Nursing is one of the most competitive medical-related courses in Nigeria. That is why choosing the right subjects from the beginning matters.
The correct JAMB subject combination for Nursing in 2026 is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Many students make one common mistake during JAMB registration. They add Mathematics as one of their UTME subjects for Nursing.
That is not the correct combination. Mathematics is needed at O’Level, but it is not part of the JAMB subjects for Nursing or Nursing Science.
For your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB result, you need credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. But for JAMB, your four subjects should be English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
In this guide, you will learn the correct UTME subjects for Nursing, the O’Level requirements, Direct Entry requirements, possible cut-off marks, and how to confirm your eligibility using official sources like the JAMB Brochure, JAMB IBASS, JAMB CAPS, school portals, and NMCN.
You will also see the common mistakes Nursing aspirants should avoid before and after JAMB registration.
What is the correct JAMB subject combination for Nursing in 2026?
The four correct JAMB subjects for Nursing
The correct JAMB subject combination for Nursing in 2026 is:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Use of English is compulsory for every JAMB candidate. It does not matter the course you want to study.
Once you are writing UTME, English must be part of your four subjects.
For Nursing or Nursing Science, the other three subjects must be Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These are the main science subjects needed because Nursing is a medical-related course.
A Nursing student will study topics linked to the human body, drugs, patient care, medical tests, and clinical practice.
So, if you are choosing your JAMB subjects for Nursing 2026, do not replace Physics with Mathematics. Do not replace Biology with or Chemistry with any other subject.
Your UTME subject combination for Nursing should remain English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
That is the safest subject combination for Nursing.
Many students lose admission chances because they choose a wrong subject combination during JAMB registration.
For example, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics may look like a good science combination, but it is not the correct JAMB subject combination for Nursing Science.
Mathematics is important for Nursing admission, but it belongs to your O’Level result, not your UTME combination. That means you need Mathematics in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, but not as one of your four JAMB subjects for Nursing.
Is Mathematics required for Nursing in JAMB?
Mathematics in JAMB vs Mathematics at O’Level
No, Mathematics is not required as one of the JAMB subjects for Nursing.
For JAMB, the correct subjects are Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Mathematics should not replace any of these subjects in your UTME combination.
But this does not mean Mathematics is useless for Nursing admission. You still need Mathematics in your O’Level result.
That means your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB result should include credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
This is where many students get confused. They hear that Mathematics is required for Nursing, so they add it to their JAMB subjects. That is a mistake.
For Nursing Science, Mathematics is part of the O’Level requirements, not the UTME subject combination.
Is Physics compulsory for Nursing Science?
Why Physics is required for Nursing
Yes, Physics is compulsory for Nursing Science in JAMB.
For Nursing, the correct UTME subjects are still Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. You should not remove Physics from your JAMB subject combination.
Physics helps students understand some parts of medical sciences. As a Nursing student, you will meet topics linked to pressure, fluids, energy, heat, light, electricity, and basic medical equipment.
For example, Nurses work around things like thermometers, blood pressure machines, oxygen equipment, monitors, and other clinical tools. You may not study Physics the same way an Engineering student does, but you still need the basic science behind patient monitoring and clinical practice.
So, if you are asking, “Is Physics compulsory for Nursing Science?” the answer is yes. For JAMB, Physics should be part of your Nursing subject combination.
Can Agricultural Science or Health Science replace Physics?
No, Agricultural Science should not replace Physics for Nursing in JAMB.
No, Health Science should not replace Biology either.
The correct JAMB subjects for Nursing are:
| Correct subject | Can it be replaced? |
|---|---|
| Use of English | No |
| Biology | No |
| Chemistry | No |
| Physics | No |
Some students ask if they can use Agricultural Science because it is also a science subject. That is risky. Agricultural Science is not the same as Physics for Nursing admission.
Some students also ask if Health Science can replace Biology. It should not. Biology is one of the main subjects for Nursing and Nursing Science.
For O’Level or Direct Entry, some schools may have special remarks or waivers. This is why you should check the JAMB Brochure, JAMB IBASS, and your target school’s admission portal. But for UTME, the safe Nursing Science JAMB subject combination remains English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and O’Level requirements for Nursing
Five compulsory O’Level subjects for Nursing
For Nursing Science admission, your O’Level result is as important as your JAMB subjects.
Most universities require credit passes in these five subjects:
| O’Level subject | Needed for Nursing? |
|---|---|
| English Language | Yes |
| Mathematics | Yes |
| Biology | Yes |
| Chemistry | Yes |
| Physics | Yes |
These subjects can be from WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or another accepted SSCE result.
A credit pass usually means C6 or above. If you have D7, E8, or F9 in any required subject, it may affect your admission, especially in competitive universities.
This is where Mathematics comes in. Mathematics is not part of your JAMB subjects for Nursing, but it is part of your O’Level requirements.
So your UTME subjects are:
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Your O’Level subjects should include:
English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Many students mix the two up. Try not to make that mistake.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO for Nursing?
Some schools may accept two sittings for Nursing. Some may not.
This means you may be allowed to combine WAEC and NECO, or WAEC and NABTEB, depending on the school. But Nursing is competitive, so some universities may prefer one sitting or ask for stricter requirements.
For example, one school may accept two sittings. Another school may ask for the five required subjects in one sitting. That is why you should not depend on guesswork.
Before choosing a university, check:
| What to check | Where to confirm |
|---|---|
| One sitting or two sittings | School admission portal |
| Subject requirements | JAMB Brochure or JAMB IBASS |
| Nursing accreditation | NMCN approved schools list |
| Post-UTME rules | School Post-UTME portal |
If your O’Level result is not complete in one sitting, do not panic. First, check whether your target school accepts two sittings for Nursing Science.
Direct Entry requirements for Nursing Science
Direct Entry routes for Nursing
Direct Entry is for candidates who want to enter Nursing Science without starting through the normal 100-level UTME route.
The requirements can differ from one university to another. Still, some common Direct Entry qualifications for Nursing may include:
| Direct Entry route | What it means |
|---|---|
| A-Level | Advanced Level passes in relevant science subjects |
| IJMB | Interim Joint Matriculation Board result |
| JUPEB | Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board result |
| RN certificate | Registered Nurse certificate |
| RM certificate | Registered Midwife certificate |
| Health-related degree | Accepted only where the university allows it |
Some universities may accept RN or RM holders. Some may ask for A-Level, IJMB, or JUPEB passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Some may not accept certain qualifications for Nursing Science.
So, if you want to apply through Direct Entry, do not use another school’s requirement to judge your own school. Check the exact Nursing Science Direct Entry requirement for your chosen university.
School-specific Direct Entry differences
Direct Entry requirements are not the same in all universities.
One university may accept RN or RM. Another university may require A-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Another school may have limited Direct Entry spaces for Nursing Science.
This is why Nursing subject waiver remarks matter.
A waiver is a special condition a school gives for admission. It may explain what the school accepts, what it rejects, or what extra requirement a candidate must meet.
The safest way to confirm school-specific Direct Entry requirements is to check:
- JAMB Brochure
- JAMB IBASS eligibility checker
- The university admission portal
- The department or faculty admission page, if available
Do not rely only on social media comments. Many admission mistakes start from wrong advice in WhatsApp groups and Facebook comment sections.
How to check Nursing requirements on JAMB IBASS
What is JAMB IBASS?
JAMB IBASS means Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System.
It is a JAMB platform that helps candidates check course requirements, subject combinations, and admission eligibility. For a course like Nursing Science, this can save you from choosing the wrong subjects.
The JAMB IBASS eligibility checker is useful because it helps you compare your course, school, O’Level subjects, and UTME subjects.
This is better than guessing.
If you want to study Nursing, you can use IBASS to confirm whether your subject combination and result match the course requirement for your chosen school.
Step-by-step: how to use the eligibility checker
Here is a simple way to use the JAMB IBASS eligibility checker:
- Visit the JAMB IBASS eligibility checker.
- Select your entry mode. Choose UTME or Direct Entry.
- Select your institution type or category.
- Choose your preferred institution.
- Select your programme. In this case, choose Nursing or Nursing Science.
- Enter your O’Level subjects and grades.
- Enter your A-Level, IJMB, JUPEB, RN, or other details if you are using Direct Entry.
- Select your UTME subjects.
- Check your eligibility result.
For Nursing, your UTME subjects should be Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
If the platform shows that you are not eligible, do not ignore it. Check what is wrong. It may be your O’Level subject, your UTME subject, your grade, your entry mode, or the school’s special requirement.
JAMB CAPS and O’Level upload for Nursing admission
Why CAPS matters for Nursing aspirants
JAMB CAPS is the Central Admissions Processing System.
It is used for admission processing. This is where candidates check admission status, accept admission, or reject admission.
If you are applying for Nursing, you should not ignore JAMB CAPS after writing UTME and Post-UTME. Nursing is competitive, and small mistakes can delay or block admission.
CAPS helps you monitor what is happening with your admission. If a school offers you admission, you will usually need to accept it on CAPS.
You should also make sure your O’Level result is properly uploaded. A candidate can pass JAMB and Post-UTME but still have issues if the O’Level result is missing on CAPS.
O’Level upload mistakes to avoid
Your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB result must be uploaded correctly on JAMB CAPS.
Do not assume it is uploaded because you used the result during registration. Confirm it.
Common mistakes include:
| Mistake | Why it is a problem |
|---|---|
| O’Level result not uploaded | The school may not process your admission |
| Wrong subject grades | It can affect your eligibility |
| Missing subjects | Required subjects may not appear |
| Awaiting result not updated | Your result may still show as incomplete |
| Wrong exam number or year | It can cause verification problems |
If your result was not ready during JAMB registration, you may have used awaiting result. Once your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB result is out, upload it through the proper JAMB process.
If you are not sure what to do, visit an accredited JAMB CBT centre. Avoid people who promise shortcuts.
JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing in 2026
General cut-off vs departmental cut-off
There is no single JAMB cut-off mark for Nursing in all universities.
This is something many candidates misunderstand.
JAMB may announce a general minimum benchmark for admission each year. But that does not mean every course in every school will use that exact score.
Nursing is a competitive course. In many schools, the departmental cut-off mark for Nursing can be higher than the general JAMB minimum.
For example, a school may allow candidates with a certain score to apply for Post-UTME. But the Nursing department may later use a higher score because many strong candidates applied.
So when someone asks, “Is 180 enough for Nursing?” the honest answer is: it depends on the school, the year, the number of applicants, your Post-UTME score, your O’Level result, and the school’s admission policy.
A better approach is to aim high. Nursing is not a course where you should target the lowest possible score.
Federal, state and private universities
Federal, state, and private universities may use different cut-off marks for Nursing Science.
Federal universities often receive many applications. State universities can also be very competitive, especially for medical-related courses. Private universities may have different admission processes, but that does not mean admission is automatic.
You still need the right subject combination, correct O’Level result, and the school’s required score.
Before applying, check:
| Institution type | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Federal university | Departmental cut-off mark and Post-UTME rules |
| State university | Catchment policy, cut-off mark, and admission rules |
| Private university | Approved Nursing status, fees, and entry requirements |
Do not choose a school only because someone said Nursing is easier there. First confirm that the Nursing programme is approved, active, and suitable for your result.
Universities that offer Nursing Science in Nigeria
Why accreditation matters
Before choosing any Nursing school or university, check accreditation.
Nursing is a professional course. You do not want to spend years in a programme that has admission problems, quota issues, or approval issues.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is one of the official bodies to check when confirming approved Nursing schools and departments.
You may see terms like:
| Accreditation term | Simple meaning |
|---|---|
| Full accreditation | The programme has full approval for that period |
| Provisional accreditation | The programme has temporary or limited approval |
| Embargo | The programme may have restrictions on admission or training |
Do not ignore these terms. They can affect students.
Before you choose a Nursing programme, check the NMCN approved schools list and also confirm from the school portal. If you are applying through JAMB, you should also check the JAMB Brochure or JAMB IBASS.
Examples of universities to check
Some universities in Nigeria are known for offering Nursing or Nursing Science. Examples students often search for include:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- University of Nigeria Nsukka
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Benin
- University of Ilorin
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Afe Babalola University
- Babcock University
This list is only a starting point. Do not treat it as final admission advice.
Before applying, confirm that the school is offering Nursing for the current admission year. Also check the subject combination, O’Level policy, cut-off mark, Post-UTME process, school fees, and accreditation status.
Nursing vs Nursing Science vs School of Nursing
University Nursing/Nursing Science
In many Nigerian universities, the course is called Nursing Science. Some people also call it Nursing.
University Nursing usually leads to a degree such as BSc Nursing or BNSc Nursing, depending on the school’s naming system.
If you want university Nursing, you will usually apply through JAMB UTME or Direct Entry. For UTME, the subject combination is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
University Nursing may also require Post-UTME or screening after JAMB. The school will decide the exact process for that admission year.
So, if you are applying to a university, do not only search “School of Nursing form.” Check whether the programme is a university degree programme and whether JAMB is required.
School or College of Nursing
A School or College of Nursing may not work exactly like a university Nursing degree programme.
Some hospital-based Schools or Colleges of Nursing have their own forms, entrance exams, interviews, and admission rules. Some may also require JAMB, depending on the current policy and the type of institution.
This is why students must be careful.
University Nursing and School of Nursing are not always the same route. The certificate, entry process, duration, and admission requirements may differ.
Before buying any form, confirm from:
The school’s official portal
JAMB, where needed
NMCN approved schools list
The school admission office
Do not pay money to random agents because they claim they can help you enter Nursing. Nursing admission should follow the official process.
Common wrong JAMB subject combinations for Nursing
Wrong combinations to avoid
Many Nursing aspirants make mistakes because they choose subjects that look scientific but do not match Nursing.
Here are some wrong JAMB subject combinations for Nursing:
| Wrong combination | What is wrong? |
|---|---|
| English, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics | Physics is missing |
| English, Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science | Physics is missing |
| English, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics | Biology is missing |
| English, Biology, Health Science, Chemistry | Physics is missing, and Health Science should not replace Biology |
| English with arts or social science subjects | Not suitable for Nursing Science |
The best subject combination for Nursing aspirants remains English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
If you are still registering, check your subjects again before submitting. A wrong subject combination can affect your admission even if your JAMB score is good.
What to do if you already chose the wrong subjects
If you already chose the wrong JAMB subjects, do not rush to pay anyone who promises quick help.
First, check JAMB’s current correction or change options. Then visit an accredited JAMB CBT centre or use official JAMB support channels.
Depending on the stage of the admission process, you may need to:
| Situation | Possible action |
|---|---|
| Wrong subject combination before exam | Check if correction is still allowed |
| Wrong course choice | Check JAMB change of course option |
| Subject combination cannot fit Nursing | Consider a related course that matches your subjects |
| Confused about eligibility | Use JAMB IBASS eligibility checker |
Do not use fake agents. Do not buy fake admission. Do not change your course based on rumours.
If Nursing is your target, your subject combination should match Nursing from the beginning.
Final checklist before registering JAMB for Nursing
Nursing aspirant registration checklist
Before you submit your JAMB registration for Nursing, check everything carefully.
Use this simple checklist:
| What to check | Correct requirement |
|---|---|
| Course name | Nursing or Nursing Science |
| JAMB subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| O’Level subjects | English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Result sitting | Confirm if your school accepts one or two sittings |
| School requirement | Check JAMB Brochure, IBASS, and school portal |
| Accreditation | Confirm from NMCN and school portal |
| CAPS upload | Upload your O’Level result correctly |
| Post-UTME | Prepare for screening or Post-UTME if required |
This checklist can save you from avoidable admission problems.
From guiding admission seekers, one common problem is that students focus only on JAMB score. Score matters, but it is not the only thing.
Your subject combination, O’Level result, school requirement, CAPS upload, and Post-UTME performance also matter.
FAQ
What is the JAMB subject combination for Nursing in 2026?
The correct JAMB subject combination for Nursing in 2026 is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Is Mathematics required for Nursing in JAMB?
No. Mathematics is not one of the JAMB subjects for Nursing. You need Mathematics in your O’Level result, not in your UTME combination.
Is Physics compulsory for Nursing Science?
Yes. Physics is part of the correct Nursing Science JAMB subject combination.
Can I study Nursing without Biology?
No. Biology is required for Nursing in JAMB and at O’Level.
Can I study Nursing without Chemistry?
No. Chemistry is required for Nursing and Nursing Science.
Can Health Science replace Biology for Nursing?
No. Health Science should not replace Biology in your JAMB subject combination for Nursing.
Can Agricultural Science replace Physics for Nursing?
No. Agricultural Science should not replace Physics for Nursing in JAMB.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO for Nursing?
Some schools may accept two sittings, but some may prefer or require one sitting. Check your target school’s admission portal and the JAMB Brochure before applying.
What O’Level subjects are required for Nursing?
The common O’Level subjects for Nursing are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. You need credit passes in these subjects.
What is the Direct Entry requirement for Nursing Science?
Direct Entry requirements may include A-Level, IJMB, JUPEB, RN, RM, or other accepted qualifications. The exact requirement depends on the university.
What is the cut-off mark for Nursing in 2026?
There is no single cut-off mark for Nursing in all schools. Nursing is competitive, so check your chosen school’s departmental cut-off mark and aim for a strong score.
How can I check if I am eligible for Nursing?
You can use the JAMB IBASS eligibility checker. Enter your school, course, O’Level subjects, Direct Entry details if needed, and UTME subjects to check your eligibility.
