If you plan to study Library and Information Science in a Nigerian university, one of the most important admission requirements is selecting the approved JAMB subject combination for Library and Information Science before registering. Conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Your JAMB subject combination determines whether you qualify for admission into your chosen course. Many candidates lose admission opportunities simply because they chose the wrong UTME subjects. To avoid this mistake, you must understand the approved JAMB subject combination for Library and Information Science before registering.
For Library and Information Science, the Use of English is compulsory for all candidates. The remaining three subjects depend on general and institution-specific requirements.
What is the Correct JAMB Subject Combination for Library and Information Science?
The general JAMB subject combination accepted by most Nigerian universities for Library and Information Science is:
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Use of English (compulsory)
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Any three subjects from Arts, Social Sciences, or Sciences
This means the course is flexible and can accept students from both science and arts backgrounds. Common acceptable combinations include:
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English, Government, Literature in English, Economics
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English, CRS/IRS, Government, Geography
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English, Biology, Chemistry, Economics
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English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
This flexibility makes Library and Information Science accessible to many UTME candidates across different secondary school subject streams.
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Specific Institutional Requirements
Although the general requirement is broad, some universities specify particular subjects. Examples include:
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN): Mathematics, Physics, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Economics, or Geography
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Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU): Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or Biology
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Rivers State University (RSU): English Language, Literature in English, Christian Religious Studies, and Government
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Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED): Any three subjects
Because of these variations, candidates should always confirm the exact subject combination for their chosen university before registration. This prevents costly mistakes during admission screening.
O’Level Requirements for Library and Information Science
In addition to the UTME subject combination, candidates must also meet the O’Level requirements. These are the WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB subjects needed for admission.
General Requirement
Candidates must have at least five credit passes, including:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Three other relevant subjects from the Arts, Sciences, or Social Sciences
Relevant subjects may include:
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Government
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Literature in English
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Economics
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Geography
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Biology
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Chemistry
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CRS/IRS
The five credits can be obtained in one or two sittings, depending on university policy.
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Specific Institutional Requirements
Some universities have stricter O’Level subject conditions:
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): Five credits, including English and the subject combined with Library and Information Science
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University of Ibadan (UI): Five credits in one sitting, including English Language, Biology, and three Arts or Social Science subjects
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Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA): Five credits, including English, Mathematics, and three relevant subjects
Meeting both UTME and O’Level requirements is essential for admission consideration into Library and Information Science programmes.
Direct Entry Requirements for Library and Information Science
Candidates who already hold advanced qualifications such as NCE, ND, or A-Levels can apply through Direct Entry instead of UTME.
General Requirement
The standard Direct Entry qualifications include:
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Two A-Level passes in relevant subjects
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NCE merit in related subjects
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ND or diploma in Library and Information Science or related discipline
These qualifications allow candidates to gain admission directly into the 200-level in many Nigerian universities.
Specific Institutional Requirements
Some universities specify extra conditions:
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): Accepts NCE merit plus two years of relevant work experience
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University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID): Requires NCE merit in Library and Information Science or the combined subject
Candidates should verify the Direct Entry criteria in the JAMB brochure or university portal before applying.
Universities Offering Library and Information Science
Several federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria offer Library and Information Science. Popular institutions include:
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Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
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Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
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Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
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Bayero University, Kano
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Baze University, Abuja
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Benue State University, Makurdi
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Delta State University, Abraka
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Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
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Imo State University, Owerri
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Kogi State University, Anyigba
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Kwara State University, Malete
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Lead City University, Ibadan
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Madonna University, Okija
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Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
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Modibo Adama University, Yola
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Osun State University, Osogbo
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Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun
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Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina
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University of Benin, Benin City
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University of Calabar, Calabar
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University of Ilorin, Ilorin
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University of Jos, Jos
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka
These universities offer the course under different faculties such as Education, Social Sciences, or Information Management.
Why Choosing the Correct JAMB Combination Matters
Selecting the correct JAMB subject combination is critical because:
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It determines eligibility for admission
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It affects the Post-UTME screening qualification
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It influences departmental cut-off consideration
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Wrong subjects can lead to automatic disqualification
Many students with high UTME scores lose admission simply because they selected subjects not approved for their course. Therefore, understanding the approved combination for Library and Information Science is essential.
Best Subject Combinations for High Admission Chances
Although many combinations are accepted, some give better admission chances across universities. Recommended combinations include:
Arts/Social Science Route
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Use of English
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Government
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Literature in English
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Economics
Education/Arts Route
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Use of English
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CRS/IRS
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Government
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Literature
Science-Inclined Route
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Biology or Chemistry
These combinations align with most university requirements and reduce the risk of disqualification.
Career Opportunities in Library and Information Science
Studying Library and Information Science opens diverse career paths in the information and knowledge sector, including:
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Librarian
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Archivist
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Information Manager
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Records Officer
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Digital Library Specialist
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Academic Librarian
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Documentation Officer
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Knowledge Manager
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Research Assistant
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Data Curator
With the rise of digital information systems, graduates are now employed in universities, corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and tech-driven information centres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the four JAMB subjects for Library and Information Science?
Use of English plus any three subjects from Arts, Social Sciences, or Sciences.
Can science students study Library and Information Science?
Yes. The course accepts both science and arts candidates, depending on university requirements.
Is Mathematics compulsory for Library and Information Science?
Mathematics is compulsory at O’Level, but not always required in UTME unless specified by the university.
Which universities require science subjects?
Examples include UNILORIN and IBBU, which require Mathematics and Physics combinations.
What is the best subject combination for Library and Information Science?
English, Government, Literature, and Economics is the most widely accepted combination.
Surmary
Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Library and Information Science is a key step toward securing admission in Nigerian universities. Candidates must ensure they select Use of English and three relevant subjects approved by their preferred institution. They must also meet the required O’Level credits and Direct Entry conditions where applicable.
Because admission policies differ among universities, always verify requirements before UTME registration. Proper subject selection not only guarantees eligibility but also improves admission chances into Library and Information Science programmes across Nigeria.
If you have questions to ask regarding JAMB Subject combination for Library and Information Science, please drop them in the comment section. Our team will respond to you immediately.