JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing 2026 – Full Requirements & Admission Guide

JAMB subject combination for Nursing, Requirements to study Nursing in Nigeria, Nursing WAEC subject requirements, O’level requirements for Nursing, UTME subjects for Nursing, Direct Entry requirements for Nursing, Nursing cut-off mark, JAMB combination for Nursing Science.

Nursing is one of the most respected and highly demanded health-related courses in Nigeria and across the world. Every year, thousands of students apply to study Nursing in federal, state, and private universities, but only a fraction gain admission. One major reason candidates miss out is choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination or not understanding the full admission requirements for Nursing.

If you are planning to study Nursing in the 2026/2027 academic session, this article will give you everything you need to succeed. We will cover the correct JAMB subject combination, O’level requirements, Direct Entry requirements, cut-off marks, post-UTME subjects, a list of universities offering Nursing, and expert tips to boost your admission chances.

Let’s begin your journey into the nursing profession.

What Is the JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing?

The officially approved JAMB subject combination for Nursing/Nursing Science is:

1. Use of English (Compulsory)
2. Biology
3. Chemistry
4. Physics

These four subjects must be selected during your UTME registration. Choosing any other combination can automatically disqualify you from being considered for admission.

These Subjects Are Required for Nursing

Nursing is a science-related and medically focused course. The required subjects help test your understanding of scientific and health-related foundations:

1. Use of English

This is mandatory for all UTME candidates. Nursing students need excellent communication skills for interacting with patients, writing reports, and understanding medical literature.

2. Biology

Biology introduces you to the study of life, including human anatomy, physiology, and body systems — important for every nurse.

3. Chemistry

Essential for understanding drug interactions, human metabolism, and biochemical processes.

4. Physics

Important for understanding medical equipment, body mechanisms, and hospital technologies such as radiology and monitoring systems.

These subjects prepare you for the challenges of nursing school and clinical practice.

WAEC, NECO & GCE Requirements for Nursing

To study Nursing in any Nigerian university, you must have at least five (5) credit passes in your O’level results, obtained in not more than two sittings.

The required subjects include:

1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Biology
4. Chemistry
5. Physics

Many universities prefer one sitting, especially for competitive courses like Nursing, but two sittings are still accepted in most schools.

Also, note:

• Health Science cannot replace Biology
• Further Mathematics is not compulsory
• Civic Education is no longer a core requirement for Nursing

Direct Entry Requirements for Nursing

If you are not entering through JAMB UTME, these are the approved Direct Entry (DE) requirements:

1. A’ Level / IJMB / JUPEB

You must have at least two A-Level passes in:

• Biology/Zoology
• Chemistry
• Physics (sometimes required)

Most universities demand AAB or ABB grades for Nursing.

2. Registered Nurse (RN) / Registered Midwife (RM)

Candidates with RN/RM certificates have an added advantage when applying through Direct Entry.

3. BSc Holders

Some universities accept a first degree in:

• Physiology
• Anatomy
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Public Health

Usually, you need a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1).

Not Accepted for Nursing:

• NCE
• ND
• HND in unrelated fields

JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Nursing (2026/2027)

Although JAMB’s national minimum cut-off mark is 160, Nursing is very competitive, so universities use much higher internal cut-off marks.

Likely Cut-Off Marks Across Nigerian Universities

University Category	Expected Cut-Off
Federal Universities	260 – 300
State Universities	230 – 260
Private Universities	200 – 220

To be safe, aim for 250 and above if you want admission into any federal or top state university.

Post-UTME Subjects for Nursing

After JAMB, most universities test candidates in:

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Physics
4. English Language (sometimes)

Some universities like UNILAG or UI include questions from General Knowledge or Current Affairs.

Universities Offering Nursing in Nigeria

Below is the list of popular universities where you can study Nursing:

Federal Universities

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• University of Ibadan (UI)
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Calabar (UNICAL)
• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• Bayero University Kano (BUK)

State Universities

• Lagos State University (LASU)
• Delta State University (DELSU)
• Benue State University (BSU)
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
• Ekiti State University (EKSU)
• Imo State University (IMSU)
• Kaduna State University (KASU)

Private Universities

• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
• Babcock University
• Bowen University
• Igbinedion University
• Madonna University
• Lead City University
• Newgate University Minna

Private universities generally have lower competition but higher tuition fees.

Is Nursing Competitive in Nigeria?

Yes. Nursing is among the top 5 most competitive courses in Nigeria because:

• Healthcare workers are in high demand
• Nurses are needed globally
• Many students prefer Nursing over Medicine
• Universities have limited admission slots
• The course is highly respected

In some universities, over 10,000 students apply for less than 200 slots.

Common Mistakes Nursing Applicants Make

Avoid these mistakes:

Choosing wrong JAMB subject combination
Using two sittings when the school prefers one
Applying with weak O’level grades
Targeting only highly competitive universities
Poor UTME and post-UTME preparation
Not meeting specific school requirements

Correcting these mistakes improves your chances significantly.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Nursing Admission

Score 250+ in JAMB

This gives you a strong edge over thousands of applicants.

Choose Less Competitive Schools

Instead of UNILAG, UI, or UNN, consider:

• IMSU
• EKSU
• BSU
• ABUAD
• Babcock

Aim for 70–85% in Post-UTME

A high post-UTME score can make up for a lower UTME score.

Use Single Sitting O’Level Result

Many schools give priority to candidates with one sitting.

Start Reading Early

Use recommended textbooks such as:

• Essential Biology
• New School Chemistry
• Modern Physics

Consider Private Universities

If you can afford it, private schools have easier admission.

Career Opportunities for Nurses in Nigeria and Abroad

After graduating and obtaining your license from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), you can work as:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Midwife (RM)
• Theatre Nurse
• Paediatric Nurse
• Emergency & Trauma Nurse
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Community Health Nurse
• Geriatric Nurse
• Perioperative Nurse

Nurses can work in:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• NGOs
• Schools
• Government agencies
• Telemedicine centers
• International organizations (WHO, UN, UNICEF)

Nurses are also in high demand in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery 2026 – Requirements & Admission Guide

Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Nursing is the first step toward securing admission. With Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, along with strong O’level grades and a high post-UTME score, you can confidently pursue your dream of becoming a professional nurse.

Nursing is competitive, but with determination, early preparation, and the right school choice, you can successfully gain admission in the 2026/2027 academic session.