If you’re eyeing Demography for 2026, let’s slow this down and do it properly. This is one of those courses people assume is “easy” until a wrong JAMB subject combo quietly blocks admission. No drama—just smart choices.
Demography sits comfortably in the social sciences, but it borrows ideas from economics, statistics, geography, and sociology. That mix is exactly why JAMB gives you options, not just one rigid path. Understanding the logic behind the subjects is how you avoid mistakes.
Before listing anything, here’s the non-negotiable rule from the exam body.
First Things First: How JAMB Subject Combination Works
For UTME, JAMB requires four subjects total:
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One compulsory subject (everyone has this)
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Three others related to your course
For Demography, some subjects are core (you must have them), while others are optional, meaning JAMB allows you to choose based on your strength or your intended university.
And yes, universities can still tweak preferences, but JAMB’s guideline is the foundation.
The Core Subject (Mandatory)
There is only one compulsory subject for Demography:
Use of English
No negotiation here. According to Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, every UTME candidate must register English, regardless of course. Once English is missing, the rest doesn’t matter.
Now let’s talk about the real Demography subjects.
Why These Subjects Matter for Demography
Demography focuses on:
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Population size and structure
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Birth and death rates
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Migration patterns
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Human behavior across regions and time
So JAMB expects you to show strength in:
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Numbers
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Social analysis
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Human population dynamics
That’s where the next subjects come in.
Core Supporting Subject
Mathematics
This is the backbone of Demography. Population studies rely heavily on statistics, projections, ratios, and data interpretation. Most universities treat Mathematics as essential, even when JAMB lists it flexibly.
If you struggled with math in secondary school, Demography will still bring math back—just with real-world meaning.
Optional Subjects (Choose Based on Strength)
This is where JAMB gives room to breathe. You are required to pick two subjects from the list below, alongside English and Mathematics.
Option 1: Economics
Economics connects directly to population growth, labor force, poverty levels, and development planning. If you’re comfortable with graphs, policies, and real-life social issues, this is a strong choice.
Option 2: Geography
Geography fits Demography perfectly. Migration, settlement patterns, urbanization, and population distribution all live here. Candidates who like maps and environmental reasoning usually do well.
Option 3: Government
Government helps with population policies, census planning, public administration, and governance structures. It’s a good option if you lean more toward theory and social systems than calculations.
Option 4: Sociology
Some institutions accept Sociology because Demography overlaps with social behavior, family structures, and population change. This is more common in universities that emphasize social research.
Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations for Demography (2026)
Here are safe, JAMB-approved combinations:
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Geography
OR
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Government
OR
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Geography
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Government
In universities that allow Sociology:
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Economics or Geography
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Sociology
The key rule: English + Mathematics stay constant, the other two are selected from the approved social science options.
Common Mistakes Demography Aspirants Make
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Skipping Mathematics because it’s “not compulsory everywhere”
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Replacing Geography or Economics with subjects like CRS or Literature
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Assuming all universities accept the same combination
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Choosing subjects based only on what feels easy
Demography is analytical. Your subjects should reflect that.
Final Advice Before You Register
Before locking in your subjects:
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Check your target university’s requirements
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Compare them with the JAMB brochure
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Choose subjects you can actually score high in, not just ones you like
A correct subject combination plus a strong UTME score puts you ahead of many candidates who get disqualified silently.