If you’re planning to study Business Administration in 2026, this is one decision you absolutely don’t want to rush: your JAMB subject combination. A lot of candidates assume it’s “obvious” and just pick anything business-sounding. That’s how people with high UTME scores still get denied admission.
Let’s slow it down and do this properly.
Business Administration is a management and social science course. Universities want to see that you have the numerical ability to handle calculations, the economic sense to understand markets, and the communication skills to survive presentations, reports, and teamwork. Your JAMB subjects are meant to reflect that.
Before listing the subjects, let’s break down what really matters and why.
Why Subject Combination Matters for Business Administration
Business Administration is not just about owning a business or being an entrepreneur on Instagram. In the university, you’ll deal with:
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accounting basics
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economics and market analysis
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management theory
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business law
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statistics and data interpretation
Because of this, JAMB and universities prioritize certain subjects as non-negotiable. Others are flexible and depend on the institution.
And remember: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board does not adjust subject mistakes after registration. Once it’s submitted, it’s final.
Core Subjects for Business Administration (Compulsory)
These subjects are the foundation. Every serious university expects them.
1. Use of English (Compulsory for All Courses)
This is mandatory for everyone, but it’s especially important for Business Administration. You’ll be writing reports, proposals, exams, and doing presentations throughout school. English is not optional.
2. Mathematics
Business runs on numbers. Budgeting, profit analysis, costing, forecasting — all of it starts with math. This is why Mathematics is a core subject for Business Administration across Nigerian universities.
3. Economics
Economics helps you understand how businesses operate within markets, how supply and demand work, and how financial decisions affect organizations. For Business Administration, Economics is not just relevant — it’s expected.
So at this point, we already have three fixed subjects:
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Economics
Now comes the part where many candidates get confused.
The Fourth Subject: Where You Have Options
Business Administration allows flexibility for the fourth subject. JAMB gives candidates multiple acceptable options, and the university decides which it prefers.
You are to choose one from the list below.
Option 1: Government
Government is widely accepted and very safe. It supports business studies through topics like public policy, regulation, leadership, and administration.
Option 2: Commerce
Commerce aligns directly with trade, business operations, and commercial activities. Some universities even prefer Commerce when available.
Option 3: Accounting
Accounting is a strong option, especially if you’re aiming for competitive universities. It shows readiness for financial and managerial accounting courses.
Option 4: Geography
Geography may sound unexpected, but it’s accepted by several institutions because it supports economic activities, trade routes, and business environments.
Option 5: CRS or IRS
Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Religious Studies are accepted by some universities, especially if other options are not available in your school. However, this should be a last-choice option, not your first pick.
Official JAMB Subject Combination for Business Administration (2026)
After all the explanations, here is the clean and correct structure.
Core Subjects (Must Be Included)
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Economics
Choose ONE of the Following as the Fourth Subject
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Government
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Commerce
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Accounting
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Geography
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CRS or IRS
That makes four subjects in total, exactly as required by JAMB.
Smart Tips Before You Register
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Always confirm your chosen university’s preference in the JAMB brochure
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If you have Accounting or Commerce, choose one of them over CRS/IRS
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Avoid guessing or copying friends’ combinations
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Polytechnics are usually more flexible, universities are not
A wrong subject combination can block admission, even with a high score.
Final Thoughts
Business Administration is popular and competitive. Universities use subject combinations as a first filter before they even look at your UTME score. Getting this right puts you ahead before the exam even starts.