How to Use the JAMB Brochure to Choose the Right Subject Combination (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ever stared at the JAMB brochure and felt a headache coming on? You are not alone. It looks like a phone book from the 1990s, filled with tiny texts and confusing codes.
But here is the bitter truth: ignoring that book is the fastest way to lose admission, even if you score 300 in UTME.
I have seen it happen too many times. A brilliant student applies for Medicine at UNILAG. He scores 290. He has 8 As in WAEC. But he gets rejected. Why? He didn’t include Further Mathematics in his combination (hypothetically), or he missed a specific O’Level requirement listed in the brochure.
It is painful, and I don’t want that for you.
In this lesson, we are going to break down how to use the JAMB brochure to choose the right subject combination. We will look at it simply, just like we are chatting in the classroom. By the time we are done, you will be the one explaining it to your friends.
What is the JAMB Brochure?
The JAMB Brochure is the official policy document issued by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. It contains the comprehensive list of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the courses they offer, and the specific O’Level (WAEC/NECO) and UTME subject requirements needed for admission. Think of it as the “Rule Book” for getting into a higher institution.
Why You Can’t “Freestyle” Your Subject Combination
Imagine you want to cook Jollof Rice. You have rice, you have oil, but instead of tomatoes and pepper, you decide to use okra.
No matter how good a cook you are, that pot of food is not Jollof Rice.
That is exactly how the brochure works. Every course has a “recipe.” If you want to study Law, Literature-in-English is usually the “tomato” you cannot do without.
Many students fail to get admission not because they aren’t smart, but because they are stubborn. They choose subjects based on what their friends are writing or which subjects they find easy. That is a trap.
The brochure protects you from making “invalid” choices. It tells you exactly what the university wants before you even buy the form.
Breaking Down the Columns (How to Read It)
When you open the brochure (whether the PDF version or the hard copy), you will usually see a table with three or four major columns.
It can look scary, but let’s simplify it.
1. The Course/Degree Column This is where you see the name of the course, like “Microbiology” or “Mass Communication.”
2. The UTME Subjects Column This is the most critical part for your JAMB exam. It lists the four subjects you must sit for.
-
Note: Use of English is compulsory for everyone. You don’t have a choice there.
-
The other three depend on your course. For example, Engineering usually requires Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
3. The O’Level Requirements Column This tells you what you must have in your WAEC or NECO result. It usually specifies “Credit passes in 5 subjects.”
-
Pay attention here: Some schools accept D7 in certain subjects, while others insist on C6. The brochure tells you which is which.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the Brochure Correctly
Now, let’s get practical. How do you actually use this thing to pick your subjects?
Step 1: Check Your O’Level Result First Before you dream of studying Pharmacy, look at your WAEC result. Do you have a credit in Chemistry and Biology? If you are still awaiting results, you must be sure you will get these grades.
If you don’t have the O’Level requirements listed in the brochure, your UTME score won’t matter. It’s a waste of the form.
Step 2: Identify Your Preferred Course and Institution Open the brochure to the Faculty that covers your course (e.g., Faculty of Social Sciences for Economics). Look for the university you want.
Step 3: Match the UTME Subjects Look at the column for UTME subjects.
-
Does it say “Mathematics, Economics and one other Social Science subject”?
-
Or does it specify “Government”?
You must pick exactly what is listed. If the brochure says “Government,” and you pick “History” because you think they are similar, you have already disqualified yourself.
Step 4: Read the “Waiver” or “Special Consideration” Section This is the secret weapon. At the bottom of the page or in a separate column, there is usually a section for “Special Remarks/Waivers.”
This is where schools list their specific exceptions.
-
Example: “UNILORIN accepts a pass in Mathematics for History.”
-
Example: “OAU requires Literature-in-English for this course.”
If you ignore the waivers, you might miss a golden opportunity or hit a roadblock.
Common Misconceptions (Stop Believing These Lies)
There are so many rumors in secondary schools about JAMB. Let’s clear the air.
Lie 1: “I can study any course as long as I pass English and Math.” False. If you are an Arts student, you might not even need Mathematics for some courses like Religious Studies in certain universities. But for others, it is compulsory. You cannot guess this; you have to check the book.
Lie 2: “My school counselor knows everything, so I don’t need to check.” Your counselor is a human being. They might be using knowledge from 2015. Admission policies change every year. Always verify yourself. You can check the latest policies on the official JAMB IBASS website.
Lie 3: “I can change my subjects in the exam hall.” No, you can’t. Once you register, that is it. If you registered the wrong combination, your only option is a “Correction of Data,” which costs extra money and stress.
Real-Life Application: Why This Matters to Your Future
Using the brochure correctly isn’t just about passing an exam; it’s about planning your life.
Think about the cost. A JAMB form costs thousands of Naira. If you choose the wrong combination, you might have to buy a “Change of Course/Institution” form later. That is more money.
If the mistake is unfixable (like missing a core subject), you might have to wait at home for another year. That is 365 days of sitting at home while your mates are posting matriculation pictures.
Also, understanding how to read requirements helps you in university. You will need to check student handbooks for course outlines. If you can handle the JAMB brochure now, you are building a skill for the future.
Speaking of university life, understanding admission requirements helps you aim for the right schools. For instance, if you are looking for schools with specific cutoff marks, check out our list of universities that accept 140 cut-off mark. It gives you options if your score isn’t what you expected.
How to Handle “Confusing” Combinations
Sometimes, the brochure gives you options like “Any two Arts subjects.” This can be confusing.
Here is my advice: Pick subjects you are strongest in.
If you are good at CRS but terrible at Government, and the brochure allows you to pick “Any Arts Subject,” please pick CRS. Don’t form “hard guy.” The goal is to get a high score.
If you need tips on how to study effectively for these subjects once you’ve picked them, I strongly recommend reading our guide on how to prepare for an exam in a short time. It breaks down the reading strategies you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use an old JAMB brochure (e.g., 2023) for the 2025 exam? A: It is risky. While many requirements stay the same, universities change their policies. Always try to get the current year’s version or use the online JAMB IBASS system.
Q: Is the JAMB brochure free? A: Yes. It usually comes on a CD or as a digital download when you register for JAMB. You can also access the digital version on the official JAMB website.
Q: What happens if I choose a subject that isn’t in the brochure for my course? A: Your application for that course will be invalid. You will likely not be offered admission unless you change your course to one that fits the subjects you wrote.
Q: Does the brochure show school fees? A: No, the brochure focuses on academic requirements. For school fees, you need to check the specific university’s portal or reliable educational blogs.
Conclusion
Using the JAMB brochure isn’t rocket science, but it requires patience. Don’t rush to the CBT center to register until you have sat down, opened the book (or PDF), and verified your combination.
It is better to spend two hours checking the brochure today than to spend one year at home regretting a mistake.
What’s your dream course, and have you checked the combination for it yet? Let me know in the comments if you are confused about any specific combination. I’m here to help you cross that bridge.
