Choosing the wrong UTME subject combination is one of the most common reasons candidates lose admission before they even sit the exam. If you are aiming for Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, one of Nigeria’s most competitive universities, you need to know exactly which subjects each course requires.
This guide breaks down the OAU admission requirements by faculty, covering UTME subjects, O’Level requirements and Direct Entry (DE) qualifications, based on the university’s published requirements page. If you are still comparing schools, you can also browse our guide to the courses offered in UNIOSUN to see how programme lists differ across universities.
How OAU Admission Requirements Work
OAU lists three sets of requirements for every course:
- UTME requirements: the subjects you must write in JAMB, alongside English Language in most cases.
- O’Level requirements: the subjects in which you need credit passes in your WAEC, NECO or NABTEB results.
- Direct Entry requirements: the qualifications (A’Level, ND/HND, NCE, a first degree or a recognised diploma) that allow you to enter beyond 100 level.
Your UTME subjects and O’Level results must both match your chosen course. A strong JAMB score cannot make up for a missing required credit.
OAU Requirements by Faculty
Faculty of Pharmacy
| Course | UTME subjects |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
O’Level: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Direct Entry: A B.Sc. in a related field such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry or Food Science and Technology. The page states a minimum of “22” without explaining the unit, so confirm this on the official portal.
College of Health Sciences
| Course | UTME subjects |
|---|---|
| Medicine | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Dentistry | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Nursing | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Medical Rehabilitation | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
O’Level: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Direct Entry: Either a B.Sc. (minimum of 21) in a biological science whose first-year courses match those of Medicine and Dentistry students, or three A’Level passes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Faculty of Technology
All courses in this faculty require English, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics at UTME. They include:
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
- Food Engineering / Food Science and Technology
- Agricultural and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science with Mathematics
- Computer Science with Economics
- Aerospace Engineering
O’Level: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, plus one of Biology, Agricultural Science, Economics, Geography or Further Mathematics. Aerospace Engineering specifically lists Further Mathematics.
Direct Entry: An ND/HND with a minimum of Upper Credit in a relevant engineering discipline, or three A’Level credit passes in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Faculty of Science
| Course | UTME subjects |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology |
| Botany | English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics |
| Chemistry | English, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Industrial Chemistry | English, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Geology | English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics |
| Applied Geophysics | English, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| Mathematics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Statistics | English, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry |
| Microbiology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Physics / Engineering Physics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Zoology | English, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry or Mathematics |
Direct Entry: Generally three A’Level credits in relevant science subjects, or a first degree in a science-related course. Some courses also accept an HND (Geology, Applied Geophysics) or an OND with Upper Credit (Mathematics, Statistics, Physics).
Faculty of Social Sciences
| Course | UTME subjects |
|---|---|
| Economics | English, Mathematics, Government, Economics |
| Demography and Social Statistics | English, Mathematics, Economics, plus one of Government, Civics, Data Processing or Computer Studies |
| Geography | English, Geography, plus any two of Economics, Government, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology/Agric Science |
| Political Science | English, Government, plus any two of Economics, Geography, Literature, CRS/IRS, Mathematics |
| Psychology | English, plus any three of Mathematics, Economics, Government, Physics, Geography, Chemistry, Biology |
| Sociology and Anthropology | English, Mathematics, plus any three of Literature, Geography, CRS/IRS, Government, History, Economics |
Entrepreneurship and Industrial Extension, Mass Communication, Film Production, Broadcast Journalism, and Information Science and Media Studies list UTME requirements “as in other courses in Social Sciences.” The O’Level requirements for Mass Communication, Film Production, Broadcast Journalism, and Information Science and Media Studies are English, Mathematics, Literature in English and two other Arts or Social Science subjects.
Direct Entry: Mostly three A’Level passes in relevant subjects, or an Upper Credit at ND/HND in a related discipline. The media-related courses accept an Upper Credit ND/HND in any discipline.
Faculty of Agriculture
All courses require English, Chemistry, Physics and Biology/Agricultural Science at UTME (Animal Science lists the same four):
- Animal Science
- Crop Production and Protection
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
- Soil Science and Land Resources Management
- Consumer Sciences
Direct Entry: Typically three A’Level credits in Chemistry, Biology and Physics, or an Upper Credit ND/HND in Agricultural Science or a related field.
Faculty of Arts
The page lists subject requirements for Arts courses under the O’Level column, so confirm the UTME combination for your course on the official portal. Courses include:
- Dramatic Arts
- English
- Literature in English
- French
- German
- Portuguese
- History
- Yoruba
- Linguistics
- Music
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
Most require credits in English Language plus four other relevant subjects. English, Literature in English and Dramatic Arts specifically require Literature in English.
Direct Entry: Varies by course. Examples include a Diploma in Dramatic Arts, NCE French Village Diploma, Diploma in Yoruba, or A’Level passes for English and Literature.
Faculty of Administration
| Course | UTME subjects |
|---|---|
| International Relations | English, Mathematics, Government, plus one of Economics, Geography, History, Literature in English |
| Local Government Studies | English, Mathematics, Government, plus one of Accounting, Economics, Geography, History, Yoruba, Computer Studies/ICT |
| Management and Accounting | English, Mathematics, Economics, plus one of Accounting, Government, Geography, Computer Studies/ICT |
| Business Administration | English, Mathematics, Economics, plus one of Accounting, Government, Geography, Computer Studies/ICT |
| Public Administration | English, Mathematics, Government, Economics |
Direct Entry: Options include an Upper Credit ND/HND in a related field, A’Level credits in Economics, Government, History or Geography, or professional qualifications such as ICAN/ACCA Foundation and ATSWA (for Management and Accounting and Business Administration).
Faculty of Environmental Design and Management
| Course | UTME subjects |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Mathematics, English, plus any two of Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Fine Arts |
| Building | English, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| Surveying and Geoinformatics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Geography/Chemistry |
| Quantity Surveying | English, plus two of Physics, Chemistry, Technical Drawing, Geography, Economics, Biology |
| Urban and Regional Planning | English, Mathematics, Geography, Economics/Government |
| Estate Management | English, Mathematics, Economics, plus one of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Fine Arts |
| Fine and Applied Arts | English, plus any three subjects from Arts, Social Science and Science (excluding Commerce, Book Keeping and Shorthand) |
Direct Entry: Usually an ND/HND (Upper Credit) in a relevant discipline plus A’Level credits, or a Diploma in Fine Arts for Fine and Applied Arts. No Direct Entry requirement is listed for Surveying and Geoinformatics.
Faculty of Law
- UTME subjects: English, Literature in English, plus any two other subjects.
- O’Level: Five credit passes including English, Literature in English and three others from subjects such as Government, History, CRS/IRS, French, Mathematics, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture and Accounting.
- Direct Entry: A first degree with at least Second Class Honours (plus UTME requirements), or three A’Level credit passes in Arts or Social Sciences.
Faculty of Education
OAU offers a wide range of Education courses, each tied to a teaching subject. Examples of UTME requirements:
| Course | UTME subjects |
|---|---|
| History Education | History plus two of CRK/IRK, French, Literature, Yoruba, Geography, Physics, Economics, Government, Hausa |
| English Education | Literature in English, one Arts subject and any other subject |
| Education (Biology) | Biology plus two of Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics |
| Education (Chemistry) | Chemistry plus two of Physics, Biology, Mathematics |
| Education (Mathematics) | Mathematics plus two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Education (Economics) | Economics, Mathematics, plus one of Geography/Physics, History, Government, Literature in English |
| Physical and Health Education | Biology plus any two relevant subjects |
The faculty also offers Fine and Applied Arts, French, Language Arts, Music, Religious Studies, Yoruba, Mathematics and Integrated Science, Physics, Geography, Guidance and Counselling, Social Studies, Political Science and Educational Management.
Direct Entry: Generally A’Level/GCE credits in the relevant teaching subjects, or an NCE Merit/Credit (often double major) or Diploma in Education.
Tips for Meeting OAU Requirements
- Match your UTME subjects exactly. Using a wrong combination can disqualify you, whatever your score.
- Check your O’Level result before registering for JAMB. If you lack a required credit, plan a resit early.
- Read the “plus one of…” lines carefully. Many courses allow some flexibility, so pick the subjects where you can score highest.
- Direct Entry candidates should confirm their qualification type. Some courses accept only certain diplomas or an Upper Credit grade, not a simple pass.
- Prepare for screening. Universities ask for original documents at physical screening. See what ATBU Bauchi required at its 2026/2027 physical screening to get an idea of the paperwork to keep ready.
- Verify on the official OAU website. Requirements can be updated, and the university’s admissions office can clarify unusual cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects do I need for Medicine at OAU?
English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology at UTME, with O’Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Can I get into OAU through Direct Entry?
Yes. Most courses accept Direct Entry candidates with A’Levels, an ND/HND (usually Upper Credit), an NCE or a relevant first degree, depending on the course.
Does OAU accept O’Level results from more than one sitting?
This page does not say, so confirm the sitting policy with the admissions office or the official portal.
How do I check if I have been admitted?
Admission lists are checked on the JAMB CAPS portal. Our step-by-step guide to checking an admission list on JAMB CAPS walks you through the process.
Where can I get official guidance?
The OAU admissions office can be reached at admissions@oauife.edu.ng.
What to Plan for After Meeting the Requirements
Meeting the requirements is only the first step. Once you secure admission, you will need to budget and prepare:
- Accommodation: Bed space is a major worry for many students. Compare costs in our guide to hostel accommodation fees in popular Nigerian universities.
- School fees: See how other universities structure their charges, for example Elizade University’s 2026/2027 fee schedule.
- Acceptance fee and registration: Learn how the process typically works from our FUTA acceptance fee guide and FUTA fresh student registration guide.
- Funding: Browse undergraduate scholarships you may qualify for.
For more admission help, explore our Academic Guide section.
Meeting the OAU admission requirements starts long before JAMB results come out. Match your subject combination to your course, check your O’Level credits and, if applying through Direct Entry, make sure your qualification is on the list. Check the official OAU website for the latest requirements before you apply.
