JAMB Subject Combination for Physiotherapy | Requirements & UTME Guide

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Physiotherapy is one of the fastest-growing and most respected health-related courses in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of students apply for admission into universities offering Physiotherapy because the profession provides excellent career opportunities, job security, and global relevance.
However, before securing admission, the first requirement is choosing the correct JAMB subject combination. Many students lose admission simply because they choose the wrong subjects during UTME registration.
This article gives you a complete, well-explained, and updated guide on the JAMB subject combination for Physiotherapy, the O’level requirements, best universities offering the course, cut-off marks, and everything you need to know to gain admission successfully.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, also called Physical Therapy, is a medical science that helps people restore movement, improve function, manage physical disabilities, and recover from injuries or illnesses. Physiotherapists work with patients who have conditions related to bones, muscles, nerves, the heart, and lungs.
A Physiotherapist helps people:
- Recover from accidents
- Regain mobility
- Manage chronic pain
- Recover after surgeries
- Improve sports performance
- Restore movement in stroke patients
It is a practical, hands-on medical field, meaning students must be prepared for both theory and clinical practice.
Is Physiotherapy a Good Course in Nigeria?
Absolutely YES.
Physiotherapy is one of the most demanded health courses globally. In Nigeria, the field is gaining massive attention because of the rise in sports medicine, accident-related cases, and the need for rehabilitation experts.
Reasons Physiotherapy is a great course:
- High employability in hospitals and private clinics
- Opportunities to work abroad (UK, Canada, USA, Australia)
- High salary packages
- Ability to work independently (private practice)
If you are interested in health sciences but do not want full surgical responsibilities like doctors, Physiotherapy is an excellent alternative.
JAMB Subject Combination for Physiotherapy
To study Physiotherapy in any accredited Nigerian university, JAMB requires you to choose the following four subjects:
1. Use of English (Compulsory)
This is mandatory for all JAMB candidates.
2. Biology
Because Physiotherapy is a life science course, Biology is the most essential subject.
3. Physics
Important for understanding body mechanics, movement science, and rehabilitation.
4. Chemistry
Chemistry is required because the course involves human chemistry, physiology, and biochemical processes.
Summary: JAMB Subject Combination for Physiotherapy
- Use of English
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
This combination is the only correct one accepted by all Nigerian universities offering Physiotherapy.
O’Level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) Requirements for Physiotherapy
To qualify for admission, candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:
Compulsory O’Level Subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
These must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
Additional recommended subjects include:
- Health Science
- Further Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Agricultural Science
But these are optional.
Direct Entry Requirements for Physiotherapy
Candidates seeking 200-level admission through Direct Entry must have one of the following:
Acceptable Qualifications
- A-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- ND, HND, or B.Sc. in related fields such as:
- Biology
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Medical Laboratory Science
- NCE with good grades in relevant science subjects
Some universities may also require:
- A minimum of Upper Credit for ND/HND candidates
- Transcript from previous school
Best Universities Offering Physiotherapy in Nigeria
These institutions have accredited Physiotherapy departments:
Top Federal Universities
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
Private Universities
- Bowen University
- Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
- Babcock University
These universities provide strong clinical training through teaching hospitals and medical centres.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is competitive, so the cut-off mark is higher than many science courses.
General JAMB Cut-Off Mark:
180 – 200
Top Universities Cut-Off Mark:
- UNILAG → 220 – 250
- UI → 240 – 260
- UNN → 230 – 250
- OAU → 220 – 250
- LASU → 210 – 230
To increase your chances, aim for 250+ in JAMB.
Post-UTME Screening Requirements
Each university may conduct one or more of the following:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- O’level grading
- Written exams
- Oral interview
- Screening of credentials
Common Post-UTME subjects include:
- English
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
To stand out, ensure your O’Level results are strong, especially in the three core sciences.
Career Opportunities for Physiotherapy Graduates
A degree in Physiotherapy opens doors to several high-paying career paths.
Where Physiotherapists Work
- Teaching hospitals
- Federal and state general hospitals
- Sports clubs and fitness centres
- Private clinics
- Rehabilitation centres
- Military hospitals
- International NGOs
- Corporate wellness programs
High-Demand Specializations
- Orthopedic Physiotherapy
- Neurological Physiotherapy
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Pediatric Physiotherapy
- Geriatric Physiotherapy
- Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
- Occupational Health
International Opportunities
Physiotherapists are in high demand in countries like:
- Canada
- USA
- UK
- Australia
- Germany
- UAE
Many Nigerian graduates secure direct employment abroad after meeting licensing requirements.
Tips to Gain Admission for Physiotherapy Easily
1. Choose the Correct Subjects
Avoid mistakes in your JAMB combination and O’level subjects.
2. Score Above 250 in JAMB
Because the course is highly competitive.
3. Get Good Grades in WAEC/NECO
Aim for A or B in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
4. Perform Well in Post-UTME
Most universities use your Post-UTME score heavily.
5. Apply to Less Competitive Schools
If your score is not very high, consider applying to:
- UNIMAID
- RSU
- KASU
- BUK
6. Prepare Early
Study JAMB past questions regularly.
7. Consider Direct Entry
If you already have an ND, HND, or previous degree.
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Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Physiotherapy is the first and most important step toward gaining admission to study the course in Nigeria. The right subjects include English, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, backed with strong O’level results.
Physiotherapy remains one of the most rewarding and globally recognized health courses. With the right preparation, you can secure admission and build a successful career in this fast-growing field.