Subject Combination for Law in Nigeria: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to study Law in Nigeria, one of the most important things to get right is your subject combination.

Choosing the wrong subjects in your WAEC, NECO, or JAMB exam can prevent you from gaining admission; even if you have high scores.

This guide will break down exactly what subjects you need, how universities consider them, and how to prepare for a successful Law application.

What Is Subject Combination?

Subject combination refers to the group of subjects a student chooses and writes in their secondary school exams (like WAEC/NECO) or JAMB UTME, which must match the requirements for their desired university course.

Each course in Nigeria has a specific combination of subjects required for admission. If your subject combo doesn’t match, your application can be rejected, no matter how good your grades are.

Why Is Subject Combination Important for Law?

Law is one of the most competitive and respected courses in Nigeria. Because it deals with justice, legislation, and human rights, universities require students to show strong ability in subjects like English, Government, and Literature in English.

If your subject combination doesn’t match, you may be disqualified; even during screening or post-UTME.

JAMB Subject Combination for Law

To study Law through UTME (JAMB), the correct JAMB subject combination is:

Compulsory JAMB Subjects for Law:

1. English Language (Compulsory for all courses)
2. Literature in English
3. Government or History
4. Any other Arts or Social Science subject (e.g., CRS, IRS, Economics)

Pro Tip: Literature in English is compulsory. Without it, you cannot study Law.

Example Combos:

• English, Literature, Government, CRS
• English, Literature, History, Economics

Avoid including science subjects like Physics or Chemistry; they are not relevant to Law.

WAEC/NECO Subject Requirements for Law

In your O’Level exams (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB), you must have at least five (5) credit passes, including:

Compulsory O’Level Subjects for Law:

1. English Language
2. Literature in English
3. Mathematics
4. Government or History
5. Any other relevant subject (e.g., CRS, Civic Education, Economics)

Important Note: Some universities require Mathematics for Law, while others don’t. It’s safer to have at least a credit in Mathematics.

Direct Entry Requirements for Law

If you’re applying through Direct Entry (DE) instead of JAMB UTME, here are the general requirements:

You must have:

• At least two A-level passes in Literature in English and one other Arts/Social Science subject.
• Or a Diploma in Law or NCE with credit/merit in relevant subjects.
• Your O’Level must still include English Language, Literature, and Government or History.

Each university has specific guidelines, so check the official admission portal of your chosen school.

List of Nigerian Universities Offering Law

Here are some top Nigerian universities that offer Law and accept the subject combinations above:

University	Type	Admission Type
University of Lagos (UNILAG)	Federal	UTME & DE
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)	Federal	UTME & DE
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)	Federal	UTME & DE
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)	Federal	UTME & DE
Lagos State University (LASU)	State	UTME & DE
Afe Babalola University	Private	UTME & DE
Babcock University	Private	UTME & DE
Nile University	Private	UTME & DE
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)	Federal	UTME & DE
Ambrose Alli University (AAU)	State	UTME & DE

Always check each school’s admission brochure or JAMB CAPS for updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are frequent mistakes made by students who want to study Law:

1. Choosing Wrong Subjects

Some students pick subjects like Biology, Agricultural Science, or Physics. These are irrelevant for Law.

2. Ignoring Literature in English

You must include Literature in English in both WAEC and JAMB. Without it, most universities will reject your application.

3. Applying with Incomplete Credits

You must have 5 credit passes including English and Literature. Some students apply with D7 or E8 in key subjects; this will block your admission.

4. Not Researching School-Specific Requirements

Some schools (like UNILAG or OAU) are very strict and may have additional subject or grade requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I study Law without Literature in English?

No. Literature in English is compulsory for Law in almost all universities in Nigeria.

2. Is Mathematics compulsory for Law?

It depends on the university. While many require at least a credit in Mathematics, some may not. But it’s safer to have it.

3. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for Law?

Yes. Most universities accept combined O’Level results, as long as they meet the subject requirements.

4. Can I use Civic Education instead of Government?

Some universities accept Civic Education as a supporting subject, but it cannot replace Government or History in your subject combo.

5. Which is better: Government or History?

Either one is accepted, but Government is more commonly chosen by Law applicants in Nigeria.