JAMB Subject Combination for Law – UTME, O’Level & Direct Entry Requirements

Everything You Must Know Before Applying for Law in Any Nigerian University

Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Law is one of the most important steps you will take as an aspiring law student in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of candidates make avoidable mistakes by selecting the wrong subjects, which automatically disqualifies them from being considered for admission—even if they score very high in UTME.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about studying Law in Nigeria, including:

The correct JAMB subject combination for Law
WAEC/NECO subject requirements
Direct Entry requirements
List of universities offering Law
Common mistakes students make
Expert tips to secure admission
Career opportunities for Law graduates

Whether you’re targeting UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU, ABU, UNILORIN, LASU, BUK, or any other university, this guide will help you position yourself for success.

What is Law as a Course?

Law is a professional degree that provides students with the knowledge of legal principles, legal systems, rights, justice, and governance. The course covers constitutional law, criminal law, property law, commercial law, international law, and many more aspects of the legal profession.

It is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria because:

It offers high-paying career opportunities
It provides prestige and social respect
It is needed in government, business, human rights, and politics
It offers diverse career paths such as becoming a lawyer, judge, solicitor, diplomat, etc.

Due to this high demand, universities set strict rules for subject combinations and admission requirements.

JAMB Subject Combination for Law (Official & Updated)

According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the correct UTME subject combination for Law is:

Use of English – Compulsory for all JAMB candidates
Literature in English – Mandatory for all Law aspirants
Government or CRK/IRK – One of these is required
Any other Arts or Social Science subject – This could be:
- Government
- CRS / IRS
- Economics
- History
- Civic Education
- French
- Igbo/Yoruba/Hausa
- Islamic Studies
- Social Studies

Recommended Best Combination for Higher Chances of Admission

Many universities prefer this combination:

Use of English
Literature in English
Government
CRS or Economics

It is safe, widely accepted, and increases your chance of meeting departmental screening requirements.

Why Literature in English Is Compulsory for Law

Many candidates ask:

“Can I study Law without Literature in English?”

The answer is NO.

All universities in Nigeria require Literature in English because the legal profession involves:

Reading
Interpretation
Comprehension
Analysis
Critical thinking
Writing

You will read many case laws, statutes, legal texts, and academic writing. Therefore, Literature prepares you for these academic challenges.

WAEC/NECO Requirements for Law (O’level)

To study Law, you must have a minimum of five (5) O’level credits in the following subjects:

English Language
Mathematics
Literature in English
Government or History
Any other Arts or Social Science subject such as:
- CRS/IRS
- Economics
- Civic Education
- Social Studies
- Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa
- French

These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.

Direct Entry Requirements for Law

Candidates applying via Direct Entry must have:

1. A Two-Year Diploma or NCE

Preferably in Law-related fields such as:

Legal Studies
Public Administration
Mass Communication
Political Science

(Upper Credit or Distinction is recommended)

2. A-Level Passes in:

Literature in English
Government
CRS or any Arts/Social Science subject

3. JUPEB / IJMB

A minimum of 12–15 points depending on the university.

4. Degree Holders (B.A or B.Sc) with Second Class Upper or Higher.

Top Universities in Nigeria That Offer Law

Here is a list of the best federal, state, and private universities where you can study Law:

Federal Universities

University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Bayero University Kano (BUK)
University of Jos (UNIJOS)

State Universities

Lagos State University (LASU)
Delta State University (DELSU)
Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
Rivers State University (RSU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

Private Universities

Babcock University
Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
Bowen University
Igbinedion University
Crescent University
Newgate University Minna

All these schools accept the same JAMB subject combination for Law.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing Subjects for Law

Below are the frequent errors that lead to automatic disqualification:

Mistake 1: Choosing Geography or Biology instead of Literature

Literature in English is non-negotiable.

Mistake 2: Using pure science subjects

Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are not required for Law.

Mistake 3: Replacing Government with irrelevant subjects

While Government is not strictly compulsory, it is highly preferred.

Mistake 4: Having a D7, E8, or F9 in Literature in English

Many universities will not accept you without a credit.

Mistake 5: Not checking specific university requirements

Some universities insist on CRS/IRS while others prefer Government.

Best UTME Subject Combination for Law (100% Safe for All Universities)

If you want the safest, universally accepted subject combination, use this:

Subject	Why It Is Important
Use of English	Mandatory for all JAMB candidates
Literature in English	Core requirement for Law
Government	Highly preferred & widely accepted
CRS or Economics	Flexible but acceptable by all universities

This combination works for:

UNILAG
ABU
UI
UNN
OAU
LASU
UNILORIN
BUK
UNIBEN
All private universities

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Admission for Law

Because Law is extremely competitive, use these strategies to secure your admission:

1. Aim for 250–300+ in JAMB

Most top universities cut between 270 and 300 for Law.

2. Score 70%+ in Post-UTME

Some schools like UNILORIN and ABU use heavy screening.

3. Get strong O’level results

At least five credits including English, Literature, and Government.

4. Apply to less competitive universities

If you have low UTME score, consider:

RSU
EKSU
UNIOSUN
AAU
Private universities

5. Avoid mistakes during registration

This includes:

Wrong subject combination
Wrong course selection
Incomplete O’level details

🔍 Sample JAMB Registration for Law (Correct Format)

Course: Law
UTME Subjects:

Use of English
Literature in English
Government
CRS

O’level Subjects:

English Language – Credit
Literature in English – Credit
Government – Credit
Mathematics – Credit
CRS – Credit

This meets the admission requirements of all Nigerian universities.

Is Law a Good Course to Study in Nigeria?

Absolutely yes.

Law remains one of the most respected and rewarding careers in Nigeria and internationally.

Career Opportunities for Law Graduates

With a Law degree (LL.B), you can work as:

Barrister & Solicitor
Judge or Magistrate
Legal Adviser
Corporate Lawyer
Human Rights Advocate
Diplomat or Ambassador
Legal Researcher
Lecturer
Compliance Officer
Policy Analyst
Public Administrator
NGO Consultant
Journalist / Writer
Mediator & Arbitrator

The opportunities are huge and flexible.

Selecting the correct JAMB subject combination for Law is the first and most important step on your journey to becoming a lawyer. With the right subjects—Use of English, Literature in English, Government, and CRS/Economics—you stand a very high chance of gaining admission into any Nigerian university.

Avoid mistakes, prepare well, score high, and follow the specific requirements of your chosen university.