JAMB Subject Combination for Criminology

Criminology is the study of crime. Those who study the program study why people commit crimes, how society responds to crime, and how crime affects communities. Criminology looks at the causes of criminal behavior, the types of crimes, and the ways to prevent and control crime through laws and social programs.

To study criminology and help understand crime to make society safer, students must ensure they don’t mix up the subjects while applying for JAMB. This article will help you avoid that mistake by showing you the right JAMB subject combination for criminology. We will also show you the O’level and Direct entry requirements and the universities offering the program, and possible reasons why people study the program in Nigeria. Let us guide you!

JAMB Subject Combination for Criminology 2025

If you want to study Criminology in any University in Nigeria, you need to pick the right subjects when registering for your JAMB UTME exam. These subjects help show that you have the background knowledge needed for the course. JAMB subject combination for criminology are as follows:

English Language (this one is compulsory for all courses)
Government
Economics or Mathematics (either one is acceptable)
One more subject from Literature in English, Civic Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Religious Studies (IRS), and Geography

Some universities may accept other subjects like Civic Education or History, depending on their own rules. Always check the university’s specific requirements before applying to be sure your spot is secured.

O’Level Requirements for Criminology

Besides choosing the right JAMB subjects, you also need to have passed your O’Level exams (WAEC, NECO, GCE) with at least five credits. These should include:

English Language
Mathematics
Government or History
Economics, Literature in English, or CRS/IRS
Any other social science or arts-related subject, like Geography or Civic Education

Direct Entry Requirements for Criminology

If you are applying through Direct Entry, you need the following:

At least two A-Level passes in Government and another social science subject.
A National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or NCE in related courses such as Public Administration, Political Science, or Law.
If you already have a degree (B.Sc. or B.A.) in a related field, you can also apply for direct entry.

Program Duration:

For regular UTME students, the program usually takes 4 years to complete.
For Direct Entry students starting from the 200 level (second year), it typically takes 3 years, but this depends on the university.
After finishing, graduates earn a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Criminology, Security Studies, or similar courses.

Nigerian Universities to Study Criminology

Here are the universities in Nigeria offering Criminology:

Federal Universities

University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
University of Jos (UNIJOS)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
University of Ibadan (UI)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
Federal University, Dutse (FUD)
Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI)
Federal University, Kashere (FUKASHERE)
Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMa)
Federal University, Gashua (FUGashua)
Federal University, Gusau (FUGusau)
Federal University, Lafia
Federal University, Lokoja
Federal University, Otuoke
Federal University, Wukari
Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB)
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

State Universities

Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi
Kaduna State University (KASU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Abia State University (ABSU)
Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
Imo State University (IMSU)
Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT)
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)
Plateau State University
Anambra State University, Uli (COOU)
Akwa Ibom State University
Bayelsa, Kebbi, Katsina, Yobe, Sokoto State Universities

Private Universities

Achievers University, Owo
Arthur Jarvis University, Calabar
Atiba University, Oyo
Caleb University, Imota
Chrisland University, Owode
Coal City University
Dominion University, Ibadan
Kwararafa University, Wukari
Lead City University, Ibadan
Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Salem University
Tansian University
Western Delta University, Oghara
Greenfield University, Kaduna
Afe Babalola University
Novena University
Ave Maria University, Topfaith University, Crawford University, Covenant University, Wellspring University, Kings University, Philomath University, Khadija University, etc.

This list shows the institutions offering degrees in Criminology, Criminology & Security Studies, Criminology & Penology, or related fields. Make sure to check each university’s eligibility, cut-off marks, and screening processes before applying.

Note: Some universities may require you to pass additional exams like post-UTME or have other special criteria, so always check their official websites.

Why Study Criminology?

Criminology teaches you why people commit crimes, how crime affects communities, and how the justice system works.
You can help improve society by working to prevent crime and support victims.
Graduates can work in law enforcement, security agencies, correctional services, forensic science, social work, and even policymaking.
With rising concerns about security and justice, experts in crime and law enforcement are in high demand.
Criminology develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills that are useful beyond the classroom.

If you want to study Criminology in Nigeria, make sure you choose the right subjects for JAMB and WAEC, meet the direct entry requirements if applicable, and pick a university that suits you. Criminology is a valuable course that opens doors to many meaningful careers in law, security, and social development. We hope you found this helpful. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to visit the comment section for assistance!