So… you’re eyeing Physiotherapy in 2026?
Solid choice. 💪🏽 It’s one of those courses that quietly commands respect — health-related, science-driven, and very practical. But before you start dreaming about rehab labs and white coats, there’s one gatekeeper you must get past first: your JAMB subject combination.
And trust me, this is not a place to freestyle.
A lot of candidates mess this up every year — not because Physiotherapy is hard to understand, but because they rush the subject selection part. Let’s slow it down, break it properly, and make sure you’re choosing smart, not just fast.
Why JAMB Subject Combination Really Matters for Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy sits at the intersection of:
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Human biology
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Medical science
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Physical rehabilitation
Because of this, universities are very strict about the science foundation they expect from candidates. Even if you score high in UTME, a wrong subject combo can quietly block you from admission.
And once registration closes, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board does not allow corrections. No “sorry sir,” no “it was a mistake,” no second chance.
So yes — this deserves careful attention.
First Things First: The Compulsory Subject
No matter the course, no matter the university:
✅ Use of English
This is non-negotiable.
Everyone writes it. No debate. No alternatives.
That leaves us with three more subjects to complete the required four.
The Core Science Subjects for Physiotherapy (Very Important)
For Physiotherapy, there are core subjects that almost every university in Nigeria agrees on. These are the backbone of the course.
🔑 Core Subjects
These are the subjects you must prioritize:
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
Why these three?
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Biology → human anatomy, muscles, nerves, tissues
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Chemistry → body processes, drugs, reactions
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Physics → movement, force, biomechanics, rehabilitation tools
Physiotherapy without these is basically impossible. That’s why most universities insist on them.
So… Where Do “Optional Subjects” Come In?
Good question — and this is where many candidates get confused.
JAMB requires four subjects total:
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1 compulsory (English)
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3 others
But in some cases, universities allow flexibility, especially when candidates are coming from slightly different science backgrounds.
This means:
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Some schools accept alternatives
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Some allow one subject to be replaced
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Some are strict — zero replacement
That’s why knowing your options matters.
Approved JAMB Subject Combination for Physiotherapy (2026)
✅ Most Accepted Combination (Safe Choice)
This is the combination that works for almost all universities:
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
If you want peace of mind, this is the combo. No stress. No explaining. No regrets.
Optional / Alternative Subject Scenarios (Read Carefully)
In few institutions (not all), there may be limited flexibility:
🔄 Possible Optional Considerations
Some universities may accept:
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Mathematics in addition to core sciences
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Or allow Mathematics to replace Physics (this is rare and institution-specific)
⚠️ Important:
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Biology is almost never optional
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Chemistry is almost never optional
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Physics is sometimes debated, but still strongly recommended
So even when options exist, they are not equal in safety.
Best Advice (Real Talk)
If you’re serious about Physiotherapy:
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Don’t gamble with “may accept”
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Don’t rely on “my friend said”
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Don’t assume all universities are the same
👉 Stick to Biology + Chemistry + Physics.
It keeps your options wide — federal, state, and private universities included.
Quick Recap (Save This)
JAMB Subject Combination for Physiotherapy (2026):
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Use of English (compulsory)
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Biology (core)
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Chemistry (core)
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Physics (core)
Optional notes:
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Mathematics may be accepted by some schools
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Physics replacement is not universal
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Always check individual university requirements if you’re experimenting
Final Tip
Choosing subjects is not just about passing JAMB — it’s about not limiting your future self. Pick the combo that keeps doors open, not the one that forces explanations later.