How to choose the right course

The course you pick at JAMB registration decides your subjects, your cut-off and the next five years. Here is a simple way to choose well.

1. Start with what you are good at

Look at your strongest secondary-school subjects. A course built on those subjects is easier to qualify for, easier to pass in JAMB, and easier to enjoy.

2. Check the subjects before anything else

Every course has fixed JAMB subjects. If you did not take (or did not pass) those subjects in WAEC/NECO, you cannot be admitted to that course, whatever your JAMB score. See the subject combination for each course.

3. Be honest about competition

Courses like Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy and Computer Science are wanted by many more students than there are places, so their cut-offs are high. That does not mean don't apply — it means apply with a strong score and a plan B.

4. Choose a backup with the same subjects

If you miss the cut-off, a school may offer you another course. A backup that uses the same JAMB subjects keeps that door open. Every course page on this site lists courses with the same subjects — for example, Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy and Biochemistry share English, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

5. Pick the school wisely too

• Each school calculates the aggregate differently — try the calculators.
• Many schools favour candidates from their catchment area.
• Check whether the school wants your O'level in one sitting for your course.

6. Think past admission

Ask people already in that career what the work is like, how long the course takes, and what jobs it leads to. A course you like is the one you will finish well.

Quick checklist

• I have credits in the O'level subjects this course needs.
• My JAMB subjects match the course on JAMB IBASS.
• I know the school's aggregate formula and past cut-off.
• I have a backup course with the same subjects.