Soil science is a multidisciplinary field that explores the physical, chemical, biological, and ecological properties of soils and their interactions with plants, animals, and humans. As a soil scientist, you can apply your knowledge to diverse sectors such as agriculture, forestry, environmental management, engineering, and geology. If you’re aspiring to study soil science in any Nigerian university for the 2025/2026 academic session, it’s crucial to understand the JAMB and WAEC subject combinations and admission requirements. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information to prepare for your admission into soil science.
JAMB Subject Combination for Soil Science 2025/2026
To study soil science in Nigeria, you must register and sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The UTME is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge in four subjects. For soil science, the required JAMB subject combination includes:
- Use of English (Compulsory for all candidates)
- Chemistry (Core subject for soil science)
- Biology or Agricultural Science (Biological aspects of soil science)
- Mathematics or Physics (Optional, depending on your strength)
Key Points to Note:
- Use of English is mandatory, and you must score at least 50% to qualify for admission.
- Chemistry is essential as it covers soil chemistry and fertility.
- Biology or Agricultural Science focuses on soil microbiology, plant nutrition, and soil ecology.
- Mathematics or Physics is optional but recommended to strengthen your application.
The minimum UTME score required for soil science is 180, though some universities may have higher cut-off marks. Aim for a high score to increase your chances of admission.
O’Level/WAEC Subject Combination for Soil Science 2025/2026
In addition to the UTME, you must have at least five credits in your West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or its equivalent. The required WAEC subjects for soil science include:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Mathematics (Compulsory)
- Chemistry (Core subject)
- Biology or Agricultural Science (Core subject)
- Physics or Geography (Optional but recommended)
Additional Tips:
- Choose complementary subjects like Economics, Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, or Computer Studies to enhance your application.
- Ensure you have at least a credit (C) in all required subjects.
Direct Entry Requirements for Soil Science 2025/2026
If you hold a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or National Certificate of Education (NCE) in a related field, you can apply for direct entry admission. This allows you to skip the first year and start from the second year.
Common Direct Entry Requirements:
- ND/HND: Minimum of Upper Credit (UC) in Soil Science, Agricultural Science, Crop Production, Horticulture, Forestry, or related fields.
- NCE: Minimum of Merit (M) in Soil Science, Agricultural Science, or related fields.
- A-Level: Two A-level passes in Chemistry and Biology or Agricultural Science.
- O’Level: Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, and Physics/Geography.
You must also register for the JAMB Direct Entry Examination (DEE), which tests your knowledge in Use of English, Chemistry, and Biology/Agricultural Science. A minimum score of 50% in each subject is required.
List of Universities Offering Soil Science in Nigeria
According to the JAMB brochure, the following Nigerian universities offer soil science as a course:
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM)
- Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
- Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA)
- Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
- Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI)
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA)
- Kwara State University (KWASU)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU)
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola (MAUTECH)
- Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK)
- Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH)
- Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)
- Taraba State University (TASU)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary information to pursue your academic dreams in soil science. Best of luck in your admission process!
