This post provides information on the subject combinations for Arabic Studies, including O’level (WAEC, NECO, etc.) and JAMB UTME requirements. Also, we’ll answer a few questions you might have in mind.
Only a handful of Nigerian Universities offer Arabic Studies, and they all have slightly varying requirements.
Generally, though candidates who want to apply for Arabic Studies at any Nigerian University must have at least 5 credit passes in O’level, to include English Language and 4 other relevant subjects.
The four other subjects vary with universities. Therefore, keep reading to know the specific requirements for the school you wish to apply to before completing your JAMB registration.
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Requirements for Arabic Studies in Nigerian Universities
‘O’ level subject combination (WAEC, NECO, etc.)
To be eligible for admission to study Arabic Studies at any Nigerian university, you must score at least 5 SSCE credit passes, which must include English Language, Arabic, plus 3 other relevant subjects.
To put it differently, the NABTEB, NECO or WAEC subject combination for Arabic Studies is English Language, Arabic, plus 3 other social science or art subjects.
As we’ve said earlier, the 3 other subjects vary with universities. See the special consideration for O’level below.
Special considerations for the O’level requirements
- Lagos State University accepts Islamic Studies instead of Arabic or accepts candidates who indicate interest in Foreign Language learning and possess basic knowledge of Arabic may be admitted.
- Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto accepts a pass in English Language, NCE General English and a certificate in High Muslim Certificate.
- Lagos State University accepts Certificate from recognized Arabic Institution who might have not written Arabic at SSCE ‘O’ level.
- The university of Ibadan requires 5 ‘O’ level credit passes at one sitting or 6 ‘O’ level credit passes at two (2) sittings to include English Language, Arabic Studies and 3 or 4 other subjects in Arts/Social Science.
- UNILORIN may accept candidates with no Arabic but meets UTME entry requirements.
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina (UMYUK) requires five credit passes at SSCE or equivalent including English Language, Arabic, Islamic Studies and two other relevant Arts\Social Science courses and a credit pass in Mathematics.
- Kaduna State University and UMYUK may accept Higher Islamic Studies or Senior Islamic Studies Results.
- Kwara State University requires credit passes in English, Arabic, IRS, plus any other two Arts subjects. A certificate from a recognized Arabic school will be acceptable in lieu of O’ level Arabic
JAMB UTME subject combination
Candidates who wish to study Arabic Studies at any Nigerian University must register for Use of English, Arabic and Two subjects from Arts and/or Social Sciences.
Special consideration for JAMB UTME subject combination
Kwara State University requires 2 other Subjects in addition to Arabic and Use of English as JAMB UTME subject combination.
Direct Entry Requirement (A’Level)
To gain admission for Arabic Studies through Direct Entry, you need two ‘A’ level passes in Arabic and any other Art subject.
Special considerations and waivers for Direct Entry Students
- ABU accepts:
- NCE in Arabic with a minimum of Merit Pass.
- General English/Use of English at NCE satisfies’ O’ level English requirement.
- Lagos State University (LASU) accepts:
- Two ‘A’ Level Passes in Arabic and any other Arts subject plus five other related Arts subject at GCE ‘O’ Level or SSCE Examinations
- Holders of Certificate issued by recognized Arabic Institution who may not have written Arabic at SSCE/GCE ‘O’ Level will be considered for admission subject to the fulfillment of other entry requirements NCE (Arabic) at Merit level is also acceptable.
- UNIILORIN accepts NCE (merit) in Arabic or Social Science subject.
- UNIILORIN Considers candidates who do not offer Arabic at UTME but meet UTME entry requirements may be admitted into 100 level.
- Kwara State University accepts IJMB, Cambridge and NCE and SISC.
- Sokoto State University and UNIBADAN accept NCE (merit) in Arabic and other Arts or Social Science subjects.
- UNIABUJA accepts a minimum of 10 points in NCE or Upper credit in the National Diploma in addition to ‘O’ the Level requirements.
Arabic Studies JAMB cut off mark
In general, Nigerian Universities allow students to partake in their Post UTME for Arabic Studies if they score at least 180 in the JAMB UTME, which is the JAMB approved cut off mark as of 2019.
Universities where you can study Arabic Studies
The following Nigerian universities offer Arabic Studies as listed on the JAMB brochure:
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
- Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
- Yobe State University, Damaturu
- Bauchi State University, Gadau
- Bayero University, Kano
- Edo State University
- Fountain University Oshogbo
- The Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State
- Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Sule Lamido University, Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State
- The University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU)
- Al-Qalam University, Katsina
- Kwara State University, Ilorin (KWASU)
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBU)
- Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK).
- Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano, formerly Northwest University Kano
- Sokoto State University
- SUMMIT University, Offa
- Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
- Umaru Musa Yaradua University Katsina
What is Arabic Studies all about?
It is an academic discipline that involves the study of Arabs and the Arab World. Arabic Studies draws from old Arabic chronicles and oral literature, in addition to documented accounts on Arab traditions around the Middle-East and North Africa.
Frequently asked questions
It is an Art course and as such, most universities in Nigeria place it under the faculty of Arts or Humanities.
Gaining admission to study the course is not competitive at most Nigerian universities.
The course isn’t a science course and, unfortunately, the requirements do not accommodate science students.
After obtaining a degree in Arabic Studies you can apply as an International relations specialist, Foreign-service officer, Translator, etc.
Generally, you have to spend at least 4 years to obtain a degree in Arabic Studies at most Nigerian Universities.
Final note
We advise you to check the latest JAMB brochure for more information, as the Universities reserve the right to alter their requirements for studying Arabic Studies.