JAMB

JAMB 2027 Pharmacy Subject Combination: UTME Subjects, O'Level Requirements & More

NLTC Team · 25 September 2026 · 9 min read

Planning to study Pharmacy in 2027? Find out the JAMB UTME subject combination, O'Level requirements, important admission considerations, common mistakes and how to verify your university's specific requirements.

If you are planning to study Pharmacy in Nigeria in the 2027/2028 academic session, one of the first things you need to get right is your JAMB UTME subject combination.

Pharmacy is a science-based professional programme that requires a strong foundation in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Your O'Level subjects are also important, particularly Mathematics and the core science subjects.

In this guide, we explain the JAMB 2027 Pharmacy subject combination, O'Level requirements, the role of Mathematics, possible admission variations between universities, common mistakes and how to verify the requirements for your preferred institution.

If you are already preparing for JAMB 2027, NLTC Online can also support your preparation with structured learning and examination practice.

What Is the JAMB 2027 Subject Combination for Pharmacy?

The standard UTME subject combination for Pharmacy is:

In simple terms:

Use of English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.

JAMB's published material specifically lists Use of English, Biology, Physics and Chemistry for Pharmacy.

These four subjects should therefore form the foundation of your JAMB 2027 preparation if Pharmacy is your intended course.

Is Use of English Compulsory for Pharmacy?

Yes.

Use of English is compulsory in the UTME. It is also particularly important for Pharmacy candidates because university study involves understanding scientific texts, following instructions, interpreting questions and communicating effectively.

Do not make the mistake of focusing exclusively on the three science subjects and neglecting English.

Your Pharmacy UTME combination is:

English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.

Is Biology Required for Pharmacy?

Yes. Biology is one of the three science subjects in the standard Pharmacy UTME combination.

Biology provides important background knowledge for understanding living systems, human biology, microorganisms and other concepts relevant to health sciences.

Areas worth serious attention during your JAMB preparation include:

Is Chemistry Compulsory for Pharmacy?

Yes. Chemistry is one of the most important subjects in the Pharmacy UTME combination.

This is particularly significant because Pharmacy involves the study of medicines, chemical substances, drug formulation and the interactions between substances.

Important Chemistry topics to revise include:

Strong Chemistry preparation should therefore be one of your priorities if you intend to study Pharmacy.

Is Physics Required for Pharmacy?

Yes. Physics is part of the standard UTME subject combination for Pharmacy.

Some candidates mistakenly assume that Pharmacy requires only Biology and Chemistry because of its connection with medicines. However, the standard JAMB combination also includes Physics.

Important Physics areas to revise include:

Can I Replace Physics With Mathematics for Pharmacy?

You should not assume that you can replace Physics with Mathematics in the UTME.

The standard Pharmacy combination is:

Use of English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.

Mathematics is generally part of the O'Level requirements for Pharmacy, but that does not make it a replacement for Physics in the standard UTME combination.

This distinction is important:

Always verify your specific university and programme through JAMB's current IBASS Eligibility Checker before registering.

What Are the O'Level Requirements for Pharmacy?

The JAMB brochure lists five SSCE credit passes for Pharmacy in:

Current JAMB brochure information confirms these five subjects as the O'Level requirement for Pharmacy, while also showing institution-specific conditions relating to the number of sittings. 

This means that getting your JAMB subjects right is only one part of the admission process. You must also ensure that your O'Level result satisfies the requirements of your chosen university.

Can I Study Pharmacy With Two O'Level Results?

This depends on the institution.

Current JAMB brochure information shows that different universities can impose different conditions. For example, some institutions require the five O'Level credits at one sitting, while others accept them at not more than two sittings. 

Therefore, do not assume that every university offering Pharmacy has exactly the same O'Level sitting requirement.

If you have two WAEC, NECO or other accepted SSCE results, check the current requirements of your preferred university before applying.

Do I Need Mathematics to Study Pharmacy?

Yes, Mathematics is commonly included among the required O'Level subjects for Pharmacy.

However, Mathematics is not part of the standard four-subject UTME combination listed for Pharmacy. The standard UTME combination consists of:

Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

This is an important distinction for candidates preparing for JAMB.

JAMB Subject Combination vs O'Level Requirements

Many candidates confuse these two requirements.

Your UTME subject combination refers to the four subjects you register for and write in JAMB.

Your O'Level requirements refer to the subjects and grades you need in WAEC, NECO or another accepted SSCE qualification.

For Pharmacy, the requirements can be summarised as follows:

Requirement Pharmacy
UTME Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
O'Level English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Do not assume that because Mathematics is required at O'Level, it should replace Physics in your UTME combination.

Can I Study Pharmacy Without Chemistry?

Chemistry is part of the standard UTME combination for Pharmacy and is also one of the core O'Level subjects commonly required.

Therefore, candidates intending to study Pharmacy should take Chemistry seriously both in their secondary-school studies and in their JAMB preparation.

Can I Study Pharmacy Without Biology?

Biology is part of the standard UTME combination for Pharmacy.

It is also included among the five commonly required O'Level subjects for Pharmacy.

Candidates should therefore not assume that another science subject can simply replace Biology without checking the specific institution's requirements.

Can I Study Pharmacy Without Physics?

Under the standard JAMB combination, Physics is one of the required UTME subjects for Pharmacy.

Some institutions may have specific waiver provisions, so candidates should check their exact university and programme through the current JAMB IBASS information rather than assuming that a general rule applies identically everywhere.

How to Check the Exact Pharmacy Requirements for Your University

JAMB's IBASS Eligibility Checker is an important resource for candidates.

The current checker allows you to specify:

You can then check your eligibility based on the information you have supplied. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

JAMB's own FAQ also specifically advises candidates to use IBASS to find the available programmes and UTME subject combinations for each course and to verify the requirements before applying. 

This is especially important for Pharmacy because universities can have different admission conditions and waiver remarks.

Common Mistakes Pharmacy Candidates Should Avoid

1. Replacing Physics With Mathematics

Mathematics is commonly required at O'Level, but the standard UTME combination includes Physics. Do not confuse the two.

2. Ignoring Chemistry

Chemistry is a core subject for Pharmacy. Candidates should dedicate substantial preparation time to it.

3. Treating Biology as Optional

Biology is part of the standard Pharmacy UTME combination and is also commonly required at O'Level.

4. Assuming Every University Has the Same Sitting Requirement

Some universities may require the relevant O'Level credits at one sitting, while others may allow two sittings. Check your chosen institution specifically.

5. Relying on an Old JAMB Subject Combination

Admission information can change. Use the current JAMB IBASS information when making your final decision.

6. Preparing Only for Biology and Chemistry

Pharmacy is a science-based programme, but your UTME includes four subjects. English and Physics also require serious preparation.

How to Prepare for JAMB 2027 Pharmacy

If Pharmacy is your target course, your preparation should cover all four UTME subjects:

Do not wait until the final weeks before JAMB to begin serious preparation. A consistent study routine gives you time to identify weak areas and improve them.

You can also use NLTC Online as part of your JAMB 2027 preparation, especially for structured learning and examination practice.

For a broader preparation strategy, read the JAMB 2027 Complete Preparation Guide for Nigerian Students.

Frequently Asked Questions About JAMB 2027 Pharmacy

What is the JAMB 2027 subject combination for Pharmacy?

The standard combination is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Is Chemistry compulsory for Pharmacy?

Yes. Chemistry is part of the standard UTME combination and is also commonly required at O'Level.

Is Biology compulsory for Pharmacy?

Yes. Biology is part of the standard UTME combination for Pharmacy.

Is Physics compulsory for Pharmacy?

Yes. Physics is part of the standard UTME combination.

Is Mathematics a JAMB subject for Pharmacy?

Mathematics is generally not one of the four standard UTME subjects for Pharmacy. However, Mathematics is commonly required as an O'Level credit subject.

What are the O'Level requirements for Pharmacy?

The common requirement is five SSCE credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Can I combine two O'Level results for Pharmacy?

It depends on the university. Some institutions accept the required credits at not more than two sittings, while others may require one sitting. Verify your preferred institution's current requirements before applying.

Can I study Pharmacy without Physics?

The standard UTME combination includes Physics. If an institution has a specific waiver or alternative requirement, verify it through the current JAMB IBASS information before relying on it.

Where can I verify my Pharmacy JAMB requirements?

Use the JAMB IBASS Eligibility Checker to check your institution, programme, O'Level qualifications and UTME subject combination.

Final Advice for Pharmacy Aspirants

If Pharmacy is your intended course for 2027, get your subject combination right before registering for JAMB.

For the standard UTME combination, remember:

Use of English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.

For O'Level, the commonly required five subjects are:

English Language + Mathematics + Biology + Chemistry + Physics.

However, admission conditions can vary between universities, particularly regarding O'Level sittings and specific waiver provisions. Verify your exact institution and programme through JAMB IBASS before making your final application decisions.

As you prepare for the examination, you can make NLTC Online part of your study routine and combine structured learning with consistent practice.

Choose the correct subjects, verify your university's requirements, start preparing early and practise consistently.