Private Law as a legal field is the silent engine of modern society it governs how individuals and businesses relate, how contracts are enforced, and how personal rights are protected. However, to gain the qualification to accessing this world, you need to be tested on being admitted into any institution of your choice which starts with selecting the right JAMB subject combination for Private Law during your UTME registration.
What is Private Law?
Private Law is a major branch of the legal system that regulates relationships between individuals, organizations, and private entities. It includes Contract Law, Property Law, Family Law, Commercial Law, and Tort Law. Unlike Public Law (which deals with government-related issues), Private Law focuses on personal rights, duties, and legal remedies.
Students who specialize in Private Law typically aim for careers such as:
- Corporate Lawyer
- Real Estate Legal Consultant
- Family Law Expert
- Civil Litigator
- Contract Specialist
- Arbitration & Mediation Practitioner
JAMB Subject Combination for Private Law 2026
| 1 | Use of English | Mandatory for all JAMB candidates and essential for legal writing, comprehension, and communication. |
| 2 | Literature in English | Develops analytical and interpretive skills crucial for legal reasoning and argumentation. |
| 3 | Government or History | Provides background in political and legal systems or historical precedents in law. |
| 4 | CRS/IRS or Economics | Offers insight into moral, ethical, and socio-economic dimensions of legal issues. |
Note: Some universities accept either Government or History, while others may prefer CRS/IRS or Economics as the fourth subject.
Why are These Subjects Important?
| 1 | Use of English | Law thrives on clarity, grammar, and argumentation — all built on strong English proficiency. |
| 2 | Literature in English | Trains students to dissect texts, understand characters’ motives, and form persuasive arguments. |
| 3 | Government | Introduces basic legal systems, constitutional structure, and the rule of law. |
| 4 | History | Provides context on legal evolution, precedents, and cultural influence on legal norms. |
| 5 | CRS/IRS | Encourages ethical thinking — essential in legal interpretation and justice. |
| 6 | Economics | Useful in understanding property rights, contracts, corporate structures, and regulatory systems. |
Institutions Offering Private Law in Nigeria
Here’s a list of some accredited Nigerian universities that offer Law with a Private Law focus:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Nigeria (UNN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)
- Renaissance University, Enugu
- Niger Delta University (NDU)
- Lead City University, Ibadan
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Note: Most Nigerian universities do not separate Private and Public Law at entry. Students specialize in Private Law from the 300 level onward.
Additional Admission Requirements
1. O’Level Requirements
Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes, including:
- English Language
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- Mathematics
- Any other subject (e.g., CRS, Economics, Civic Education)
Some institutions may accept a pass in Mathematics, but many top universities require a credit.
2. Direct Entry Admission
- Two A-Level passes in Literature in English and Government/History
- NCE, JUPEB, or IJMB with appropriate subject combinations
- A good First Degree (for conversion or postgraduate diploma routes)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Private Law a separate course in JAMB?
A: No. You apply for “Law” generally. Specialization in Private Law happens at later levels.
Q: Can I apply with Commercial subjects like Accounting?
A: Yes, but you still need Literature and English.
Q: Is Literature in English compulsory?
A: Absolutely. It’s a core requirement for Law.
Q: Can I study Law without Government?
A: Some schools allow History as a substitute.
Q: Is Mathematics compulsory for Law?
A: Not in UTME, but a credit in O’Level Mathematics is often required.
Q: What is the typical cut-off mark for Law?
A: Highly competitive which ranges from 250 to 290+ in top universities.
Q: How long does it take to study Law in Nigeria?
A: 5 years, plus 1 year at Law School.
Q: Do polytechnics offer Law?
A: No. Only universities are accredited for undergraduate Law degrees.
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