This page contains 2024 WAEC and JAMB subject combinations (admission requirements) for Biochemistry, including the List of Nigeria Universities Offering this Course, A level requirements and much more.

You must be a Science student for you to be able to study Biochemistry in Nigeria Universities, and that can only be possible if you meet admission requirements. This page literally covers answers to questions related to WAEC, JAMB and A-level admission requirements.

Is Biochemistry a good course in Nigeria?

Yes. Biochemistry is one of the oldest degrees in Nigeria with plenty of job roles to explore. A person working as a Biochemist in Nigeria typically earns around 659,000 NGN per month. Salaries range from 229,000 NGN (lowest) to 1,020,000 NGN (highest).

This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Biochemist salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location.

A biochemistry degree is competitive and this course is popular amongst science students in secondary school. From our records, 118 Nigerian universities offer this degree course.

So while you are here to get information on the O level subject combination for Biochemistry, we also expect you consider the total number of students currently studying Biochemistry and the employment rate we will show you below so that you will know what you are up against when you choose to study this course.

We have some student guide articles that will be of benefit to you.

• The required documents for admission into Nigeria universities
• How to gain admission easily into Nigeria Universities
• Nigeria University Guides
• How to study online courses and earn a degree
• Study abroad for free through scholarships

WAEC Subject Combination For Biochemistry

In WAEC, NECO or GCE, you are expected to register a maximum of 9 subjects for a Biochemistry degree. You can register for less than 9 subjects if you are resitting.

However, you must have at least 5 credit passes amongst the 9 subjects listed below before you can gain admission into any Nigerian university to study for a Biochemistry degree.

Remember, the requirement you’re about to read is also applicable to all o level examinations. (WAEC, NECO and GCE). We have painstakingly highlighted (in red) the core subjects on which you must obtain credit before you can gain admission. Any subject with blue colour means, a pass is allowed.

If however, you fail one of the core subjects, you should read through each university’s special requirements for this course below to see if there is a university that may accept another subject in lieu of the one you failed. The 9 WAEC/NECO/GCE subject combinations for Biochemistry are:

• Mathematics
• English
• Civic Education 
• Trade Subject 
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Physics
• Geography/Any Nigerian Language

If you have your O level result already and the subjects you have is not the same as the admission requirement that is the required O level subject combinations to study Biochemistry, don’t give up. You should consider other Biochemistry similar courses or take a look at Polytechnic or College of Education related course subject requirements.

You can also study online with a foreign university right from your bedroom or apply for a scholarship to study abroad. Education is now a choice. And please before you make a decision on which University to choose, please read useful guides on how to choose a course and university

JAMB subject combination for Biochemistry

For this degree, you are also required to register for 4 subjects and English is compulsory. More so, your JAMB score in addition to your POST UTME score will determine the cumulative score that the university will use to decide your candidacy for admission.

You should score 210 or above in JAMB to stand a better chance of gaining admission to study Biochemistry. You can still gain admission if you score between 180-200 upward but you do not stand a chance with those who had scored higher. Try out JAMB Admission Simulator.

The 4 JAMB subject combination for Biochemistry are:

• English
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics

Direct Entry requirement (required A-level result) to study Biochemistry

If you’re one of those seeking admission into the University to further your studies, in addition to the required WAEC subjects combination for Biochemistry, you are expected to have Two ‘A’ level passes chosen from Chemistry, Mathematics Physics and Biology. NCE/ND/HND in related field plus UTME requirement.

I want you to read this

• How to Study Effectively in University and College
• Administrative Structure of Nigerian Universities
• Punishment/Penalties for Examination Malpractice

These are the list of Universities offering Biochemistry in Nigeria

1. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
2. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
3. Abia State University, Uturu
4. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
5. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State
6. Achievers University, Owo
7. Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan (ACU)
8. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
9. Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State
10. Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross River State
11. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
12. Adeleke University Ede (AUE)
13. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
14. Bauchi State University, Gadau
15. Federal University of Technology, Minna
16. Bayero University, Kano
17. Bells University of Technology, Otta
18. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
19. Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK)
20. ECWA Bingham University, New Karu
21. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
22. Bowen University, Iwo
23. Caleb University, Lagos
24. Caritas University, Enugu
25. Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State
26. Coal City University Enugu State
27. Covenant University Ota
28. Crescent University (CUAB)
29. Chrisland University
30. Crown Hill University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State
31. Cross River State University of Science &Technology, Calabar (CRUTECH)
32. Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
33. Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
34. Edo University Iyamo
35. Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
36. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu (ESUT)
37. Evangel University, Akaeze
38. Gregory University, Uturu
39. Gombe State University, Gombe
40. Ekiti State University
41. Eastern Palm University Ogboko, Imo State
42. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina
43. Federal University Gashua, Yobe Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua
44. Federal University, Gusau Zamfara (FUGUS)
45. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
46. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA)
47. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA)
48. Federal University, Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI)
49. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOTUOKE)
50. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
51. Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (FUWUKARI)
52. Fountain University, Oshogbo
53. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
54. Federal University of Technology, Akure
55. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
56. Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State
57. Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun
58. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
59. Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU)
60. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
61. Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU)
62. Kogi State University Anyigba
63. Kebbi State University, Kebbi
64. Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil (KUST)
65. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
66. Landmark University, Omu-Aran
67. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBU)
68. Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU)
69. Lead City University, Ibadan
70. Madonna University, Okija
71. Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTY)
72. Micheal & Cecilia Ibru University
73. Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo
74. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
75. University of Agriculture, Makurdi
76. University of Mkar, Mkar
77. Mountain Top University
78. Niger Delta University Yenagoa (NDU)
79. Northwest University Kano (NWU)
80. Novena University, Ogume
81. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
82. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
83. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State
84. ONONG
85. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
86. Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa (OSUSTECH)
87. Paul University, Awka – Anambra State
88. University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
89. Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU)
90. Nigeria Police Academy Wudil
91. Redeemer’s University, Mowe
92. Renaissance University, Enugu
93. River State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)
94. Salem University, Lokoja
95. Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa
96. Sokoto State University
97. Southwestern University, Oku Owa
98. Tansian University, Umunya
99. Usumanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
100. Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike
101. Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina (UMYU)
102. Osun State University Osogbo (UNIOSUN)
103. Kings University, Ode Omu (UNIKINGS)
104. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
105. Veritas University, Abuja,
106. Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State
107. Wesley University of Science & Technology, Ondo
108. Crawford University Igbesa
109. Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State
110. Ekiti State University
111. Kwara State University, Ilorin (KWASU)
112. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
113. University of Ibadan (UI)
114. Igbinedion University Okada
115. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
116. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)
117. Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (OSUMS)
118. University of Uyo

Biochemistry Course description:

It is good we take a look at the brief description Biochemistry to help you decide if this course is worth studying in Nigeria Universities. Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. biochemistry has become so successful at explaining living processes that now almost all areas of the life sciences from botany to medicine to genetics are engaged in biochemical research.

Today, the main focus of pure biochemistry is on understanding how biological molecules give rise to the processes that occur within living cells, which in turn relates greatly to the study and understanding of tissues, organs, and whole organisms that is, all of biology. Biochemistry is closely related to molecular biology, the study of the molecular mechanisms by which genetic information encoded in DNA is able to result in the processes of life.

Much of biochemistry deals with the structures, functions and interactions of biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life. The chemistry of the cell also depends on the reactions of smaller molecules and ions.

These can be inorganic, for example, water and metal ions, or organic, for example, the amino acids, which are used to synthesize proteins. The mechanisms by which cells harness energy from their environment via chemical reactions are known as metabolism.

If you wish to study Biochemistry, you will be exposed to the internal workings of chemical processes in relation to biological makeup of living organisms. It involves deep study of biology and chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, DNA AND RNA. A strong foundation in biology, chemistry and a little bit of physics is key to making it in this department.

Where can I work with a Degree in Biochemistry 
• Agribusiness Companies: Developing safer and more effective agricultural products
• Hospital Laboratories: Analyzing samples from patients to provide treatment advice
• Pharmaceutical Companies: Developing drugs and other pharmaceutical products
• University Laboratories: Researching anything from gene therapy to disease treatments
• Cosmetic Companies: Creating safer and more effective products
• Food Product Development or Regulation Companies: Ensuring the safety of food

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Biochemistry is how many years course?

In Nigeria, if you gain admission to study Biochemistry degree course at the university through JAMB UTME, you will study Biochemistry for four years. If you gain admission through direct entry, you will study this course for three years. And of course, there is room for more years if you have an extension; the aftermath of carryover courses.

Biochemistry is under which faculty in Nigeria?

According to JAMB, a body responsible for your admission into the University or other institutions, Biochemistry (Science) is under the Faculty/School/College of Science but maybe under a different faculty in some universities in Nigeria.

Have you read this?

• How to Deal With Problems Related to Your Studies
• How to Request For Missing Result, Scripts or A Remark
• How to Avoid or Overcome Carry-over Courses

Can a commercial or an art student study Biochemistry?

No! If you are a Commercial or an Art student, you cannot study Biochemistry at the university because it is a pure science course which need a good background in science subjects. To avoid discouragement, you can go for this course if you wish provided you have the required subjects combination in your O level result. If you’re still in secondary school, you may find it difficult to change subjects to fit your desired course during WAEC registration because some schools may go against it.

Also, during WAEC or NECO registration make sure you know which subjects are been registered for you because some secondary schools are ignorant about the importance of O level requirements for university courses. Another alternative way to register the required subject combinations for Biochemistry is through GCE.

Now I am confident that you know the compulsory subjects needed to study Biochemistry in WAEC. But note this — Some Universities may accept D7 or E8 in some a compulsory subject instead of Credit. And some may accept or reject two sittings. That is combinations of WAEC, NECO, or GCE results.

Special consideration (Waiver) to study Biochemistry

• Federal University of Technology, Akure requires five ‘O’ Level credit passes at a maximum of two sittings, which must include: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science.
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU) accepts Physics or Biology.
• Abia State University, Uturu requires a credit in Physics.
• Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU) and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli accept a pass in ‘O’ level English Language.
• Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike same as in Food Science and Technology
• Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki accepts Agric. Sci in lieu of Biology and a pass in Physics.
• Niger Delta University Yenagoa (NDU) requires the five ‘O’ level credit passes in not more than two sittings.
• Cross River State University of Science &Technology, Calabar (CRUTECH)- Same as Biological Science
• Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan (ACU) requires five (5) credit passes must include: English
  language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology at one sittings or six (6) credits at not more than two sittings
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) accepts SSCE passes in English Language and Mathematics.
• Crescent University (CUAB) accepts credit pass in Agric. Science in lieu of Biology.
• Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki requires credits in Mathematics or Physics
• Bells University of Technology, Otta requires five SSCE Credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology/ Geography/ Further Mathematics/ Agricultural Science.
• Redeemer’s University, Mowe requires Five ‘O’ Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology/ Agricultural Science.
• Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State requires five SSCE credit passes which must include Chemistry, English Language, Chemistry, Biology Mathematics and Physics.
• Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU) – Same as in Chemistry.
• Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State accepts credit pass in any other Science subject in lieu of Physics.
• Kwara State University, Ilorin (KWASU) accepts credit passes in Further Mathematics and Agricultural Science.
• Renaissance University, Enugu requires credit passes at not more than two sittings.
• University of Agriculture, Makurdi – Candidates seeking admission into any of these Programmes must possess five (5) credit passes which MUST be from one examination body (i.e. either WAEC or NECO) and obtained at NOT more than two (2) sittings. The Department does not accept the combination of both WAEC and NECO. Students of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi Pre-degree Remedial Science Programme who pass their end of session examinations are considered or admission on the condition that they also pass UTME. NOTE: Agricultural Science and Health Science shall NOT be accepted in place of Biology. Further Mathematics shall NOT be accepted in place of Physics or Mathematics.
•  Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa accepts credit pass in Technical Drawing, Agricultural Science or Geography in lieu of Physics
• Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina (UMYU) requires five credit passes in not more than two sittings.
• Southwestern University, Oku Owa – Same as Microbiology.
• Landmark University, Omu-Aran accepts in lieu of Physics credit pass in any of the following subjects: Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, Agricultural Science, Food and Nutrition.
• Sokoto State University accepts HND (lower credit) or ND (Upper credit) in Science Laboratory Technology, Food Science Technology or its equivalents.
• Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State accepts credit pass in Agricultural Science or Health Science in place of Biology.

Further Reading on Biochemistry

• List of Courses Related to Biochemistry
• Top 10 Career Opportunities in Biochemistry
• Biochemistry Courses in Nigeria
• The required documents for admission into Nigeria universities
• How to gain admission easily into Nigeria Universities
• Nigeria University Guides