Civil Law emerges as a crucial legal pillar where human relationships, business transactions, and family matters must be guided by fairness and structure. As an aspirant, you certainly need to meet the JAMB subject combination for Civil Law before you can qualify to apply for admission into any Nigerian institution of your choice.
What is Civil Law?
Civil Law is a branch of law that deals with the rights and duties of individuals and private entities in their relationships with one another. Unlike criminal law, which handles offenses against the state, civil law covers areas like:
- Property ownership
- Contracts and obligations
- Family law (marriage, divorce, custody)
- Torts (civil wrongs like negligence or defamation)
- Inheritance and succession
In Nigerian universities, Civil Law is often offered as an LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) and provides the foundation for becoming a barrister, solicitor, legal adviser, or judge.
JAMB Subject Combination for Civil Law 2026
To study Civil Law in any Nigerian university, you must sit for the following four (4) UTME subjects:
| 1 | Use of English | Required for all courses; vital for drafting, argumentation, and legal documentation. |
| 2 | Literature in English | Helps in interpreting texts, understanding human behavior, and constructing arguments. |
| 3 | Government or History | Provides insights into governance, law-making, and societal order. |
| 4 | CRS/IRS or any other Arts subject | Adds moral, ethical, and philosophical grounding useful for legal interpretation. |
Note: Some universities are flexible on the fourth subject as long as it is from the Arts or Social Sciences.
Why are These Subjects Important to Civil Law?
| 1 | Use of English | Central to all legal writing, court procedures, and verbal advocacy. |
| 2 | Literature in English | Builds critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and analysis of human conflict. |
| 3 | Government | Enhances understanding of constitutions, political systems, and law-making bodies. |
| 4 | History | Gives a background to legal evolution and comparative legal traditions. |
| 5 | CRS/IRS | Provides ethical perspectives which inform civil rights, obligations, and justice systems. |
List of Nigerian Universities Offering Civil Law
Here are the top universities where you can study Civil Law in Nigeria:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Kogi State University (KSU)
- Baze University, Abuja
- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
- Nile University, Abuja
- Igbinedion University, Okada
- Bowen University, Iwo
- Lead City University
- Benson Idahosa University
- Crescent University, Abeokuta
Additional Admission Requirements
1. O’Level Requirements (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes including:
- English Language
- Literature in English
- Mathematics (compulsory in most universities)
- Government or History
- Any other Arts or Social Science subject
Some private universities may waive Mathematics for Law, but public universities usually do not.
2. Direct Entry Requirements
- Two (2) A-Level passes in Arts or Social Science subjects, including Government, History, or Literature.
- NCE, JUPEB, or Diploma in Law with good grades may also be accepted.
- First degree (2nd class lower minimum) in a related course for conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between Civil Law and Common Law?
A: Civil Law is a branch of law, while Common Law refers to the legal system Nigeria practices, rooted in English law.
Q: Is Literature in English compulsory for Civil Law?
A: Yes. It is a core subject that develops skills in interpretation and argument.
Q: Can I use Commerce or Economics instead of Government?
A: Some universities may accept them, but Government or History is often preferred.
Q: Do I need Mathematics to study Civil Law?
A: Yes, a credit in Mathematics is required in most universities.
Q: How many years does it take to study Civil Law?
A: Typically 5 years for UTME candidates and 4 years for Direct Entry students.
Q: Do I go to Law School after my LL.B in Civil Law?
A: Yes. After graduation, you attend the Nigerian Law School for 1 year.
Q: What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Civil Law?
A: It varies. Most federal universities require 200–250+, while private schools may accept 180+.
Q: Can I switch to Civil Law from another course?
A: Possibly, depending on the university’s transfer policy and your previous coursework.
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