If you’re planning to study Health Education in 2026, let’s slow down and do this properly. This is one of those courses where many candidates think, “Ah, it’s education, anything science-related should work.”
Spoiler alert: that mindset has disqualified people before 😬
So instead of rushing straight to the subject list, let’s break it down calmly—JAMB-style.
What Health Education Is Really About (According to JAMB Logic)
Health Education isn’t just about teaching people how to wash hands or eat fruits (though that matters too). In higher institutions, it focuses on:
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Human health and wellness
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Disease prevention
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Physical and mental health education
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Community and school health
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Basic biological and health sciences
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Teaching and communication skills
Because of this mix, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board treats Health Education as a science-based education course, not a pure art or social science course.
That classification is the key to understanding the subject combination.
Why You Can’t Just “Pick Any Subject”
JAMB requires 4 subjects for UTME:
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Use of English (compulsory for everyone)
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Other 3 subjects related to your course
For Health Education, JAMB first checks if you chose the core science foundation.
Only after that does it allow flexibility with the remaining subjects.
So yes, there are options—but only after the core is satisfied.
Core Subjects for Health Education (Non-Negotiable)
These are the subjects JAMB expects at the center of your combination. Miss this, and your score won’t even matter.
✅ Core Subjects
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Use of English (Compulsory)
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Biology
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Health Science or Physical Education
Why this matters:
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Biology covers human systems, health, and life processes
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Health Science / Physical Education aligns directly with the course content
These subjects show JAMB that you actually understand what Health Education is about.
The Flexible Slot: Optional Subjects (Choose Wisely)
Now here’s where candidates usually relax too much 😅
You still need one more subject to make it 4, and this is where JAMB gives options.
✅ Acceptable Optional Subjects (Pick ONE)
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Agricultural Science
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Economics
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Geography
How to choose smartly:
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If you’re science-strong, go for Chemistry or Physics
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If you’re more education/community-focused, Economics or Geography works well
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If your background is agric or environmental, Agricultural Science is solid
Different institutions may prefer one over another, but JAMB generally accepts all of the above when combined with the core subjects.
Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations for Health Education (2026)
Here are safe and commonly accepted combinations:
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Use of English
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Biology
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Health Science / Physical Education
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Chemistry
OR
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Use of English
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Biology
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Health Science / Physical Education
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Economics
OR
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Use of English
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Biology
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Health Science / Physical Education
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Agricultural Science
All of these tick JAMB’s boxes ✔️
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Please Read This 😭)
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❌ Replacing Biology with CRS or Government
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❌ Choosing only social science subjects
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❌ Assuming “Education” means no science is needed
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❌ Copying a friend’s combination without checking the course
Health Education still sits on a science foundation, even though it’s an education course.
Final Advice (Big Sis / Big Bro Talk)
Before you submit your JAMB form:
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Cross-check your institution’s requirements
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Confirm the subject combo in the JAMB brochure
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Don’t gamble with “maybe they’ll accept it”
One wrong subject = automatic disqualification. No appeal. No mercy.