So, you’re dreaming of becoming a medical doctor—awesome! Medicine and Surgery is one of the most prestigious and competitive courses in Nigerian universities. But before you get there, you’ve got to pass through one big gatekeeper: JAMB.
That means choosing the right JAMB subject combination for medicine and surgery. Trust me, this step is very important. Getting it wrong can cost you admission, even with a high score.
Let’s break it all down the Jamb subject combination for medicine and surgery in the simplest way possible.
What’s the Official JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery?
Let’s not waste time. Here’s what JAMB requires if you’re applying for Medicine and Surgery:
- Use of English (compulsory for all candidates)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Yep, that’s it. These four subjects are non-negotiable. No Agricultural Science. No Further Maths. No Economics. Just stick to these four, and you’re on the right track.
Why These Subjects?
You might be wondering: “Why these specific subjects?” Let’s quickly explain:
- English Language: Communication is key in the medical field. Whether it’s writing reports or talking to patients, you need to be clear and professional.
- Biology: This is the foundation of Medicine. You’ll meet all of human anatomy, cells, diseases here.
- Chemistry: It helps you understand medications, chemical reactions in the body, and lab tests.
- Physics: Surprised? Don’t be. Physics is important in understanding medical equipment, imaging (like X-rays), and body mechanics.
WAEC/NECO Subjects Needed for Medicine and Surgery
Passing JAMB isn’t the only requirement—you also need the right O’Level subjects (WAEC, NECO, or GCE). Here’s what most schools expect:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for All Courses [2025 Updated Guide]
Most universities require at least five credits in one sitting (some accept two sittings, but it depends on the school).
Important tip: Some students forget that Mathematics is required at O’Level—even though it’s not needed in UTME. Don’t make that mistake.
Top Nigerian Universities Offering Medicine and Their UTME Requirements
Want to know where you can study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria? Here are some top options:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
Almost all of them require the same JAMB subject combo we mentioned earlier. But some schools might have additional screening or cutoff policies. Always check their specific admission pages.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Let’s talk about a few slip-ups that have dashed many dreams:
- Choosing Agricultural Science instead of Biology
- Selecting Mathematics in JAMB instead of Physics
- Leaving out Chemistry, thinking it’s not essential
- Assuming any science subject can be substituted
Don’t play guesswork with JAMB—it’s not a gamble. If in doubt, always consult the JAMB brochure or ask your school counselor.
Can You Combine WAEC and NECO for Admission?
Yes, you can! Many schools accept a combination of two results—like WAEC + NECO or WAEC + GCE. Just make sure that the required subjects are covered and you scored at least a credit in each.
But again, some universities insist on one sitting only, especially for competitive courses like Medicine. So, double-check the university’s policy before applying.
What If You Made a Mistake in Your Subject Combination?
First of all, don’t panic.
If JAMB registration is still open, you can apply for a change of subject combination (just like you can change your course or institution). It’s not free, but it’s better than losing a whole year.
If registration is closed and the mistake is already done, consider:
- Applying for a related course (like Anatomy, Nursing, or Physiology)
- Waiting for the next admission cycle
- Visiting a JAMB office for advice on your options
Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting into Medicine
Medicine is tough to get into, but not impossible. Here are some golden tips:
- Start early: Don’t wait till a month before JAMB to start reading.
- Aim for 300+ in UTME: The higher, the better—cutoff marks for Medicine can be very high.
- Get your science basics right: Build strong knowledge in Chemistry and Biology especially.
- Prepare seriously for post-UTME: Some schools weigh post-UTME even more than JAMB.
Conclusion
Choosing the right JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery might seem like a small step—but it’s a huge deal. It could differ between chasing your dream and sitting at home for another year.
Stick to this golden combo:
English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics
Don’t take shortcuts. Do your homework. Ask questions. And most importantly, believe in yourself. That white coat isn’t just a dream; it’s your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I study Medicine without Physics in JAMB?
No. Physics is one of the four compulsory subjects for Medicine.
Is Mathematics required for Medicine?
Not in JAMB, but you must have at least a credit in Mathematics in your WAEC/NECO.
Can I replace Biology with Agricultural Science?
No. Agricultural Science is not accepted in place of Biology for Medicine.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Yes, but check if your school accepts two sittings.
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