If you’re planning to study Fisheries in 2026, this is one of those courses where getting the subject combination wrong can quietly ruin your admission chances — even if your JAMB score is solid.
A lot of students assume Fisheries is “just agriculture” and register anyhow. That’s where the problem starts.
Let’s slow it down, break it properly, and make sure you understand why each subject matters before we list the final combination.
What Fisheries Really Is (Quick Reality Check)
Fisheries is not just about catching fish. In Nigerian higher institutions, it focuses on:
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Fish production and farming (aquaculture)
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Fish breeding, nutrition, and genetics
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Water quality and aquatic ecosystems
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Fish processing, preservation, and marketing
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Sustainable use of aquatic resources
Because of this, Fisheries sits at the intersection of Agricultural Science, Biology, and basic Physical Sciences. That directly affects the JAMB subjects required.
How JAMB Chooses Subjects for Fisheries
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board structures subject requirements based on:
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The scientific foundation of the course
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What students will study from Year 1
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Compatibility with university and polytechnic curricula
So for Fisheries, JAMB looks for subjects that prove:
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You understand living organisms
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You understand agriculture and food production
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You can cope with basic science-related calculations or processes
That’s where the core subjects come in.
Core Subjects for Fisheries (These Are Not Optional)
These subjects must be present. You don’t negotiate these.
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Use of English
This is compulsory for all courses in JAMB. No exceptions. -
Biology
Fisheries is life-science based. Fish anatomy, reproduction, diseases, and ecosystems all come from Biology.
Without Biology, most institutions will not even consider you. -
Agricultural Science
Fisheries is classified under Agriculture in many schools. This subject shows you understand farming systems, food production, and resource management.
These three form the foundation of your JAMB combination for Fisheries.
The Fourth Subject: Where Many Students Get Confused
JAMB requires four subjects total, but for Fisheries, the fourth subject is flexible. This is where choice comes in — and also where mistakes happen.
Different institutions accept different supporting subjects. JAMB allows you to choose one from a group of approved options.
Approved Optional Subjects (Choose One)
You can add any one of the following to the three core subjects:
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Chemistry
This is the most widely accepted option. Chemistry connects to water quality, fish nutrition, and processing. -
Physics
Accepted by some universities, especially those that emphasize technology, aquaculture systems, or engineering aspects. -
Geography
Useful for environmental studies, water bodies, climate, and location-based resource management. Accepted in some institutions. -
Economics
Accepted mainly by schools that emphasize fisheries management, marketing, and agribusiness.
Important note:
You do not register all of them. You choose one based on:
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Your strength
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Your target institution’s requirements
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Advice from the JAMB brochure
Final JAMB Subject Combination for Fisheries (2026)
After all the explanations, this is what it comes down to.
Core subjects (must be included):
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Use of English
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Biology
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Agricultural Science
One optional subject (choose only one):
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Geography
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Economics
That makes your four JAMB subjects.
Why Chemistry Is Often the Safest Choice
If you’re unsure about your school of choice or you want to keep your options open, Chemistry is usually the safest fourth subject because:
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Most universities accept it
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It aligns well with Fisheries curriculum
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It reduces the risk of departmental rejection
This doesn’t mean others are wrong — it just means Chemistry gives you broader coverage.
Common Mistakes Fisheries Applicants Make
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Replacing Biology with Chemistry (this can disqualify you)
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Choosing Government or CRS because it feels easier
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Not checking school-specific requirements
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Assuming “any science subject” works
Small mistakes, big consequences.
Final Advice Before You Register
Before locking in your subjects:
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Confirm your target institution’s requirements
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Check the JAMB brochure carefully
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Choose subjects you can actually score well in, not just what sounds correct
Fisheries is a smart, practical course with real-world relevance — but only if you start it the right way.