Soil Science is an agricultural and environmental discipline that focuses on soil formation, classification, fertility, conservation, and management. It plays a vital role in crop production, environmental sustainability, climate change studies, and land-use planning.
Students of Soil Science study soil chemistry, soil physics, soil microbiology, soil fertility management, and land evaluation. Graduates work in agricultural research institutes, environmental agencies, fertilizer companies, oil and gas environmental units, and government ministries of agriculture.
To gain admission into Soil Science in Nigeria, candidates must choose the correct JAMB subject combination.
JAMB Subject Combination for Soil Science 2026/2027
UTME candidates must register and sit for:
- Use of English
- Chemistry
- Biology or Agricultural Science
- Physics or Mathematics
Chemistry is compulsory because Soil Science heavily involves soil chemical properties and nutrient analysis.
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Nigerian Universities Offering Soil Science
Below are universities offering Soil Science or closely related programmes:
- University of Ibadan
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- University of Ilorin
- Bayero University Kano
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
Some institutions may offer the course under titles such as Soil Science and Land Resources Management.
Admission Requirements for Soil Science
O’Level Requirements
Candidates must obtain five (5) credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology or Agricultural Science
- Physics
Results must be obtained in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or equivalent).
UTME Requirements
To qualify through UTME, candidates must:
- Choose Soil Science during JAMB registration
- Sit for English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, and Physics or Mathematics
- Meet the institution’s cut-off mark
- Participate in post-UTME screening (where required)
Because the course is science-based, strong performance in Chemistry improves admission chances.
Direct Entry Requirements
Direct Entry candidates may gain admission into 200-level with:
- Two A’Level passes in Chemistry and Biology/Agricultural Science
- IJMB or JUPEB in relevant science subjects
- ND/HND in Soil Science, Agricultural Technology, Crop Production, or related programmes
Candidates must also meet standard O’Level requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Is Chemistry compulsory for Soil Science?
Ans: Yes. Chemistry is mandatory for both UTME and O’Level.
Ques: Can I use Agricultural Science instead of Biology?
Ans: Yes. Most universities accept either Biology or Agricultural Science.
Ques: Is Physics compulsory in UTME?
Some universities accept Mathematics instead of Physics in UTME, but Physics is required at O’Level.
Ques: Is Mathematics required at O’Level?
Ans: Yes. Mathematics is compulsory.
Ques: Does Soil Science accept Direct Entry?
Ans: Yes. Candidates with A’Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND, or HND in relevant agricultural or science fields may apply.
Ques: Is Soil Science competitive?
Ans: It is moderately competitive. Higher UTME scores increase admission chances.
Ques: Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Ans: Yes, provided the results are not more than two sittings.