Biochemistry is a core science discipline that studies the chemical processes and substances within living organisms. It combines principles from Biology and Chemistry to understand metabolism, genetics, molecular biology, drug development, and disease mechanisms. Biochemistry graduates work in pharmaceuticals, medical research, biotechnology, food science, and environmental laboratories.
Because Biochemistry is a laboratory-intensive science course, candidates must meet specific subject requirements when registering for UTME. Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination can prevent admission, even with a high score.
This guide explains the approved JAMB subject combination for Biochemistry for the 2026/2027 academic session, Nigerian universities offering the course, admission requirements for UTME and Direct Entry candidates, and frequently asked questions.
JAMB Subject Combination for Biochemistry 2026/2027
UTME candidates applying for Biochemistry must register and sit for:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
These four subjects are mandatory for Biochemistry in Nigerian universities.
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Nigerian Universities Offering Biochemistry
Below are Nigerian universities known to offer Biochemistry:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Benin
- Bayero University Kano
- University of Ilorin
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
Course availability may vary by session, so candidates should confirm during admission screening.
Admission Requirements for Biochemistry
O’Level Requirements
Candidates must possess five (5) credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, or equivalent examinations.
UTME Requirements
To qualify for UTME admission into Biochemistry, candidates must:
- Choose Biochemistry as their preferred course during JAMB registration
- Sit for English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Meet the institution’s minimum cut-off mark
- Pass the post-UTME screening exercise (where applicable)
Because Biochemistry is competitive in many federal universities, higher UTME scores improve admission chances.
Direct Entry Requirements
Direct Entry candidates may be considered for 200-level admission if they possess:
- Two (2) A’Level passes in Chemistry and Biology or Physics
- Acceptable IJMB or JUPEB results in relevant science subjects
- ND/HND in Biochemistry, Science Laboratory Technology, or related science programmes (subject to institutional approval)
All Direct Entry applicants must also meet the standard O’Level requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Is Chemistry compulsory for Biochemistry?
Ans: Yes. Chemistry is compulsory for both UTME and O’Level.
Ques: Can I study Biochemistry without Physics?
Ans: No. Physics is required for UTME and O’Level in most universities.
Ques: Is Mathematics compulsory at O’Level?
Ans: Yes. Mathematics is required as part of the five O’Level credits.
Ques: Does Biochemistry accept Direct Entry?
Ans: Yes. Candidates with A’Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND, or HND in relevant science fields can apply.
Ques: Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Ans: Yes. Most universities accept results from not more than two sittings.
Ques: Is Biochemistry a medical course?
Ans: No. Biochemistry is a pure science course, though it is closely related to medical and pharmaceutical sciences.
Ques: What UTME score is competitive for Biochemistry?
Ans: Competitive scores vary by institution, but higher scores significantly improve admission chances.
Ques: Can I change to Biochemistry with the wrong subject combination?
Ans: No. A wrong subject combination may disqualify you during screening.
Ques: Is Further Mathematics required?
Ans: It is not compulsory but may be an added advantage.
Ques: Are admission requirements the same across all universities?
Ans: Not always. Some institutions may have stricter screening criteria or higher cut-off marks.