Physical Education is an educational and sports science course that focuses on human physical development, sports training, health education, and physical fitness. The programme teaches students how physical activities improve health, performance, and overall well-being.
Students studying Physical Education learn areas such as sports coaching, exercise physiology, sports psychology, kinesiology, recreation management, and health education. Graduates can work as sports coaches, physical education teachers, fitness trainers, sports administrators, recreation managers, and health instructors.
To gain admission into Physical Education in Nigerian universities for the 2026/2027 academic session, candidates must select the correct JAMB subject combination and meet the required admission conditions.
JAMB Subject Combination for Physical Education 2026/2027
UTME candidates applying for Physical Education must register and sit for the following four (4) subjects:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Any two (2) other subjects
The additional subjects can be selected from the following:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Government
- Geography
- Economics
Most universities require Biology because it relates to human anatomy, health, and body movement.
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Nigerian Universities Offering Physical Education
Below are Nigerian universities known to offer Physical Education or closely related programmes:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Ilorin
- Lagos State University
- Delta State University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Some universities may offer it under related titles such as Human Kinetics, Sports Science, or Physical and Health Education.
Admission Requirements for Physical Education
O’Level Requirements
Candidates must possess five (5) credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology or Health Science
- Any two other relevant subjects
Acceptable subjects may include Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Economics, or Government.
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 Physical Education, candidates must:
- Choose Physical Education (or related course) during JAMB registration
- Sit for English Language, Biology, and two other relevant subjects
- Meet the institution’s minimum cut-off mark
- Participate in the post-UTME screening exercise where applicable
Strong performance in Biology and science subjects may improve admission chances.
Direct Entry Requirements
Direct Entry candidates may be admitted into 200-level if they possess:
- Two (2) A’Level passes in Biology, Health Science, or other related subjects
- Acceptable IJMB or JUPEB results in relevant subjects
- ND/HND in Physical Education, Sports Science, Health Education, or related programmes (subject to institutional approval)
All Direct Entry candidates must also meet the standard O’Level requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Is Biology compulsory for Physical Education?
Ans: Yes. Biology is usually required because the course involves human anatomy and physical health.
Ques: Is Chemistry compulsory for Physical Education?
Ans: No. Chemistry is not compulsory but may be accepted as one of the optional subjects.
Ques: Is Mathematics required at O’Level?
Ans: Yes. Mathematics is typically part of the five required O’Level credits.
Ques: Can I study Physical Education without Physics?
Ans: Yes. Physics is not compulsory for the course.
Ques: Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Ans: Yes. Most universities accept results from not more than two sittings.
Ques: Does Physical Education accept Direct Entry?
Ans: Yes. Candidates with A’Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND, or HND in related fields may apply.
Ques: Is Physical Education the same as Human Kinetics?
Ans: They are closely related. Many universities use the names interchangeably.
Ques: What careers can I pursue with Physical Education?
Ans: Careers include sports coaching, fitness training, sports administration, teaching, and recreation management.
Ques: What UTME score is competitive for Physical Education?
Ans: Competitive scores vary by institution, but higher scores increase admission chances.
Ques: Are admission requirements the same in all universities?
Ans: Not always. Some universities may set higher cut-off marks or additional screening requirements.