If Mathematics has been the one subject standing between you and your university dream, here is the good news: there are dozens of accredited courses in Nigerian universities that do not require it, either as a JAMB subject or as an O’Level credit.
This article lists the most respected art courses you can study without Mathematics, their correct JAMB subject combinations, and what to realistically expect from each one.
Table of Contents
Does JAMB Really Allow You to Skip Mathematics?
Yes, for many art and humanities programmes, it does. <br>
Mathematics is compulsory in JAMB UTME only for science, engineering, and certain social science courses. For pure arts programmes, you will typically combine English Language (compulsory for everyone) with three subjects from the humanities pool: Literature in English, Government, History, Christian Religious Studies (CRS), Islamic Studies (IRS), or a relevant arts elective.
That said, there is an important distinction you must understand:
- JAMB UTME subjects — Mathematics may not appear here at all for art courses.
- O’Level (WAEC/NECO) requirements — Some universities still ask for a pass (not necessarily a credit) in Mathematics. Others ask for nothing at all. Always confirm with the institution you are applying to before concluding.
The official place to verify this is the JAMB Brochure, available at jamb.gov.ng.
Art Courses You Can Study Without Mathematics
Below is a comprehensive list of NUC-accredited courses that do not require Mathematics in the JAMB UTME subject combination. These are grouped by area of study to make it easier for you to find what suits you.
Languages and Literature
These are some of the most widely offered programmes across Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
- English Language
- English Language and Literature
- English and Literary Studies
- English and International Studies
- English Language and Communication Studies
- Literature in English
- Linguistics and African Languages
- Languages and Linguistics
- French
- French and International Studies
- French and International Relations
- French with German / Russian
- German
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Hausa
- Igbo
- Igbo/Linguistics
- Kanuri
Typical JAMB combination: English Language + Literature in English + any two of (Government, History, CRS/IRS, French, Arabic)
History, International Studies, and Diplomacy
These courses lead to careers in diplomacy, foreign service, policy research, and NGO work.
- History
- History and International Studies
- History and Diplomatic Studies
- History and Strategic Studies
- History and International Relations
- History and Archaeology
- History and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- International Studies and Diplomacy
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International and Comparative Politics
- African and Asian Studies
Typical JAMB combination: English Language + History + Government + Literature in English (or CRS/IRS)
Performing and Creative Arts
If you are drawn to performance, visual expression, film, or music, these programmes do not touch Mathematics.
- Fine Art / Fine and Applied Arts
- Fine Arts and Design
- Creative Arts
- Creative and Visual Arts
- Visual and Applied Arts
- Drama / Dramatic Arts / Performing Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre and Performing Arts
- Theatre and Film Studies
- Theatre and Media Arts
- Performing Arts and Culture
- Film Arts
- Music
- Art (Combined Honours)
Typical JAMB combination: English Language + Literature in English + any two of (Government, History, CRS/IRS, Fine Art)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Christian Religious Studies
- Christian Studies
- Islamic Studies
- Arabic Studies
- Arabic Language
- Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Arabic Language and Literature
Typical JAMB combination: English Language + CRS or IRS + Literature in English + Government (or History)
Media and Communication
- Mass Communication
Typical JAMB combination: English Language + Literature in English + Government + any one of (Economics, History, CRS, IRS)
Other Arts and Humanities Courses
- Archaeology
- Classical Studies
- Environmental Studies
Quick Facts Table
| Course Group | Mathematics in JAMB? | Recommended UTME Score (Federal Universities) |
|---|---|---|
| English / Literature / Linguistics | No | 180 – 220+ |
| History / International Studies | No | 160 – 200+ |
| Theatre Arts / Performing Arts | No | 160 – 200+ (OAU: 200) |
| Philosophy / Religious Studies | No | 150 – 180+ |
| Mass Communication | No | 200 – 250+ (very competitive) |
| Fine Art / Creative Arts | No | 150 – 180+ |
| Arabic / Islamic Studies | No | 140 – 170+ |
Important: These score ranges are indicative based on recent admission trends. JAMB sets a national minimum of 140 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education (2026/2027 session). Each institution then sets its own departmental cutoff — which is almost always higher. Always check your chosen school’s official portal or the JAMB brochure for the precise figure.
What About O’Level (WAEC/NECO) Mathematics?
This is where many students get confused. Even if Mathematics is not in your JAMB combination, your secondary school result still matters. Here is what you need to know:
Federal universities tend to be strict. Some, particularly the older generation universities like UI, UNILAG, and OAU, may require at least a pass (D7 or E8) in Mathematics as part of your five O’Level credits. A few may require nothing at all in Mathematics.
State and private universities are generally more flexible. Many do not require any Mathematics O’Level result for pure arts programmes.
The practical advice: aim for at least a D7 in Mathematics at O’Level if you can. It keeps all doors open. If you already have your results and Mathematics is weak, look at private and state universities first, then confirm their specific requirements directly.
Top Careers From These Courses
You might wonder if an arts degree without Mathematics leads anywhere. The answer is yes — and in several well-paying directions.
Law: Most art graduates in Nigeria proceed to law school either directly (via a Law degree) or by qualifying through Graduate Law Entry. Lawyers work in private practice, corporate firms, NGOs, government, and international organisations.
Journalism and Media: A Mass Communication degree opens doors to television, radio, print, digital media, advertising, and public relations — all growing sectors in Nigeria.
Diplomacy and Foreign Service: History, International Studies, and Linguistics graduates regularly enter the Nigerian Foreign Service and international organisations like the UN, AU, and ECOWAS.
Education: Many of these courses have an Education variant (e.g., Education and English Language) which qualifies you to teach and eventually move into school administration or educational policy.
Creative Industries: Theatre Arts, Fine Art, and Film graduates are building some of the most competitive careers in Nigeria’s growing entertainment economy — from Nollywood to digital content creation and brand consulting.
Civil Service and NGOs: Philosophy, Government, and History graduates are particularly valued in policy, research, and advocacy roles.
How to Confirm Your Requirements (Step by Step)
- Visit the JAMB Brochure portal at jamb.gov.ng and search for your course. It will show you the approved subject combinations and O’Level requirements.
- Visit your target university’s official website and look for the Faculty of Arts or Humanities admissions page. Check if they have any Mathematics O’Level requirement.
- Check the institution’s Post-UTME page. Some schools publish departmental cutoff marks there or on their admission portal.
- Call the institution’s admissions office directly if you still cannot find a clear answer. Their contact details are always on the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study Law without Mathematics in Nigeria?
Yes. Law does not require Mathematics in JAMB UTME. The typical combination is English Language + Literature in English + Government + CRS or any other arts subject. However, Law is extremely competitive — aim for 250 and above to be safe at federal universities.
Do I need a credit pass in Mathematics to gain admission for an art course?
Not always, and this depends on the institution. Many pure arts programmes — especially at state and private universities — do not require any Mathematics credit at all. Some federal universities may ask for a pass (D7 or E8), not a credit. Always confirm with the specific school.
Is Mass Communication an art course, and does it need Mathematics?
Yes, Mass Communication is classified under arts and social sciences at most Nigerian universities, and it does not require Mathematics in JAMB. That said, it is one of the most competitive art courses — scoring 200 and above significantly improves your chances at federal universities.
Can I study Fine Art or Creative Arts without Mathematics?
Yes. Fine Art, Visual Arts, and Creative Arts programmes across Nigerian universities do not include Mathematics in their JAMB subject combination. Your practical portfolio or aptitude test may matter more for this course.
What is the easiest art course to gain admission for?
“Easiest” depends on the cutoff at your preferred school, not just the course. Courses like Religious Studies, Arabic and Islamic Studies, and some Language programmes (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba) tend to have lower admission competition than Law or Mass Communication. But study what genuinely interests you — you will spend at least four years with it.
Conclusion
Not excelling at Mathematics does not close your path to university. Dozens of respected, career-relevant courses — from Law to Theatre Arts to International Diplomacy — are fully available to you without Mathematics appearing anywhere in your JAMB combination. What matters most is choosing the right subjects for your course, meeting the O’Level requirements of your target school, and scoring competitively in UTME.
Start by downloading the JAMB Brochure from jamb.gov.ng and confirming your course’s subject combination. Then check your chosen institution’s official website for their specific cutoff and O’Level conditions. That two-step verification can save you from losing admission on a technicality.
You have got this.
