Are you planning to study Pharmacy in a Nigerian university for the 2026/2027 academic session? One of the most important things you need to get right before registering for JAMB is your subject combination.
Pharmacy is a highly competitive science and healthcare-related course. Candidates are therefore expected to meet specific UTME and O’Level requirements before they can be considered for admission.
Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination can affect your eligibility, even if you obtain a good UTME score. The same applies to WAEC, NECO or another accepted O’Level result.
In this article, we will explain the JAMB and WAEC subject combination for Pharmacy 2026/2027, the O’Level requirements, whether Mathematics is required, how to prepare for the subjects, and important mistakes prospective Pharmacy students should avoid.
Quick Answer
The standard JAMB UTME subject combination for Pharmacy is:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
For WAEC/NECO, candidates should generally have credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These requirements are reflected by several Nigerian universities. For example, OAU lists English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology as its UTME subjects for Pharmacy, alongside O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
What Is Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a professional healthcare discipline that focuses on medicines and their safe and effective use.
A Pharmacy student learns about areas such as pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmacognosy and other subjects related to medicines and healthcare.
Because of the scientific nature of the course, students need a good foundation in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
This explains why these three science subjects are included in the UTME combination for Pharmacy.
JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy 2026/2027
The standard JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy is:
| JAMB Subject | Status |
|---|---|
| Use of English | Compulsory |
| Biology | Required |
| Chemistry | Required |
| Physics | Required |
Therefore, a candidate intending to study Pharmacy should select:
English Language + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.
For example, the University of Ibadan lists English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for Pharmacy, while its O’Level requirement includes five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
UNILAG also lists English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics as the UTME subjects for its Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy programmes.
1. Use of English
English Language is compulsory in the UTME.
Candidates should prepare seriously for comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, sentence interpretation and other areas covered by the applicable JAMB Use of English syllabus.
2. Biology
Biology is an important subject for Pharmacy because the course involves studying living organisms, the human body, biological processes and the effects of medicines on biological systems.
3. Chemistry
Chemistry is one of the most important subjects for an aspiring pharmacist.
Pharmacy involves understanding the chemical properties and behaviour of substances used in medicines. Candidates should therefore build a strong foundation in Chemistry before entering university.
4. Physics
Physics completes the three major science subjects required alongside English Language.
It provides students with a scientific foundation involving measurements, energy, physical principles and other concepts that can be useful during their university education.
WAEC Subject Combination for Pharmacy 2026/2027
For WAEC, NECO or another accepted O’Level qualification, the commonly required five subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Candidates should aim for credit passes in all five subjects.
This requirement is supported by several university admission pages. OOU, for example, requires five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology for its B.Pharm programme.
Similarly, Federal University Lokoja lists five SSC credit passes in one sitting in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics for its Doctor of Pharmacy programme.
However, candidates should always check the specific requirements of their preferred university because admission conditions can differ.
Is Mathematics Required for Pharmacy?
Yes, Mathematics is generally required at O’Level for Pharmacy.
This is an important distinction:
JAMB subjects:
English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
WAEC/NECO subjects:
English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Therefore, although Mathematics is not part of the standard four-subject UTME combination for Pharmacy, it is commonly required as an O’Level credit.
Candidates should not assume that because Mathematics is not selected in JAMB, they do not need Mathematics in WAEC or NECO.
Can I Replace Physics with Mathematics in JAMB?
Candidates should not replace Physics with Mathematics when choosing the standard UTME combination for Pharmacy.
The standard combination is:
English Language + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.
Mathematics remains important because it is commonly required as an O’Level subject.
For instance, OAU and OOU both distinguish between the UTME combination and the O’Level requirements, with Physics included among the UTME subjects and Mathematics included among the O’Level credits.
Can I Study Pharmacy Without Chemistry?
For the standard Pharmacy admission route, Chemistry is a core subject and candidates should not plan to study Pharmacy without it.
Chemistry is fundamental to understanding medicines, drug formulation and many pharmaceutical processes.
If you did not obtain the required Chemistry result at O’Level, check whether you can retake the relevant examination and satisfy the requirements before applying.
Can I Study Pharmacy Without Biology?
Biology is also a core subject for the standard Pharmacy UTME combination.
The standard combination contains:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Candidates should therefore not leave Biology out of their JAMB registration when Pharmacy is their intended course.
How Many WAEC Credits Do I Need for Pharmacy?
Generally, you need at least five relevant O’Level credit passes.
The commonly required subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
The required number of sittings can vary.
For example, OOU states that its Pharmacy candidates need the five credits in not more than two sittings.
On the other hand, the University of Ibadan specifically states that its Pharmacy requirement is five credits at a single sitting.
This shows why candidates must check the admission requirements of their chosen university instead of assuming that every institution has exactly the same policy.
Can I Use NECO Instead of WAEC for Pharmacy?
In many cases, accepted O’Level qualifications can include WAEC, NECO, GCE and NABTEB, depending on the university.
For example, Bayelsa Medical University states that Pharmacy applicants may present five O’Level credits from WAEC/NECO/NABTEB at not more than two sittings, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
However, candidates should confirm the current policy of their preferred institution before applying.
Does JAMB Score Matter for Pharmacy?
Yes, your UTME score matters, but there is no single JAMB score that guarantees Pharmacy admission into every Nigerian university.
Pharmacy is competitive, and universities can have different admission requirements and competitive standards.
Your admission chances can depend on factors such as:
- UTME score
- O’Level grades
- Choice of university
- Number of applicants
- Available spaces
- Post-UTME or screening performance
- The university’s admission policy
Therefore, candidates should aim for a strong UTME score rather than simply targeting the minimum score.
How to Prepare for JAMB Pharmacy Subjects
Getting the correct combination is only the first step. You also need to prepare effectively.
1. Study the JAMB Syllabus
Use the official JAMB syllabus to guide your preparation.
Do not spend most of your study time on topics that are outside the examination syllabus.
2. Practise Past Questions
Past questions can help you understand the style and structure of UTME questions.
After answering each question, try to understand why the correct answer is correct.
3. Give Chemistry Serious Attention
Pharmacy is strongly connected with Chemistry.
Spend enough time understanding chemical equations, organic chemistry, calculations, periodic chemistry, acids and bases and other relevant areas.
4. Improve Your Biology
Revise major Biology topics and practise objective questions regularly.
5. Practise Physics Calculations
Physics requires more than memorising formulas. Learn how to apply formulas to different questions.
6. Do Not Neglect English Language
Because Use of English is compulsory, candidates should practise it consistently.
Common Mistakes Pharmacy Aspirants Should Avoid
1. Choosing the Wrong JAMB Subjects
Do not register for Mathematics, Economics or another subject instead of one of the required Pharmacy subjects without verifying that your chosen institution permits it.
2. Ignoring Mathematics in WAEC
Mathematics may not be one of the four JAMB subjects for Pharmacy, but it is commonly required as an O’Level credit.
3. Assuming Every University Has the Same Requirements
Admission requirements can differ.
For example, the University of Ibadan requires the five Pharmacy O’Level credits at one sitting, while OOU allows the required credits at not more than two sittings.
4. Relying Only on a General Cut-Off Mark
Meeting a general minimum does not automatically mean you will be admitted to Pharmacy.
5. Failing to Check Official Admission Information
Admission requirements can be updated. Always confirm the current requirements before registering or applying.
How to Confirm Your Pharmacy Eligibility
Candidates should check the JAMB requirements for their specific institution and programme before completing registration.
This is important because two universities may have similar Pharmacy requirements but different conditions concerning O’Level sittings, grades or other admission criteria.
You should verify:
- Correct UTME subjects
- Required O’Level subjects
- Required grades
- Number of accepted sittings
- Minimum UTME score
- Post-UTME requirements
- Direct Entry requirements, if applicable
For example, the University of Abuja’s undergraduate portal lists English Language and Mathematics as required O’Level subjects for Pharm.D., alongside Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Universities Where Pharmacy Requirements Can Be Checked
Candidates can consult the official admission pages of their preferred universities.
Examples include:
- University of Ibadan
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Lagos
- Olabisi Onabanjo University
- Federal University Lokoja
- University of Abuja
- Other universities offering Pharmacy or Pharm.D.
The important thing is not simply to copy a requirement from another school. Check the requirement for the exact university and programme you intend to apply for.
JAMB and WAEC Pharmacy Subject Combination 2026/2027
For easy reference:
| Requirement | Subjects |
|---|---|
| JAMB UTME | English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| WAEC/NECO O’Level | English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| JAMB Subjects | 4 |
| Common O’Level Credits | 5 |
| Main Science Subjects | Biology, Chemistry and Physics |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy 2026/2027?
The standard combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
What are the WAEC subjects required for Pharmacy?
The commonly required O’Level subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Is Mathematics compulsory for Pharmacy?
Mathematics is generally required as an O’Level credit, although it is not part of the standard four-subject JAMB combination.
Is Physics compulsory for Pharmacy in JAMB?
Yes. Physics is part of the standard UTME combination for Pharmacy.
Is Chemistry compulsory for Pharmacy?
Yes. Chemistry is a core subject for Pharmacy.
Can I replace Physics with Mathematics in JAMB?
You should not replace Physics with Mathematics for the standard Pharmacy combination. The usual combination is English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Can I use two WAEC sittings?
It depends on the university. Some universities accept two sittings, while others require one sitting. Always check your preferred university.
Can I use NECO instead of WAEC?
Many universities accept NECO and other recognised O’Level qualifications, but the specific policy depends on the institution.
Can I study Pharmacy with a low JAMB score?
Admission depends on the university’s requirements and competition. A minimum score does not guarantee admission into Pharmacy.
Conclusion
Getting the correct JAMB and WAEC subject combination for Pharmacy 2026/2027 is an important step for every candidate who wants to study Pharmacy in Nigeria.
The standard JAMB combination is:
Use of English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.
For WAEC, NECO or another accepted O’Level qualification, candidates should generally have credit passes in:
English Language + Mathematics + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.
However, requirements can differ from one university to another. For instance, some institutions accept two O’Level sittings, while others require the five credits at one sitting.
Therefore, before registering for JAMB or applying for admission, confirm the current requirements of your preferred university.
If Pharmacy is your goal, start preparing early. Pay particular attention to Biology, Chemistry and Physics, while also working hard to obtain the required O’Level credits in English Language and Mathematics.
Choosing the correct subjects does not guarantee admission, but it ensures that you begin the admission process with the right academic requirements.
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