JAMB Subject Combination for Human Nutrition and Dietetics in 2026

So you’re eyeing Human Nutrition and Dietetics in 2026? Solid choice 🥗💪
This course is for people who are curious about food, health, the human body, and how what we eat actually affects our lives. But before you start picturing lab coats and meal plans, there’s one very important step you can’t afford to mess up: your JAMB subject combination.

Let’s break it down properly — no rushing, no confusion, no “I didn’t know” stories later.

What Human Nutrition and Dietetics Is Really About (Quick Reality Check)

Human Nutrition and Dietetics sits right between medical science and food science. You’ll study:

• How nutrients work in the body

• Diet planning for different health conditions

• Food quality, safety, and metabolism

• Community and public health nutrition

Because of this blend, JAMB expects you to have a strong science background. That’s why the subject combination is very specific.

Why JAMB Is Strict With This Course

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board doesn’t joke with courses tied to health.
If your subjects don’t align with the scientific foundation of Nutrition and Dietetics, your application can be rejected even with a high UTME score.

That’s why understanding core vs optional subjects matters a lot here.

Core Subjects for Human Nutrition and Dietetics (Non-Negotiable)

These subjects form the backbone of the course. You must have them. No shortcuts.

✅ Compulsory (Core) Subjects

1. Use of English

   • Mandatory for all JAMB candidates. No debate.

2. Biology

   • This is the heart of Nutrition and Dietetics.

   • You’ll be dealing with digestion, metabolism, body systems, and nutrients — all biology.

3. Chemistry

   • Nutrition is chemistry-heavy: nutrients, reactions, enzymes, and food composition all rely on it.

👉 These three are fixed core subjects. Every candidate must take them.

The Fourth Subject: Where Choice Comes In 👀

This is where many students get confused — and where JAMB actually gives you options.

After English, Biology, and Chemistry, you are required to choose ONE more subject from the approved list below.

🔁 Approved Optional Subjects (Choose ONE)

• Physics

  • Preferred by many universities

  • Useful for understanding energy, heat, and lab equipment

OR

• Agricultural Science

  • Accepted by several institutions

  • Relates to food production, crops, and food sources

OR

• Mathematics

  • Sometimes accepted

  • Helpful for statistics, measurements, and research

⚠️ Important:
Not all universities accept all three options equally. Physics is the safest option, while Agricultural Science and Mathematics depend on the institution.

Final JAMB Subject Combination Summary (2026)

✅ Core Subjects (Must Have)

• Use of English

• Biology

• Chemistry

➕ Choose ONE Optional Subject

• Physics (most preferred)

• Agricultural Science

• Mathematics

📌 Total subjects = 4, as required by JAMB.

Common Mistakes Students Make (Don’t Be That Person)

• ❌ Replacing Biology with Agricultural Science

• ❌ Using Government or Economics as the 4th subject

• ❌ Assuming “food-related” means Home Economics is accepted

• ❌ Not checking the university’s specific requirements

Nutrition and Dietetics is science-first, not arts or commercial.

Smart Tip for 2026 Aspirants 🧠

Before finalizing your JAMB registration:

• Check your preferred university’s requirements

• When in doubt, choose Physics as your optional subject

• Confirm everything in the JAMB brochure before submission

A correct subject combination keeps your admission chances alive. A wrong one ends them early.