If you’re gearing up for JAMB 2026 and thinking about studying Public Policy, you’ve probably realized one thing: choosing the right subject combination is not just a box-ticking exercise. Picking the wrong subjects could block your admission before you even sit for the UTME. That’s why we’re going to take a careful look at what JAMB expects for Public Policy candidates — no shortcuts, no guesswork.
First off, let’s address a common misconception. Some students assume that because Public Policy sits under Social Sciences or Management courses, any combination with Government or Economics will automatically work. Not exactly. JAMB has a set of core subjects that are mandatory, plus optional subjects that can influence your eligibility depending on the university you’re targeting.
Here’s the logic behind the combination: Public Policy is inherently multidisciplinary. It draws from political science, economics, law, sociology, and sometimes even statistics. So, your JAMB subjects should reflect your preparedness in these areas. That’s why the core subjects are non-negotiable — they ensure you have the foundational knowledge expected of a Public Policy student.
Another important point: JAMB UTME requires four subjects in total, but this doesn’t mean you can just randomly pick four. The core subjects are fixed, and the remaining slots give you flexibility. Some candidates will have two or more optional subjects to choose from. This is actually a strategic advantage — you can pick subjects you’re stronger in, which could boost your UTME score. But it also means you need to be deliberate, because some universities may prefer one optional over another.
Okay, now that the groundwork is set, let’s break it down clearly.
Core Subjects for Public Policy
These are the subjects every Public Policy aspirant must take:
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Use of English
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Government
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Economics
These three are non-negotiable. No matter what optional subject you choose, these remain the foundation. Use of English is obvious — it’s mandatory for all JAMB candidates. Government ensures you understand the political structures and processes that Public Policy deals with. Economics gives you the analytical and resource-management background needed to make policy decisions.
Optional Subjects
Depending on the university, you may have the flexibility to choose one additional subject from a list of related subjects. Here’s what you can consider:
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Literature in English
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CRS (Christian Religious Studies)
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IRS (Islamic Religious Studies)
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Geography
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History
The optional subject you pick can be influenced by a few things: your strengths, your career goals, or the specific requirements of the university you’re targeting. For example, if you’re aiming for a more research-heavy Public Policy program, History or Geography could give you extra analytical leverage. If you’re focused on communication-heavy policy work, Literature in English might complement your core subjects nicely.
So, for most candidates, the final JAMB subject combination looks like this:
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Use of English (Core)
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Government (Core)
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Economics (Core)
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Optional: Literature in English / CRS / IRS / Geography / History
Remember, while you need four subjects, some JAMB centers or universities may allow you to register more than one optional subject — but during selection, the system will pick the one that aligns with the course requirements. Always confirm the preferred optional with your target institution before finalizing your registration.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your JAMB subjects for Public Policy is more than just ticking boxes. Think of it as building a foundation for the next stage of your academic journey. Stick to the core, choose an optional that highlights your strengths, and you’ll be well-positioned for admission in 2026.