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JAMB Subject Combination for Law
What subjects do you need in JAMB to study Law in Nigeria? Find out exactly what is required and what each law school demands.
⚖️ Standard Law Combination
Use of English
Literature in English
Government or History
Economics or CRK or Any Arts
Literature in English + Government are the two most important subjects for Law. Mathematics is not required by JAMB — but some universities may require it at O'Level. Check below.
⚖️ Law & Legal Studies
Law (LLB)
Law is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria. UNILAG, UI, OAU, ABU — all require very strong Use of English and Literature scores. Aim for 280+ in JAMB.
Islamic Law / Sharia Law
Offered mainly in ABU Zaria, UDUS, BUK and other northern universities. Arabic or Islamic Religious Studies is compulsory.
Criminology & Security Studies
Relatively newer course — offered in LASU, Bowen, Landmark and several other universities. Less competitive than LLB.
Conflict & Peace Resolution / Dispute Resolution
International Law & Diplomacy
French is a strong optional subject for International Law/Diplomacy — many international documents and organisations use French.
Human Rights Law / International Relations & Human Rights
Offered as a degree programme in select universities including Afe Babalola and Bowen. Very similar combination to standard LLB.
🏛️ Political Science & Public Administration
Political Science
Government is essential for Political Science — it is practically the core of the course. Less competitive than Law but excellent for careers in politics, policy and civil service.
Public Administration
Some universities accept Economics + Government + any Arts for Public Administration. Good for students interested in government, NGOs and civil service roles.
Diplomacy & International Studies
Offered in OAU, Ahmadu Bello, and several private universities. Strong demand for graduates in foreign affairs, embassies and international organisations.
History & International Studies / History & Diplomatic Studies
History is either compulsory or strongly preferred here. One of the less-competitive Arts courses — typically accessible at lower JAMB scores (180–220).
🏫 What Different Law Schools Require
UNILAG (University of Lagos)
Requires Literature in English and any two other Arts subjects. Mathematics is NOT required in JAMB. However, they require 5 O'Level credits including English Language and Literature in English. Cut-off is typically 280+.
UI (University of Ibadan)
Requires Literature in English, Government or History, and any other Arts subject. Some years have required Mathematics at O'Level level (not JAMB). Very competitive — one of the top Law schools in Nigeria.
OAU (Obafemi Awolowo University)
Requires English, Literature in English, and Government. Has historically required Mathematics at O'Level for Law — an unusual requirement for a Law program. Confirm this with their latest admission requirements.
ABU (Ahmadu Bello University), Zaria
Requires English, Government or History, Literature in English, and one more Arts subject. Also hosts the Faculty of Law with an Islamic Law track — Arabic or IRS accepted instead of Literature for that option. Competitive cut-off of 240–270+.
UNIPORT (University of Port Harcourt)
Standard Arts combination — English, Literature, Government/History, plus one more Arts subject. UNIPORT Law is competitive but slightly more accessible than UNILAG or UI. Cut-off typically around 250–270.
LASU (Lagos State University)
Follows the standard Law combination. As a state university, LASU Law is popular among Lagos residents due to lower fees. Cut-off marks are lower than UNILAG but the LASU Law School is highly regarded.
State Universities & Private Universities
Generally follow the standard JAMB combination — English, Literature, Government/History, and one more Arts subject. Less competitive cut-off marks (180–220) but the NUC minimum is 180. Nigerian Law School admission is a separate process after your degree.
Common Questions 🤔
Not in JAMB — Mathematics is not a required JAMB subject for Law. However, a handful of universities (notably OAU) require Mathematics as an O'Level credit even for Law admission. It is safer to have Mathematics as an O'Level credit just in case, but you do not register it as a JAMB subject.
Yes — for most Nigerian universities, Literature in English is either compulsory or strongly preferred for Law. UNILAG and UI both require it. The reasoning is that Law involves heavy reading, writing, and language interpretation — Literature builds exactly those skills. Register Literature in English in JAMB and ensure you have the credit at O'Level.
Yes — any student can apply for Law regardless of their secondary school class. However, you must register the Arts combination in JAMB (English, Literature, Government/History, and one more Arts subject). You cannot use Physics or Chemistry as JAMB subjects for Law. Most universities also require Literature and English Language credits at O'Level.
Law is one of the most competitive courses — alongside Medicine, Pharmacy and Engineering at top schools. For UNILAG, UI, OAU — aim for 270–300+. For state universities and newer private universities, 220–250 is often sufficient. Always check the specific university's departmental cut-off mark for the year you are applying.
JAMB requires you to choose either Government or History — not both. In practice, Government is the more widely accepted of the two for Law programmes. If you must choose one, pick Government. History is fine as a replacement but check your specific target university's requirements first.
After completing your LLB degree (typically 5 years), every Law graduate in Nigeria must attend the Nigerian Law School for one year to qualify as a barrister and solicitor. The Law School has campuses in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, and Port Harcourt. Admission is automatic for LLB graduates from accredited Nigerian universities — no separate JAMB required.
Most universities require a minimum of 5 O'Level credits including English Language and Literature in English. Government or History credit is also strongly recommended. Some schools require Mathematics credit even for Law — check your specific target university. All credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is the undergraduate degree you earn at a Nigerian university over 5 years. BL (Barrister at Law) is the professional qualification earned after completing the one-year Nigerian Law School programme. You cannot practice as a lawyer in Nigeria without both — the LLB gets you into Law School, the BL makes you a qualified legal practitioner.
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Nail Your Use of English Score
For Law, your English score carries the most weight. Use of English is 60 questions — master it and you have a huge advantage.
How to Score 300+ in JAMB →