Are you interested in studying Sharia/Islamic Law? What does it have to offer you? Well, it turns out that, in an environment where law and morality often intersect, Sharia/Islamic Law offers a unique path one grounded in divine guidance, cultural depth, and legal precision. So, as an aspirant of the discipline seeking admission into any Nigerian university, it is required that you get to know about the right JAMB subject combination for Sharia/Islamic Law before proceeding further.
What is Sharia/Islamic Law?
Sharia (Islamic Law) is the legal system derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (analogical reasoning). It governs various aspects of personal, spiritual, economic, and criminal life in Islamic societies. In Nigerian universities, Sharia Law is taught as a branch of Law, often alongside Civil Law, especially in institutions located in the Northern part of the country.
Students of Sharia/Islamic Law gain knowledge in:
- Qur’anic jurisprudence
- Legal maxims in Islam (Qawaid Fiqhiyyah)
- Islamic Criminal and Family Law
- Principles of Contracts in Islamic Jurisprudence
- Comparative Law (between Sharia and Common Law)
JAMB Subject Combination for Sharia/Islamic Law 2026
The following are the required subjects for the combination for Sharia/Islamic law for 2026/2027 academic session
| 1 | Use of English | Required for all courses; enhances communication and legal documentation skills. |
| 2 | Islamic Studies | Core subject that focuses on Sharia principles, Hadith, and Qur’anic interpretation. |
| 3 | Arabic Language | Important for understanding original Sharia texts and classical Islamic jurisprudence. |
| 4 | Government or Literature | Builds analytical reasoning, political/legal awareness, and argumentation skills. |
Note: Arabic is often compulsory or highly recommended depending on the institution.
Why Are These Subjects Important?
| 1 | Use of English | Helps in interpreting legal texts and facilitating bilingual legal practice in Nigeria. |
| 2 | Islamic Studies | Forms the bedrock of Islamic jurisprudence, covering Fiqh, Hadith, and ethical governance. |
| 3 | Arabic Language | Sharia’s original sources (Qur’an, Hadith, Usul al-Fiqh) are in Arabic — making it essential. |
| 4 | Government | Offers insight into the Nigerian legal and political system, helpful in comparative law. |
| 5 | Literature | Enhances interpretation, argument development, and critical reading of classical texts. |
Institutions Offering Sharia/Islamic Law in Nigeria
Here’s a list of major universities where you can study Sharia or Islamic Law in Nigeria:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK)
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba
- Yobe State University, Damaturu
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
- Federal University, Gusau
- Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina (UMYU)
- Sokoto State University
- Federal University Dutse (FUD)
- Al-Qalam University, Katsina
- Nile University of Nigeria (Private)
Many of these institutions offer LL.B (Sharia) or LL.B (Sharia & Common Law).
Additional Admission Requirements
1. O’Level Requirements
You must have at least five (5) credits as one of the key requirements in:
- English Language
- Islamic Religious Studies
- Arabic or any other Arts/Social Science subject
- Mathematics (compulsory in most schools)
- Any other relevant subject (e.g., Government, Literature)
Some universities require a credit in Arabic as part of O’Level results.
2. Direct Entry (DE) Requirements
- Two A-Level passes in Islamic Studies and Arabic
- NCE, JUPEB, or Diploma in Islamic Law, Sharia, or Arabic with good grades
- ND/HND in relevant fields may be accepted in some universities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Islamic Law the same as Sharia Law in Nigeria?
A: Yes. The terms are often used interchangeably in academic and legal contexts.
Q: Is Arabic compulsory for studying Sharia Law?
A: In most schools, yes. At least a pass or credit in Arabic is required or highly preferred.
Q: Can Christians study Sharia/Islamic Law?
A: Technically yes, but it is extremely rare due to the religious orientation of the course.
Q: Is Mathematics compulsory for Islamic Law?
A: Yes. Most universities require at least a credit in Mathematics at O’Level.
Q: Can I study Islamic Law without Literature in English?
A: Yes, if you have subjects like Government or History instead. Literature is optional but beneficial.
Q: What is the duration of the Islamic Law degree?
A: It typically spans 5 years, like other LL.B programs.
Q: Will I go to Law School after graduation?
A: Yes. Islamic Law students attend the Nigerian Law School and are called to the Bar.
Leave a Comment