If you’re planning to study Nursing Science in 2026, let’s be honest — this is not a course you can afford to “guess” your JAMB subject combination for 😬. Nursing is competitive, science-heavy, and very strict when it comes to UTME requirements.
So before we even list the subjects, let’s slow down and break things properly — the why, the how, and the mistakes people keep making every year.
Why Subject Combination Matters So Much for Nursing Science
Nursing Science is a medical-based course. That already tells you one thing:
👉 science subjects are non-negotiable.
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) uses subject combinations as a screening tool. Even if you score 300+, a wrong combination can quietly disqualify you during admission processing — no noise, no appeal, just vibes 😶.
Universities rely on these combinations to confirm that:
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You can handle medical coursework
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You have the right science foundation
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You didn’t randomly pick subjects because “someone said so”
That’s why understanding core vs optional subjects is key.
Core Subjects for Nursing Science (Non-Negotiable)
These are the fixed subjects. Every candidate for Nursing Science must have them. No shortcuts. No alternatives.
Core Subjects
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Use of English (Compulsory for all courses)
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Biology
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Chemistry
These three subjects form the foundation of Nursing Science:
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Biology → human anatomy, physiology, genetics
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Chemistry → drugs, solutions, reactions, pharmacology basics
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English → communication, comprehension, clinical documentation
If any of these is missing, Nursing Science is off the table 🚫.
The “Flexible Slot”: Choosing the 4th Subject (This Is Where Many People Mess Up)
JAMB requires 4 subjects total, but for Nursing Science, the 4th subject is flexible.
This means:
👉 You must choose ONE subject from an approved list, depending on what your preferred institution accepts.
🔄 Approved Optional Subjects (Choose ONE)
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Physics ✅ (Most preferred)
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Mathematics
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Agricultural Science
Now let’s talk strategy 👇
Which Optional Subject Is the Best? (Real Talk)
Physics (Top-Tier Choice)
Physics is the most widely accepted option for Nursing Science.
Why universities love it:
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Builds analytical thinking
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Useful for medical equipment, energy, and measurements
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Aligns well with other health science courses
If your school accepts Physics (most do), this is the safest bet.
Mathematics (Accepted by Some Schools)
Math is accepted by some universities, but not all.
It helps with:
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Dosage calculations
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Data interpretation
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Basic medical statistics
⚠️ Important: Always confirm with your chosen school before using Mathematics as your optional subject.
Agricultural Science (Less Common but Still Valid)
Yes, it’s accepted in some institutions, especially where science flexibility is allowed.
However:
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Not universally accepted
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Less aligned with medical training
Only choose this if:
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Your institution explicitly allows it
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You are very strong in Agric and weaker in Physics/Math
Final JAMB Subject Combination for Nursing Science (2026)
Correct & Recommended Combination
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics (Best option)
Alternative Combinations (Institution-Dependent)
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Mathematics
OR
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Agricultural Science
Common Mistakes Nursing Aspirants Make (Avoid These Please 😭)
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❌ Replacing Chemistry with Physics
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❌ Using CRS or Government because “it’s easy”
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❌ Assuming all schools accept Mathematics or Agric
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❌ Not checking the JAMB brochure before registration
Remember: Nursing is competitive. You don’t want to be filtered out before admission even starts.
Pro Tip Before You Register for JAMB 2026
Before clicking submit:
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Check the JAMB brochure
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Confirm your specific university’s requirements
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Think long-term (Nursing ≠ shortcuts)
One correct decision now can save you an entire extra year.