If you are planning to study Criminology in any Nigerian university, it is important to know the right subject combination for Criminology as approved by JAMB. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the subject combinations for all courses for the 2026/2027 academic session.
In this guide, you will find the correct JAMB 2026/2027 Subject Combination for Criminology, along with other key admission requirements you need to meet to boost your chances of gaining admission into your desired institution.
JAMB Subject Combination for Criminology 2026
To study Criminology in Nigeria, you will typically need to choose the following subjects during your JAMB UTME registration:
- English Language (compulsory)
- Government
- Economics or Mathematics
- One of the following: Literature in English, CRS/IRS, or Geography
Some universities may also consider Civic Education or History as acceptable alternatives. Because subject requirements can vary, it is important to confirm the specific criteria of the university you are applying to. For more details, you can visit the official JAMB website.
O’Level Requirements for Criminology
In addition to choosing the correct subjects in your JAMB UTME, you will also need to meet the O’Level requirements. To be eligible for admission into Criminology, you must have at least five credit passes in your SSCE (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent). These typically include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Government or History
- One of Economics, Literature in English, or CRS/IRS
- Any other relevant subject from the Arts or Social Sciences, such as Geography or Civic Education
Direct Entry Requirements for Criminology
If you are applying for Criminology through Direct Entry, you will need to hold an advanced qualification in any of the following:
- Two A-Level passes, one in Government and the other in a related social science subject
- A National Diploma (OND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or NCE in relevant fields such as Public Administration, Political Science, or Law
- A Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc. or B.A.) in a related discipline may also be accepted
As always, requirements can vary slightly between universities, so it is important to check with the institution you are applying to.
Duration of the Criminology Program 2026
Here is what you should know about how long it takes to complete a Criminology degree in Nigeria and what qualification you will earn after graduation:
- For UTME candidates, the duration is typically 4 years in most Nigerian universities.
- Direct Entry students may spend around 3 years, starting from 200 level, depending on the university’s policy.
- After completing the program, graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology, Security Studies, or a closely related field.
Top Nigerian Universities Offering Criminology 2026
| S/N | Nigerian Universities to Study Criminology |
| 1 | Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) |
| 2 | Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi |
| 3 | University of Lagos (UNILAG) |
| 4 | University of Ibadan (UI) |
| 5 | Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) |
| 6 | Federal University, Dutse (FUD) |
| 7 | Bayero University Kano (BUK) |
| 8 | University of Jos (UNIJOS) |
| 9 | University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) |
| 10 | Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mathematics is not always compulsory in JAMB for Criminology, but it is usually required at O’Level (SSCE). In JAMB, you can often choose between Mathematics and Economics, depending on the university’s preferences.
Yes, some universities may accept Civic Education or History, especially at the O’Level. However, it’s important to confirm with the specific university you’re applying to.
Criminology usually takes 4 years for UTME candidates and 3 years for Direct Entry students who begin from 200 level, depending on the university’s policy.
Graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology, Security Studies, or a related field, depending on the institution.
Yes, Art students can study Criminology, provided they meet the required UTME and O’Level subject combinations, which include social science and humanities subjects like Government, Literature, or CRS
Government is typically a core subject for Criminology. Most universities require it as part of the JAMB subject combination, so it’s not advisable to leave it out unless your chosen university states otherwise.
Graduates of Criminology can work in various fields such as:
• Law enforcement (e.g., Police, NDLEA, EFCC)
• Security and intelligence agencies
• Corrections and prison services
• Social work and rehabilitation
• Legal and policy advisory roles
Yes, most universities in Nigeria accept a combination of WAEC and NECO results, as long as the required subjects are covered and passed with the necessary credits.
