Discover the JAMB and WAEC subject combinations for Pharmacy, plus answers to some of the questions aspiring pharmacists ask.

Pharmacy is the science and technology behind the preparation, dispensation, and review of drugs. The field also involves the provision of additional clinical and health services.

If you intend to study pharmacy 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 pharmacy are the same for most Nigerian universities. However, some of those universities have special consideration, which is very important that you take note of.

Requirements for studying pharmacy in Nigeria

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

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

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

Your overall grade must not be below five credits gotten in 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 pharmacy.

Special considerations for the ‘O’ level requirements

• The university of Ilorin and Niger Delta University require the five ‘O’ level credit passes in not more than two sittings.
• For the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Uyo, requirements must be obtainted in not more than two sittings.

JAMB UTME subject combination

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

For now, no universities offer waivers for pharmacy. Which means, the above requirement must be satisfied regardless of what university you intend to study at.

Direct Entry Requirement for pharmacy

Candidates who want to apply for Direct Entry admission into pharmacy need ‘A’ level passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Zoology in addition to UTME requirements. Alternatively, they must have a BSC, BOS, etc in relevant fields. .

Special considerations and waivers for Direct Entry Students

• The University of Benin and UYO do not accept ‘A’ level Mathematics. OAU accepts B.Sc. with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours in a relevant discipline (Sciences).
• The University of Benin accepts ‘A’ level Botany in lieu of Biology.
• The university of Lagos accepts;
  • Very good passes in three (3) JUPEB/A-LEVEL subjects: Physics, Chemistry and Biology
  • Does not accept B.Sc Degrees.
• BENIN accepts B.Sc. Second Class (Hons) in related fields.
• UNN accepts:
  • Three A’ level passes to include Chemistry, Biology/Zoology/Botany and Physics plus UTME requirement in not more than two sittings.
  • Bachelor’s degree in any of Biological Sciences, Health Science and Technology, or Medical Sciences with a minimum of second class honours lower division plus UTME requirement.
  • HND in Biological Sciences, Health Science and Technology or Medical Sciences with a minimum of an upper credit plus UTME requirement.
• NDU accepts
  • Hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree (Second Class Honours) from a recognized University in Chemistry or any of the Biological Sciences.
  • Have a pass in Physics, Mathematics, or Statistics, Chemistry and Biology or Zoology or Botany at the Advanced Level (GCE) or Higher School Certificate at not more than two sittings.
  • The general requirement for admission in the University, i.e, credit in five (5) relevant subjects including Mathematics and English Language at the Ordinary Level GCE, or WASC/SSCE/NECO.
• OOU accepts Botany in lieu of Zoology.
• The university of Jos does not accept Mathematics for Physics. JOS accepts B.Sc Second Class (Hons) and above in related fields. It accepts for Direct Entry Candidates with ‘A’ level requirements plus five ‘O’ level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
• The University of Ilorin accepts minimum aggregate of 12 Points or B.Sc. (Second Class Honours Upper Division) in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Zoology, Chemistry and other Basic Sciences (Plant Biology and Industrial Chemistry.)

JAMB cut off mark for pharmacy

For most universities, Pharmacy 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 pharmacy when they so desire.