If you’re aiming for Electrical Engineering in 2026, this is one of those moments where getting things almost right is not enough. This course is technical, competitive, and unforgiving when it comes to subject combinations. One wrong pick and your UTME score won’t even matter.
Let’s slow down and break this properly — no rushing to the subject list yet. You need to understand why certain subjects are compulsory and how JAMB expects you to choose the remaining ones.
Why Subject Combination Matters for Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering is not just about wires and transformers. At university level, you’ll deal with:
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heavy calculations
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circuit theory
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electromagnetism
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power systems
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electronics and signal processing
Because of this, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board treats Electrical Engineering as a strict science-based course. They expect you to already have a solid background in the subjects that form the foundation of these concepts.
That’s why some subjects are non-negotiable, while others are allowed as options — but only within a narrow range.
How JAMB Subject Selection Works (Quick Reality Check)
For JAMB 2026:
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You must register four subjects
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Use of English is compulsory for everyone
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The remaining three subjects must match your course
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Some courses (like Electrical Engineering) have core subjects
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In a few cases, JAMB allows optional subjects, but you still can’t choose randomly
This is where many candidates mess up: they assume “optional” means “anything goes.” It doesn’t.
Core Subjects for Electrical Engineering (These Are Mandatory)
No matter the university — federal, state, or private — these subjects are fixed.
Core Subjects:
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Use of English (Compulsory for all courses)
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Mathematics
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Physics
These three form the backbone of Electrical Engineering.
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Mathematics is unavoidable. From day one, engineering is math-heavy.
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Physics is equally critical because it covers electricity, magnetism, waves, and mechanics — all central to the course.
If you’re missing any of these, Electrical Engineering is simply not an option.
The Fourth Subject: Where Choice Comes In
Now this is the part where JAMB gives you limited flexibility.
Accepted Optional Subjects:
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Chemistry
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Further Mathematics (where available and accepted by the institution)
Most Recommended Option:
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Chemistry
Chemistry is the safest and most widely accepted fourth subject for Electrical Engineering. Almost all Nigerian universities expect it, and some may quietly reject candidates who replace it with weaker alternatives.
About Further Mathematics:
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Some universities like it
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Some don’t require it
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Some secondary schools don’t even offer it properly
Because of this, Further Mathematics is optional, not compulsory, and should only be chosen if:
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you actually studied it well, and
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your target university accepts it
Final JAMB Subject Combination for Electrical Engineering (2026)
After all the explanations, here is the correct structure.
Core Subjects (Must Be Included):
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
Optional Subject (Choose One):
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Chemistry
OR -
Further Mathematics (only if accepted by your chosen institution)
That gives you the required four subjects.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
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Replacing Physics with Chemistry
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Choosing Biology instead of Chemistry
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Assuming any science subject will work
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Ignoring university-specific requirements
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Copying a friend’s combination without checking the course
Electrical Engineering is not flexible with mistakes. JAMB won’t warn you — they’ll just disqualify you silently.
Final Advice (Read This Twice)
Before you submit your JAMB 2026 form:
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Confirm Electrical Engineering requirements in the JAMB brochure
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Check your chosen university’s subject preferences
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Stick to the core subjects no matter what anyone tells you
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Treat the optional subject as a strategic decision, not a guess
If you get this part right, you’ve already avoided one of the biggest reasons candidates lose admission every year.