Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with restoring movement, improving physical function, and enhancing quality of life through physical methods such as exercise, manual therapy, and rehabilitation techniques. Physiotherapists play a vital role in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, neurological disorders, and chronic illnesses.
Due to its medical and science-oriented nature, Physiotherapy is a competitive course in Nigerian universities. Candidates seeking admission must meet the correct JAMB subject combination and other admission requirements set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and individual institutions.
This guide explains the JAMB subject combination for Physiotherapy for the 2026/2027 academic session, Nigerian universities offering the course, detailed admission requirements for UTME and Direct Entry candidates, and answers to frequently asked questions.
JAMB Subject Combination for Physiotherapy 2026/2027
UTME candidates applying for Physiotherapy must register and sit for the following subjects:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
This subject combination is compulsory for Physiotherapy in Nigerian universities, and candidates with any other combination may not be considered for admission.
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Nigerian Institutions Offering Physiotherapy
The following Nigerian universities are known to offer Physiotherapy or Physiotherapy-related programmes:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
Availability may vary by institution, and candidates are advised to confirm during admission screening.
Admission Requirements for Physiotherapy
O’Level Requirements
Candidates must possess five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
The credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, or equivalent examinations.
UTME Requirements
To qualify for UTME admission into Physiotherapy, candidates must:
- Choose Physiotherapy as their first-choice course
- Sit for English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in UTME
- Meet the institution’s prescribed cut-off mark
- Participate in and pass the post-UTME or screening exercise (if applicable)
Direct Entry Requirements
Direct Entry candidates must possess one of the following:
- Two (2) A’Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
- Acceptable IJMB or JUPEB results in relevant science subjects
- A Bachelor’s degree or diploma in a related medical or health science discipline (as accepted by the institution)
All Direct Entry candidates must also satisfy the O’Level requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Is English Language compulsory for Physiotherapy in JAMB?
Ans: Yes. English Language is compulsory for all UTME candidates.
Ques: Can I study Physiotherapy without Physics?
Ans: No. Physics is compulsory for UTME and O’Level.
Ques: Is Mathematics required for Physiotherapy?
Ans: Yes. Mathematics is compulsory at O’Level.
Ques: Does Physiotherapy accept Direct Entry?
Ans: Yes. Candidates with A’Level, IJMB, JUPEB, or relevant degrees can apply through Direct Entry.
Ques: Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for Physiotherapy?
Ans: Yes. Most universities accept combined results in not more than two sittings.
Ques: Is Physiotherapy offered in polytechnics?
Ans: No. Physiotherapy is mainly offered in accredited Nigerian universities.
Ques: What UTME score is competitive for Physiotherapy?
Ans: Physiotherapy is competitive, so higher UTME scores increase admission chances.
Ques: Can I change to Physiotherapy with a wrong subject combination?
Ans: No. Wrong subject combination can lead to disqualification.
Ques: Is Chemistry compulsory for Direct Entry candidates?
Ans: Yes. Chemistry is required either at O’Level or A’Level.
Ques: Are admission requirements the same for all universities?
Ans: No. Some universities may have additional or stricter requirements.