Best JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Laboratory Science 2026/2027: Medical Laboratory Science (often called MLS) is one of the top health-related courses in Nigeria. If you want to study it at the university, your first step is choosing the correct JAMB and O’Level subjects. Admission is strict, and using the wrong combination can disqualify you even with a high JAMB score. This post is going to provide you everything you need to know about the admission process.
What Is Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical Laboratory Science deals with the analysis of body fluids, tissues and samples for diagnosis, treatment and disease monitoring. Students learn microbiology, hematology, immunology, pathology and clinical chemistry. Graduates work as Medical Laboratory Scientists in hospitals, diagnostic centers, research labs, public health institutions, food and pharmaceutical labs and academic environments.
Why Choosing the Right JAMB Subject Combination Important
MLS is a regulated health course. Universities follow strict admission rules. If you select the wrong subjects, your application won’t be processed no matter your score. With the correct combination, you stand a better chance during Post-UTME and screening.
Official JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Laboratory Science 2026/2027
The approved JAMB subject combination for Medical Laboratory Science is: English Language, Biology, Chemistry & Physics
This is accepted by almost all universities offering MLS.
Compulsory JAMB Subjects for Medical Laboratory Science
You must register: English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These subjects match the science focus of the course and are non-negotiable.
Other Acceptable Subjects for Medical Laboratory Science
For JAMB, there are no replacements for Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Agricultural Science, Health Science, or Further Mathematics may help at O’Level but not as UTME substitutes.
Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations for MLS
Use any of the approved options below:
- English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics
Any reorder is fine; the subjects must remain the same.
JAMB Subject Combinations to Avoid
Avoid combinations without Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Examples to stay away from:
- English, Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture (Physics missing)
- English, Physics, Biology, Mathematics (Chemistry missing)
- English, Chemistry, Agriculture, Mathematics (Biology missing)
Wrong subjects lead to automatic disqualification.
O’Level Requirements for Medical Laboratory Science
You need five credit passes in WAEC, NECO or GCE, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Credits must be from one sitting in many universities offering MLS. Some schools accept two sittings, but health faculties often prefer one.
Direct Entry Requirements for Medical Laboratory Science
Direct Entry applicants generally need:
- A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry (Physics helpful).
- ND/HND in related science fields such as Medical Laboratory Technician, Microbiology, Biochemistry or Science Laboratory Technology with good grades.
- O’Level credits in the core subjects listed above.
Each school has its own screening method.
Check this: Correct JAMB Cut Off Mark for Nursing 2026/2027
Universities Offering Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria
Below are a few well-known options:
Federal Universities
- Bayero University Kano (The Best)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
Private Universities
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Madonna University
- Afe Babalola University
Always verify that MLS is accredited in your chosen school.
School-Specific Requirements to Check
Some institutions require:
- One sitting O’Level only
- Higher cut-off marks
- Practical subjects or specific grades
Always confirm through JAMB CAPS or the university admission portal. Policies change, so stay updated.
Frequently Asked Questions (Expanded)
What is the best JAMB subject combination for Medical Laboratory Science?
The best and officially accepted combination is English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These subjects align with what you’ll study in MLS, especially laboratory analysis, disease diagnosis and medical science courses. Using any other combination is risky and may block your admission.
Is Mathematics compulsory for Medical Laboratory Science?
Mathematics is compulsory in O’Level, not in JAMB. You must have at least a credit in Mathematics to qualify for MLS. While it’s not part of the UTME combination, you will still use it in statistics and laboratory calculations in the university.
Can I study Medical Laboratory Science without Physics?
No. Physics is required both in JAMB and O’Level. It’s important for instrument calibration, laboratory equipment, optics and medical imaging basics. Without Physics, you won’t be eligible for admission.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for MLS?
General entry starts around 180–200, but health courses are competitive. Many top universities set internal cut-offs around 220-250 or higher, especially where demand is high. A strong Post-UTME score improves your chances further.
Do universities accept two sittings for Medical Laboratory Science?
Some do, but many prefer one sitting, especially federal universities with strict medical faculty rules. If you plan to use two sittings (WAEC + NECO), check your target school early.
Does Medical Laboratory Science require science subjects?
Yes. MLS is a core medical/biological course. You must present science subjects only. Commercial or art-related subjects won’t count.
How long does it take to study MLS in Nigeria?
The program usually lasts 5 years, including clinical training and laboratory posting. With SIWES, academic calendar and licensing, it may take around 5-6 years to complete.
What jobs can a Medical Laboratory Science graduate do?
MLS graduates can work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutes, food and pharmaceutical laboratories, public health departments and quality control industries. There is room for specialization in areas like hematology, histopathology, virology, parasitology and more.
Is Medical Laboratory Science the same as Science Laboratory Technology?
No. SLT is more general, while MLS is a professional health course licensed for medical diagnosis. MLS graduates can work directly in hospital laboratories, while SLT graduates may need additional certifications to work medically.
Conclusion
If MLS is your dream course for 2026/2027, register the correct subjects and build strength in Biology and Chemistry especially. Check your preferred school requirements early, aim for a high JAMB score and prepare well for Post-UTME. Consistency matters more than speed. Stay committed. You can get it done.
