Veterinary medicine is a vital branch of science focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries in animals. It is a rewarding career that requires passion, dedication, and hard work. If you are aspiring to study veterinary medicine at a Nigerian university, it is crucial to understand the JAMB subject combination and other admission requirements.
What is Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinary medicine involves the healthcare of animals, covering areas such as medical treatment, surgery, and animal welfare. It requires a solid understanding of biological and medical sciences, making it one of the most challenging and fulfilling professions in the world. In Nigeria, several universities offer this program, but to gain admission, you need to pass the JAMB UTME with the correct subject combination.
JAMB Subject Combination for Veterinary Medicine 2025/2026
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) administers the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates seeking admission to Nigerian universities. The UTME consists of four subjects, each lasting 40 minutes with 50 questions per subject. The total score for the UTME is 400 marks.
The recommended JAMB subject combination for veterinary medicine is:
- English Language: A compulsory subject for all JAMB candidates, testing your proficiency in English, grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- Physics: Essential for understanding veterinary radiology, biomechanics, and instrumentation. Physics is important for grasping the scientific principles behind animal care.
- Chemistry: Relevant to veterinary medicine due to its coverage of pharmaceuticals, metabolism, and biochemistry. Topics in organic and inorganic chemistry are particularly important for this field.
- Biology: Vital for understanding animal physiology, microbiology, genetics, and anatomy, which are the foundational concepts of veterinary science.
UTME Score Requirement
To qualify for admission into any Nigerian university, you must score at least 180 marks in the UTME. However, certain universities may set higher cut-off marks for veterinary medicine due to competition and the limited number of available slots. As a result, it is advisable to aim for a higher score to increase your chances of gaining admission.
O’Level Requirements for Veterinary Medicine 2025/2026
In addition to passing the UTME, candidates must meet the O’Level (SSCE) requirements. These are the minimum qualifications you must have in either WAEC, NECO, or GCE.
The O’Level requirements for veterinary medicine include:
- At least five credit passes in the following subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- The credit passes must be obtained in no more than two sittings. This means you can combine two results (e.g., WAEC and NECO), as long as you meet the subject requirements.
- Ensure that the details used in your UTME registration match those in your O’Level results. Any discrepancy in name or details may affect your admission chances.
Universities Offering Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria 2025/2026
If you’re passionate about pursuing veterinary medicine, the following Nigerian universities offer veterinary programs:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUS)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Each university may have specific admission criteria, so it’s important to research your preferred institution’s requirements thoroughly.
Conclusion
Veterinary medicine is a noble and challenging profession that can provide significant personal and professional rewards. If you have a passion for animal health and welfare, this career path could be the perfect choice for you. To successfully gain admission, ensure you understand the JAMB subject combination and meet the O’Level requirements. Aim for a high UTME score to enhance your chances of acceptance into one of Nigeria’s top universities for veterinary medicine.
For more information on how to excel in your academic journey, visit reliable resources like jamb2026.com and EXPOBITE. Best of luck as you pursue your dream of becoming a veterinary doctor!
FAQs
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for veterinary medicine?
The general cut-off mark is 180, but some universities may require a higher score depending on the competition.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for admission into veterinary medicine?
Yes, you can combine results from WAEC and NECO as long as you have the required credit passes in the necessary subjects.
Is veterinary medicine a competitive course in Nigerian universities?
Yes, veterinary medicine is quite competitive due to the limited number of slots available in most universities.