Making the right choice of subjects for JAMB will be the initial step towards being admitted to the study of Arabic as well as Islamic Studies in Nigeria. The course is focused on the Arabic culture, Islamic history, and fundamentals of religion. It is suitable for students interested in teaching, religion management, translation, and the study of culture.

This guide to admission for 2026 explains UTME subjects, requirements for O’Level/WAEC Direct Entry options leading universities, the cutoff scores, admission guidelines, and an FAQ section that will help applicants gain admission.

Table of Contents

What are Arabic and Islamic Studies?

Arabic as well as Islamic Studies. The Arabic and Islamic Studies course is an introductory course that integrates studying the Arabic language alongside the Islamic religion, as well as history and culture. Students learn to comprehend, read, and interpret Islamic writings in Arabic.

Career options include:

Islamic instructor or professor
Translator, interpreter, and translator in Arabic
The cleric or religious leader
Researchers in the field of cultural and historical research
Internships in embassies or with international organisations

JAMB Subject Combination for Arabic and Islamic Studies (2026)

To take classes in Arabic or Islamic Studies, UTME candidates need to register:

Arabic (Core)
Islamic Studies (Core)
English The Language (Compulsory in all classes)
Other Arts area (e.g., Literature, CRS, History in English)

Notes:

Some universities might allow French and Government as a fourth subject.
Check your school’s most recent admission brochure for any preferences that are specific to your school.

Why These Subjects Matter

Arabic: The primary language used for research and interpretation.
Islamic Studies: The study covers Islamic law as well as theology and history.
English Sprache: Needed for communication and instruction at universities.
Another Arts subject: Broadens understanding of religion and culture.

WAEC / NECO / O’Level Requirements

Applicants must possess at least five (5) credit scores that include:

English Language
Arabic
Islamic Studies/IRK
Two other Arts and Social Science subjects (e.g., CRS, Literature and History, and Government)

Additional information:

Two sittings are typically recognized (WAEC/NECO OR WAEC/GCE).
Some schools are able to accept NABTEB in the right subject-specific combination.

Direct Entry Requirements

To apply for direct entry (DE) into Arabic and Islamic Studies, candidates may utilize:

A-Level/IJMB/JUPEB Arabic as well as Islamic Studies required.
NCE Arabic and Islamic Studies with merit or higher.
A diploma for Arabic as well as Islamic Studies from recognized institutions.

DE Candidates typically start at the 200 levels..

Top Nigerian Universities Offering Arabic and Islamic Studies

University Type	Universities	Cut-Off Mark (Approx.)
Federal	University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)	180-200
State	Kwara State University (KWASU), Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST)	170-200
Private	Al-Hikmah University, Fountain University	160-180

Verify the cut-off scores of your department at each university prior to applying.

Certain Colleges of Education and Polytechnics provide Islamic Studies and Arabic and Arabic Medium Learning. Graduates are able to use Direct Entry to gain admission into institutions that offer this course.

Course	Core JAMB Subjects
Islamic Studies	Islamic Studies, Arabic, English, History
Arabic Studies	Arabic, English, Islamic Studies, CRS/History
Religious Studies	CRS/IRS, English, Government, History
History and International Studies	History, English, Government, CRS/IRS
Linguistics (Arabic Option)	Arabic, English, Islamic Studies, Literature

Admission Tips & Common Mistakes

Select the appropriate fourth topic that is compatible with Arts and Social Science.
Be sure that your O’Level grades include Arabic as well as English Language.
Don’t assume that CRS will replace Islamic Studies Be sure to check with the policies of each school.
Get ready for Post-UTME screening or early.

Cut-Off Marks: What Score Is Safe?

National minimal benchmark 140 (too low for schools with the highest scores).
Secure score: 180 and above.
Score for competitiveness in the federal university: more than 200.

FAQ Section

Is Arabic mandatory for this course?
It is true that Arabic is an essential area of study.
Could CRS also be used in place of Islamic Studies?
It’s not, unless some schools recognize it as a subject to be used in conjunction with.
Which is the best university to study Arabic or Islamic Studies?
UNILORIN, ABU, and UNIMAID are the top options.
Do I have to combine WAEC as well as NECO in this class?
Yes, two sessions are acceptable.
Is this course required a post-UTME?
Yes, many universities offer Post-UTME or screening.
How do I get admission to NABTEB?
Yes, provided that the necessary subject matter is included.
The duration of the length of the course?
Four years to pass UTME three years to take Direct Entry.
Do I qualify to work in the public sector with this degree?
Yes, in the field of education as well as foreign affairs and in religious institutions.
Is French considered to be an additional subject?
Yes, in certain universities.
Can I take it without having Literature classes in English?
Yes, literature is an optional subject in a number of schools.
Does this course fall under the Faculty of Arts?
It is usually most cases, in the Faculty of Arts or Humanities.
Can I change towards Islamic Studies after 100 Level?
Yes, provided that your school permits intra-faculty transfers.
Do I have the ability to teach Arabic using the degree?
Graduates can be teachers of Arabic as well as Islamic Studies in schools.
Is the program going to require fieldwork?
The fieldwork is limited; it focuses on studies of literature and language.
Do you have scholarship opportunities?
Yes, particularly from Islamic and cultural roots.

Admission Checklist

Confirm the subject combinations of JAMB before registering.
Make sure you have 5 valid credit hours at O’Level which include Arabic as well as English.
Get ready for the post-UTME exam or screening.
Sort direct entry transcripts If they are applicable.
Follow the portals for admission to universities for any updates.

Conclusion

Arabic as well as Islamic Studies provides deep understanding of culture, language and religion, opening opportunities in the fields of education as well as translation and diplomacy. The achievement of the JAMB combination of subjects, O’Level and Direct Admission requirements improves your chances of gaining admission.

Visit universities.ng for the latest cut-off marks, as well as Updates on Post-UTME.