Pharmacy is a highly respected and competitive course in Nigeria, blending science, healthcare, and innovation to prepare students for careers in drug formulation, dispensing, and patient care. Aspiring pharmacists must navigate the admission process, which begins with selecting the correct subjects for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Choosing the right JAMB subject combination is critical, as it determines eligibility for admission into pharmacy programs at Nigerian universities. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy, O’Level requirements, Direct Entry options, and other essential admission criteria.
JAMB Subject Combination for Pharmacy
To study Pharmacy in Nigeria, candidates must register for and write four subjects in the JAMB UTME. The required JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy is:
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English Language: Compulsory for all JAMB candidates, as it is the official language of instruction and examination.
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Chemistry: Essential for understanding drug composition, chemical reactions, and pharmaceutical processes.
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Biology: Critical for knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, which are foundational to pharmacology.
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Physics: Necessary for understanding physical principles related to drug mechanics, formulation, and technology.
These four subjects are mandatory and cannot be substituted with other subjects like Mathematics, Geography, or Agricultural Science. A minimum score of 200 in the JAMB UTME is typically required for Pharmacy, though competitive universities may demand higher scores due to the course’s popularity.
O’Level Requirements for Pharmacy
In addition to the JAMB UTME, candidates must meet the O’Level requirements, which involve obtaining at least five credit passes in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent (e.g., WAEC, NECO, or GCE). The required O’Level subjects for Pharmacy are:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Biology
These credits must be obtained in no more than two sittings for most universities, though some, like the University of Ibadan (UI), may require all credits in one sitting. Candidates should verify specific requirements with their chosen institutions, as slight variations may exist.
Direct Entry Requirements for Pharmacy
For candidates seeking admission through Direct Entry (DE), the following qualifications are typically required in addition to the O’Level credits:
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A’Level Passes: Three A’Level passes in Chemistry, Biology (or Zoology), and Physics or Mathematics, with at least a C grade in each subject.
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National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND): A minimum of Upper Credit in a related field, such as Science Laboratory Technology or Pharmaceutical Technology.
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Bachelor’s Degree: A first degree in a related field (e.g., Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Biological Sciences) with at least a Second Class Lower division.
Specific universities may have additional criteria. For example:
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The University of Benin (UNIBEN) accepts A’Level Botany in lieu of Biology but does not accept A’Level Mathematics.
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The University of Lagos (UNILAG) requires very good passes in JUPEB/A’Level subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and does not accept B.Sc. degrees for Direct Entry.
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The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), accepts a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related fields with a minimum of Second Class Honours Lower Division.
Candidates must also obtain a Direct Entry form from JAMB and apply through the JAMB portal.
Universities Offering Pharmacy in Nigeria
Several Nigerian universities offer accredited Pharmacy programs, including:
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University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State
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University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun State
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University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State
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Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Kano State
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Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State
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University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State
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Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Anambra State
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Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State
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Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Some universities, such as UNILAG, UNIBEN, and UNN, offer the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree, which is considered more advanced than the B.Pharm.
Career Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates
Pharmacy graduates in Nigeria can pursue diverse career paths, including:
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Community pharmacies and drug stores
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Hospitals and clinics
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Pharmaceutical industries (drug manufacturing and quality control)
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Research and development institutes
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Academic institutions (teaching and research)
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Regulatory agencies (e.g., NAFDAC)
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Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on healthcare
READ ALSO: JAMB Subject Combination for Business Administration
FAQs
Is Mathematics required in JAMB for Pharmacy?
No, Mathematics is not required in the JAMB UTME for Pharmacy. However, it is a compulsory O’Level subject, and candidates must have at least a credit pass in Mathematics.
Can I replace Biology with another subject in JAMB for Pharmacy?
No, Biology is a compulsory subject for Pharmacy in the JAMB UTME. It cannot be replaced with subjects like Agricultural Science or Geography.
Is Physics compulsory for Pharmacy in JAMB?
Yes, Physics is a mandatory subject for Pharmacy in the JAMB UTME, as it provides essential knowledge for pharmaceutical sciences.
Can I combine two O’Level results to study Pharmacy?
Yes, most universities accept two O’Level results (e.g., WAEC and NECO) for Pharmacy, provided the required credits are obtained in no more than two sittings. However, some universities, like UI, may require all credits in one sitting.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Pharmacy?
The general JAMB cut-off mark for Pharmacy is 200, but competitive universities may require higher scores (e.g., 250 or above). Candidates should check their chosen university’s specific cut-off mark.
How long does it take to study Pharmacy in Nigeria?
For UTME candidates, a B.Pharm takes five years, and a Pharm.D takes six years. Direct Entry candidates typically complete a B.Pharm in four years or a Pharm.D in five years.
Can I gain admission into Pharmacy with a JAMB score of 200?
A score of 200 meets the general cut-off for Pharmacy, but due to the course’s competitiveness, higher scores (e.g., 250 or above) and strong post-UTME performance are often required for admission into top universities.
What are the Direct Entry requirements for Pharmacy?
Direct Entry candidates need three A’Level passes in Chemistry, Biology/Zoology, and Physics or Mathematics, or an ND/HND with Upper Credit, or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least a Second Class Lower.
