JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy 2025/2026

Pharmacy is one of the most competitive and respected health-related courses in Nigerian universities. If you are planning to study Pharmacy (B.Pharm or Pharm.D) in the 2025/2026 academic session, understanding the correct JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy is absolutely essential.

Many candidates lose their admission chances every year due to wrong subject combinations, incomplete O’Level results, or a lack of accurate information. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy, including UTME subjects, O’Level requirements, cut-off marks, screening procedures, and frequently asked questions.

What Is the JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy?

The JAMB subject combination refers to the specific subjects a candidate must register for and sit in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for admission into a particular course.

For Pharmacy, which is a science-based medical course, JAMB has clearly defined the approved subject combination.

Approved JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy 2025/2026

Candidates applying to study Pharmacy must choose the following UTME subjects:

1. English Language (Compulsory)

2. Chemistry (Compulsory)

3. Biology (Compulsory)

4. Physics (Compulsory)

All four subjects are mandatory. Replacing any of them with another subject will automatically make you ineligible for Pharmacy admission in most Nigerian universities.

Why the JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy Is Important

Pharmacy is a professional healthcare course that requires strong scientific knowledge. Universities use the subject combination to assess whether a candidate has the academic foundation needed to cope with the program.

The subject combination matters because:

• It determines eligibility for admission

• JAMB screens candidates based on subject relevance

• Universities reject applications with wrong combinations

• It affects your Post-UTME and screening chances

Even if you score very high in UTME, using the wrong subject combination can lead to automatic disqualification.

Detailed Explanation of Pharmacy UTME Subjects

1. English Language (Compulsory)

English is required for all UTME candidates. Pharmacy students need strong communication skills for patient counseling, prescriptions, and professional documentation.

2. Chemistry (Compulsory)

Chemistry is the backbone of Pharmacy. Topics like pharmaceutical chemistry, drug formulation, and reactions make Chemistry non-negotiable.

3. Biology (Compulsory)

Biology helps students understand human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry, which are central to pharmaceutical studies.

4. Physics (Compulsory)

Physics is important for understanding drug manufacturing processes, instrumentation, and physical pharmacy concepts.

All four subjects must be selected correctly during JAMB registration.

O’Level Requirements for Pharmacy Admission

In addition to UTME subject combination, candidates must meet the O’Level requirements for Pharmacy. Most Nigerian universities require:

• Five (5) credit passes in not more than two sittings

• Compulsory subjects include:

  • English Language

  • Mathematics

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Physics

Accepted examination bodies usually include WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB.

Important notes:

• Mathematics is compulsory at O’Level, even though it is not part of UTME subjects.

• Awaiting results may be accepted for screening, but results must be ready before final admission.

Universities in Nigeria That Offer Pharmacy

Before registering for Pharmacy in any Nigerian University, all applicants must first check if the university has all the facilities and if its recongnizws by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. Below is the list of both Federal and State Universities, including private Universities, offering Pharmacy.

Federal Universities

• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
• University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
• University of Lagos, Lagos State
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
• University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State
• Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State
• University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
• Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
• University of Maiduguri, Borno State
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State
• University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State
• Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State
• Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State
• University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
• Gombe State University, Gombe State
• Kaduna State University, Kaduna State
• Bayero University, Kano State
• Enugu State University of Technology, Agbani, Enugu State
• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State

Private Universities

• Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State
• Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State
• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
• Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State

JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Pharmacy 2025/2026

The minimum JAMB cut-off mark for Pharmacy is usually 160, but this is only the general benchmark.

In reality, Pharmacy is highly competitive, and most universities require much higher scores:

• Federal Universities: 200 – 250 and above

• State Universities: 180 – 230 and above

• Private Universities: 160 – 180 and above

Meeting the cut-off mark only makes you eligible for screening. Final admission depends on:

• UTME score

• O’Level grades

• Post-UTME or screening performance

• Available admission slots

Post-UTME and Screening for Pharmacy

After UTME, universities conduct a screening or Post-UTME exercise. For Pharmacy applicants, this process is usually strict due to limited admission slots.

Screening may include:

• Online O’Level result verification

• Written Post-UTME examination

• Score aggregation (UTME + Post-UTME)

• Physical document screening

Documents commonly required:

• JAMB UTME result slip

• O’Level certificates or statements

• Birth certificate or age declaration

• Recent passport photographs

Strong performance during screening significantly improves your admission chances.

How to Choose the Correct JAMB Subjects for Pharmacy

When registering for JAMB:

1. Select Pharmacy as your course of choice.

2. Choose the following UTME subjects:

   • English Language

   • Chemistry

   • Biology

   • Physics

3. Double-check your subject selection before submission.

4. Print and review your registration slip carefully.

Mistakes made during registration are difficult to correct later and may cost you admission.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Studying Pharmacy

1. Aim for a High UTME Score

Since Pharmacy is competitive, target 220 and above to stand a better chance.

2. Get Strong O’Level Grades

Credit passes are not enough; higher grades (A–C) improve screening scores.

3. Prepare Early for Post-UTME

Practice past questions and understand your school’s screening pattern.

4. Apply to Multiple Institutions

Consider federal, state, and private universities to increase your chances.

5. Monitor Admission Updates

Always check official admission portals and JAMB CAPS regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the approved JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy?

English Language, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.

Can I replace Physics with Mathematics?

No. Physics is compulsory for Pharmacy in UTME.

Is Mathematics compulsory at O’Level for Pharmacy?

Yes. Mathematics is required at O’Level even though it is not part of UTME subjects.

What is the minimum JAMB score for Pharmacy?

The general cut-off is 160, but competitive universities require much higher scores.

Can I apply with awaiting results?

Some schools accept awaiting results for screening, but your results must be complete before final admission.

Do private universities offer Pharmacy?

Yes. Many private universities offer Pharmacy and may have more flexible cut-off marks.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy is the first and most important step toward securing admission in the 2025/2026 academic session. Candidates must register for English Language, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, and also meet the O-Level requirements.

Because Pharmacy is highly competitive, aspiring students should aim for high UTME scores, prepare thoroughly for screening, and stay informed about admission updates. With proper planning and accurate information, your chances of gaining admission into Pharmacy can be significantly improved.