For university admission in Nigeria, the minimum acceptable grade for English Language and Mathematics is CREDIT. Any grade below credit is not accepted for admission through JAMB in 2026.
This rule applies across federal, state, and private universities, unless a school states a stricter requirement.
Official Minimum Grade Required
For admission through Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the correct grades are:
- English Language: Credit (C6 or better)
- Mathematics: Credit (C6 or better)
Grades such as Pass (P7, P8) or Fail (F9) are not accepted.
What Counts as a Credit?
A credit in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB means:
- A1, B2, B3, C4, C5, or C6
Anything below C6 does not qualify.
Is English Language Compulsory for All Courses?
Yes.
English Language with a credit is compulsory for all university courses, without exception.
If you do not have a credit in English:
- You cannot be admitted
- JAMB CAPS will block approval
- Universities will reject your application
Is Mathematics Compulsory for All Courses?
Mathematics with a credit is required for:
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science and ICT
- Social Sciences
- Management and Business courses
For Arts and Humanities, Mathematics may not be compulsory in some universities, but:
- Many schools still require at least a credit
- Mathematics is compulsory for JAMB UTME in most cases
Always confirm your schoolâs policy.
Courses That Strictly Require Credit in Both English and Mathematics
Most universities strictly require credit in both for:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Architecture
For these courses, no exception is allowed.
Can I Combine English or Mathematics Across Two Sittings?
Yes, if:
- The university accepts two sittings
- You have a credit in English in one sitting
- You have a credit in Mathematics in one sitting
However, for competitive courses, many schools require both credits in one sitting.
Does a Pass in English or Mathematics Ever Count?
No.
A pass in English or Mathematics is never accepted for university admission.
Even with:
- High JAMB score
- Excellent Post-UTME score
Admission will still be denied.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
- Assuming D7 is acceptable
- Thinking pass can be upgraded later
- Ignoring Mathematics for arts courses
- Uploading results without checking grades
- Applying for courses with strict one-sitting rules
These mistakes lead to automatic disqualification.
What Should I Do If I Donât Have the Required Grade?
If you do not have a credit in English or Mathematics:
- Re-sit WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB
- Obtain the required credit before admission processing
- Upload the new result correctly on JAMB CAPS
This is the only valid solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C6 accepted for English and Mathematics?
Yes. C6 is the minimum accepted grade.
Is D7 accepted by any university?
No. D7 is not accepted.
Do private universities accept pass in English or Mathematics?
No. Private universities also require credit.
Can I study Arts without Mathematics?
Some schools allow it, but many still require Mathematics. Always confirm.
Conclusion
For admission in 2026, the correct and minimum accepted grade for English Language and Mathematics is CREDIT (C6 or better). Any grade below credit is not accepted, regardless of your JAMB score.
Before uploading your O-Level result or choosing a course, always confirm that you meet this requirement to avoid automatic disqualification.