Can I Choose UTME Subjects I Did Not Have in O’Level

Is It Possible to Choose Subjects You Don’t Have in Your O’Level Results for UTME Subject Combination?

One of the most technical and confusing questions many admission seekers ask every year is:

Can I choose subjects in UTME that I did not have in my O’Level results?

This single mistake has caused thousands of candidates to lose admission in Nigeria—even after scoring very high marks in UTME.

In this detailed guide by ALPHAYEM EDUCATIONAL CONSULT, we explain everything you need to know to avoid disqualification and make the right decisions.

Understanding UTME and O’Level Requirements

UTME is only one part of the admission process. To gain admission into any Nigerian tertiary institution, candidates must meet:

• Correct UTME subject combination
• Required O’Level subjects and grades
• Course and institution-specific requirements

Failing any of these automatically puts a candidate at risk.

For more on general admission requirements, see our guide on University Admission Guides

Can I Choose UTME Subjects I Did Not Offer in O’Level?

The short answer is: YES — but only in limited situations.

You may choose a UTME subject you did not offer in O’Level only if that subject is not required at O’Level for your intended course.

For most professional and competitive courses, this flexibility does not apply.

Courses Where UTME and O’Level Subjects Must Match

Medicine and Surgery

• UTME: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• O’Level: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Without these O’Level subjects, admission is impossible.

Engineering Courses

• UTME: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
• O’Level: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry

Law

• UTME: English, Literature-in-English, Government, CRS/IRS
• O’Level: English and Literature-in-English (mandatory)

Choosing Literature in UTME without having it in O’Level leads to automatic disqualification.

Courses With Some Subject Combination Flexibility

Some Arts, Education, and Social Science courses allow flexibility where:

• The UTME subject is not compulsory at O’Level
• Minimum O’Level credits are met

However, this varies by institution. Always confirm before applying.

Common UTME Subject Combination Mistakes

• Choosing subjects based on what feels “easy”
• Ignoring O’Level requirements
• Not consulting the JAMB brochure
• Assuming high UTME score guarantees admission

Learn more in our article on Common Jamb Admission Mistakes

What Happens If Your UTME and O’Level Subjects Don’t Match?

If your subject combination is wrong:

• You may be screened out automatically
• Your post-UTME score may not be considered
• You may lose admission completely

Many institutions now use automated screening systems that reject candidates instantly.

Can I Correct a Wrong UTME Subject Combination?

You can only correct mistakes by:

• Applying for change of course or institution
• Choosing a course that matches your UTME and O’Level subjects
• Rewriting UTME the next year if necessary

You cannot change UTME subjects after the exam.

Official Reference and Outbound Links

Always confirm subject requirements from official sources:

• Official JAMB Website
• JAMB e-Facility Portal
  

Final Advice from Alphayem Educational Consulty

Choosing UTME subjects you did not have in O’Level is risky and should only be done with proper guidance.

The safest rule is simple:

Your UTME subjects should always align with your O’Level subjects and intended course.

If you are unsure, professional counselling can save you an entire academic year.

Visit our Admission Counselling Page to get personalized guidance today.