Choosing the right JAMB subject combination for Public Administration in 2026 is one of those decisions that looks simple at first — until you realize a single wrong subject can quietly ruin your admission chances.
A lot of candidates assume “anything art or commercial” works. That assumption is where many people get stuck every year.
Let’s slow it down, break it properly, and make sure you understand not just what to choose, but why those subjects matter — and where you still have flexibility.
What Public Administration Really Focuses On (Quick Reality Check)
Public Administration sits comfortably between social sciences and governance. The course deals with:
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Government operations
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Policy making and implementation
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Public sector management
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Administration at local, state, and federal levels
Because of this, JAMB and universities expect candidates to already have exposure to government, economics, and structured reasoning subjects. That expectation is what shapes the subject combination.
The Core JAMB Subjects for Public Administration (Non-Negotiable)
For JAMB 2026, four subjects are required, but three of them form the core foundation.
Core Subjects (Must Be Included)
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Use of English – compulsory for all courses
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Government
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Economics
These three subjects are the backbone of Public Administration.
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Government connects directly to political systems, constitutions, public institutions, and governance.
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Economics helps with policy analysis, budgeting, public finance, and resource allocation.
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Use of English is mandatory and heavily tested in UTME.
No matter the institution, these three are the safest and most widely accepted combination.
The Fourth Subject: Where You Have Options
This is where many candidates get confused — and where JAMB gives room for choice.
After the three core subjects above, you are expected to add ONE more subject from an approved list. Different universities allow slightly different options, which is why flexibility exists here.
Approved Optional Subjects (Choose ONE)
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Mathematics
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Geography
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Commerce
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Accounting
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History
You do not pick all of them. You choose one to complete your four JAMB subjects.
How to Choose the Best Optional Subject (Be Strategic)
Here’s how to think about it instead of guessing:
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Choose Mathematics if:
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You’re comfortable with numbers
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You’re targeting competitive federal universities
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You want to keep crossover options open (like Economics or Political Science)
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Choose Geography if:
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You’re strong in physical and human geography
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Your school accepts it clearly for Public Administration
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Choose Commerce or Accounting if:
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You’re coming from a commercial background
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You’re considering related courses like Business Administration or Management later
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Choose History if:
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You’re arts-inclined
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Your target university explicitly lists it in their requirements
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If unsure, Mathematics remains the safest optional subject across most Nigerian universities.
Recommended JAMB Subject Combination Summary (2026)
Best & Widely Accepted Combination
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Use of English
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Government
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Economics
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Mathematics
Alternative Accepted Combinations
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Use of English
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Government
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Economics
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Geography
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Use of English
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Government
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Economics
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Commerce
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Use of English
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Government
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Economics
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Accounting
Common Mistakes Candidates Make (Avoid These)
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Replacing Government with CRS or Literature
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Assuming any art subject automatically qualifies
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Choosing subjects based on what feels “easy” instead of what’s accepted
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Not checking if their chosen university has special requirements
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board does not correct subject combination errors after registration. Once submitted, that choice sticks.
Final Advice Before You Register
Public Administration is not flexible enough to “experiment” with random subjects. Stick to the core, choose one solid optional subject, and confirm with:
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JAMB brochure
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Your preferred university’s admission page
That one extra check can save you an entire year.