If you are planning to study Pharmacology in any Nigerian university, one of the most important admission requirements you must get right is the JAMB subject combination for Pharmacology. Every year, many candidates lose admission opportunities simply because they selected the wrong UTME subjects during registration.
Pharmacology is a core medical and pharmaceutical science that focuses on how drugs interact with biological systems. Because of its scientific depth, universities require specific science subjects that prepare candidates for the course.
In this article, you will learn:
-
The correct JAMB subject combination for Pharmacology
-
O’Level (WAEC/NECO) requirements
-
Direct Entry requirements
-
Universities offering Pharmacology in Nigeria
-
Important admission tips
Understanding and following these requirements carefully will significantly improve your chances of gaining admission.
JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacology 2026/2027
To study Pharmacology through the UTME route, candidates must register and sit for the following four subjects:
-
English Language (Compulsory for all courses)
-
Biology
-
Chemistry
-
Physics
So, the correct JAMB subject combination for Pharmacology is:
English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics
These subjects are mandatory because Pharmacology is rooted in biological and chemical sciences, similar to other medical-related courses. Choosing any other subject in place of Physics or Biology may render your application invalid, even if you score high in UTME.
Science-based subject combinations like this are standard for health-science programmes in Nigeria.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark For Pharmacy
What Subjects do you need for Pharmacology?
Each UTME subject plays a crucial role in preparing students for Pharmacology studies:
English Language
This ensures students can read scientific materials, communicate research findings, and understand academic texts used in pharmacological education.
Biology
Pharmacology studies how drugs affect living organisms. Biology provides foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and cellular processes essential for understanding drug actions.
Chemistry
Chemistry is central to drug composition, formulation, metabolism, and biochemical reactions. Without strong chemistry knowledge, pharmacological concepts become difficult.
Physics
Physics supports understanding of laboratory instrumentation, drug delivery systems, and biophysical processes used in medical sciences.
These four subjects together build the scientific background required for success in Pharmacology programmes.
O’Level Requirements for Pharmacology (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
Apart from choosing the correct JAMB subjects, candidates must meet the O’Level requirements for Pharmacology admission.
You must have at least five (5) credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, including:
-
English Language
-
Mathematics
-
Biology
-
Chemistry
-
Physics
These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings in most universities.
O’Level results are critical because universities combine them with UTME performance to determine eligibility and admission ranking. Health-science courses consistently require these core science subjects.
Direct Entry Requirements for Pharmacology
Candidates who already possess advanced qualifications can apply through Direct Entry instead of UTME. This route allows admission directly into 200 level in many universities.
Typical Direct Entry requirements for Pharmacology include:
-
Two (2) A-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
-
ND/HND in Science or Medical-related fields
-
NCE in Biology/Chemistry
-
IJMB or JUPEB in relevant sciences
-
Bachelor’s degree in biological or chemical sciences
Applicants must still meet the O’Level requirements listed above.
Direct Entry is suitable for candidates with prior science education who want to transition into pharmacological research, drug development, or biomedical sciences.
JAMB Subject Combination For Medicine
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Pharmacology
Although this article focuses on subject combination, understanding the expected JAMB score is important for admission planning.
Generally:
-
Minimum eligibility: 160–180
-
Competitive range: 200–240+
-
Highly competitive universities: 220+
Health-science programmes often set higher thresholds due to limited admission spaces and intense competition.
Some universities publish departmental cut-offs annually, so candidates should always verify the latest figures before applying.
Universities in Nigeria That Offer Pharmacology
Pharmacology is offered mainly under the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, or Health Sciences in Nigerian universities.
Examples include:
Federal Universities
-
University of Lagos
-
University of Ibadan
-
Ahmadu Bello University
-
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
-
University of Benin
-
University of Ilorin
State Universities
-
Lagos State University
-
Delta State University
-
Ebonyi State University
-
Enugu State University of Science and Technology
Private Universities
-
Afe Babalola University
-
Babcock University
-
Igbinedion University
-
Bowen University
Availability may vary yearly, so confirm in the official JAMB brochure before applying.
Importance of Choosing the Correct JAMB Subject Combination
Selecting the right UTME subjects is not optional — it is a mandatory admission condition.
If you choose the wrong subjects:
-
Your application may be rejected automatically
-
You may be disqualified during screening
-
Your JAMB score may become unusable for Pharmacology
-
You may be forced to change course
JAMB subject combinations are designed to ensure candidates possess foundational knowledge relevant to their chosen field.
Therefore, always verify the correct subjects before completing UTME registration.
How to Change Wrong JAMB Subject Combination
If you already registered with the wrong subjects, you can still correct it.
Steps:
-
Visit the JAMB portal
-
Request a course/subject combination correction
-
Pay the required fee
-
Select Pharmacology with the correct subjects
-
Confirm changes
This correction window usually opens after UTME registration and before admission processing begins.
Tips to Gain Admission into Pharmacology
Because Pharmacology is competitive, follow these strategies to improve your chances:
1. Aim for a High JAMB Score
Target 220+ to remain competitive in federal universities.
2. Score Well in Science Subjects
Strong performance in Biology and Chemistry is especially important.
3. Prepare for Post-UTME
Many universities conduct screening or exams after UTME.
4. Have Strong O’Level Results
Credits in one sitting give an advantage in admission ranking.
5. Choose Less Competitive Schools
If your score is moderate, consider universities with lower cut-offs.
Career Opportunities in Pharmacology
Studying Pharmacology opens doors to diverse scientific and healthcare careers, including:
-
Drug research scientist
-
Clinical pharmacologist
-
Toxicologist
-
Pharmaceutical analyst
-
Medical research officer
-
Regulatory affairs specialist
-
Academic lecturer
Graduates may work in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research institutes, universities, and regulatory agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the JAMB subjects for Pharmacology?
English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Can I study Pharmacology without Physics?
No. Physics is compulsory in UTME and O’Level requirements.
What is the cut-off mark for Pharmacology?
Typically 160–200 minimum, but competitive universities require 220+.
Can I use Agricultural Science instead of Biology?
No. Pharmacology requires Biology specifically.
Is Pharmacology under Medicine or Pharmacy?
It is usually under Basic Medical Sciences or Pharmacy faculties, depending on the university.
Conclusion
The correct JAMB subject combination for Pharmacology 2026/2027 is:
English Language + Biology + Chemistry + Physics
In addition, candidates must have five O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and should aim for a high UTME score to remain competitive.
Choosing the right subjects is the first and most critical step toward admission into Pharmacology. Combined with strong O’Level results and good UTME performance, it positions you for success in Nigeria’s highly competitive health-science admission process.
Before registering for JAMB, always confirm the requirements in the official JAMB brochure or your chosen university to avoid costly mistakes.
If you have questions about Pharmacology admission or subject combinations, feel free to ask.