Public Administration is one of the most popular social science courses in Nigerian universities, attracting candidates interested in governance, public policy, and administrative leadership. If you plan to study this course through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Public Administration is essential. Selecting the wrong subjects can automatically disqualify you from admission consideration, even if your UTME score is high.
This article highlights the approved JAMB subject combination for Public Administration for the 2026/2027 academic session, O’Level requirements, university variations, and practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes during registration.
What Is the JAMB Subject Combination for Public Administration?
The JAMB subject combination refers to the four subjects candidates must register and sit for in the UTME to qualify for admission into a specific course. For Public Administration, the required UTME subjects are:
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English Language (compulsory for all courses)
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Government or any other relevant Social Science subject
These subjects align with the academic foundation needed for studying governance, policy analysis, public finance, and administrative systems in Nigerian universities.
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Why Choosing the Correct Subject Combination Matters
Many candidates lose admission opportunities every year because they select incorrect UTME subjects. Universities strictly follow the JAMB brochure requirements when screening applicants. If your subject combination does not match the official criteria for Public Administration, your application may be rejected during admission processing.
Correct subject selection ensures:
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Eligibility for Post-UTME screening
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Consideration during admission ranking
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Alignment with departmental academic requirements
For example, replacing Economics with Biology or Chemistry will make you ineligible for Public Administration because the course belongs to the Social Science faculty.
Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations for Public Administration
Although the core requirements are fixed, there are acceptable variations depending on university preferences. The most widely accepted UTME combinations include:
Combination 1 (Standard Option)
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Government
This is the safest and most universally accepted combination across Nigerian universities offering Public Administration.
Combination 2 (Alternative Social Science Option)
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Sociology or Geography
Some institutions allow another social science subject in place of Government, provided Economics and Mathematics remain included.
Combination 3 (Policy and Governance Focus)
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English Language
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Economics
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Government
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Mathematics
This combination emphasises governance and economic policy foundations and is accepted by most universities.
O’Level Requirements for Public Administration
Apart from UTME subjects, candidates must meet the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) requirements. Most universities require at least five credit passes in relevant subjects, including:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Government or History
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Economics
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Any other Social Science or Commercial subject
Acceptable examination bodies include WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB. Candidates must obtain these credits in not more than two sittings.
Some universities may accept related commercial subjects, such as:
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Commerce
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Accounting
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Office Practice
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Principles of Accounts
These subjects complement the administrative and managerial nature of the course.
Direct Entry Requirements for Public Administration
Candidates applying through Direct Entry (DE) instead of UTME must possess advanced academic qualifications. Typical requirements include:
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Two A-Level passes in subjects such as Economics, Government, Accounting, or Public Administration
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ND/HND in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related disciplines
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NCE in Social Science or Administration fields
Applicants must also satisfy the standard O’Level credit requirements before admission consideration.
Universities Offering Public Administration in Nigeria
Public Administration is available in many federal, state, and private universities across Nigeria. Examples include:
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University of Lagos (UNILAG)
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
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University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
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Lagos State University (LASU)
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Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
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Bayero University Kano (BUK)
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Benue State University (BSU)
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Rivers State University (RSU)
Each institution may slightly adjust subject preferences, so candidates should always confirm details in the official JAMB brochure before registration.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make in Subject Selection
Incorrect UTME combinations remain a major cause of admission rejection. Avoid these common errors:
Choosing Science Subjects
Public Administration is not a science-based programme. Selecting Physics, Chemistry, or Biology will disqualify your application.
Omitting Economics
Economics is a core subject for Public Administration. Replacing it with another subject makes your combination invalid.
Ignoring University Variations
Some universities insist on Mathematics as a compulsory subject, while others may be flexible. Always verify institution-specific requirements.
Mismatch Between UTME and O’Level
Your O’Level credits must align with your UTME subjects. For example, registering for Government in UTME but lacking credit in Government or History at O’Level can affect admission chances.
These mistakes often lead to rejection even when candidates score above the departmental cut-off mark.
How to Verify Your JAMB Subject Combination
Before completing UTME registration, confirm your eligibility using the JAMB official tools. Steps include:
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Visit the JAMB IBASS eligibility portal
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Select UTME as entry mode
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Choose your institution and course
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Enter your O’Level subjects
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Check subject compatibility
This process helps ensure your selected UTME subjects match your intended course requirements and prevents costly registration errors.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Public Administration
While the subject combination determines eligibility, the UTME score determines competitiveness. The general JAMB cut-off mark for Public Administration typically falls between:
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180 (minimum eligibility)
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200+ (competitive range)
Highly competitive universities may require higher aggregate scores after Post-UTME screening. Candidates should aim well above the minimum to improve admission chances.
Career Opportunities in Public Administration
Graduates of Public Administration have diverse career pathways in both public and private sectors. Potential roles include:
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Government administrator
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Policy analyst
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Local government officer
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Budget analyst
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Public sector consultant
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NGO programme manager
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Human resource administrator
These career options make Public Administration a versatile degree for leadership and governance-related professions.
How to Increase Admission Chances for Public Administration
To secure admission successfully, candidates should follow strategic preparation steps:
Choose the Correct UTME Subjects
Ensure your subject combination exactly matches JAMB requirements before registration.
Aim for High UTME Scores
Although 180 may qualify you, scores above 200 significantly improve admission chances.
Prepare for Post-UTME Screening
Many universities conduct screening or aptitude tests. Strong performance boosts your aggregate score.
Maintain Strong O’Level Results
Credits in English, Mathematics, Economics, and Government strengthen your academic profile.
Confirm Institutional Requirements
Always verify your chosen university’s specific conditions through the JAMB brochure or school portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the four JAMB subjects for Public Administration?
English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and Government or another social science subject.
Can I use Biology for Public Administration in JAMB?
No. Biology is not a required subject for Public Administration and may disqualify your application.
Is Mathematics compulsory for Public Administration?
Yes. Most universities require Mathematics as part of the UTME combination.
What O’Level subjects are required?
Five credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Government or History, and another social science subject.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Public Administration?
The general cut-off is around 180, but competitive universities usually require 200 or above.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Public Administration is a crucial step toward gaining admission into Nigerian universities for this year’s academic session. The approved UTME subjects — English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and Government or another Social Science subject — reflect the academic foundation required for governance and administrative studies.
Candidates must also meet O’Level credit requirements, verify institutional variations, and aim for strong UTME and Post-UTME performance to remain competitive. Avoiding subject selection errors and aligning with official JAMB guidelines significantly increases your chances of admission into Public Administration programmes.
Before registering for UTME, always confirm your subject combination through the JAMB brochure or eligibility portal to ensure compliance with your chosen university’s requirements.
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