health, or Critical Care

• Opportunities for international employment

• Ability to contribute to public health and save lives

Career Opportunities for Nursing Graduates

After completing a degree in Nursing Sciences, graduates can pursue careers as:

• Registered Nurse

• Nurse Manager

• Midwife

• Pediatric Nurse

• Public Health Nurse

• Nurse Educator

• Clinical Research Nurse

• Nurse Practitioner

• Community Health Nurse

Graduates may also work in NGOs, international health organizations, private hospitals, or open private nursing practice.

Tips to Gain Admission for Nursing Sciences

1. Choose the correct JAMB subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.

2. Score high in JAMB: Aim for 220–250+ for federal universities.

3. Excel in Post-UTME: Many students lose points at this stage.

4. Ensure strong O’Level results: Credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

5. Research university requirements: Some universities have extra screening or interview processes.

6. Prepare for interviews: Top nursing schools may interview candidates.

7. Avoid common mistakes: Double-check your subject combination, upload O’Level results, and meet all deadlines.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for Nursing

• Choosing incorrect JAMB subjects

• Ignoring Physics and Chemistry

• Applying to top universities with low JAMB scores

• Failing to prepare for Post-UTME

• Using two-sitting O’Level results in universities that prefer one sitting

• Missing deadlines for uploading documents

• Neglecting research about the course and university

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly increase your chances of gaining admission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I study Nursing without Physics in JAMB?
No. Physics is compulsory for Nursing Sciences in UTME.

Q2: Is Mathematics required for Nursing?
Yes. Mathematics is a mandatory O’Level subject.

Q3: Can art or commercial students study Nursing?
Only if they have the required science subjects in WAEC/NECO.

Q4: How long does Nursing take in Nigerian universities?
5 years for UTME students; 4 years for Direct Entry students.

Q5: Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Yes, if the university allows two sittings. Some universities prefer one sitting.

Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) 2026/2027– Complete Guide

The JAMB subject combination for Nursing Sciences is:

• English (Compulsory)

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

To gain admission into Nigerian universities, students must also meet the O’Level requirements, score high in JAMB, perform excellently in Post-UTME, and choose schools wisely. Nursing Sciences is a competitive but highly rewarding course with promising career prospects both locally and internationally.

Following this guide will ensure that aspiring nurses avoid common mistakes, meet all academic requirements, and increase their chances of successfully gaining admission into a reputable Nigerian university in 2026/2027.