JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy 2026/2027 – Full Requirements & Admission Guide
JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy, Pharmacy JAMB requirements 2026, O’level requirements for Pharmacy, UTME subjects for Pharmacy, Direct Entry requirements for Pharmacy, JAMB subjects for Pharmacy, Pharmacy cut off mark, Requirements to study Pharmacy in Nigeria, Pharmacy admission requirements, Universities offering Pharmacy in Nigeria
Pharmacy is one of the most respected and competitive medical courses in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for admission into Pharmacy departments in federal, state, and private universities. Unfortunately, many candidates lose their admission chances simply because they choose the wrong JAMB subjects—or they do not understand the correct O’Level and direct entry requirements.
If you want to study Pharmacy in Nigeria and become a licensed Pharmacist, this guide explains everything you need to know:
Correct JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy
WAEC/NECO/GCE requirements
Direct Entry requirements
JAMB & Post-UTME cut-off marks
List of Nigerian universities offering Pharmacy
Admission tips to boost your chances
This is the most complete and accurate 2026/2027 resource you’ll find online.
What is Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a health science discipline that focuses on:
- Preparing, formulating, and dispensing medications
- Ensuring drug safety and effectiveness
- Patient counseling
- Clinical drug therapy
- Pharmaceutical research
- Drug manufacturing and quality control
A Pharmacy student learns subjects such as:
- Organic Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Pharmacy Law & Ethics
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology
The program typically runs for 5 years in Nigerian universities, followed by one year of internship and compulsory NYSC.
Because of its importance in healthcare, Pharmacy is a highly competitive course—so choosing the correct JAMB subject combination is essential.
Correct JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy
The four (4) approved JAMB subjects for Pharmacy are:
1. Use of English (Compulsory)
2. Chemistry
3. Biology
4. Physics
This combination applies to all Nigerian universities offering Pharmacy (B.Pharm or Pharm.D).
Why These Subjects Are Required
English Language
Required by all JAMB candidates. Pharmacists need strong communication skills to counsel patients and work with doctors.
Chemistry (Most Important Subject)
Pharmacy is heavily chemistry-based. Drug synthesis, formulations, and reactions all require advanced chemistry knowledge.
Biology
Covers human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology—all foundational in drug therapy and clinical pharmacy.
Physics
Important for pharmaceutical calculations, equipment handling, and physical chemistry.
WAEC/NECO/GCE O’Level Requirements for Pharmacy
To study Pharmacy in Nigeria, you must have five (5) O’Level credits, obtained in not more than two sittings.
Compulsory O’Level subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
No Nigerian university will admit you into Pharmacy without credits in these five core subjects.
Important Note:
- Mathematics is compulsory in O’Level, even though it is not required in JAMB.
- Most top universities (UI, UNILAG, UNN, UNIBEN) prefer one sitting.
Direct Entry Requirements for Pharmacy
If you’re applying for Direct Entry (DE) into Pharmacy, you must have:
Any of the following:
- A-Level passes in Chemistry, Biology & Physics
- OND, HND, or B.Sc. in related fields with upper credit
- NCE in science subjects
- First degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, or related science disciplines
Direct Entry candidates may be admitted into 200 level, depending on the university and their qualifications.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Pharmacy (2026/2027)
Pharmacy is one of the toughest courses in Nigeria. The cut-off mark varies by school, but the general benchmark is:
JAMB Cut-Off for Pharmacy: 230 – 260
However:
Top universities usually demand:
- UNILAG → 250+
- UI → 255+
- UNIBEN → 245+
- UNN → 250+
- OAU → 240–250
- ABU → 230–240
- UNILORIN → 235+
Private universities may accept 200–220, but federal schools require higher scores.
List of Nigerian Universities Offering Pharmacy
Top Federal Universities
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
State Universities
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
- Gombe State University (GSU)
- Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Private Universities Offering Pharmacy
- Igbinedion University
- Madonna University
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- Babcock University
- Gregory University
NOTE: Pharmacy programs in some private universities may have higher school fees.
How Competitive Is Pharmacy in Nigeria?
Pharmacy is very competitive, especially in:
- UI
- UNILAG
- UNN
- UNIBEN
- OAU
This is because the departments are well equipped and accredited by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
To stand out, you need a strong UTME score, solid O’Level results, and good Post-UTME performance.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Admission Into Pharmacy
To secure admission easily, follow these tips:
1. Score 250+ in JAMB
A high JAMB score is the biggest advantage you can have.
Aim for 250 – 300+ if you want competitive universities like UI, UNILAG, UNN, OAU, or UNIBEN.
2. Perform very well in Post-UTME (70% and above)
Most schools combine your:
- JAMB score
- Post-UTME score
- O’Level grades
Try to score at least 70% in the screening exam.
3. Apply to less competitive universities
If you score below 230, consider:
- State universities
- Private universities
- Northern universities
Competition there is lower.
4. Have excellent O’Level results
Grade combinations like:
- A1 in Chemistry and Biology
- B2 in Physics and Mathematics
can increase your chances.
5. Use the Change of Course/Institution Option
If you realize your score is too low for Pharmacy in a top school, change your course or school early to avoid missing admission.
What You Will Learn as a Pharmacy Student
Pharmacy is a science-rich course with intensive laboratory and clinical training. You will study:
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacognosy
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutics
- Biopharmaceutics
- Toxicology
- Public Health Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Practice
- Organic Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
You will also participate in:
- Practical laboratory sessions
- Clinical rotations
- Internship programs
- Industrial training
Career Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates
A Pharmacy graduate can work in:
1. Community Pharmacy (Drug Stores)
Dispensing drugs and counseling patients.
2. Hospital Pharmacy
Working with doctors to manage medications.
3. Pharmaceutical Industry
Drug manufacturing, quality control, and research.
4. Research Institutes
Drug discovery and scientific research.
5. Academia (Lecturer)
Teaching in universities or polytechnics.
6. Regulatory Agencies
Working with NAFDAC, PCN, NDLEA, etc.
7. Clinical Pharmacy
Working in clinical settings with health professionals.
8. Entrepreneurship
Starting a pharmacy business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy?
- English
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
2. Does Pharmacy require Mathematics in JAMB?
No.
Mathematics is not required in UTME but required in O’Level.
3. What O’Level subjects are needed for Pharmacy?
Five credits in:
- English
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
4. Can I study Pharmacy without Physics?
No.
Physics is compulsory.
5. How many years is Pharmacy in Nigeria?
5 years, plus 1-year internship and NYSC.
6. Is Pharmacy a difficult course?
Yes, it requires strong science skills and serious commitment.
7. Is Pharmacy better than Nursing or Medicine?
Each course is unique. Pharmacy focuses on drugs and pharmaceutical care. It is not inferior to Medicine or Nursing; it depends on your career interest.
Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing 2026 – Full Requirements & Admission Guide
Pharmacy is an excellent career choice, offering high employment opportunities, global relevance, and professional respect. However, it is very competitive, so you must choose the correct JAMB subject combination—English, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics—and meet all O’Level requirements.
To gain admission faster, aim for high JAMB and Post-UTME scores, choose the right university, and prepare well.
