Choosing Agriculture as a course is one of those decisions that looks simple on the surface, but can quietly go wrong if you rush the JAMB subject combination part. Every year, candidates score well in UTME and still lose admission because they picked the wrong subjects. Not because they weren’t smart — but because they didn’t slow down enough at this stage.
So let’s take this properly and calmly.
If you’re planning to study Agriculture in a Nigerian university in 2026, this guide will walk you through:
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what Agriculture really demands academically
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the core JAMB subjects you must not miss
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the optional subjects you’re allowed to choose from
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and why JAMB gives you flexibility instead of one rigid combination
No shortcuts. No guesswork.
What Studying Agriculture Really Involves
Agriculture is not just “farming.” At university level, it blends science, environment, economics, and technology. Depending on the school, you’ll study things like:
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crop and soil science
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animal production
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agricultural economics
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farm mechanization
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pest and disease control
Because of this mix, JAMB doesn’t lock Agriculture into only one strict science pathway. Instead, it sets core subjects and then allows candidates to complete the combination with approved optional subjects.
Understanding that structure is key.
How JAMB Subject Combinations Work (Quick Context)
For UTME:
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JAMB requires 4 subjects total
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Use of English is compulsory for everyone
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The remaining 3 subjects must align with your course
For Agriculture, JAMB expects:
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strong science grounding
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plus flexibility for candidates who may come from slightly different academic backgrounds
This is why you’ll always see core subjects + optional choices.
Core JAMB Subjects for Agriculture (Non-Negotiable)
These are the subjects JAMB expects every Agriculture candidate to have. You do not skip these.
1. Use of English (Compulsory)
This is mandatory for all UTME candidates, regardless of course. No exceptions.
2. Biology (Core Subject)
Biology is the backbone of Agriculture.
It covers:
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plant and animal life
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genetics
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growth processes
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basic ecology
If Biology is missing, the combination is automatically wrong. No school negotiates this.
So at this point, your foundation looks like this:
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Use of English
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Biology
These two are fixed.
Why JAMB Adds Optional Subjects for Agriculture
Agriculture touches many fields:
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Chemistry explains soil nutrients and fertilizers
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Physics supports irrigation, machinery, and mechanics
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Economics connects to farm management and agribusiness
Because candidates don’t all come from the same strength area, JAMB allows flexibility.
That flexibility shows up in the last two subjects.
Approved Optional Subjects for Agriculture in 2026
After Use of English and Biology, JAMB allows you to choose any two from the subjects below.
This is where candidates “build” their combination.
Optional Subjects (Choose Any Two)
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Geography
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Agricultural Science
You are not expected to choose all of them. JAMB only needs two, and the choice depends on:
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your strengths
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your O’Level background
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your target universities
Putting It All Together: Official JAMB Subject Combination for Agriculture
Core Subjects (Always Required)
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Use of English
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Biology
Plus Any Two of the Following
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Geography
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Agricultural Science
That makes your 4 UTME subjects.
Common Valid Examples (So You Can Visualize It)
All of these are acceptable for Agriculture:
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Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
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Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
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Use of English, Biology, Agricultural Science, Economics
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Use of English, Biology, Geography, Chemistry
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Use of English, Biology, Economics, Mathematics
What matters is:
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Biology is present
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only approved subjects are used
Important Warnings Candidates Ignore Every Year
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Do not assume all universities accept every optional subject combination
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Some schools prefer Chemistry more strongly than others
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Agricultural Science can be accepted, but some universities still favor pure sciences
This is why checking the official brochure from Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is critical before final submission.
Once registration closes, subject changes are not allowed.
Final Advice (Read This Slowly)
If you’re good at science, lean toward:
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Biology + Chemistry + Physics/Maths
If your strength is more commercial or environmental:
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Biology + Economics + Geography
Both paths are valid — what matters is alignment, not copying friends.
Agriculture rewards candidates who understand systems, not shortcuts. Start that mindset now, even from subject selection.