If you are a science student, another course worth considering is Biology. The opportunities are vast, making it a valuable field to consider. Admission can be highly competitive, so it’s crucial to understand the requirements clearly.
The course is open to both O’Level and Direct Entry students. O’Level students will need their WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results, while Direct Entry students can apply with a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or Bachelor’s degree.
What is Biology?
Biology is the scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and the environment. It delves into everything from the tiniest cells to complex life forms, aiming to unravel the mysteries of the diverse living world we inhabit. Biologists strive to grasp the intricacies of life processes, contributing to fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
Why Should I Study Biology as a Course?
Studying biology offers a fascinating journey into the world of living organisms and their intricate processes. It provides valuable insights into life at various levels, from cells to ecosystems. By choosing biology, you embark on a scientific exploration that contributes to understanding the complexities of life, influences advancements in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science, and opens up diverse career opportunities.
Note: Please be aware that some schools’ requirements below may vary. In such cases, referring to the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for accurate information is recommended.
O’Level Requirements to Study Biology
To pursue Biology in a Nigerian university, you need to have obtained Five (5) SSCE credit passes, which must include English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Physics.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study Biology
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes from Chemistry, Biology, Botany/Zoology.
- NCE merit accepted.
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Jamb Subject Combination for Biology
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics, or Mathematics
Universities that Offer Biology
- ABUAD – Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- ABUJA – University of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- ADSU – Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State
- AL-QALAM – Al-Qalam University, Katsina, Katsina State
- ANCHOR-UNI – Anchor University, Lagos, Lagos State
- ARTHUR-JARVIS – Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State
- AUGUSTINE – Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State
- BABCOCK – Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
- BAYERO – Bayero University Kano, Kano State
- BAZE – Baze University, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- BINGHAM – Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State
- CHRISLAND – Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State
- CLIFFORD – Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State
- COAL-CITY – Coal City University, Enugu, Enugu State
- COVENANT – Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
- CROWN-HILL – Crown-Hill University, Kwara State
- CRUTECH – Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State
- EBSU – Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- EDSU – Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State
- EDWIN CLARK – Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State
- ELIZADE – Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State
- ESUTECH – Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Enugu State
- EVANGEL – Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State
- FED-DUTSE – Federal University Dutse, Dutse, Jigawa State
- FED-DUTSINMA – Federal University Dutsinma, Dutsinma, Katsina State
- FED-GASHUA – Federal University Gashua, Gashua, Yobe State
- FED-KASHERE – Federal University Kashere, Kashere, Gombe State
- FED-KEBBI – Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
- FED-LOKOJA – Federal University Lokoja, Lokoja, Kogi State
- FED-NDUFU – Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- FED-OTUOKE – Federal University Otuoke, Otuoke, Bayelsa State
- FED-WUKARI – Federal University Wukari, Wukari, Taraba State
- FUTA – Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure, Ondo State
- GOUU – Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State
- GREGORY – Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
- GSU – Gombe State University, Tudun Wada, Gombe State
- ILORIN – University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
- KASU – Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Kaduna State
- KOLADAISI – Koladaisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State
- KSUSTA – Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Kebbi State
- KUST – Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State
- KWARARAFA – Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State
- LAGOS – University of Lagos, Lagos State
- LANDMARK – Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State
- LAPAI – Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State
- LCITY MINNA – Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State
- MKAR – Mkar University, Mkar-Gboko, Benue State
- MOUNTAIN TOP – Mountain Top University, Makogi Oba, Ogun State
- MAITAMA – Baze University, Maitama, Federal Capital Territory
- NUN: Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT
- POL-ACAD – Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State
- RITMAN – Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
- SALEM – Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State
- SLUK: Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State
- SOSU – Skyline University Nigeria, Kano, Kano State
- SUMMIT – Summit University, Offa, Kwara State
- TANSIAN – Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State
- TASUED – Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State
- UDU – Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
- UMYUK – Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Katsina State
- UNIKINGS – Kings University, Odeomu, Osun State
- WELLSPRING – Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State
- YOSU – Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Biology a Science course?
Yes, Biology is basically a Science course. In most Nigerian Universities, it falls under the Faculty of Science.
Can Commercial or Arts Students Study Biology?
No, Commercial or Art Students will not be able to study Biology due to the requirements in relevant science subjects. However, individuals aspiring to pursue this course, irrespective of their background in Commerce or Arts, should carefully examine the specific entry criteria of the university they plan to apply to. Certain institutions might specify particular subject requirements for admission, and candidates may find information on these criteria in the special consideration section.
What Jobs can I apply for after studying Biology?
A degree in Biology can lead to diverse career opportunities, including roles such as Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Research Scientist, Microbiologist, Ecologist, Genetic Counselor, Teacher, and Laboratory Technician.
How many years does it take to Study Biology?
Earning a degree in Biology typically requires a minimum of 4 years. However, for direct entry students, the duration may be shortened to at least 3 years, as they are likely to commence from the 200 Level.
How challenging is it to gain admission to study Biology at Nigerian universities?
Admission into the Biology programme is highly competitive, typically considering a combination of high academic performance, especially in relevant science subjects, along with success in entrance examinations such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and, in some cases, post-UTME screenings conducted by individual universities.
What is the cut-off mark for Biology?
Students who score a minimum of 140 in the JAMB UTME are eligible to participate in the POST UTME as part of the requirements for applying to study Biology in their chosen universities.
Note: Understand that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, it is advisable to check the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.
