JAMB Subject Combination and Requirements for Law
By JAMB Advisor Editorial · 11 Nov 2026
Law is one of the most sought-after courses in Nigerian universities. It is an arts and social science course, so the subject requirements are different from science courses — and they vary more from school to school. Here is what you need to know.
UTME subject combination
Most universities require:
- Use of English (compulsory)
- Literature in English
- Two other subjects from the arts or social sciences
Commonly accepted subjects for the last two include Government, History, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, Economics, Geography and a Nigerian language. Some universities name specific subjects; for example, a school may require Government or History as one of them.
Literature in English is the subject candidates most often forget. Without it, you cannot be considered for Law at most universities.
O'Level requirements
Typically, five credits including:
- English Language
- Literature in English
- Three other arts or social science subjects
A large number of universities also require a credit in Mathematics for Law. Do not assume it is optional — check your institution's entry in the JAMB brochure. A missing Mathematics credit is a common reason otherwise strong candidates are not admitted.
Some universities accept two sittings for Law; others prefer or require one.
What decides admission
- UTME score. Law cut-offs are usually high, especially at older federal universities.
- Post-UTME / screening score. Most universities combine UTME and screening into an aggregate.
- Admission quotas (merit, catchment area, educationally less developed states) in federal universities.
- Accreditation limits. The Council of Legal Education controls how many students each law faculty can admit, so places are tight.
After your degree
A law degree (LL.B) is the first step. To practise as a lawyer in Nigeria you must then attend the Nigerian Law School and be called to the Bar. Choose a university whose law faculty is accredited — an unaccredited programme can delay your Law School admission.
Back-up courses
The same subjects usually qualify you for:
- Political Science
- International Relations
- History and International Studies
- English and Literary Studies
- Mass Communication
- Public Administration
- Philosophy
These are respected courses in their own right, and some graduates later study law as a second degree.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out Literature in English.
- Not having a credit in Mathematics when the university requires it.
- Choosing only the most competitive universities.
- Choosing a law faculty without checking its accreditation.
Next steps
Confirm your subjects with our subject checker, compare schools in the institutions directory, and always verify requirements in the official JAMB brochure.