As an applicant, choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying is a critical step for gaining admission into Nigerian universities to study this construction-related course. Every year, many students lose admission opportunities simply because they selected the wrong UTME subjects during registration.

Quantity Surveying is a professional programme in the built-environment field that focuses on cost estimation, project budgeting, contract administration, and financial management of construction projects. To qualify for admission, candidates must meet the approved UTME subject combination, O’Level requirements, and institutional criteria set by universities and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

As you read this article, you’ll learn the correct JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying, O’Level subject requirements, Direct Entry conditions, universities offering the course, and practical tips to increase your admission chances for the 2026/2027 academic session.

What Is Quantity Surveying?

Quantity Surveying is a construction and engineering-related discipline concerned with managing project costs, materials, contracts, and financial planning in building and infrastructure development. Professionals in this field ensure that projects are completed within budget while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.

Graduates of Quantity Surveying typically work as:

• Cost consultants

• Construction estimators

• Project managers

• Contract administrators

• Procurement specialists

Because the programme combines mathematics, physics, economics, and construction knowledge, universities require science-based UTME subjects for admission.

JAMB Subject Combination for Quantity Surveying 2026/2027

The approved JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying is:

• English Language (compulsory for all JAMB candidates)

• Mathematics

• Physics

• One of Chemistry, Geography, Economics, Biology, or Technical Drawing

This combination aligns with JAMB brochure guidelines for built-environment and engineering-technology programmes.

Most universities accept Chemistry or Geography as the fourth subject, while some also allow Economics or Biology, depending on the faculty structure.

Recommended best combination:
English + Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry

This combination gives wider acceptance across Nigerian universities.

Why These Subjects Are Required for Quantity Surveying

Understanding why each subject is required helps candidates prepare strategically for UTME.

English Language

English is compulsory in JAMB and essential for communication, report writing, contracts, and documentation in construction projects.

Mathematics

Mathematics is fundamental to Quantity Surveying because professionals calculate costs, measurements, budgets, and material quantities.

Physics

Physics provides knowledge of structural behaviour, materials, forces, and construction principles used in building technology.

Chemistry / Geography / Economics

These optional subjects support construction knowledge:

• Chemistry → material properties (cement, steel, concrete)

• Geography → land use and site analysis

• Economics → cost planning and financial evaluation

O’Level Requirements for Quantity Surveying

To be eligible for admission into Quantity Surveying, candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.

Compulsory O’Level subjects include:

• English Language

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Chemistry or Geography

• One other relevant subject

Relevant additional subjects may include:

• Technical Drawing

• Economics

• Biology

• Further Mathematics

• Building Construction

Candidates must obtain these credits in not more than two sittings in most universities.

Direct Entry Requirements for Quantity Surveying

Candidates applying through Direct Entry (DE) into 200 level Quantity Surveying must meet any of the following:

• Two A-Level passes in Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry

• ND/HND in Quantity Surveying, Building Technology, or Civil Engineering

• NCE in technical or science subjects (merit and above)

Most universities require at least Upper Credit for ND/HND applicants.

Universities Offering Quantity Surveying in Nigeria

Several federal, state, and private universities offer Quantity Surveying programmes in Nigeria.

Examples include:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

• University of Uyo (UNIUYO)

• University of Jos (UNIJOS)

• Kaduna State University (KASU)

These institutions admit candidates who meet UTME and departmental requirements for Quantity Surveying.

JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Quantity Surveying

JAMB has a cut-off mark of 140 for University admission. Although cut-off marks vary by university, typical JAMB cut-off marks for Quantity Surveyingare:

• Federal universities: 200 – 250

• State universities: 180 – 220

• Private universities: 160 – 200

Competitive schools like UNILAG or OAU may require higher aggregate scores due to demand.

Candidates should aim for 220+ in JAMB to improve admission chances.

Can I Study Quantity Surveying Without Physics?

No. Physics is compulsory for Quantity Surveying admission because the course involves construction science and structural principles.

Without Physics in UTME or O’Level, candidates will not meet the faculty of environmental/engineering requirements in most universities.

Can I Use Economics Instead of Chemistry?

Yes. Many universities accept Economics as the fourth UTME subject alongside Mathematics and Physics.

However, Chemistry remains more widely accepted across engineering-related faculties.

Is Quantity Surveying a Competitive Course?

Quantity Surveying is moderately competitive in Nigeria. While not as competitive as Medicine or Law, demand has increased due to:

• Growth in the construction industry

• Infrastructure development

• Real estate expansion

• Demand for cost management professionals

Competition is higher in top federal universities.

Career Opportunities for Quantity Surveying Graduates

Graduates of Quantity Surveying have strong employment prospects in both public and private sectors.

Career paths include:

• Construction companies

• Real estate firms

• Engineering consultancies

• Government works departments

• Oil and gas infrastructure projects

• Project management firms

Professional certification can be obtained from bodies like the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS).

Tips to Gain Admission into Quantity Surveying

Choose the Correct JAMB Combination

Always select Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry/Geography/Economics with English.

Aim for High UTME Score

Score at least 220+ for competitive universities.

Get Strong O’Level Results

Credits in core science subjects improve screening performance.

Prepare for Post-UTME

Many universities combine UTME and Post-UTME for admission ranking.

Check School Requirements

Each university may have slight subject preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying?

English, Mathematics, Physics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Economics, Biology, or Technical Drawing.

Can I study Quantity Surveying without Chemistry?

Yes, if the university accepts Geography or Economics instead.

Is Mathematics compulsory for Quantity Surveying?

Yes. Mathematics is required in both UTME and O’Level.

What is the best JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying?

English + Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry.

What JAMB score is needed for Quantity Surveying?

Most universities require 180–250, depending on competitiveness.

Conclusion

The correct JAMB subject combination for Quantity Surveying is English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Economics, or Biology. Meeting this requirement, alongside five O’Level credits including Mathematics and Physics, is essential for admission into Nigerian universities offering Quantity Surveying.

Because Quantity Surveying is a technical built-environment programme, universities prioritise candidates with strong science and mathematics backgrounds. Choosing the correct UTME subjects, achieving a competitive JAMB score, and performing well in Post-UTME screening significantly improve your admission chances for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Always confirm the latest requirements through the official JAMB brochure and your chosen university portal before registration, since subject combinations may vary slightly across institutions.

If you have questions to ask, please drop them in the comment box. Our team will reply to you immediately.