JAMB Subject Combination for Public Health 2026 | Updated Requirements Guide
Public Health is one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after health-related courses in Nigeria. As the demand for professionals who can prevent diseases, improve community health, and manage epidemics increases, many Nigerian students are turning their interest toward Public Health.
However, gaining admission into the Public Health program requires meeting several academic qualifications, including the correct JAMB subject combination, O’level requirements, and sometimes Post-UTME performance.
Many students miss out on admission each year simply because of using the wrong subject combination or incomplete O’level results. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the JAMB subject combination for Public Health, including detailed admission requirements, best universities for the course, and tips on how to secure admission easily.
What Is Public Health as a Course?
Public Health is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on preventing diseases, promoting health, and improving the quality of life of populations. Unlike Medicine, which focuses on treating individuals, Public Health concentrates on communities, environments, and policies.
Public Health professionals work to control epidemics, provide health education, promote sanitation, ensure safe water, improve maternal health, and influence health policies.
Major study areas include:
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Health Promotion
- Biostatistics
- Community Health
- Disease Prevention
- Health Policy and Management
Public Health is available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Nigeria, depending on the university.
JAMB Subject Combination for Public Health
The official JAMB UTME subject combination for Public Health is:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
This subject combination applies to all universities offering Public Health as a science-based program.
Why These Subjects Are Required
1. Use of English
Compulsory for all UTME applicants. Public Health requires excellent communication skills, as professionals engage in documentation, report writing, and community education.
2. Biology
Public Health revolves around human health, disease transmission, anatomy, and physiology. Biology is essential.
3. Chemistry
Chemistry is used in environmental health, water sanitation, toxicology, and laboratory investigations.
4. Physics
Required for understanding laboratory equipment, environmental concepts, and some aspects of medical technology.
Some institutions may accept Mathematics instead of Physics, but this depends on the department and faculty.
O’Level (WAEC, NECO, GCE) Requirements for Public Health
To study Public Health in Nigerian universities, candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
Important Note:
Some universities may accept credit in Health Science, but Biology is strongly recommended.
Direct Entry (DE) Requirements for Public Health
Candidates applying through Direct Entry must have one of the following qualifications:
1. A-Level / IJMB / JUPEB
Passes in relevant subjects such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Minimum of 10–12 points, depending on the university.
2. ND/HND (Upper Credit Preferred)
Acceptable fields include:
- Community Health
- Environmental Health
- Health Information Management
- Science Laboratory Technology
- Public Health Nursing
3. NCE Qualifications
Some schools accept NCE in related science subjects.
4. B.Sc. Degrees
Holders of degrees in:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Nursing
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Microbiology
may be admitted into 200L or 300L, depending on the institution.
Cut-Off Mark for Public Health in Nigeria
The cut-off mark for Public Health varies between universities.
JAMB General Cut-Off Mark:
160–180 minimum, depending on the school.
More competitive universities use:
200–220 as departmental cut-off.
To increase your chances, aim for:
230+ for competitive universities
200+ for moderate competitive universities
Schools with less competition may admit candidates with 170–180.
Universities Offering Public Health in Nigeria
Public Health is offered in many universities, either as:
- B.Sc. Public Health
- B.Sc. Environmental Health
- B.Sc. Community Health
- B.Sc. Health Education (similar but not the same)
- Bachelor of Public Health Science (BPHS)
Below are major universities offering Public Health:
Federal Universities
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA)
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
Private Universities
- Babcock University
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- Madonna University
- Bowen University
- Lead City University
Is Public Health a Science or Art Course?
Public Health is primarily a science course.
Most universities place it under the Faculty of Health Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, or Public Health Sciences.
Very few institutions offer a social-science version of Public Health, and the requirements differ.
However, the standard Public Health degree in Nigeria requires pure science subjects.
How Many Years to Study Public Health in Nigeria?
The duration depends on the entry level:
- UTME (100 Level) — 4 years
- Direct Entry (200 Level) — 3 years
- HND to B.Sc. Conversion — 2–3 years
Some universities operate a 5-year program for Health Sciences.
Career Opportunities for Public Health Graduates
Public Health graduates have numerous opportunities in the health sector, NGOs, government, and international organizations.
Career paths include:
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Educator
- Community Health Worker
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Health Policy Analyst
- Biostatistician
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Health Information Officer
- Disease Surveillance Officer
- NGO Program Coordinator
- Nutrition and Population Health Advisor
- Infection Control Officer
Public Health professionals also work with global bodies like:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- UNICEF
- USAID
- CDC
- UNDP
- Non-Governmental Organizations
Why Choose Public Health in Nigeria?
Here are reasons Public Health is becoming popular:
- Growing demand for health workers
- Opportunities in government and international organizations
- High employability rate
- Ability to work in multiple sectors
- Rising global health challenges
- Chance to help communities stay healthy
Public Health professionals are essential during disease outbreaks, environmental issues, and policy development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Public Health a competitive course in Nigeria?
Yes. Admission can be competitive in top universities.
2. Can I study Public Health without Physics?
Most universities require Physics. Only a few schools may allow variations.
3. Which university is best for Public Health?
UNILORIN, UNICAL, UNIPORT, and FUTO are among the top choices.
4. What is the minimum JAMB score for Public Health?
Aim for at least 190–220, depending on the school.
5. Is Mathematics compulsory for Public Health?
Yes, Mathematics is compulsory at O’level.
Tips to Gain Admission to Study Public Health
1. Score High in JAMB
Aim for 200+ to stand out.
2. Prepare Well for Post-UTME
Some schools use 50% UTME + 50% Post-UTME.
3. Use the Correct Subject Combination
Wrong combination automatically disqualifies you.
4. Strengthen Your O’level Results
Strong grades are required, especially in core science subjects.
5. Choose the Right School Based on Your Score
Competitive schools require higher scores.
6. Apply Early and Follow Instructions
Avoid errors in your name, exam number, or subject entries.
Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Optometry in Nigeria 2026 | Requirements & Admission Guide
The correct JAMB subject combination for Public Health is:
Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
With the right O’level requirements, a strong JAMB score, and proper preparation, securing admission into Public Health becomes much easier.
Public Health remains one of the most rewarding and impactful health courses in Nigeria. If you prepare well and follow the guidelines in this article, you will be well on your way to becoming a Public Health professional.
