JAMB Subject Combination for Soil Science 2025/2026: Soil science is the study of the physical, chemical, biological, and ecological properties and processes of soils and their interactions with plants, animals, and humans. Soil scientists apply their knowledge to various fields such as agriculture, forestry, environmental management, engineering, and geology.

If you are interested in pursuing a degree in soil science in any Nigerian university, you need to know the JAMB and WAEC subject combinations and requirements for this course. In this article, we will provide you with the relevant information you need to prepare for your admission into soil science.

JAMB Subject Combination for Soil Science 2025/2026

To study soil science in any Nigerian university, you need to register and sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The UTME is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge and aptitude in four subjects.

The four subjects you need to choose for soil science are:

• Use of English
• Chemistry
• Biology or Agricultural Science
• Mathematics or Physics

Use of English is a compulsory subject for all candidates. You need to score at least 50% in this subject to qualify for admission. Chemistry is also a core subject for soil science, as it covers the basic concepts and principles of soil chemistry and fertility. Biology or Agricultural Science is another important subject that deals with the biological aspects of soil science, such as soil microbiology, plant nutrition, and soil ecology. Mathematics or Physics is an optional subject that you can choose depending on your preference and strength. Mathematics covers topics such as algebra, calculus, statistics, and geometry, while Physics covers topics such as mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics.

The minimum score you need to obtain in the UTME to be eligible for admission into soil science is 180. However, some universities may have higher cut-off marks depending on their competitiveness and availability of spaces. Therefore, you need to aim for a high score in the UTME to increase your chances of getting admitted.

O’level/WAEC Subject Combination for Soil Science 2025/2026

To study soil science in any Nigerian university, you also need to have at least five credits in your West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or its equivalent. The WASSCE is a school-leaving examination that tests your knowledge and skills in nine subjects.

The five subjects you need to have credits in for soil science are:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Biology or Agricultural Science
• Physics or Geography

English Language and Mathematics are compulsory subjects for all candidates. You need to have at least a credit © in these subjects to qualify for admission. Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Geography are also required subjects for soil science, as they cover the essential topics and concepts related to this course.

You can choose any other four subjects from the remaining ones offered by your school. However, it is advisable to choose subjects that are relevant and complementary to soil science, such as Economics, Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, or Computer Studies.

Direct Entry Requirements for Soil Science 2025/2026

If you have already obtained a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or National Certificate of Education (NCE) in a related field, you can apply for direct entry admission into soil science. Direct entry admission allows you to skip the first year of the degree program and start from the second year.

The direct entry requirements for soil science vary depending on the university and the qualification you have. However, some of the common requirements are:

• A minimum of Upper Credit (UC) in ND or HND in Soil Science, Agricultural Science, Crop Assistance inion, Horticulture, Forestry, or any other related field from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of Merit (M) in NCE in Soil Science, Agricultural Science, Crop Assistance inion, Horticulture, Forestry, or any other related field from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of two A-level passes in Chemistry and Biology or Agricultural Science from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of five O-level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, and Physics or Geography from a recognized examination body.

You also need to register and sit for the JAMB Direct Entry Examination (DEE), which is similar to the UTME but with fewer questions and shorter duration. The DEE tests your knowledge and aptitude in three subjects: Use of English, Chemistry, and Biology or Agricultural Science. You need to score at least 50% in each subject to qualify for admission.

List of Universities that Offer Soil Science in Nigeria

According to the JAMB Brochure, there are 25 universities that offer soil science as a course/programme in Nigeria. These universities are:

• Abia State University (ABSU)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
• Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
• Bayero University Kano (BUK)
• Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
• Ekiti State University (EKSU)
• Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
• Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM)
• Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
• Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA)
• Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
• Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI)
• Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU)
• Imo State University (IMSU)
• Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA)
• Kwara State University (KWASU)
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU)
• Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola (MAUTECH)
• Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK)
• Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH)
• Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)
• Taraba State University (TASU)
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)

Conclusion

Soil science is a fascinating and rewarding course that offers you the opportunity to learn about the vital role of soils in sustaining life on earth. If you want to study soil science in any Nigerian university, you need to meet the JAMB and WAEC subject combinations and requirements for this course. You also need to perform well in the UTME and the DEE, as well as choose the right university that suits your preferences and aspirations.

We hope this article has provided you with the necessary information and guidance you need to prepare for your admission into soil science. We wish you all the best in your academic pursuit.