Criminology is a social science programme focused on the study of crime, criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, and methods of preventing crime. It combines insights from sociology, psychology, law, and security studies to help graduates understand the causes and consequences of criminality.
Admission into Criminology programmes in Nigerian universities is competitive and requires candidates to meet specific academic and subject requirements. One of the most important steps in this process is selecting the correct JAMB subject combination during UTME registration. Choosing incorrect subjects can reduce your chances of gaining admission, even with a strong UTME score.
This guide provides the JAMB 2026/2027 subject combination for Criminology, lists Nigerian institutions that offer the programme, outlines detailed admission requirements for UTME and Direct Entry, and answers common questions candidates ask.
JAMB 2026/2027 Subject Combination for Criminology
For candidates applying through UTME, the approved subject combination for Criminology is:
- Use of English
- Government
- Literature in English
- Any Social Science subject
This subject combination focuses on humanities and social sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of Criminology.
Recommended Posts:
- JAMB 2026/2027 Subject Combination for All Courses | UTME & DE
- JAMB Subject Combination for Cyber Security Science 2026/2027
- JAMB Subject Combination for Food Engineering 2026/2027
- JAMB Subject Combination for Agricultural Engineering 2026/2027
Nigerian Institutions Offering Criminology
Below are some Nigerian universities where Criminology is accredited and offered:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)
Criminology may also be offered as part of a broader social science faculty in some institutions.
Admission Requirements for Criminology
O’Level Requirements
To be eligible for admission into Criminology, candidates must have five (5) credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Government
- Any two other subjects (preferably social sciences)
These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or equivalent examinations.
UTME Requirements
To qualify for UTME admission into Criminology:
- Choose Criminology as your course of study in JAMB.
- Sit for English Language, Government, Literature in English, and any other social science subject in UTME.
- Score at or above the institution’s cut-off mark and pass any post-UTME screening exercise.
Direct Entry Requirements
Direct Entry candidates may be considered for 200-level admission if they have one of the following:
- Two (2) A’Level passes in relevant social science subjects (e.g., Government, Sociology, Literature)
- Acceptable IJMB or JUPEB results in social science subjects
- ND/HND in related social science fields (accepted by some universities)
Direct Entry applicants must also meet the basic O’Level requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Is English Language compulsory for Criminology in JAMB?
Ans: Yes. English Language is compulsory for all UTME candidates, including those applying for Criminology.
Ques: Do I need Government as a subject for Criminology?
Ans: Yes. Government is one of the core subjects required in the UTME subject combination for Criminology.
Ques: Can I replace Literature in English with Economics?
Ans: It depends on the institution. Some universities may accept Economics as a fourth subject, but Literature in English is generally preferred.
Ques: Is Criminology offered in polytechnics?
Ans: Criminology is mainly offered in universities. Some polytechnics may offer related programs such as Security Management.
Ques: Can I use two sittings for O’Level results?
Ans: Yes. Most universities accept O’Level credits in not more than two sittings.
Ques: Does Criminology accept Direct Entry?
Ans: Yes. Candidates with A’Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND, or HND in relevant subjects may apply for Direct Entry.
Ques: Is Mathematics compulsory at O’Level for this course?
Ans: Yes. Mathematics is required at the O’Level as part of general admission requirements.
Ques: What UTME score is competitive for Criminology?
Ans: Higher UTME scores improve your admission chances, especially in competitive universities.
Ques: Can I change to Criminology with the wrong subject combination?
Ans: No. Registering with the wrong subject combination may disqualify you from admission.
Ques: Do all universities have the same requirements for Criminology?
Ans: Not always. Some schools may require additional subjects or higher cut-off marks.