In this post, we’ll talk about the JAMB and WAEC subject combinations and other requirements for studying Archaeology.

We have also included answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding obtaining a degree in Archaeology.

Most universities in Nigeria have similar O’level (WAEC, NECO, etc.) and JAMB UTME requirements for studying Archeology.

Needless to say, it is very important to take note of the tiny differences before completing your JAMB application.

Generally, Nigerian Universities require at least 5 credit passes in O’level, to include English Language and 4 other relevant subjects.

Requirements for Studying Archaeology in Nigerian universities

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

To be eligible for admission to study Archaeology at any Nigerian university, you must score at least 5 SSCE credit passes, which must include English Language and at least one of the following: Religious Studies, Geography, Economics, and History.

In other words, the NABTEB, NECO or WAEC subject combination for Archaeology is English Language, plus any of Religious Studies, Geography, Economics, and History. All in all, your total subject passed must not be less than 5.

Special considerations for the O’level requirements

• UNN requires five O’level credit pass to include English Language and any Science subjects as well as a pass in Mathematics at WASC or GCE O/L or its equivalent.
• IBADAN requires five ‘O’ level subjects at one sitting or 6 ‘O’ level subjects at two sittings to include English Language, History, Lit-In-English, Government, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Biology, Hausa/Igbo/Yoruba.
• ABU requires credit passes to include English Language and other Science, Arts or Social Science subjects.
• JOS requires five credit passes to include English Language, History/Government, geography and any Social Science/Arts subjects.

JAMB UTME subject combination

In addition to the compulsory Use Of English, candidates who wish to study Archaeology at any Nigerian University must register for any two subjects from Arts, Social Science and one of History, Religious Studies, Government and Geography.

Special consideration for JAMB UTME subject combination

• ABU Zaria requires History or Government and two other subjects from Arts/Social Science or any three Science subjects.
• UNN accepts any three (3) subjects.

Direct Entry Requirement (A’Level)

To gain admission for Archaeology through Direct Entry, you need to score at least two ‘A’ level passes in Arts or Social Science and one Science subject.

Special considerations and waivers for Direct Entry Students

• IBADAN accepts A’ level passes in any two Arts subjects.
• UNN Requires
  • two ‘A’ level passes or at least a merit pass in either ND or HND or NCE plus UTME Entry Requirements
  • Candidates combining Archaeology with Science/ Social Sciences must satisfy the requirements in the respective programmes/departments.
• ABU accepts:
  • Two ‘A’ level papers in Science/Arts/Social Science at IJMB/ NCE.
  • General English/Use of English at NCE satisfies’ O’ level English requirement.
• JOS accepts NCE (Merit) or ND (Lower credit).

JAMB cut off mark for Archaeology

In general, Nigerian Universities allow students to partake in their Post UTME for Archaeology if they score at least 180 in the JAMB UTME.

Universities where you can study Archaeology

The following Nigerian universities offer Archaeology, as listed on the JAMB brochure:

1. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2. UNIBADAN (with options in Geography, Zoology, Botany, Geology, History, Classics, Religious Studies)
3. The University of Jos
4. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka

What is Archaeology?

It is an academic discipline that involves the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. 

Frequently asked questions

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 Archaeology.