JAMB Subject Combination for Data Science 2026: The Complete Guide & Requirements

JAMB Subject Combination for Data Science 2026: The Complete Guide & Requirements

Everyone wants to be a “tech bro” or “tech sis” these days. And honestly? I don’t blame you. Data Science is one of the hottest career paths in the world right now, and Nigerian universities are finally catching up by creating dedicated departments for it.

But here is the problem: passing JAMB is one thing, but registering with the wrong subjects is a tragedy.

Imagine scoring 280 in your UTME, only to be denied admission because you chose Literature instead of Physics. It happens every year. To save you from that “had I known” feeling, I’m going to break down the exact JAMB subject combination for Data Science 2026 so you can register with confidence.

Let’s get straight to it.

The Core JAMB Subject Combination for Data Science 2026

If you are aiming for Data Science, you are likely a science student. However, Data Science sits at the intersection of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics.

To be safe for 90% of Nigerian universities, here are the four subjects you must register:

1. Use of English: This is compulsory for everyone. You can’t escape it.

2. Mathematics: This is the heart of Data Science. If you hate Maths, you might want to rethink this course.

3. Physics: Most universities classify Data Science under the Faculty of Physical Sciences, making Physics mandatory.

4. The 4th Subject (The Variable): This is where it gets tricky.

For your fourth subject, Chemistry is usually the safest bet for most Federal and State universities.

However, some schools are flexible. They might accept Biology, Computer Studies, or even Economics (if the course is under the Social Science faculty in that specific school).

My Honest Advice? Stick to English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. This combination covers you for almost every science-based course, including Computer Science and Data Science. It keeps your options open.

If you are worried about the cost of registration or how to plan your budget for these exams, we broke down the official price of the JAMB form for 2026 in a recent guide. Check that out so you don’t get scammed by cyber cafe agents.

O’Level Requirements (WAEC/NECO)

JAMB is just half the battle. You can’t gain admission if your O’Level result is messy.

For Data Science, you need at least five (5) Credit passes in your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results. These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.

You need Credits in:

• English Language

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Chemistry (or Computer Studies in rare cases)

• Any other Science subject (Biology/Agric/Geography).

Please, don’t gamble with your Maths and English grades. They are non-negotiable.

The “Hidden” Truth: Not All Universities Offer “Data Science”

I need to be real with you for a second.

While Data Science is popular, not every Nigerian university lists it as a standalone course in their brochure. Many schools still bundle it under Computer Science or Statistics.

If you check the JAMB brochure and can’t find “Data Science” for your preferred school (like UNILAG, UI, or OAU), don’t panic.

Here is the hack: Apply for Computer Science. In your 3rd or 4th year, most Computer Science curriculums allow you to specialize. That is when you pick the Data Science track.

Before you rush to register, make sure you have your profile sorted out. We’ve seen too many students make mistakes with their NIN linking. If you are struggling with that, read our guide on how to fix JAMB registration issues and NIN errors. It’s a lifesaver.

How to Smash These Subjects (Real Study Tips)

Okay, you know the subjects now. But knowing them won’t give you a high score. You actually have to read.

I know, I know. “Reading is hard.” But let’s look at how to tackle these specific subjects without burning out.

1. Mathematics: Don’t just read the textbook like a novel. Maths is about solving. Get the JAMB past questions from 2010 to 2025. Solve 20 questions every single day. You will notice that JAMB repeats question patterns. They just change the numbers.

2. Physics: Formulas are your best friend here. Create a “cheat sheet” (for memorization, not to take into the hall!) with all the key formulas. If you know the formula, the calculation becomes easy.

3. Use of English: This is where many science students lose marks because they get overconfident. “It’s just English,” they say. Then they see the Lexis and Structure section and freeze. Focus on concord, idioms, and oral English.

4. Consistency: You can’t cram everything two weeks before the exam. It doesn’t work. As we discussed in our article about success, hard work is always more important than talent when it comes to exams like this. The student who reads 1 hour every day will beat the genius who only reads the night before.

Useful External Resources

• To check the specific requirements for every single school, always verify with the Official JAMB IBASS Brochure.

• If you want to understand what a Data Scientist actually does in the real world, Coursera’s Guide to Data Science is a great place to start.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right JAMB subject combination for Data Science 2026 is the first step toward that admission letter.

Don’t let your friends confuse you. Stick to the standard Science combination (Eng, Maths, Phy, Chem) unless your specific university brochure says otherwise.

Preparation starts now. Not next month. Not next week. Now.

Got any questions about a specific university’s requirement? Drop a comment below, and I’ll try to help you check. Good luck!