If you’re planning to study Sociology in 2026 and JAMB registration is staring you in the face, let’s slow things down and do this properly.
A lot of candidates rush this part, pick random subjects, score high, then still lose admission because of a wrong subject combination. Painful, but avoidable.
So before we list any subjects, let’s first understand what Sociology is, what JAMB expects, and why certain subjects matter more than others.
What Sociology Really Is (And Why This Matters for JAMB)
Sociology is the study of human behavior, society, culture, relationships, and social institutions. It focuses on how people interact, how societies are structured, and how social problems are created and solved.
Because of this, universities expect students offering Sociology to have:
-
Strong reading and comprehension skills
-
An understanding of social systems and governance
-
The ability to analyze human behavior and societal issues
That expectation is exactly what shapes the JAMB subject requirements.
How JAMB Subject Combination Works (Quick Reality Check)
For JAMB UTME:
-
You must register four subjects
-
Use of English is compulsory for everyone
-
The remaining three subjects must align with your course
-
Some courses (like Sociology) allow multiple acceptable subjects, but you must still choose wisely
This is where many candidates mess up — having the right subjects, but choosing the wrong combination of them.
Core JAMB Subjects for Sociology (Non-Negotiable)
These are the subjects you must have, regardless of the university.
1. Use of English (Compulsory)
This is mandatory for all courses. No debate here.
Sociology involves a lot of reading, writing, argument building, and interpretation of social theories. JAMB and universities want to be sure you can handle that academically.
2. Government (Core Subject)
Government is a core requirement for Sociology in most Nigerian universities.
Why?
-
Sociology overlaps heavily with governance, power, institutions, and public policy
-
Topics like authority, law, leadership, and social control are central to Sociology
Skipping Government is one of the most common mistakes Sociology candidates make.
The Flexible Part: Optional Subjects You Can Choose From
After Use of English and Government, JAMB allows flexibility. This is where you’ll select two more subjects from approved options.
Different universities accept different combinations, but the subjects below are widely accepted.
Option 1: Economics
Economics fits naturally with Sociology because:
-
It explains class structure, poverty, inequality, and resource distribution
-
Many sociological theories connect directly to economic systems
If you’re comfortable with basic calculations and social-economic topics, Economics is a strong choice.
Option 2: Geography
Geography works well because it covers:
-
Population studies
-
Human settlement patterns
-
Urbanization and environmental interaction
This subject is especially useful if you’re interested in urban studies or development sociology.
Option 3: CRS or IRS
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) are accepted by many institutions because:
-
Religion is a major social institution
-
Sociology studies belief systems, values, norms, and moral behavior
This option is great if religion was one of your stronger subjects in secondary school.
Option 4: History
History connects Sociology to:
-
Social change over time
-
Cultural evolution
-
Colonialism, migration, and identity
Not every university prefers History, but many still accept it as an alternative.
Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations for Sociology (2026)
Here are safe and commonly accepted combinations:
-
Use of English
-
Government
-
Economics
-
CRS / IRS
OR
-
Use of English
-
Government
-
Economics
-
Geography
OR
-
Use of English
-
Government
-
Geography
-
CRS / IRS
OR
-
Use of English
-
Government
-
History
-
Economics
The key rule: Government must be there, and the remaining subjects should reflect social understanding, not pure science.
Subjects You Should Avoid for Sociology
Unless a specific university states otherwise, avoid:
-
Physics
-
Chemistry
-
Biology
-
Further Mathematics
These subjects don’t align with Sociology and may lead to disqualification, even if your score is high.
Final Advice Before You Register
Before locking in your subjects:
-
Check the official JAMB brochure
-
Confirm your chosen university’s requirements
-
Choose subjects you can score well in, not just what sounds popular
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board does not allow subject changes after registration closes, so whatever you pick sticks.
Bottom Line
Sociology is a social science course, and JAMB expects your subjects to reflect that. Stick to the core, choose smart optional subjects, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a smooth admission process in 2026.