If you’re choosing Linguistics and Nigerian Languages for JAMB 2026, slow down for a minute. This is one of those courses where one wrong subject can quietly block your admission, even if your UTME score is strong.
A lot of candidates assume “it’s an arts course, so anything goes.” That assumption sends many people back home every year.
Let’s break this down properly, step by step, so you understand why certain subjects are required before you even see the final combination.
What Linguistics and Nigerian Languages Is Really About
Linguistics and Nigerian Languages isn’t just about speaking Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or any local language. The course focuses on:
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How languages work (sounds, structure, meaning)
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How Nigerian languages developed and interact
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Language use in society, culture, and education
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Communication, documentation, and preservation of languages
Because of this, universities are very intentional about the subjects they want you to come in with. They’re looking for students who already show strength in language, comprehension, and social reasoning.
That’s why your JAMB subjects must reflect this.
Why JAMB Subject Combination Matters So Much for This Course
JAMB requires four subjects for every UTME candidate:
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One is compulsory for everyone
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The remaining three must align with your course
For Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, there are:
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Core subjects you must not miss
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Optional subjects, where JAMB allows you to choose based on preference or university acceptance
This flexibility is helpful, but it’s also where many candidates mess up.
Core JAMB Subjects for Linguistics and Nigerian Languages (Compulsory)
These subjects are non-negotiable. Every serious institution expects them.
1. Use of English (Compulsory for All Courses)
This is automatically included for every JAMB candidate.
Why it matters:
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Linguistics is deeply rooted in language analysis
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Universities expect strong reading, writing, and comprehension skills
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English is the base language for instruction and analysis
You don’t choose this. JAMB adds it by default.
2. Literature in English (Core Subject)
This is the most important subject after Use of English.
Why universities insist on it:
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Literature tests interpretation, themes, structure, and meaning
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It sharpens your understanding of language use in context
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Linguistics students analyze texts constantly, not just grammar
Skipping Literature is one of the fastest ways to get disqualified.
The Flexible Part: Optional Subjects (Choose Carefully)
After Use of English and Literature in English, you still need two more subjects. This is where JAMB gives options.
Different universities accept different combinations, but these are the most widely accepted options.
Accepted Optional Subjects (Choose Any Two)
You are expected to select two subjects from the list below:
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Government
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History
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CRS (Christian Religious Studies)
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IRS (Islamic Religious Studies)
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Yoruba
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Hausa
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Igbo
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French
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Economics
Why these work:
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Government and History support language-in-society studies
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CRS/IRS strengthen cultural and textual interpretation
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Nigerian languages directly align with the course
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French supports comparative linguistics
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Economics is accepted by some universities due to analytical relevance
Standard JAMB Subject Combination (Most Accepted)
This is the safest and most popular combination across Nigerian universities:
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Use of English
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Literature in English
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Government
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CRS or History
If you want a combination that works almost everywhere, this is it.
Alternative Valid Combinations (Also Accepted)
Depending on your background or interest, JAMB allows variations like:
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Use of English
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Literature in English
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Yoruba
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Government
Or:
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Use of English
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Literature in English
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French
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History
Or:
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Use of English
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Literature in English
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Igbo / Hausa
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CRS or IRS
The key rule is simple:
Literature must be there, and the remaining subjects must support language, culture, or society.
Subjects You Should Avoid
Even if you like them, these subjects usually do not count for this course:
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Biology
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Geography
They don’t align with the linguistic and cultural focus of the programme.
Final Advice Before You Register
Before you submit your JAMB form:
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Confirm your chosen university’s requirements in the JAMB brochure
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Don’t rely on what worked for someone else last year
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When in doubt, choose Government, History, CRS, or a Nigerian language
For Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, clarity beats creativity every time.