If you’re eyeing Biomedical Engineering, chances are you like science, technology, and the idea of building solutions that actually save lives. It’s one of those courses that quietly sits at the intersection of medicine and engineering — demanding, respected, and very future-forward.
But here’s the thing many candidates get wrong every year:
your JAMB subject combination matters just as much as your UTME score.
So before we jump straight into listing subjects, let’s slow down and understand why certain subjects are required, and why JAMB gives options in some cases.
What Biomedical Engineering Really Demands (Academically)
Biomedical Engineering is not “medical-lite” and it’s not “engineering-soft.” It’s a full blend of both worlds.
At university level, students deal with:
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Medical instrumentation
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Human physiology and anatomy
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Electronics and signal processing
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Materials science
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Programming and data analysis
Because of this mix, JAMB and Nigerian universities prioritize strong foundations in math, physics, chemistry, and biology. These subjects prepare you for both the engineering calculations and the biological systems you’ll be working with.
That’s why the subject combination isn’t random — it’s deliberate.
Core JAMB Subjects for Biomedical Engineering (Non-Negotiable)
These subjects are considered core, meaning they are required across virtually all universities offering Biomedical Engineering.
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Use of English
This is compulsory for all JAMB candidates, regardless of course. -
Mathematics
Biomedical Engineering is math-heavy. From calculus to modeling biological systems, math is unavoidable. -
Physics
Physics forms the backbone of engineering — especially electronics, mechanics, and medical imaging equipment.
These three subjects are fixed. You don’t get to replace or negotiate them.
The Fourth Subject: Where JAMB Gives You Options
Now here’s where many candidates get confused.
JAMB requires four subjects total, but for Biomedical Engineering, the fourth subject can vary depending on institutional preference. JAMB allows candidates to choose one from a small pool of relevant sciences.
Accepted Optional Subjects (Choose ONE)
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Chemistry
This is the most widely accepted option. Chemistry is crucial for biomaterials, drug-device interaction, and tissue engineering. -
Biology
Some universities accept Biology because Biomedical Engineering involves understanding human systems, cells, and tissues.
Important clarification
You do not write both Chemistry and Biology in UTME for this course.
You choose one, based on what:
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your preferred universities accept
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aligns better with your strengths
That’s why it’s called an optional subject, not an extra subject.
Official JAMB Subject Combination Summary (2026)
Here’s the clean breakdown after all the explanations:
Core Subjects (Compulsory):
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
One Optional Subject (Choose ONE):
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Chemistry
OR -
Biology
That completes the required four subjects for Biomedical Engineering in JAMB 2026.
Why Chemistry Is Often the Safer Choice
While Biology is accepted by some institutions, Chemistry is more universally preferred, especially in federal and top-tier universities.
If you’re applying broadly and don’t want unnecessary restrictions later during admission screening, Chemistry gives you more flexibility.
Always confirm with the JAMB brochure and your chosen institution, but as a general rule:
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Math + Physics + Chemistry = safest combo
Final Advice Before You Register
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Do not assume “engineering = no biology” or “medical = no physics”
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Don’t pick subjects based on what your friends are choosing
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One wrong subject can block admission entirely, even with a high score
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Cross-check your university’s requirements before locking in your form
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will not correct subject mistakes after registration.