Let’s be honest — Computer Science is one of those courses everybody wants, but JAMB will not forgive mistakes 😭. You could score 280+ and still lose admission just because your subject combination was wrong.
So before you rush to tick subjects during registration, let’s slow down, break it properly, and make sure you’re choosing the exact subjects JAMB and universities expect in 2026.
No shortcuts. No confusion. Just facts — explained in a way that actually makes sense.
First Things First: How JAMB Subject Combination Works
For every UTME candidate in 2026, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board requires:
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4 subjects in total
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Use of English is compulsory for everyone
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The remaining 3 subjects must align with your chosen course
Now here’s where many students mess up 👇
Some courses (like Computer Science) have:
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Core subjects (non-negotiable)
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Optional subjects (you choose one or more from a list)
If you miss a core subject, you’re disqualified.
If you choose the wrong optional subject, some universities may still reject you.
So let’s do this carefully.
Understanding Computer Science as a Course
Computer Science is not just “computer”. Universities treat it as a science-based and logic-driven course.
That’s why:
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Mathematical thinking matters
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Problem-solving matters
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Logical reasoning matters
This directly affects the subjects JAMB expects you to write.
✅ Core Subjects for Computer Science (Must-Have)
These subjects are mandatory across almost all Nigerian universities. There’s no negotiation here.
Core Subjects
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Use of English (Compulsory for all courses)
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Mathematics
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Physics
👉 If you remove Mathematics or Physics, Computer Science is gone.
Even schools that sound flexible still expect these at O’Level and UTME.
These three form the foundation.
🔄 Optional Subjects for Computer Science (Choose Carefully)
Now we move to the fourth subject — the one that gives people trouble.
JAMB allows more than one option, but you must pick only ONE during registration.
Accepted Optional Subjects
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Chemistry
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Biology
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Further Mathematics (accepted by some universities)
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Economics (accepted by very few institutions)
💡 Most universities strongly prefer Chemistry, but JAMB gives room for alternatives.
📌 Recommended JAMB Subject Combination for Computer Science (2026)
If you want the safest and most widely accepted option, this is it:
Best Combination
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
This combination works for:
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Federal universities
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State universities
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Most private universities
If you’re not sure about your school of choice yet, stick with Chemistry. It keeps your options open.
⚠️ Alternative Combinations (Use With Caution)
These combinations are allowed, but not universally accepted.
Option 2 (Moderate Acceptance)
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Biology
Some universities accept this, others don’t. Always verify.
Option 3 (Limited Acceptance)
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Further Mathematics
Mostly accepted by tech-focused or private institutions.
Option 4 (Risky)
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Economics
Only a handful of universities accept this. Choose this only if you’ve confirmed.
🚫 Common Mistakes Computer Science Aspirants Make
Let’s save you from future heartbreak:
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❌ Choosing Government or CRS — automatic disqualification
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❌ Skipping Physics because “it’s hard”
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❌ Assuming all universities accept the same optional subject
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❌ Not checking the JAMB brochure before registration
JAMB will not call you to correct it later.
Final Advice (Real Talk)
If Computer Science is your dream course:
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Lock in the core subjects
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Choose the most accepted optional subject
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Don’t gamble with “I heard this school accepts it”
Smart choices beat high scores with wrong subjects.
Quick Recap 🧠
Core subjects (must):
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
Optional subjects (choose one):
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Chemistry ✅ (best)
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Biology
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Further Mathematics
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Economics (least recommended)