Discover the JAMB and WAEC subject combinations for veterinary medicine, plus answers to some of the questions aspiring veterinary doctors ask.

Veterinary medicine is the department of medicine that is involved with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in animals. It is indeed a wide field of study, as it covers all animal species, both domesticated and wild.

If you intend to study veterinary medicine in Nigeria, one of the first steps to take is to know the basic requirements set by the various Nigerian universities that offer the course.

The O’level (WAEC, NECO, etc.) and JAMB UTME requirements for studying veterinary medicine are virtually the same for most Nigerian universities.

Requirements for studying veterinary medicine in Nigeria

‘O’ level subject combination (WAEC, NECO, etc.)

To be eligible for admission to study veterinary medicine, you must score at least 5 SSCE credit passes, which must include English language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

That is to say, the ‘O’ level (NABTEB, NECO or WAEC) subject combination for veterinary medicine is English Language, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and Physics.

Your overall grade must not be below five credits gotten from not more than 2 sittings combined.

Read special consideration to know whether your intended school offers waivers.

See also: List of all the Nigerian Universities that offer veterinary medicine.

Special considerations for the ‘O’ level requirements

• Usmanu Danfodiyo University accepts Agric. Science and Health Science
• The University of Agriculture, Makurdi accepts Agricultural Science in lieu of Biology.
• The University of Ibadan requires 5/6 ‘O’ level credits passes to include English. Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and any other relevant subject.

JAMB UTME subject combination

In addition to the compulsory Use Of English, the JAMB subject combination for veterinary medicine is chemistry, physics and biology.

Ahmadu Bello University and Usmanu Danfodiyo University accept Physics or Mathematics.

Direct Entry Requirement for studying veterinary medicine

Candidates who want to apply for Direct Entry admission into veterinary medicine need A’ level passes in Chemistry, Biology/Zoology, Physics or Mathematics.

Special considerations and waivers for Direct Entry Students

• Ahamdu Bello University and The University of Makurdi accept HND distinction in:
  • Poultry Production
  • Animal Health; and
  • Animal Products Inspection.
• The University of Ibadan and The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike accept ND/HND Animal Health and Husbandry provided candidates meet the following requirements:
  • At least one year satisfactory practical experience
  • Five ‘O’ level credit passes in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics and English Language.
• The University of Ibadan also requires ‘A’ level passes in Chemistry, and Biology/Zoology with ‘O’ level credit passes in Physics and Mathematics. In special cases, candidates who have passed the Animal Health Assistant or its equivalent with distinction plus ‘O’ level credit passes in Chemistry, Biology and Physics or the equivalent may be considered for admission.
• Usmanu Danfodiyo University accepts ND/HND in relevant fields plus ‘O’ level credits passes in Chemistry and Biology and O/L passes in Mathematics and Physics.
• Ahmadu Bello University accepts:
  • Three ‘A’ level passes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
  • HND in Animal Science at minimum of lower credit from accredited institution
• FUNAAB requires at least HND (Upper Credit) to 200 level in addition to UTME requirements.
• UNN requires either
  • Passes at GCE A’ level or HSC or an equivalent examination in Chemistry, Biology and Physics in addition to UME requirement.
• The University of Ilorin requires A level passes (with at least C grade) in any of the following; Biology/Zoology, Chemistry and Physics in addition to meeting the O’ level requirements above At least a minimum of 8 points. Special consideration may be given to candidates with Higher National Diploma in Animal Health and Husbandry, or Animal Production provided the diploma is passed at Upper credit level, in addition to meeting the O’ level requirements above or graduates of first degree in related Biosciences (Zoology, Biological Science, Animal Science or Production, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Nursing, Medicine, with a minimum of second class lower division, in addition to meeting the O’ level requirements above.
• The University of Jos accepts
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant science discipline from recognised institutions
  • HND (Animal Health or Animal Production Technology or equivalent) at credit level c. All candidates MUST have O’ level requirement.
• The University of Abuja accepts ND/HND(upper credit level) in Animal Health and Production or BSc in Animal Science, Biological Sciences(Zoology), Microbiology, etc in addition to UTME Entry requirements.

JAMB cut off mark for veterinary medicine

For most universities, veterinary medicine applicants who score at least 180 in the JAMB UTME can take part in the post UTME.

Read also: Jamb cut off mark for Polytechnics, Universities & Colleges of Education

Frequently asked questions

Final note

We advise you to check the latest JAMB brochure for more information, as the universities can change their requirements for studying veterinary medicine.