JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Laboratory Science 2026/2027 – Complete Admission Guide
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), also known as Medical Laboratory Technology or Biomedical Laboratory Science, is one of the most lucrative and competitive medical courses in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of students apply to study MLS in universities, yet many applicants are rejected simply because they select the wrong subject combination in JAMB or fail to meet specific admission requirements.
This detailed guide provides the accurate JAMB subject combination, WAEC/NECO requirements, direct entry qualifications, top universities offering MLS, cut-off marks, and everything you need to boost your chances of being admitted into a Medical Laboratory Science program in Nigeria.
Whether you are a secondary school student preparing for JAMB, a parent guiding a child, or a blogger looking for SEO-driven educational content—this article gives you everything you need.
Introduction
Medical Laboratory Science is a core health-related course that focuses on diagnosing diseases through laboratory testing, analysis of body fluids, medical research, and clinical laboratory procedures. Medical Laboratory Scientists work behind the scenes in hospitals, diagnostic centers, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and public health laboratories to ensure doctors make accurate diagnoses.
Because of the vital role of MLS professionals, universities maintain strict admission requirements. Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination can lead to automatic disqualification, even with a high JAMB score. That is why understanding the correct requirements is essential.
This article serves as the most comprehensive guide on JAMB subject combinations for Medical Laboratory Science—fully tailored for candidates seeking admission for the 2026/2027 academic year and beyond.
Correct JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)
To study Medical Laboratory Science in any accredited Nigerian university, you must choose the following subjects in your UTME:
JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Laboratory Science
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These four subjects are compulsory and accepted by all universities offering MLS in Nigeria.
These Subjects Are Required
Medical Laboratory Science is a science-intensive course, so the JAMB subjects reflect the core areas needed to succeed in the program:
1. Biology
Biology is essential because MLS revolves around microorganisms, body tissues, parasites, cells, genetics, and human anatomy.
2. Chemistry
Chemistry is required because medical labs use chemical principles to analyze blood, urine, and samples.
3. Physics
Physics helps students understand machines, diagnostic equipment, radiology basics, and laboratory technology.
4. Use of English
Compulsory for all UTME candidates in every Nigerian university.
If you do not choose this exact combination, most universities will not consider you for admission.
WAEC/NECO/NABTEB Requirements for Medical Laboratory Science
To qualify for MLS, candidates must have at least five (5) relevant credit passes in one or two sittings.
Required O’Level Subjects for MLS:
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These subjects must be passed with Credit or higher.
Accepted O’Level Exam Bodies:
- WAEC (WASSCE)
- NECO (SSCE)
- NABTEB
Many universities prefer that the subjects are obtained in one sitting, especially for competitive medical programs.
Direct Entry (DE) Requirements for MLS
For students applying through Direct Entry, the following qualifications are acceptable:
Direct Entry Requirements Include:
- Two A’Level passes in Biology/Zoology and Chemistry
- ND or HND in Science Laboratory Technology with upper credit
- NCE in related science fields (rarely accepted)
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science (from approved institutions)
Candidates must also possess the required O’level credits listed above.
How Competitive is Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria?
MLS is one of the most competitive courses in Nigerian universities—almost as competitive as Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.
Reasons why MLS is competitive:
- Limited admission slots
- High job demand locally and abroad
- Attractive salary structure
- International career opportunities (Canada, UK, Australia, UAE, etc.)
- More students are avoiding Medicine and choosing MLS
Therefore, candidates must meet AND exceed the basic admission requirements to stand a better chance of gaining admission.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Medical Laboratory Science
The cut-off mark varies across universities, but here is the general range:
Federal Universities:
200 – 250+
State Universities:
180 – 220
Private Universities:
160 – 200
However, due to high competition, scoring 230+ increases your admission chances significantly.
Universities like UNIBEN, UNILAG, UNN, UI, OAU, and ABU may require 250+ to be safe.
Post UTME Subjects for Medical Laboratory Science
Most universities test candidates in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English
- General Aptitude/Current Affairs (in some schools)
Your Post UTME score is equally as important as your JAMB score—especially in competitive schools.
Universities Offering Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria
Here are some of the best universities where you can study MLS:
Federal Universities
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Usman Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
Private Universities
- Babcock University
- Afe Babalola University
- Bowen University
- Madonna University
- Achievers University
Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for MLS
Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination
Some candidates mistakenly choose Agricultural Science, Geography, or Mathematics instead of Biology or Physics.
Poor O’Level results
Without credit passes in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, admission is almost impossible.
Applying to highly competitive schools only
Smart candidates apply to both competitive AND moderately competitive universities.
Scoring below 200 in JAMB
MLS is competitive—low scores can reduce your chances drastically.
Not preparing for Post UTME
Some schools place strong emphasis on Post UTME performance.
Job Opportunities for Medical Laboratory Scientists
A Medical Laboratory Science degree opens the door to many job opportunities, including:
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Hospitals
- Teaching Hospitals
- Research Centers
- Forensic Laboratories
- Blood Banks
- Biotechnology Firms
- Public Health Institutions
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Academic Institutions
MLS professionals are also in high demand abroad, especially in:
- Canada
- USA
- UK
- Germany
- Australia
- Ireland
- UAE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the JAMB subject combination for MLS?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. Is Mathematics compulsory in JAMB for MLS?
No, but it is required in O’level.
3. Can I study MLS without Chemistry?
No. Chemistry is compulsory in both JAMB and O’level.
4. Is MLS a professional course?
Yes. MLS graduates must register with Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
5. What JAMB score is good for MLS?
A score of 230+ is recommended for federal universities.
6. Does MLS require Further Mathematics?
Not compulsory, but it can strengthen your application.
7. Is Medical Laboratory Science harder than Nursing?
Both are demanding but MLS is more lab and science-heavy.
Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Engineering 2026/2027 – Requirements & UTME Guide
Medical Laboratory Science is a rewarding and competitive medical course in Nigeria. To secure admission into MLS, choosing the correct JAMB subject combination is the first and most important step.
Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
With the right O’level credits, strong JAMB performance, and solid Post UTME results, you stand an excellent chance of gaining admission into any Nigerian university offering Medical Laboratory Science.
