WAEC and JAMB Subject Combination for Political Science 2027

If you want to study Political Science at a Nigerian university, you need to choose the right subjects for both JAMB and your O’Level examination. Political Science focuses on government, political institutions, public policy, power and how societies are governed. Your subject choices should therefore include relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.

For JAMB UTME, the general combination is Use of English, Government or History, and two other Arts or Social Science subjects. For WAEC, candidates commonly need five credit passes, including English Language and Government or History, alongside three other subjects. A pass in Mathematics is generally required, although some universities require a credit.

This guide explains the JAMB subject combination, WAEC requirements, possible subject choices and how to verify the conditions for your preferred institution.

JAMB Subject Combination for Political Science

The general JAMB UTME subject combination for Political Science is:

This means candidates can generally choose English Language, Government or History, Economics, and Geography. Other accepted choices may include Literature in English, Commerce, CRS or IRS, depending on the institution.

JAMB’s course requirements provide for Government or History plus two other Arts or Social Science subjects, with Use of English included as a compulsory UTME subject.

Important: Some universities specify their own subject combination. For example, UNILAG has a particular set of acceptable subjects, while some institutions require Mathematics as part of the UTME combination. Always confirm the requirement for your selected school before registration.

WAEC Subject Requirements for Political Science

For Political Science admission, the general O’Level requirement is five SSCE credit passes in English Language, Government or History, and three other subjects. A pass in Mathematics is also required under the general requirement. However, many universities require a credit pass in Mathematics.

The five relevant credit subjects commonly include:

• English Language

• Government or History

• Economics

• Geography

• One other relevant Arts or Social Science subject

Depending on the university, the fifth subject may be Literature in English, Commerce, CRS, IRS, Civic Education or another accepted subject.

Candidates can use WAEC, NECO or another recognised O’Level examination, subject to the institution’s admission rules. Some universities also specify whether results must be obtained in one sitting or may be combined from two sittings.

Is Mathematics Compulsory for Political Science in WAEC?

Mathematics is important for admission into Political Science. Under the general requirement, at least a pass in Mathematics is needed, but several universities require a credit pass.

For example, UNILAG requires a credit in Mathematics, while some other universities may accept a pass. Confirm the exact O’Level requirement for your institution.

Best WAEC Subjects to Choose for Political Science

If you are selecting your WAEC subjects and plan to study Political Science, the following subjects are useful:

You do not necessarily need to register for every subject listed above. Choose the subjects that meet your school’s requirements and the admission criteria of your preferred university.

University-Specific JAMB Requirements for Political Science

Although the general combination is similar across many universities, some institutions have specific conditions.

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

UNILAG requires English Language, Government and other specified subjects. Its listed options include Economics or Geography, together with one subject from History, Literature in English, CRS or IRS. UNILAG also requires five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics and Government.

University of Ibadan (UI)

The general requirement includes English Language, Government or History, and two other Arts, Science or Social Science subjects. For O’Level, candidates need five credits in English Language, Government or History and three other subjects, with at least a pass in Mathematics.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

ABU accepts English Language, Government or History, and two other subjects selected from options such as Economics, Geography, Civic Education and Commerce. Its O’Level requirements include English Language, Mathematics, Government or History, and two other relevant subjects.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

OAU’s Political Science subject requirements include Government and other relevant subjects. Its O’Level requirements include English Language, Mathematics, Government and other accepted Arts or Social Science subjects. Candidates should check the current brochure for the exact combination.

These examples show why it is important to verify your own university’s requirements rather than selecting subjects based only on a general guide.

Can I Study Political Science Without Economics in JAMB?

Yes, in many institutions, Economics is not compulsory for Political Science. The general combination requires Government or History plus two other Arts or Social Science subjects.

You may be able to use Geography, Literature in English, CRS, IRS, Commerce or another accepted subject instead of Economics. However, some universities specify Economics or other particular subjects, so check your institution’s requirements before registration.

Is Government Compulsory for Political Science in JAMB?

Government is the most commonly required subject for Political Science, but the general JAMB requirement may allow History as an alternative.

However, some universities do not accept History in place of Government. For example, institution-specific requirements listed for UNN and UNICAL indicate that Government is required.

If you already have History or another subject in mind, verify that your chosen university accepts it before selecting your UTME combination.

How to Confirm the Correct Subject Combination for Your University

Before registering for JAMB 2027, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official JAMB IBASS Eligibility Checker.

2. Select your entry mode and institution.

3. Choose Political Science as your programme.

4. Enter your O’Level subjects and grades.

5. Review the displayed UTME subject combination and admission requirements.

6. Confirm any additional conditions on your university’s official admission website.

You can use the official checker here: JAMB IBASS Eligibility Checker.

JAMB advises candidates to use IBASS to check the available programmes and subject combinations for their chosen institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Political Science Subjects

How many subjects do I need in JAMB for Political Science?

You need four subjects: Use of English, Government or History, and two other Arts or Social Science subjects. Your university may specify the acceptable options.

What is the best JAMB subject combination for Political Science?

A common combination is English Language, Government, Economics and Geography. However, another combination may be acceptable depending on your institution.

What are the five WAEC subjects required for Political Science?

The general requirement includes English Language, Government or History and three other relevant subjects. Mathematics is also required, usually with at least a pass, although many universities require a credit.

Can I use Commerce for Political Science in JAMB?

Some universities accept Commerce as one of the other Arts or Social Science subjects. Confirm that your preferred institution accepts it.

Is Literature in English compulsory for Political Science?

No, Literature in English is not compulsory for every university. It may be one of the accepted subjects, depending on the institution’s requirements.

Can I study Political Science with a WAEC pass in Mathematics?

Some universities accept a pass in Mathematics, while others require a credit. You must check the O’Level requirements of your preferred institution.

Conclusion

The general JAMB subject combination for Political Science is Use of English, Government or History, and two other Arts or Social Science subjects. For WAEC, candidates commonly need five credit passes, including English Language and Government or History, alongside three other relevant subjects. Mathematics is also required, although the grade accepted differs by institution.

Subjects such as Economics, Geography, Literature in English, Commerce, CRS and IRS may be useful options. However, do not register based only on a general subject list. Confirm the exact requirements for your preferred university through JAMB IBASS and the institution’s admission guidelines.

Start preparing early, study your chosen subjects consistently and practise past questions. Best wishes in your 2027 UTME and admission journey!