Subject Combination for Law in Top Nigerian Universities: Choosing the correct subject combination for Law in Nigeria is not simply about meeting JAMB requirements. It is about aligning your academic record with what top universities expect, avoiding avoidable mistakes that cost thousands of qualified students their admission every year. Law remains one of the most competitive programmes in Nigeria, ranking consistently among the top three most applied courses yearly. Because of this heavy competition, the admission process is extremely strict. A single subject error can instantly disqualify even a brilliant candidate.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the complete, updated, university approved subject combination for Law across leading federal, state, and private universities. It also explains why certain subjects are compulsory, how universities screen candidates differently, the common errors that ruin admission chances, and the strategic approach students should take when picking their four JAMB subjects.
By the end of this guide, you will understand exactly what is required to study Law at any top Nigerian university, from University of Lagos to University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, Babcock University, and others.
This page is deliberately detailed because Law is a career that demands clarity, precision, and careful decision making. Do not skim through this. Read every section and compare it with your personal academic goals.
Introduction to the Study of Law in Nigeria
Law is not just another undergraduate programme. It is the foundation of the Nigerian legal system, shaping the judiciary, governance, human rights, business regulations, and social order. The Bachelor of Laws, commonly referred to as LLB, is the qualification awarded after completing the five year academic training in the university and another one year at the Nigerian Law School.
Studying Law requires more than intelligence. It demands analytical reasoning, communication skills, strong writing ability, argumentative strength, comprehension skills, and discipline. This is why top Nigerian universities set very strict subject requirements for applicants.
The JAMB brochure might give a general requirement for Law, but individual universities often interpret, modify, or strengthen these requirements. Because of this, students must understand both the standard national requirement and the university specific expectations.
Missing this difference is one of the top reasons candidates with strong UTME scores are rejected.
Subject Combination for Law in Top Nigerian Universities
The official JAMB subject combination for all accredited Law programmes in Nigerian universities is: Use of English, Literature in English, Government or CRS/IRS & Any other Art or Social Science subject
While these look simple, they are actually very sensitive. Some universities treat certain subjects as acceptable, and others reject them outright. A candidate who chooses the wrong combination may not be disqualified by JAMB but will automatically be rejected by the university during admission screening.
Let us break down the logic behind each subject.
Use of English (Compulsory for All Candidates)
Law relies heavily on language. Lawyers draft arguments, prepare legal briefs, interpret statutes, and communicate orally and in writing. Because of this, English is the universal compulsory subject for all Law applicants across Nigeria. A low score in English automatically puts a Law aspirant at a disadvantage, no matter how high their total UTME score is.
Literature in English (The Most Important Subject for Law)
Literature is the academic foundation for understanding legal texts, analyzing arguments, interpreting written evidence, and building vocabulary. This is why:
- Every top university requires Literature
- No school accepts Law candidates without Literature
- No substitute exists for Literature
Any student who replaces Literature with Government or CRS loses automatic eligibility for Law.
Government or CRS/IRS (Second Major Subject)
Government is the most widely accepted second subject because Law deals directly with political systems, constitutions, public administration, and legislative processes. CRS/IRS is also acceptable, especially in universities with strong humanities departments, but Government remains the safest option for highly competitive schools.
Any Other Art or Social Science Subject (Third Supporting Subject)
This may include: History, CRS/IRS, Economics, Civic Education, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa, French and Islamic Studies
However, not all universities accept all of these. Some schools place higher value on subjects like History or CRS over subjects like Economics or Arts. The mistake students make is assuming that “any Art subject” means everything is acceptable. That is not true. Some subjects weaken your chances if the university is highly selective.
Why Subject Combination Matters More for Law Than Other Courses
Law has one of the lowest admission acceptance rates in Nigeria. In some schools, only 3 to 6 percent of candidates get admitted. Because of this competition, universities use subject combinations as a filtering tool. Candidates with wrong combinations are screened out immediately, reducing the number of eligible applicants. For example:
- A candidate applying to UNILAG with Economics instead of Government can be rejected
- A candidate applying to UNN with CRS but no Literature will never be considered
- A candidate applying to UI with Civic Education as the third subject may not meet their internal standard
Subject combination is not a mere requirement. It is part of the selection strategy used by universities.
Subject Combination for Law in Top Federal Universities
Below is the detailed subject combination for the leading federal universities in Nigeria.
University of Lagos (UNILAG): UNILAG is extremely strict. The Accepted Subjects: Literature in English, Government or History, CRS/IRS as the third option UNILAG does not like combinations with two social sciences. They prefer Art subjects. Civic Education is acceptable but not highly competitive.
University of Ibadan (UI) UI prefers traditional Art subjects. Best combination: Literature, Government, CRS or History
NB: UI discourages combinations involving Economics or Commerce for Law.
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
UNN accepts a wider range of subjects but still prioritizes Arts.
Recommended: Literature, Government, CRS or History
Candidates applying with Economics or Yoruba may be accepted but have lower priority.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) ABU accepts both Art and Social Science supporting subjects. Strongest combination: Literature, Government, CRS/History
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) UNILORIN is competitive and prefers perfect combinations. Preferred: Literature, Government, CRS and History is also acceptable.
Subject Combination for Law in Top State Universities
LASU (Lagos State University): LASU requires: Literature, Government & CRS or Economics
KSU, AAUA, EKSU, IMSU: These generally accept: Literature, Government, Any Art subject. However, candidates with CRS or History are prioritized.
Subject Combination for Law in Private Universities
Most private universities accept the standard JAMB combination, but for competitive private institutions like Babcock, Covenant, Afe Babalola, and Bowen, Literature and Government remain compulsory.
Also Read: JAMB Announces New 2026 Cut-Off Marks for All Universities
Post UTME Requirements for Law
Even with the correct subject combination, top universities use Post UTME scores to filter applicants further. The cutoff for Law in top universities often ranges from:
- 70 to 80 percent in Post UTME
- 270 to 300 in UTME
Candidates must prepare for: Essay writing, Current affairs, Logical reasoning, English comprehension
Common Subject Combination Errors Law Aspirants Make
These errors eliminate thousands of applicants every year:
- Choosing Economics instead of Government
- Choosing CRS but dropping Literature
- Selecting two unrelated subjects like Fine Art and Yoruba
- Ignoring university specific subject policies
- Assuming UTME score alone guarantees admission
Avoid these mistakes at all cost.
Also Read: JAMB Announces New 2026 Cut-Off Marks for All Universities
WAEC Requirements for Law
A candidate must have five credit passes, including:
- English Language
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Government or History
- CRS or any other Art subject
Mathematics is not used in JAMB combination but is compulsory in WAEC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I study Law without Literature?
No. Literature is compulsory.
Can I replace Government with CRS?
Yes, most universities accept it, but Government is stronger.
Is Civic Education acceptable?
It is acceptable but not the best option for highly competitive universities.
What UTME score guarantees Law admission?
No score guarantees admission, but 270 and above gives a strong chance.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct subject combination for Law is the first and most critical step in securing admission into a top Nigerian university. Because Law is highly competitive, universities prioritize candidates with high UTME scores, strong Post UTME performance, and perfect subject combinations. Literature, Government, and CRS remain the most powerful subjects for boosting your chances. A single wrong subject can cost a full admission year.
