JAMB Subject Combination for Criminology and Security Studies in 2026

Choosing the right JAMB subject combination for Criminology and Security Studies in 2026 is one of those decisions that looks simple on the surface but can quietly ruin your admission chances if you get it wrong.

A lot of candidates assume, “It’s not science, so anything goes.”
That’s where problems start.

Criminology and Security Studies sits in a unique space. It blends social science, governance, law, and human behavior, so universities are very particular about the subjects they want to see on your JAMB slip. The good news? It’s flexible. The bad news? That flexibility can confuse people.

Before listing subjects, let’s break down how JAMB and universities actually look at this course.

Arewacampus Contents

Understanding Criminology and Security Studies (Before Choosing Subjects)

Criminology and Security Studies focuses on:

Crime and criminal behavior
National and internal security
Law enforcement and intelligence
Social order, justice systems, and governance
Conflict, terrorism, and public safety

Because of this, universities want candidates who already have a background in:

Language and comprehension (for reports, law texts, analysis)
Government and civic understanding
Social and economic systems
Human behavior and society

That’s why your subject combination must reflect how society works, not just random arts or commercial subjects.

Also, remember this rule for JAMB 2026:

You must register four subjects
Use of English is compulsory
The remaining three must align with your course

Now let’s break it down properly.

Core JAMB Subjects for Criminology and Security Studies (2026)

These are the subjects that almost every university agrees on. Think of them as non-negotiable foundations.

1. Use of English (Compulsory)

This is mandatory for all courses in JAMB.
For Criminology and Security Studies, it’s especially important because the course involves:

Reading legal and policy documents
Writing reports and case studies
Clear communication in security-related fields

You cannot replace this with anything else.

2. Government (Core Subject)

Government is the most important supporting subject for this course.

Why?
Because Criminology and Security Studies is deeply connected to:

Law and constitution
Governance and power structures
Security agencies and state authority
Public administration and justice systems

Many universities will not accept Criminology without Government. If you’re choosing only one “must-have” subject aside English, this is it.

Optional JAMB Subjects (Choose the Remaining Subjects Carefully)

After Use of English and Government, you still need two more subjects to complete your four.

This is where JAMB allows some flexibility, and where candidates must choose wisely.

Universities usually allow you to pick from the subjects below.

Option 1: Economics

Economics is widely accepted and highly recommended.

It helps universities see that you understand:

Poverty and crime links
Resource allocation and social pressure
Economic causes of insecurity

This subject pairs very well with Government and strengthens your application.

Option 2: Geography

Geography is accepted by many institutions, especially those that emphasize:

Border security
Population movement
Environmental conflicts
Urban crime patterns

It’s a solid choice if you’re comfortable with maps, human geography, and spatial thinking.

Option 3: Sociology

Some universities accept Sociology because it deals directly with:

Social behavior
Crime patterns in society
Group dynamics and deviance

However, Sociology is less commonly offered at secondary school level, so it’s optional only where available and accepted.

Option 4: CRS or IRS

Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) may be accepted by some universities.

These subjects are considered relevant because they touch on:

Moral systems
Ethics and social values
Community behavior

They are acceptable, but usually not the strongest option compared to Economics or Geography.

Option 5: History

History is accepted in some institutions because it provides context on:

Conflict evolution
Legal systems over time
Colonial and post-colonial security structures

Not every school accepts it, so it’s best used only after checking specific university requirements.

Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations (Best to Safest)

Based on acceptance trends across Nigerian universities, these are the most reliable combinations for 2026.

Best Combination (Most Accepted)

Use of English
Government
Economics
Geography

Very Strong Alternative

Use of English
Government
Economics
CRS or IRS

Acceptable (Check University First)

Use of English
Government
Geography
History

Less Common but Possible

Use of English
Government
Sociology
Economics

Important Warnings for JAMB 2026 Candidates

Do not replace Government unless the university explicitly allows it
Avoid combinations like:
- Government + Literature + Fine Arts
- Government + Commerce + Accounting
Always confirm with the JAMB brochure for your chosen university
One wrong subject can lead to automatic disqualification, even with a high score

JAMB does not fix subject mistakes after registration.

Final Advice

If you’re serious about Criminology and Security Studies in 2026, your subject combination should clearly show that you understand society, governance, and security, not just that you want a “non-science” course.

When in doubt:

Prioritize Government and Economics
Add Geography or CRS/IRS as support
Keep it clean, relevant, and intentional