WAEC Subject Combination for Nursing 2026
Nursing is one of the most consistently in-demand degree programmes in Nigeria — and getting in requires a specific set of O’Level subjects. A lot of candidates lose a year or more simply because they didn’t write the right subjects at WAEC. This guide tells you exactly what you need.
Required O’Level Subjects for Nursing
For Nursing Science or Nursing and Midwifery at Nigerian universities, you need five credit passes including: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These five, all at credit level (A1–C6 in WAEC), are required by virtually every Nigerian university offering nursing.
Some universities accept a credit in Further Mathematics in place of Mathematics. A small number accept Agricultural Science or Health Science in place of Physics for Nursing (not Nursing Science). But the safe, universally-accepted combination is English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Why Physics Specifically?
Physics surprises many candidates because nursing feels like a biology-heavy field. But physics is fundamental to understanding how medical equipment works — ventilators, imaging devices, IV pressure, cardiac monitors. University nursing curricula include biophysics and medical instrumentation components. That’s why Physics is a hard requirement at most institutions. Don’t skip it in your WAEC choices.
JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing
Your UTME (JAMB) subjects for Nursing should be: Use of English (compulsory), Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This is the standard across most schools offering nursing. A few schools accept Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics as an alternative — check the JAMB brochure for your specific school. When in doubt, go with Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
Which Universities Offer Nursing in Nigeria?
Nursing is offered at a relatively small number of institutions — programmes require accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which limits how many schools can run it. Notable schools with accredited nursing programmes include: University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Bayero University Kano (BUK), and several state universities. Always verify that a school’s nursing programme is currently accredited before applying — accreditation status can lapse.
How Competitive Is Nursing Admission?
Nursing admission is competitive, sitting alongside Pharmacy and Medicine/Surgery in difficulty. At UNILAG and UI, candidates with JAMB scores below 200 rarely gain admission to nursing. Realistic JAMB scores for admission at federal universities range from 200–250. At state universities and less competitive federal universities, 180–200 may be sufficient. Your Post-UTME score also plays a major role — nursing schools scrutinize candidates closely given the clinical responsibilities of the programme.
What Is the Duration of Nursing Programmes in Nigeria?
A B.Sc. Nursing (or B.N.Sc.) programme in Nigeria is five years. After graduation, you complete a one-year supervised clinical internship and then register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to practise. The programme combines classroom theory, clinical rotation in teaching hospitals, and community health postings. It’s demanding — but it’s also one of the clearest professional pathways in Nigerian higher education.
Career Opportunities for Nursing Graduates
Registered nurses are in demand globally, and Nigerian nursing graduates are well-positioned for international migration. UK, Canada, the US, Australia, and Gulf countries are all active recruiting markets. Domestically, nursing offers relatively stable public sector employment in federal and state hospitals. Clinical specialisations (ICU nursing, anaesthesia nursing, perioperative nursing) command higher pay and are in short supply. Research and public health pathways are also growing, particularly in maternal and child health.
If You’re Missing a Required Subject
If you wrote WAEC and missed a credit in any of the five required subjects — especially Chemistry, Physics, or Biology — your fastest path is WAEC GCE. Registration for the November/December WAEC GCE series typically opens August–September. Under the two-sitting rule, you can combine your original WAEC results with a GCE resit result. Target only the subjects you’re missing — don’t re-register for subjects you’ve already passed at credit.
