The Official JAMB Subject Combination for Computer Science (And The “Chemistry Trap” Most Students Miss)

The Official JAMB Subject Combination for Computer Science (And The “Chemistry Trap” Most Students Miss)

Every year, I see brilliant students score above 280 in their JAMB exams, only to lose their admission to study Computer Science because of a single subject choice error. The rules for university admission in Nigeria are strict, and the system does not forgive ignorance. Let’s get your subject combination right the first time.

What is the exact JAMB subject combination for Computer Science?

To study Computer Science in any Nigerian university, your JAMB UTME subject combination must include Use of English, Mathematics, and Physics. The fourth subject should ideally be Chemistry. While some schools accept Biology, Economics, or Geography, choosing Chemistry keeps your admission options wide open across all institutions.

When you walk into an accredited CBT center to register, you will be asked to pick four subjects. Here is exactly what you should tell them:

1. Use of English: (Compulsory for every single course).

2. Mathematics: (The core foundation of computing).

3. Physics: (Required for hardware and electronics components).

4. Chemistry: (The safest fourth option for top-tier schools).

Is Mathematics compulsory for studying Computer Science?

Yes, Mathematics is absolutely compulsory for studying Computer Science in Nigeria. You cannot substitute it or skip it in your JAMB registration. The core foundation of computing relies heavily on algorithms and logic, which is why universities strictly demand a strong performance in Mathematics for all applicants.

I always tell my students that Computer Science is basically applied mathematics. If you try to run away from Math during your JAMB registration, you are running away from the degree entirely.

Can I substitute Chemistry with Economics or Biology?

You can substitute Chemistry with Economics or Biology only for a few specific universities. However, I strongly advise against this. Most top-tier federal and state universities explicitly require Chemistry. Skipping Chemistry severely limits your choices and might disqualify you during the post-UTME screening phase.

This is what I call the “Chemistry Trap.” The official JAMB brochure states that you can pick Biology, Agric, or Economics as your fourth subject. Because Chemistry is tough, many students pick Agric Science to boost their overall score. What they don’t realize is that highly competitive schools like UNILAG, OAU, and UI usually enforce a strict English-Math-Physics-Chemistry policy. By choosing the easy route, you might accidentally lock yourself out of your dream school.

What are the O’Level (WAEC/NECO) requirements that match this JAMB combination?

Your JAMB combination must perfectly align with your O’Level results. You need a minimum of five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. These five credits must include English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one other science subject. A mismatch here will automatically disqualify your admission.

Your O’Level result is your foundational ticket. Think of your JAMB combination as a mirror reflecting your WAEC or NECO results. Here is how they should align:

Requirement Type	Compulsory Subjects Needed	Optional/Elective Subjects
O’Level (WAEC/NECO)	English, Math, Physics, Chemistry	Biology, Data Processing, Further Math, ICT
JAMB UTME	English, Math, Physics	Chemistry (Highly Recommended)

How does your O’Level result affect your JAMB screening?

Admission officers cross-check your JAMB subjects against your O’Level certificate during the screening process. If you write Physics and Chemistry in JAMB but lack credits for them in your WAEC or NECO, the university portal will automatically reject your application, regardless of how high your JAMB score is.

I have seen countless students cry at the admissions office because of this. You cannot use an A1 in Economics to cover up a D7 in Physics if you are applying for a hardcore science course.

Which Nigerian universities are best for Computer Science and what do they demand?

The top institutions for Computer Science include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA). These elite schools rigidly demand English, Math, Physics, and Chemistry. They do not accept commercial or arts subjects as substitutes for their science requirements.

If you are targeting federal universities, your preparation needs to be elite. These schools are flooded with thousands of applicants for a department that might only have space for 150 students.

Are there universities that accept Computer Science without Physics?

No accredited Nigerian university accepts students for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science without Physics. Physics is fundamental to understanding hardware architecture and electronics. If you struggle with Physics, you might need to consider related IT diploma programs or different courses entirely, as degree programs mandate it.

Here is a reality check I give all my prospective tech students: your JAMB scores in Math and Physics are the biggest predictors of whether you will survive your first year on campus. Year-one Computer Science is heavy on calculus, mechanics, and electricity.

How can I score above 250 in these core science subjects?

 

Scoring above 250 requires early preparation using the official JAMB syllabus and past questions. Focus heavily on mastering calculation-based topics in Mathematics and Physics. Create a daily study timetable, practice using Computer-Based Test simulators to build speed, and understand the core principles rather than just memorizing formulas.

To build an unfair advantage before exam day, follow my three-step strategy:

• Study the Syllabus, Not the Textbook: JAMB doesn’t test everything in your secondary school textbooks. They test what is explicitly listed in their syllabus. Download it and treat it as your checklist.

• Time Your Calculations: You have roughly 45 seconds per question in the CBT hall. When practicing Math and Physics at home, use a stopwatch. If a calculation takes you three minutes, you are already failing the time-management test.

• Master the “Sweet Spots”: In Physics, topics like Optics, Waves, and Mechanics repeat every single year. Master them completely.