Civil law is one of the most sought-after and prestigious courses within the field of law in Nigeria. It deals with the legal framework governing the rights and obligations of individuals and entities concerning contracts, property, torts, family matters, inheritance, and other civil issues. Also referred to as private or common law, civil law plays a vital role in society’s legal order.
If you’re aspiring to study civil law at any Nigerian university, it’s essential to understand the necessary requirements and subject combinations for admission. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the 2025/2026 JAMB subject combination, UTME requirements, direct entry qualifications, and more to help you navigate the admission process smoothly.
UTME Requirements for Civil Law 2025/2026
To be eligible to study civil law at any Nigerian university, you need to meet specific O’level and UTME requirements. These include:
O’level Requirements:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Literature-in-English (Compulsory)
- Mathematics (Compulsory)
- Any two other Arts or Social Science subjects
You must secure at least five O’level credit passes in these subjects from any recognized examination body, such as:
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)
- National Examination Council (NECO)
- General Certificate of Education (GCE)
- National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB)
JAMB UTME Requirements:
You must register for and sit for the JAMB UTME examination and aim for a minimum score of 180 or higher (depending on the cut-off mark of your selected university). Keep in mind that higher scores improve your chances of securing admission.
JAMB Subject Combination for Civil Law 2025/2026
The JAMB UTME examination consists of four subjects, with one being compulsory for all courses and three other optional subjects. For civil law, the subject combination is as follows:
- Compulsory Subject:
- English Language
- Optional Subjects:
Choose any three Arts or Social Science subjects. Below are examples of subjects you can select:- Literature-in-English (Highly recommended)
- Government
- Economics
- History
- Christian Religious Studies
- Islamic Religious Studies
- Geography
- Commerce
- Civic Education
- Sociology
- Psychology
Make sure to choose subjects you are well-prepared for and comfortable with. Some universities may have specific preferences for certain subjects, so it’s always good to check the particular requirements of your chosen institution.
Direct Entry Requirements for Civil Law 2025/2026
If you already possess a higher qualification like a National Diploma (ND), National Certificate of Education (NCE), or a Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc.), you may apply for direct entry into civil law. Direct entry students start at the 200 level instead of the 100 level.
Requirements for Direct Entry:
- At least two A’level passes in Arts or Social Science subjects.
- Alternatively, an NCE, ND, or B.Sc. with a minimum of second class lower division in a related discipline can also qualify you for direct entry.
In addition, direct entry candidates must register and sit for the JAMB Direct Entry examination. Scoring high in this exam boosts your chances of securing admission.
List of Universities Offering Civil Law in Nigeria 2025/2026
The following universities in Nigeria offer civil law as a course:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State
- University of Calabar (UNICAL), Calabar, Cross River State
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State
You can refer to the JAMB brochure for more details on admission requirements and any special considerations from individual universities.
Conclusion
Civil law is a challenging yet rewarding field that offers vast career opportunities. Whether you aspire to become a legal practitioner, a judge, or an academic in the field of law, studying civil law will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel. However, getting admitted to study civil law requires thorough preparation, starting with the right O’level results, subject combinations, and UTME scores.
We hope this post has clarified the JAMB subject combination for civil law 2025/2026 and provided you with useful tips for your academic journey. Best of luck in your preparations!
FAQs
Can I study civil law without Literature-in-English?
No, Literature-in-English is a compulsory subject for studying civil law in Nigeria.
What is the cut-off mark for civil law?
The JAMB cut-off mark for civil law generally starts from 180, but it can vary depending on the university. Some institutions may set higher cut-off marks based on competition and available slots.
Can I use my WAEC result from two sittings?
Yes, most universities in Nigeria accept O’level results from two sittings.
Can I apply for direct entry with an ND in Business Administration?
Yes, you can apply for direct entry if you have an ND in a relevant field and meet the specific requirements of your chosen university.