If you’re aiming for Telecommunication Engineering in 2026, this is one of those courses where getting the JAMB subject combination wrong can quietly ruin everything — even if you score high.
A lot of students assume it’s “just engineering” and register anything close. That’s how people end up surprised during admission screening.
Let’s slow it down and break it properly, step by step, before revealing the exact subjects you should pick.
What Telecommunication Engineering Really Is (and Why JAMB Is Strict)
Telecommunication Engineering focuses on how information moves — voice calls, internet data, radio waves, satellites, fiber optics, mobile networks, and everything behind them.
Because of that, universities expect candidates to be strong in logic, calculations, and physical science, not just theory.
This is why JAMB treats Telecommunication Engineering like a core engineering course, similar to Electrical or Electronic Engineering, and structures the subject requirements around that expectation.
If your subjects don’t reflect this science-heavy foundation, most universities won’t even consider you — no appeal, no second chance.
Why You Can’t “Mix and Match” Freely
For JAMB 2026:
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Every candidate must register four subjects
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One of them is compulsory for all courses
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The remaining three must align with what universities approve for Telecommunication Engineering
Now here’s where many people get confused.
Some subjects are non-negotiable core subjects
Others are optional science subjects, where JAMB allows you to choose one from a list
Your job is to always lock in the core subjects first, then carefully select from the optional ones — not guess.
Core Subjects for Telecommunication Engineering (These Are Fixed)
These subjects are required across virtually all Nigerian universities offering the course. There’s no flexibility here.
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Use of English (compulsory for everyone)
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Mathematics
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Physics
If you miss any of these three, Telecommunication Engineering is automatically off the table.
The Optional Science Subject (You Must Choose One)
After the core subjects above, JAMB allows one additional science subject. This is where candidates get options.
Approved optional subjects include:
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Chemistry
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Further Mathematics
You are expected to choose one of these, not both.
How to Choose Smartly
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Chemistry is the safest and most widely accepted option across universities.
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Further Mathematics is powerful but risky if your O’Level or UTME strength in math isn’t solid.
If you’re unsure, Chemistry is the better default.
Final JAMB Subject Combination for Telecommunication Engineering 2026
After all that, here is the correct combination, clearly laid out.
Core Subjects
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
Optional Subject (Choose One)
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Chemistry
or -
Further Mathematics
That makes the required four subjects.
Important Notes for 2026 Candidates
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Some universities may prefer Chemistry over Further Mathematics, even if both are allowed
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Polytechnics and monotechnics tend to be slightly more flexible, but universities are stricter
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Your O’Level subjects must also align — JAMB alone is not enough
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Always confirm with the official brochure from Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board
Quick Reality Check
Telecommunication Engineering is not a course you “manage.”
Your subject combination is the first proof that you’re serious.
Get it right now, and you avoid unnecessary heartbreak later.