JAMB Subject Combination for Statistics

JAMB subject combination for Statistics, Statistics admission requirements, subjects for Statistics in JAMB, WAEC requirements for Statistics, Universities offering Statistics, Direct Entry for Statistics, UTME guide for Statistics.

Statistics is one of the most important courses in today’s data-driven world. From business decision-making to scientific research, medicine, engineering, agriculture, economics, and government planning, statistics plays a central role. As the demand for data analysts, statisticians, and research experts continues to rise globally, many Nigerian students are now choosing Statistics as their preferred course of study at the university or polytechnic.

If you are interested in studying Statistics in Nigeria, one of the first things you must understand before applying is the correct JAMB subject combination for Statistics, along with the O’level requirements, direct entry requirements, cut-off marks, and the list of schools that offer the course.

Choosing the wrong subject combination is one of the major reasons candidates get denied admission every year. To avoid this, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about applying for Statistics in the academic session.

What is Statistics as a Course? (Brief Overview)

Statistics is the science of collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. It helps researchers understand trends, make predictions, and solve real-world problems using mathematical models and data-driven methods.

Students who study Statistics learn topics such as:

Probability theory
Statistical inference
Applied mathematics
Data analysis
Regression and correlation
Statistical modelling
Demography
Experimental design
Time series analysis
Computer programming for statistics

With these skills, graduates can work in financial institutions, tech companies, research institutes, government establishments, insurance companies, health organizations, and academic institutions.

The officially approved JAMB subject combination for Statistics is:

Mathematics (Compulsory)
Physics
Any one (1) of Chemistry, Economics, Biology, Geography, or Agricultural Science

Why These Subjects?

Mathematics: Statistics is built on mathematical principles, probability, and numerical reasoning.
Physics: Required because some universities treat Statistics as a physical science course.
Chemistry/Economics/Biology: Universities allow flexibility depending on the department (science, management, or environmental).

To avoid mistakes, candidates must confirm their school’s requirement, but the combination above is the universal standard accepted by most Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

O’level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) Requirements for Statistics

To study Statistics, candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:

Mathematics (Compulsory)
English Language
Physics
Chemistry
Any one of Biology, Economics, Geography, or Further Mathematics

Important Notes

The credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
Some universities accept Further Mathematics, but it is not compulsory.
Economics is accepted, especially in schools that place Statistics under the Faculty of Management Sciences.

Direct Entry Requirements for Statistics

Candidates applying through Direct Entry (DE) must meet:

A minimum of Upper Credit in ND/NCE in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or related courses.
OR two (2) A-Level passes in Mathematics and any of Physics/Chemistry/Economics.
Schools may require O’level credits in English, Mathematics, and Physics.

Direct Entry applicants usually gain admission into 200 Level, depending on the institution.

Cut-off Mark for Statistics

Although JAMB announces a general cut-off mark yearly, most universities set their own departmental cut-off marks.

Typically, the JAMB cut-off mark for Statistics is:

160 – 180 for state universities
180 – 200 for federal universities
130 – 150 for polytechnics and colleges of technology

Competitive schools like UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN, and OAU may set higher cut-off marks during screening.

List of Universities Offering Statistics in Nigeria

Here are some accredited universities that offer Statistics:

Federal Universities

University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Ibadan (UI)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Bayero University Kano (BUK)

State Universities

Lagos State University (LASU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Rivers State University (RSU)
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
Kwara State University (KWASU)
Delta State University (DELSU)
Nasarawa State University (NSUK)

Polytechnics Offering Statistics

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
Federal Polytechnic Nekede
Federal Polytechnic Ede
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic
Lagos State Polytechnic

Each school may have slight variations in admission requirements, so candidates should confirm specific requirements through the institution’s admission portal.

Is Statistics a Good Course to Study in Nigeria?

YES — Statistics is one of the fastest-growing fields in Nigeria and worldwide. The digital age relies heavily on data science, analytics, research, forecasting, and business intelligence.
Major industries actively hire statisticians, including:

Banking and Finance
Telecommunications
Oil and Gas
Technology and IT Firms
Insurance Companies
Research Institutes
Health Organizations (WHO, NCDC, UNICEF, etc.)
Higher Institutions (as lecturers and analysts)

Because data is now the new “oil,” the demand for statisticians is higher than ever.

Skills You Will Learn While Studying Statistics

Studying Statistics equips students with highly marketable skills such as:

Data analysis and interpretation
Computer programming (Python, R, SQL, MATLAB)
Problem-solving and logical reasoning
Predictive modelling
Research methods
Statistical software usage (SPSS, SAS, STATA, Excel)
Probability and risk analysis

These skills are essential and highly sought after globally.

Career Opportunities for Statistics Graduates

After obtaining a degree or diploma in Statistics, graduates can work in many fields, such as:

Data Analyst
Statistician
Research Officer
Economist
Market Analyst
Biostatistician
Actuarial Assistant
Bank Officer
Quality Control Analyst
Risk Management Officer
Data Scientist (with additional training)**

With extra qualifications like a Masters or professional certifications, graduates can earn high salaries in the banking, insurance, and tech industries.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make When Choosing JAMB Subjects for Statistics

Many applicants make avoidable errors that cost them admission. Below are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Choosing the wrong subject combination

This is the biggest mistake. Using subjects not accepted by the school automatically leads to disqualification.

2. Ignoring the specific school requirements

Some institutions want Physics, while others accept Economics.
Always check your school’s brochure.

3. Not including Mathematics

Mathematics is non-negotiable for Statistics. Without it, your application is rejected instantly.

4. Relying only on JAMB score

Many schools use Post-UTME or screening points. Prepare well for all stages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the compulsory JAMB subject for Statistics?

Mathematics is compulsory.

2. Can I study Statistics without Physics?

Most universities require Physics, but some accept Economics instead.

3. Is Statistics a science course?

Yes. Statistics is classified under Science, but some schools place it under Management Science.

4. What is the best university to study Statistics in Nigeria?

UNILAG, UI, UNN, UNIBEN, ABU, FUTA, and UNILORIN are among the best.

5. Can I study Statistics with a JAMB score of 150?

Yes, but mostly in polytechnics and some state universities.

Understanding the correct JAMB subject combination for Statistics is the first and most important step toward securing admission for the academic session. With the rising importance of data analytics in every industry, Statistics remains one of the most relevant and employable courses in Nigeria today.

Make sure you meet the O’level requirements, choose the right JAMB subjects, and apply early to increase your chances of being admitted into your preferred institution.

If you follow this guide carefully, gaining admission to study Statistics becomes much easier.

JAMB Subject Combination for Statistics | Full Requirements & UTME Guide

What is Statistics as a Course? (Brief Overview)