JAMB Subject Combination for Criminology 2025/2026: Complete Guide for UTME and Direct Entry Candidates

Applicants aiming to study Criminology in a Nigerian university must understand the critical importance of selecting the correct JAMB subject combination for Criminology. This requirement is not optional. If you make the wrong selection during your JAMB registration, even excellent scores and meeting the cut-off mark might not secure you admission. Admission can be denied simply because the subjects you chose do not align with the course prerequisites.

Therefore, to increase your chances of being admitted into your desired institution, you must meet both the JAMB subject combination and O-level requirements. This article provides everything you need— from the correct JAMB subjects for Criminology to O-level and Direct Entry (DE) qualifications. We also list some of the universities offering this program and additional valuable insights.

Correct JAMB Subject Combination for Criminology

During your JAMB UTME registration, selecting the proper subject combination is crucial. Here is the recommended subject combination for Criminology:

• Use of English (Compulsory for all candidates)
• Government
• Economics or Mathematics
• One additional subject from the following:
  Literature in English, Christian Religious Studies (CRS), Islamic Religious Studies (IRS), Geography

Note: Some universities may also accept History or Civic Education. To avoid errors, always consult the specific university’s admission brochure or official website.

O’Level (SSCE) Requirements for Criminology

To qualify for admission, candidates must possess at least five credit passes in their WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB examinations. These subjects must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Government or History
• Economics, CRS/IRS, or Literature in English
• One more relevant subject, such as Geography or Civic Education

Meeting these subject requirements is essential. Without the right subject credits, your application may be rejected, even if your JAMB score is high.

Direct Entry Requirements for Criminology

Candidates who plan to apply via Direct Entry (DE) instead of UTME must possess one of the following qualifications:

• Two A-Level passes in Government and one other social science subject
• A recognized OND, HND, or NCE certificate in related disciplines such as Political Science, Law, or Public Administration
• A Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc. or B.A.) in a related social science field may also be accepted in some institutions

Candidates applying through Direct Entry are usually considered for 200-level admission, allowing them to complete the course faster.

Course Duration and Degree Awarded

• For UTME candidates, the Criminology program typically lasts 4 years.
• Direct Entry applicants may begin at 200 level, allowing them to complete the degree in 3 years, depending on the institution’s academic structure.
• Upon graduation, students are awarded either a B.Sc. or B.A. in Criminology, Security Studies, or a closely related discipline.

List of Nigerian Universities Offering Criminology 2025/2026

Here are the universities in Nigeria where you can study Criminology:

Federal Universities

• University of Jos (UNIJOS)
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
• University of Mkar, Gboko
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU)
• University of Calabar (UNICAL)
• Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS)
• Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi
• Federal University, Dutsin-Ma
• Federal University, Gashua
• Federal University, Gusau
• Federal University, Kashere
• Federal University, Lafia
• Federal University, Lokoja
• Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI)
• Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State
• Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State

State Universities

• Benue State University, Makurdi
• Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
• Adamawa State University, Mubi
• Bauchi State University, Gadau
• Sokoto State University
• Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot-Akpaden
• Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
• Anambra State University, Uli
• Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina
• Yobe State University, Damaturu
• Delta State University, Abraka
• Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
• Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology
• Gombe State University
• Kaduna State University (KASU)
• Kogi State University, Anyigba
• Kwara State University, Malete
• Nasarawa State University, Keffi
• Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye
• Plateau State University, Bokkos

Private Universities

• Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA)
• Achievers University, Owo
• Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo
• Atiba University, Oyo
• Chrisland University, Owode
• Coal City University, Enugu
• Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli (COOU)
• Crawford University, Igbesa
• Lead City University, Ibadan
• Kwararafa University, Wukari
• Western Delta University, Oghara
• Caleb University, Imota
• Salem University, Lokoja
• Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti
• Dennis Osadebay University
• University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
• University of Delta

Important Notes for All Applicants

Admission requirements— including the acceptable JAMB subject combination for Criminology and cut-off marks— can vary across different universities in Nigeria. Some universities may request slightly different subject combinations or have specific guidelines for their programs.

Recommendation: Always verify requirements directly from the institution you intend to apply to. Visit the official website or contact their admission office for the most accurate and current information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use Civic Education instead of Government?
Some schools accept Civic Education, but Government remains the most preferred. Check the institution’s guidelines.

2. Is Mathematics compulsory in JAMB for Criminology?
No, Mathematics is not compulsory but can be used instead of Economics, depending on your strengths and university requirements.

3. What are the top universities in Nigeria offering Criminology?
Some notable universities include:

• University of Ilorin
• Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
• Adekunle Ajasin University
• University of Jos
• Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil

4. What degree will I earn after completing Criminology?
You will earn either a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) depending on the university’s curriculum.

5. Is Literature in English compulsory for Criminology?
No, it is optional. However, it can be chosen as the fourth subject.

6. Can I apply for Criminology without Economics in my O-level?
Yes, as long as you have a relevant subject like Literature, CRS/IRS, or Geography in its place.

7. Does Criminology require science subjects?
No, Criminology falls under Social Sciences or Arts, so science subjects are generally not required.

8. Can I study Criminology without CRS or IRS?
Yes, you can use other subjects like Literature, Civic Education, or Geography as alternatives.

9. What’s the difference between B.Sc. and B.A. in Criminology?
B.Sc. emphasizes technical and statistical analysis. B.A. focuses more on theory and humanities-based studies.

10. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Yes, most institutions accept a combination of O-level results from different exam bodies.

Final Thoughts and Advice

We hope this article has clarified the JAMB subject combination for Criminology, along with O-level and Direct Entry requirements. Ensuring you select the correct subjects and meet every academic condition will greatly increase your chances of securing admission.

Always double-check with your preferred university before applying. Each institution may have slight variations in its admission criteria, and missing any detail could cost you an entire academic year.

Thank you for reading this article. If you have any questions or need more clarification on anything related to Criminology admission, feel free to drop your questions in the comment section below. We’ll be happy to respond. Also, don’t forget to share this valuable information with friends who are also preparing for JAMB. Best of luck in your admission journey!