The Ultimate Guide to JAMB Subject Combination for Political Science

I have spent years in the classroom helping students navigate the often-confusing waters of Nigerian university admissions. I’ve seen brilliant students lose their admission simply because they ticked the wrong box during registration. Getting your jamb subject combination for political science right is the most critical step in your journey to becoming a political scientist, diplomat, or administrator.

What is the correct JAMB subject combination for political science?

To study Political Science, you must sit for English Language (compulsory), Government or History, and two other Social Science or Arts subjects. Most competitive universities prefer a combination that includes Economics, Literature-in-English, Christian Religious Studies (CRS), or Geography to ensure a well-rounded academic profile.

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What O’Level subjects do I need for Political Science?

Before you even think about the UTME, your foundation must be solid. In my experience, universities are very strict about O’Level results. You need at least five credits in your WAEC, NECO, or GCE in not more than two sittings.

Mandatory Credits:

• English Language: Essential for communication and research.

• Mathematics: A basic credit is required by almost all institutions.

• Government or History: This is your core departmental subject.

• Two other subjects: Usually from Economics, Commerce, Literature, or CRK/IRK.

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Can I substitute Government with History in my JAMB combination?

Are you wondering if you can use History instead of Government? The answer is yes, for most universities. In fact, many prestigious institutions view History as a very strong alternative because it provides the deep analytical context needed for political theory. However, if you have both, I usually advise my students to pick the one they performed better in during their mock exams.

The “Literature” Trap in Political Science

Some students are surprised to find that certain top-tier universities, like the University of Lagos (UNILAG) or the University of Ibadan (UI), may have specific “special waivers” or additional requirements. For instance, some may highly encourage or even require Literature-in-English.

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How do I choose the 4th subject for my jamb subject combination for political science?

Choosing that final subject can be stressful. I always tell my students: “Play to your strengths.” If you are good at calculations, pick Economics. If you prefer reading and analysis, Literature-in-English is a fantastic choice that looks great on an academic transcript.

Expert Insight: Did you know that picking Geography as your fourth subject can actually help you if you later decide to switch to International Relations? It shows you understand the physical borders behind the political ones.

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What are the most common mistakes students make?

I’ve seen it all—from students forgetting to register for Mathematics to those picking three science subjects for an Arts course.

1. Omitting Government/History: You cannot study politics without a foundation in it.

2. Ignoring Mathematics: Even if you hate numbers, you must have that O’Level credit.

3. Wrong Faculty: Ensure you know if your school puts Political Science under Arts or Social Sciences, as this changes the elective subjects they prefer.

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How to prepare for high scores in these subjects?

Knowing the subjects is only half the battle; you need to dominate them.

• Use the Syllabus: JAMB provides a specific syllabus for each subject. Stick to it.

• Past Questions: Solve at least ten years of past questions to understand the pattern of the examiners.

• Read the Novel: Don’t lose easy marks in the Use of English section by ignoring the recommended JAMB novel