JAMB Subject Combination for Public Administration

Public administration is a diverse discipline that requires an understanding of the social sciences and analytical skills. Selecting the right courses will increase your chances of being admitted by ensuring that you fulfill certain university criteria. Are you a direct entry or UTME candidate hoping to study a course like public administration?

We have provided the JAMB Subject Combination for Public Administration, O’level requirements, as well as other basic requirements for all aspiring candidates hoping to kickstart a new academic journey in a well-recognized university in Nigeria. Choosing the appropriate courses gives you a solid academic foundation that will prepare you for public administration courses, such as management, economics, law, and governance. Kindly read through this guide for more information. 

JAMB Subject Combination for Public Administration

For Public Administration, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) generally requires candidates to take four subjects. The optimal subject combination for most universities includes:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Government or Commerce

Each of these subjects supports the core principles of Public Administration, enabling students to develop a well-rounded skill set. Below is a deeper look into each subject and why it is essential.

Alternative Subjects

Some universities may accept Geography or History as alternatives to Economics or Government. However, acceptance varies, so it’s essential to check the specific admission requirements for each university you apply to.

WAEC Subject Combination For Public Administration

Core SSCE Subjects (Mandatory for All Candidates)

• English Language
• Economics –
• Government

Candidates should aim to secure credit passes in these three core subjects, along with two additional subjects to meet the requirement of five credits.

Additional Relevant Subjects (To Make Up Five Credits)

To meet the five-credit pass requirement, students may choose from the following subjects:

• Mathematics
• Commerce –
• Accounting / Principles of Accounts
• Office Practice
• Secretarial Duties

For NBC (National Business and Technical Examinations Board) Holders

For NBC holders, relevant courses include:

• Commerce
• Principles of Accounts
• Office Practice
• Secretarial Duties

These subjects align well with the practical and business aspects of Public Administration and are generally accepted by universities offering this program.

Summary of SSCE Requirements

To study Public Administration, candidates typically need:

Five (5) SSCE credit passes in:

• English Language
• Economics
• Government
• Two other relevant subjects (Mathematics, Commerce, Accounting, Office Practice, or Secretarial Duties)

By meeting these O-level requirements, students ensure they are eligible for admission and have a foundational knowledge base to succeed in Public Administration.

Requirements for Direct Entry Candidates

Some universities need two “A” level passes in disciplines related to public administration for applicants. Based on the given list, the most widely recognized “A” level passes for public administration are:

• Economics
• Accounting
• Business Management
• Geography
• Statistics
• Economics
• Government

These two subjects are highly relevant as they provide foundational knowledge in economic principles and governance structures, both essential for Public Administration studies.

General Requirements for Studying Public Administration

To gain admission into a Public Administration program in Nigerian universities, candidates typically need to meet the following requirements:

• O-Level: At least five credit passes in relevant subjects (WAEC/NECO), including English Language, Government, Economics, Mathematics, and one other subject (e.g., Geography or Literature).
• Although not applicable to all universities, some universities accept A-Level qualifications in relevant subjects like Government and Economics.
• Register for the JAMB UTME, selecting Public Administration as the preferred course. The minimum cut-off mark is usually around 160, though it can vary by institution.
• Candidates must pass the institution’s Post-UTME Screening
•  Candidates should be at least 16 years old and may need to provide character references if previously enrolled elsewhere.
• International Students must meet equivalent qualifications and may need proof of English proficiency.

List the universities offering Public Administration

Here’s a list of universities in Nigeria that offer Public Administration programs. This includes both federal, state, and private universities with well-recognized Public Administration departments:

Federal Universities

• University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos
• University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City
• University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Abuja
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
• University of Calabar (UNICAL), Calabar
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ilorin
• Federal University, Gashua (FUGASHUA), Yobe
• Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Jigawa
• Federal University, Wukari (FUWUKARI), Taraba
• Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo
• Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano
• Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), Sokoto
• Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina

State Universities

• Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos
• Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti
• Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt
• Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
• Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna
• Nasarawa State University (NSUK), Keffi
• Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka
• Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko
• Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye
• Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu
• Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo
• Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi
• Gombe State University (GSU), Gombe
• Taraba State University (TASU), Jalingo
• Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki
• Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai

Private Universities

• Covenant University, Ota
• Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti
• Igbinedion University, Okada
• Caleb University, Lagos
• Madonna University, Okija
• Bowen University, Iwo
• Redeemer’s University, Ede
• Caritas University, Enugu
• Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
• Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
• Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji
• Salem University, Lokoja
• Baze University, Abuja
• Crawford University, Igbesa
• Fountain University, Osogbo

Polytechnics and Colleges Offering Public Administration

Many polytechnics in Nigeria also offer Public Administration at the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels, such as:

• Yaba College of Technology, Lagos
• Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu
• Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
• Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
• Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna
• Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi
• Federal Polytechnic, Oko
• Ibadan Polytechnic, Ibadan
• Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta

Conclusion

For Public Administration, the essential JAMB subject combination is English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and either Government or Commerce. A solid foundation in these areas will prepare you for the degree and enhance your chances of navigating the admissions process successfully.

A career in public administration is about influencing society and improving governmental systems. Wise decision-making and diligent preparation are key to achieving a rewarding career in public service.

We hope this article was informative enough. This is not all on this topic. Do well to visit this website often to get fresh information that will help you scale through your academic journey without hurdles. As you kickstart your admission journey, feel free to check back on us for assistance, we will not hesitate to assist you in any possible way we can. For your questions, feel free to ask us via the comment section and we will respond without any further delay.

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