Botany is a branch of biological sciences that focuses on the study of plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, diseases, and ecological importance. It plays a crucial role in agriculture, environmental conservation, biotechnology, forestry, and pharmaceutical research.
Botany is a laboratory-based science course, and candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities must carefully select the correct JAMB subject combination. Choosing the wrong subjects during UTME registration may disqualify a candidate from admission, regardless of their score.
This guide outlines the approved JAMB subject combination for Botany 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 Botany 2026/2027
UTME candidates applying for Botany must register and sit for:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics or Mathematics
Most universities accept either Physics or Mathematics as the fourth subject, but candidates should confirm with their chosen institution.
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Nigerian Universities Offering Botany
Below are Nigerian universities known to offer Botany:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Lagos
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Benin
- University of Ilorin
- Bayero University Kano
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
Course availability may vary by session, so candidates should confirm during admission screening.
Admission Requirements for Botany
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 Botany, candidates must:
- Choose Botany as their preferred course during JAMB registration
- Sit for English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
- Meet the institution’s minimum cut-off mark
- Pass the post-UTME screening exercise (if applicable)
Botany is moderately competitive, but higher UTME scores 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, Chemistry, or related science subjects
- Acceptable IJMB or JUPEB results in relevant science subjects
- ND/HND in Botany, Biology, Agricultural Science, 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 Botany?
Ans: Yes. Biology is a compulsory subject for both UTME and O’Level.
Ques: Is Chemistry required for Botany?
Ans: Yes. Chemistry is compulsory for admission.
Ques: Can I study Botany without Physics?
Ans: Some universities accept Mathematics instead of Physics in UTME, but Physics is required at O’Level.
Ques: Is Mathematics compulsory at O’Level?
Ans: Yes. Mathematics is part of the required five O’Level credits.
Ques: Does Botany accept Direct Entry?
Ans: Yes. Candidates with A’Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND, or HND in relevant science fields may apply.
Ques: Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Ans: Yes. Most universities accept results from not more than two sittings.
Ques: Is Botany the same as Plant Science?
Ans: In many universities, Botany and Plant Science are closely related or used interchangeably.
Ques: What UTME score is competitive for Botany?
Ans: Competitive scores vary by institution, but higher scores increase admission chances.
Ques: Can I change to Botany with a wrong subject combination?
Ans: No. Incorrect subject combinations may lead to disqualification.
Ques: Are admission requirements the same across all universities?
Ans: Not always. Some institutions may have additional screening requirements or higher cut-off marks.