The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has published the entry requirements for its Department of Optometry, covering the O’Level credits, the JAMB UTME combination, four Direct Entry routes and the JAMB score needed for screening.
The UTME side of this requirement is standard for a health science programme. English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology are written in JAMB, and Mathematics joins them among the five O’Level credits.
Direct Entry is where Optometry sets itself apart. Three of its four routes run through a diploma or certificate, and each of those three demands a distinction rather than a credit or merit.
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About the University of Benin
The University of Benin is a federal government-owned university funded and managed by the federal government of Nigeria. The university was founded in 1970. University of Benin (UNIBEN) is a research university located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
The university is one of the oldest in Nigeria and has a large student and staff population, resulting in a student-staff ratio of about 10:1.
The University has a diverse student population with students from different parts of the country and age brackets. The University of Benin courses cut across various levels in agriculture, science, etc.
University of Benin admission is extremely competitive as many candidates apply for admission into the university annually. University of Benin’s school fees are also very affordable, and it provides its students with facilities and infrastructure. They have good hostels, roads, electricity, etc.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has accredited faculties and departments in the university.
Entry Requirements
O’Level Subject Combination
The O’level subject combination and requirements needed to study Optometry include the following:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
JAMB UTME Subject Combination
Candidates will write the following Four (4) Subjects in JAMB.
- English Language
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
The four UTME subjects are the O’Level five with Mathematics removed. You still need the Mathematics credit, so it stays part of your preparation even though you will not write it in JAMB.
Direct Entry Requirement
These are the conditions you need to fulfil to gain Direct Entry admission to study Optometry if you don’t intend to use UTME. You require;
- At least two ‘A’ level passes (G.C.E or H.S.C) in Chemistry and any one of Biology, Zoology, or Physics.
- Distinction level pass in National Diploma (ND) from a recognized Polytechnic or College of Technology in Science Laboratory Technology (SLT).
- Distinction level pass in Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognized Polytechnic or College of Technology in Polymer Chemistry and Science Laboratory Technology.
- Distinction level pass in Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) from a recognized College of Education in Chemistry. In addition, candidates should have at least an overall Credit level pass.
Chemistry runs through three of these four routes, as an A Level subject, as the field of the NCE, and within the laboratory and polymer chemistry diplomas. Only the A Level route avoids the distinction requirement.
JAMB Score
All candidates interested in getting admitted into UNIBEN for the 2026/2027 session should know that to be eligible for the screening, you must have scored 200 or above in your JAMB result.
Every Diploma Route Into UNIBEN Optometry Demands a Distinction
An ND, HND or NCE opens the door here only at distinction level. A merit or credit, which many other UNIBEN departments accept, will not satisfy this requirement.
The A Level route is the gentler one, asking for at least two passes in Chemistry and one of Biology, Zoology or Physics. Chemistry is the common thread across all four routes.
UTME candidates need the five named O’Level credits, the four JAMB subjects, and a score of 200 or above before UNIBEN will screen them.