Pharmacy is a highly respected profession in the medical field, combining science, research, and healthcare to improve patient well-being.
To secure admission into a Pharmacy program in Nigeria, students must meet the correct WAEC subject combination for Pharmacy, JAMB requirements, and other academic criteria.
This article provides a detailed guide on the WAEC subject combination for Pharmacy, including JAMB subject requirements, cut-off marks, and essential information for prospective pharmacy students.
For admission into any accredited university offering Pharmacy, students must have at least five credit passes in relevant WAEC, NECO, or GCE subjects.
WAEC subject combination for Pharmacy
These includes:
1. English Language (Compulsory)
2. Mathematics (Compulsory)
3. Biology (Compulsory)
4. Chemistry (Compulsory)
5. Physics (Compulsory)
These subjects are mandatory for gaining admission into a Pharmacy program.
Some universities may consider Health Science or Agricultural Science as additional subjects, but they cannot replace any of the five core subjects listed above.
JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy
In addition to the WAEC subject combination for Pharmacy, students must also register for the correct JAMB UTME subjects.
The JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy includes:
1. English Language (Compulsory)
2. Biology
3. Chemistry
4. Physics
Students must select all four subjects correctly to qualify for admission.
A wrong subject combination in JAMB can lead to disqualification during the admission process.
JAMB Score for Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a highly competitive course, and the required JAMB UTME score for Pharmacy varies by institution.
Federal and state universities generally require a minimum of 220–250.
Highly competitive universities such as UNILAG, OAU, UNN, UI, ABU, and LASU may set cut-off marks between 250 and 280 due to high demand.
Private universities may have lower cut-off marks, but a higher JAMB score still increases admission chances.
A strong JAMB score improves the likelihood of getting admission into a preferred Pharmacy program.
Requirements to Study Pharmacy in Nigeria
To study Pharmacy in Nigeria, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or GCE (Including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
2. A high JAMB score (At least 220–250, but higher scores increase admission chances)
3. Correct JAMB subject combination (English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
4. Successful Post-UTME screening (Some universities require additional exams)
5. Meeting specific university admission criteria (Cut-off marks, merit list, and other requirements)
Candidates must verify the specific requirements of their preferred university before applying.
Pharmacy 100-Level Courses
In the first year (100 level) of a Pharmacy program, students study a mix of science and foundational courses that prepare them for advanced Pharmacy education.
The common 100-level Pharmacy courses include:
1. General Chemistry
2. Organic Chemistry
3. Biology for Pharmacy
4. Physics for Health Sciences
5. Introduction to Pharmacy
6. Medical Biochemistry
7. Mathematics for Health Sciences
8. Use of English
These courses build a strong foundation for further studies in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Clinical Pharmacy in later years.
Which Subject is Best for Pharmacy?
Many students ask, “Which subject is best for Pharmacy?”
The most important subjects for Pharmacy studies are:
1. Biology (Essential for understanding human anatomy, drug interactions, and medical sciences)
2. Chemistry (Core subject for pharmaceutical formulations, drug synthesis, and medical chemistry)
3. Physics (Important for understanding drug mechanisms, measurements, and medical devices)
4. Mathematics (Necessary for pharmaceutical calculations and drug dosages)
Students interested in Pharmacy should excel in these subjects to perform well in WAEC, JAMB, and university-level Pharmacy courses.
Is Mathematics Compulsory for Pharmacy in JAMB?
Mathematics is not required in JAMB UTME for Pharmacy, but it is compulsory in WAEC.
In JAMB, students must write English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, while Mathematics is not included.
However, Mathematics is essential in Pharmacy education because it is used in:
1. Pharmaceutical calculations
2. Dosage formulations
3. Drug concentration measurements
4. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Even though Mathematics is not required in JAMB, students must ensure a credit pass in WAEC to qualify for admission into Pharmacy.
FAQs on WAEC Subject Combination for Pharmacy
1. What is the required JAMB score for Pharmacy?
The JAMB score for Pharmacy varies, but most universities require 220–250.
Competitive universities may demand 250–280 for admission.
2. What is the JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy?
The JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy includes English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
3. What are the requirements to study Pharmacy in Nigeria?
To study Pharmacy in Nigeria, candidates must have five credit passes in WAEC (including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), register for the correct JAMB subjects, and meet the university’s cut-off mark and Post-UTME requirements.
4. What are the Pharmacy 100-level courses?
The 100-level Pharmacy courses include General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology for Pharmacy, Physics, Medical Biochemistry, Mathematics for Health Sciences, and Introduction to Pharmacy.
5. Which subject is best for Pharmacy?
The most important subjects for Pharmacy are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
These subjects provide the foundation for pharmaceutical sciences.
6. Is Mathematics compulsory for Pharmacy in JAMB?
No, Mathematics is not required in JAMB for Pharmacy, but it is compulsory in WAEC.
Mathematics is also essential in Pharmacy school for calculations and drug dosage formulations.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct WAEC subject combination for Pharmacy is essential for securing admission into a Pharmacy program.
Meeting the WAEC, JAMB, and Post-UTME requirements is necessary to qualify for university admission.
Since Pharmacy is a highly competitive course, students should aim for high scores in JAMB and Post-UTME while ensuring they choose the correct subject combination.
By preparing well and understanding the university requirements, candidates can increase their chances of becoming licensed pharmacists in the future.
With the right academic preparation, dedication, and knowledge of subject requirements, students can successfully pursue a Pharmacy degree and contribute to the healthcare industry.