The short answer
| Law (LLB) | |
|---|---|
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Literature in English, and two Arts or Social Science subjects |
| National minimum (universities, 2026/27) | 150 |
| A safe target at a competitive federal university | 260+ |
| O'level | Five credits including English Language and Literature in English (many universities also require Mathematics) |
The target is our guidance, not an official figure. Departmental cut-offs are set by each institution every year, and many state and private universities admit well below it. Always confirm your combination in the JAMB brochure and on your chosen institution's admission page.
JAMB subject combination for Law
Use of English, Literature in English, and two other Arts or Social Science subjects. Government, CRS or IRS, History and Economics are the usual choices.
Literature in English is the subject candidates skip and regret. Most universities require it for Law, and many that don't list it as compulsory still prefer it. Unless your chosen institution says clearly that it is optional, take it.
Government is the most common fourth subject because it overlaps heavily with what you will study in the first year.
JAMB cut-off mark for Law
The minimum JAMB set for universities for the 2026/2027 session is 150. For Law that number tells you very little: it only means you are allowed to apply.
Law is the most competitive course in the arts and social sciences. At well-known federal universities the departmental cut-off is far above the national minimum, and the post-UTME aggregate is often decided by a few marks.
Set your own target: take last year's departmental cut-off at the institution you want, add 20 to 30 marks as a buffer, and divide by four. That is your per-subject average to train for. How cut-offs work explains the three different numbers involved.
O'level requirements
Five credits including English Language and Literature in English (many universities also require Mathematics), usually at no more than two sittings. Some institutions insist on one sitting for competitive courses. Your O'level is checked separately from your UTME, so a strong JAMB score does not rescue a missing credit.
How to prepare for Law in JAMB
- Use of English carries more weight for you. Comprehension and lexis are the core skills of a law degree, and the biggest block of marks on the paper. See where the marks are.
- Read the recommended novel properly. Those questions are easy marks. Check the text in the JAMB 2027 update.
- Government rewards past questions. JAMB reuses the same constitutional and political-history themes year after year.
Questions people ask
What is the JAMB subject combination for Law?
Use of English, Literature in English, and two other Arts or Social Science subjects, commonly Government plus CRS, IRS, History or Economics.
Is Literature compulsory for Law in JAMB?
At most universities, yes. A few accept other arts subjects instead, but taking Literature in English keeps almost every Law programme open.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Law?
The national minimum for universities in 2026/27 is 150. Law at competitive universities needs much more. Aim for 260 or above, and check your institution's departmental cut-off.
What O'level subjects do I need for Law?
Credits in English Language and Literature in English, plus three others. Many universities also require Mathematics.
Know how far off 260 you are. Sit a timed UTME mock and get your score out of 400, with the topics costing you most. JAMBUDDY covers Use of English, Government, CRK, IRK, History and Economics; Literature in English is not in the question bank yet. Free for 14 days, inside Telegram. Open @jamb_buddy_bot.