Science Subject Combinations for IJMB — Which Courses They Unlock

🟢 Lite — Quick Review (1h–1d)

Rapid summary for last-minute revision before your exam.

The IJMB Science combination is one of the most sought-after pathways for students aiming for STEM courses in Nigerian universities. Choosing the right IJMB subject combination determines which university courses you can apply for through Direct Entry.

Key combinations and what they unlock:

• Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB): Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Anatomy, Physiology
• Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM): Engineering (all branches), Computer Science, Physics, Architecture
• Chemistry, Biology, Physics (CBP): Agricultural Sciences, Forestry, Environmental Science, Food Science

⚡ Exam tip: For Medicine and Surgery in most Nigerian universities, you need at least a B grade in Biology in IJMB — A grade is preferred by the most competitive schools.

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🟡 Standard — Regular Study (2d–2mo)

Standard content for students with a few days to months.

Understanding IJMB Science Combinations:

The IJMB Science programme covers a broad range of subjects from the Faculty of Science at Ahmadu Bello University. Students must take a minimum of 3 subjects — and in practice, most students take 4 subjects to maximise their admission chances.

Standard Science Combinations:

Combination 1: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB)

This is the classic pre-medical combination. It is accepted for all medical and life science courses in every Nigerian university.

Universities that accept PCB for Medicine:

• University of Ibadan (UI) — MBBS cutoff: 8 points minimum
• University of Lagos (UNILAG) — 10 points minimum
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) — 9 points minimum
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) — 9 points
• Lagos State University (LASU) — 8 points
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) — 9 points

Courses available with PCB:

• Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
• Dentistry (BDS)
• Pharmacy
• Veterinary Medicine
• Nursing Science
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Optometry
• Physiotherapy
• Public Health

What you need to score: For competitive medical programmes, aim for:

• Top tier universities (UI, UNILAG, ABU, UNN): 10-15 points (grades of A and B)
• Mid-tier: 8-10 points
• Foundation/affiliated programmes: 5-8 points

Combination 2: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM)

This is the engineering and physical sciences combination. It opens doors to every engineering programme and the majority of physical science courses.

Engineering courses available with PCM:

• Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Marine Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering

Other courses with PCM:

• Computer Science
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Architecture
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Surveying and Geoinformatics
• Geology/Mining

University examples for PCM:

• University of Benin (UNIBEN) — Engineering cutoff: 10 points
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) — 12 points for engineering
• University of Jos (UNIJOS) — 9 points
• Covenant University (private) — 10 points

Combination 3: Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics (CBM)

This is a bridge between life sciences and physical sciences. Less common but accepted in many universities for biological and agricultural sciences.

Courses available with CBM:

• Agricultural Science and Education
• Food Science and Technology
• Environmental Science
• Forestry
• Zoology/Botany
• Science Laboratory Technology
• Agricultural Economics

Combination 4: Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics

This is an advanced combination accepted only at a few universities. It is specifically for students targeting very high-level physics or mathematics programmes.

Accepted at:

• University of Ibadan (Physics and Mathematics programmes)
• University of Lagos (Engineering and Physical Sciences)
• ABU Zaria (Physics and Engineering)

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🔴 Extended — Deep Study (3mo+)

Comprehensive coverage for students on a longer study timeline.

Detailed Course Requirements and University-Specific Policies:

How Points Work for Science Combinations

The IJMB grading system translates directly to university admission points. Each grade point is critical:

Grade	Points	Description
A	8	Distinction
B	7	Credit
C	6	Credit
D	5	Pass
E	4	Pass
F	0	Fail

For example, PCB with grades A, B, C = 8 + 7 + 6 = 21 points total across 3 subjects. Some universities calculate on best 3 subjects; others consider all 4 subjects taken. Always confirm with the specific university’s admissions office.

Medicine and Surgery — Detailed Requirements

Medicine is the most competitive programme in Nigerian universities. Most universities publish their IJMB cutoffs annually.

University of Ibadan (UI) — Faculty of Clinical Sciences:

• IJMB minimum: 10 points in relevant subjects
• Must include Biology at minimum B grade (some years require A)
• Must include Chemistry and Physics
• JAMB score: Minimum 280 in UTME for those using UTME route
• Direct Entry candidates must also satisfy 5 O’Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

University of Lagos (UNILAG) — Faculty of Clinical Sciences:

• IJMB minimum: 12 points (rising to 14 in some years)
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics mandatory
• JAMB Direct Entry screening includes written exam + interview

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria:

• IJMB minimum: 9 points
• ABU conducts its own post-IJMB screening
• MBBS cutoff depends on year but typically 10+ points

Key advice for medical aspirants:

• Biology is the most heavily weighted subject in PCB for medical courses
• Most medical schools now require a minimum of B grade (7 points) in Biology
• Chemistry must be at least C grade (6 points)
• Physics is often not heavily weighted but must be passed (minimum D)

Engineering — Detailed Requirements

Engineering is the second most popular IJMB route. Different engineering disciplines may require different subject weightings.

Electrical/Electronic Engineering requirements:

• Physics: Minimum B grade (7 points)
• Mathematics: Minimum B grade (7 points)
• Chemistry: Minimum C grade (6 points)
• Most universities weight Physics and Mathematics more heavily

Mechanical Engineering:

• Physics: B grade minimum
• Mathematics: B grade minimum
• Chemistry or Further Mathematics: C grade

Petroleum Engineering (UPTH, FUTO, UNIBEN):

• Mathematics: A or B grade
• Physics: B grade minimum
• Chemistry: C grade minimum
• Some universities require Geography as fourth subject

Computer Engineering:

• Mathematics: A grade strongly preferred
• Physics: B grade minimum
• Chemistry: C grade minimum

The Role of O’Level Results in IJMB Admission

Regardless of how well you perform in IJMB, you must satisfy the O’Level (SSCE/WAEC/NECO) requirements for Direct Entry. The standard requirements are:

• 5 credits in O’Level including English Language and Mathematics (for most courses)
• For Medicine: 5 credits including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, Mathematics
• For Engineering: 5 credits including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English

Your IJMB results do NOT replace O’Level requirements — you need both.

** NABTEB Advanced Technician Certificate (ATC):**

• Holders of NABTEB A-level results can also apply for Direct Entry alongside IJMB candidates
• IJMB is generally preferred for science-based courses because the ABU examination is more rigorous

University-Specific Cutoffs for Science (2024 Data)

University	Course	Min IJMB Points	Key Subject Grade
UI	Medicine	10	Biology B+
UNILAG	Medicine	12	Biology A
ABU	Medicine	9	Biology B
UNIBEN	Medicine	10	Biology B
UI	Engineering	8	Math B
UNILAG	Engineering	10	Math B, Physics B
FUTO	Engineering	12	Math B, Physics B
UNIJOS	Engineering	9	Math C, Physics C
UNILORIN	Pharmacy	9	Chemistry B
UI	Pharmacy	8	Chemistry B, Biology B
ABU	Computer Science	9	Math B
UNILAG	Computer Science	10	Math A, Physics B