Choosing the right NECO subject combination for science students is one of the most important steps toward securing admission into any Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education. Your subjects in the NECO Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) directly determine the courses you are eligible to study at the tertiary level.
Every year, many students lose admission opportunities not because they failed, but because they chose the wrong subjects during NECO registration. Even after scoring high in JAMB, universities will not admit a candidate whose NECO subjects do not match the requirements for the chosen course.
In this detailed guide, you will learn the best NECO subject combination for science students seeking admission in 2025. We will cover:
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The core compulsory science subjects.
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Subject combinations for Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, and other popular science courses.
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Mistakes students make and how to avoid them.
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Practical tips to choose wisely and improve your admission chances.
By the end of this guide, you will be able to select the correct NECO subject combination and secure a strong foundation for your academic journey.
Why NECO Subject Combination Matters for Science Students
Your subject choices in NECO are not just about passing an exam; they are tied directly to your admission future.
Here’s why NECO subject combination is very important:
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University Requirements: Nigerian universities clearly state the minimum NECO subjects required for each course.
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JAMB Alignment: The subjects you write in NECO must align with your JAMB subject combination, otherwise, you risk rejection.
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Eligibility for Courses: Without the right science subjects, you cannot apply for Medicine, Pharmacy, or Engineering.
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Future Careers: NECO subjects guide your future career path. For example, without Biology, you cannot study Medicine or Nursing.
Core NECO Subjects for Science Students
For science students, there are five compulsory subjects that form the foundation.
Compulsory NECO Subjects
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English Language – Required for admission into all Nigerian institutions.
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Mathematics – Compulsory for all science, technical, and professional courses.
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Biology – Needed for Medicine, Nursing, and life sciences.
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Chemistry – Required for Pharmacy, Medicine, Agriculture, and Science courses.
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Physics – Needed for Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences.
Other Important Science Subjects
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Further Mathematics – Very useful for Engineering, Computer Science, and technical fields.
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Geography – Important for Geology, Environmental Science, and Surveying.
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Agricultural Science – Required for Agriculture, Food Science, and related courses.
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Technical Drawing – Strongly recommended for Architecture and Engineering.
Best NECO Subject Combination for Science Students (General)
For students who are not yet sure of their exact course, a general science subject combination is recommended.
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Further Mathematics or Agricultural Science
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Geography or Technical Drawing
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Civic Education (compulsory by NECO)
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One trade subject (compulsory by NECO)
This general list covers most science-related university courses in Nigeria.
NECO Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery
To study Medicine and Surgery, the best NECO subject combination is:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Further Mathematics (optional but useful)
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Civic Education
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A trade subject
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Agricultural Science or Geography
Reason: Medicine requires Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as core science subjects. English and Mathematics are also compulsory.
NECO Subject Combination for Nursing
For Nursing Science, the correct NECO subjects include:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Civic Education
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Health Science or Agricultural Science
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A trade subject
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One elective subject (e.g., Geography)
Reason: Biology is compulsory because Nursing deals with life sciences. Chemistry and Physics are also required, alongside English and Mathematics.
NECO Subject Combination for Pharmacy
Pharmacy focuses heavily on Chemistry and health sciences. Correct subject combination is:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Further Mathematics (optional but recommended)
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Civic Education
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Agricultural Science or Health Science
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A trade subject
Reason: Chemistry is the key subject for Pharmacy, supported by Biology and Physics.
NECO Subject Combination for Engineering
Engineering requires strong mathematics and physical sciences. The best combination is:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Further Mathematics
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Technical Drawing (recommended)
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Civic Education
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A trade subject
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Biology or Geography
Reason: Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry are the backbone of engineering. Further Mathematics and Technical Drawing give candidates a competitive advantage.
NECO Subject Combination for Computer Science
Computer Science requires logical and analytical skills. The correct subject combination is:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Further Mathematics
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Civic Education
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A trade subject
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Economics (optional but useful)
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Biology or Geography
Reason: Mathematics and Physics are compulsory. Chemistry is often required. Economics is useful for IT and business-related fields.
NECO Subject Combination for Agriculture and Related Courses
For students interested in Agriculture, Food Science, or Animal Science, the subject combination is:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Agricultural Science
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Physics
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Civic Education
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A trade subject
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Geography or Economics
Reason: Biology and Agricultural Science are essential. Chemistry is compulsory for soil and food sciences. Physics gives additional scientific strength.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing NECO Subjects
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Skipping Core Subjects: Not registering Chemistry or Physics makes you ineligible for most science courses.
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Mixing Arts with Sciences Carelessly: Choosing Literature or Government instead of Biology, Physics, or Chemistry blocks admission into science fields.
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Ignoring JAMB Alignment: NECO and JAMB subjects must match to avoid rejection.
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Choosing Subjects Without Career Plan: Many students pick subjects their friends choose without thinking of their future goals.
Tips for Choosing the Best NECO Subject Combination
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Plan Early: Decide on your future career path before selecting subjects.
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Keep Options Open: Choose subjects that qualify you for multiple science courses.
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Seek Guidance: Consult teachers and admission counselors.
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Check JAMB Brochure: Universities list their official requirements; always confirm.
Summary Table: Best NECO Subject Combinations for Popular Science Courses
| Course | Required Subjects | Optional Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Further Maths, Agric Science |
| Nursing | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Agric Science, Health Science |
| Pharmacy | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Further Maths, Agric Science |
| Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths | Technical Drawing, Geography |
| Computer Science | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths | Economics, Biology |
| Agriculture | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Agric Science | Physics, Geography |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best NECO subject combination for all science students?
The general combination is English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, plus Civic Education, one trade subject, and two other science subjects.
2. Can I study Medicine without Physics in NECO?
No. Physics is compulsory for Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing.
3. Is Further Mathematics compulsory for Engineering?
Not compulsory, but strongly recommended.
4. Can Agricultural Science replace Biology in NECO?
No. Biology is compulsory for life science courses like Medicine and Nursing.
5. Is English Language compulsory in NECO?
Yes. Without English, you cannot gain admission into any Nigerian university.
6. What happens if I pick wrong NECO subjects?
Even with high JAMB scores, you may lose admission due to subject mismatch.
7. Can I combine NECO and WAEC for admission?
Yes. Most universities accept two sittings, but Medicine and some competitive courses may require one sitting.
8. Do I need Economics for Computer Science?
Not compulsory, but useful for IT and management-related roles.
9. Which course requires Geography?
Environmental Science, Geology, and Surveying often require Geography.
10. Can Pharmacy be studied without Chemistry in NECO?
No. Chemistry is the most important subject for Pharmacy.
11. Is Civic Education compulsory in NECO?
Yes. NECO made Civic Education compulsory for all students.
12. Can I add Literature as a science student?
Yes, but it must be in addition to the core science subjects, not a replacement.
Conclusion: Secure Your Admission with the Right NECO Subjects
Your NECO subject combination as a science student will determine the course you can study and whether you gain admission without stress. The compulsory subjects are English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Beyond these, your optional subjects should match your career path in Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing, Computer Science, or Agriculture.
The best advice is to plan ahead, pick subjects carefully, and double-check admission requirements before registering for NECO. With the right combination, you will not only secure admission but also build a strong foundation for your academic and professional future.