If you’re planning to study Horticulture in 2026, this is one of those courses where getting your JAMB subject combination right matters more than people think.
Horticulture sits inside Agriculture, but it’s not the same as “general farming.” It focuses on fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, landscaping, nurseries, and crop improvement. Because of that, JAMB and universities are very specific about the subjects they want to see on your UTME slip.
Let’s break this down slowly and clearly, so you understand why each subject is required — not just what to pick.
What JAMB Expects from Horticulture Candidates
Horticulture is a science-based agricultural course. Universities expect candidates to already have basic knowledge of:
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plant growth and development
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soil and environmental conditions
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basic biological processes
That’s why your subject combination will always lean toward Biology and Agriculture-related sciences, not commercial or art subjects.
And yes, you must register four subjects in total, as required by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The Core Subjects for Horticulture (Non-Negotiable)
These are the subjects you must have. No swapping, no replacing.
1. Use of English (Compulsory)
This is mandatory for every JAMB candidate, regardless of course. No English, no admission.
2. Biology
Horticulture is all about plants — how they grow, reproduce, respond to pests, and adapt to their environment. Biology gives you that foundation.
Most universities will not consider you for Horticulture without Biology.
These two subjects form the core foundation.
Where Candidates Usually Get Confused (Optional Subjects)
Now we move to the part where many candidates make mistakes.
After English and Biology, JAMB allows flexibility. You are expected to choose one or two additional science/agricultural subjects, depending on what your preferred institution accepts.
This is where options come in.
Approved Optional Subjects for Horticulture (Choose Carefully)
From JAMB and university standards, the following subjects are acceptable options:
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Agricultural Science
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Geography
You do not choose all of them. You choose the ones that best match your strength and your school’s requirements.
How the Final Subject Combination Works
You need four subjects total.
Core subjects (fixed):
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Use of English
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Biology
Optional subjects (you choose):
You will select two subjects from the list below:
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Agricultural Science
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Geography
Recommended and Safer Combinations
If you want to play it safe and stay widely acceptable across universities, these combinations work best:
Option 1 (Most Preferred):
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Use of English
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Biology
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Agricultural Science
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Chemistry
Option 2 (Still Strong):
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Use of English
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Biology
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Agricultural Science
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Physics
Option 3 (Accepted in some schools):
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Geography
Agricultural Science is strongly advised because it aligns directly with Horticulture. If you did well in it in secondary school, include it.
Subjects You Should Avoid
Even if you’re good at them, these are usually not accepted for Horticulture:
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Economics
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Government
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Commerce
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CRS / IRS
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Literature in English
Including them can quietly disqualify you, even with a high JAMB score.
Final Advice Before You Register
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Always cross-check your chosen university’s requirements in the JAMB brochure
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If you’re unsure, Agricultural Science + Chemistry is the safest pairing
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Don’t guess your subject combination — mistakes here are permanent after registration
Horticulture is a great course with opportunities in agribusiness, landscaping, food production, and research. Just make sure your JAMB subjects actually open the door.