What if teaching could solve real-world problems like poverty, conflict, inequality, and civic ignorance? That’s the promise of Education & Social Studies, a course designed for change-makers who believe that the classroom is where society takes its first steps toward transformation.
In Nigeria, you are to merit admission into the discipline which solely starts with meeting the JAMB subject combination of Education and Social Studies.
What is Education & Social Studies?
Education & Social Studies is an interdisciplinary course that trains students to become educators equipped to teach topics related to human behavior, history, governance, culture, economics, and community development.
Students are prepared not only to deliver curriculum content, but also to instill civic awareness, global thinking, and moral values in their learners especially at the primary and junior secondary school levels.
JAMB Subject Combination for Education & Social Studies 2026
For UTME aspirants targeting Education & Social Studies, here’s the ideal JAMB subject combo and why it matters:
| 1 | English Language (Compulsory) | Required by JAMB for all education-related courses; critical for instruction delivery |
| 2 | Social Studies or Government | Foundation of the course; teaches societal structures, civic duties, and human relations |
| 3 | Economics or Geography | Adds socio-economic or spatial understanding of human behavior and environments |
| 4 | Christian Religious Studies / Islamic Studies / History | Provides ethical and historical context to social development |
Why Are These Subjects Important to the Course?
| 1 | English Language | Enables communication, lesson planning, academic writing, and comprehension |
| 2 | Social Studies | Core subject that introduces the interrelationship between people and their environment |
| 3 | Economics | Equips future educators to explain economic decision-making and national development processes |
| 4 | Government | Helps students understand political systems, rights, obligations, and civil governance |
| 5 | CRS/IRS/History | Promotes cultural and ethical awareness, which are key to social education |
Institutions Offering Education & Social Studies in Nigeria
Here’s a selection of institutions across Nigeria offering Education & Social Studies:
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Federal College of Education (Zaria, Kano, Abeokuta, etc.)
- Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo (Affiliated to OAU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti
- Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State
- Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (Affiliated to UI)
Note: The course may appear under “Social Studies Education” or “Education with Social Studies”.
Additional Admission Requirements
1. UTME Entry (100 Level)
- O’Level Requirements (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB): 5 credits including:
- English Language
- Social Studies or Government
- One Science subject (Biology, Agric, or Geography may be accepted)
- Any two other relevant subjects
- UTME Score Requirement: Minimum of 160–200, depending on the institution.
2. Direct Entry (200 Level)
- Acceptable Qualifications:
- NCE in Social Studies or related discipline (Minimum Merit or Lower Credit)
- Two A-level passes in relevant Social Science or Education subjects
- Diploma in Education or Social Studies (Upper Credit or above)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply without having Government in my O’Level?
A: Yes, if you have Social Studies, CRS/IRS, or another relevant subject.
Q: Is Mathematics compulsory for Education & Social Studies?
A: Some institutions may require at least a pass in Mathematics. It’s not always compulsory.
Q: Can Science students apply for this course?
A: Yes, if they meet the UTME and O’Level subject requirements.
Q: What can I become after studying this course?
A: You can become a Social Studies teacher, civic educator, policy assistant, counselor, or NGO facilitator.
Q: Is Social Studies the same as Sociology?
A: No. Social Studies is broader and more interdisciplinary. Sociology is a specialized discipline.
Q: Will I go for Teaching Practice (TP)?
A: Yes, all education students must complete at least one semester of TP.
Q: Is this course available in private universities?
A: It’s rare, but a few private or religious universities might offer it in affiliation with colleges of education.
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