This article discusses the JAMB subject combination for admission to study Public Administration in Nigerian universities. That is, the JAMB subject combination requirements for UTME entry students, direct entry (A level) and Special consideration/Waiver
Public Administration is a course under the field of administration. Those who study this course graduate with a B.Sc (Hons) or a B.A. Hons. The duration of the course is a period of three to four years. Public administration is available as a course to be studied by both commercial and Art students. However, the course requires one to have a good background and knowledge of Commercial subjects, hence it is mostly studied by commercial students.
JAMB UTME subject combination/requirements for Public Administration
Applicants for Public Administration are expected to have at least 5 credits in their O’ level examinations (that is, NECO, GCE, and WAEC) in the subjects required for Public Administration. The JAMB UTME subjects’ combination required for the study of Public Administration must include:
- English language
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Government.
The O’ level requirements would include the above list and Accounting or any trade subject.
For applicants who are NBC holders, the other relevant subjects could be from any of the following: Accounting, Principles of Accounts, Commerce, Office Practice and Secretarial Duties.
For applicants who did not major in the arts, public administration can be studied without knowledge of literature. It is advisable that you include a language in your O’ level subjects. Some universities spell this out as their own special requirements.
Accepted JAMB score for UTME
It is safe to have a score that is above 200. Although most years, JAMB sets the cut off mark for admission to any tertiary institution at 180, admission in the country is often choked, not to talk of a course like Public administration which is highly competitive.
Note: If you have a JAMB score below 180, you can apply to Polytechnics and Colleges of education, who also offer this course and well too.
Direct Entry (A-level) requirement for Public Administration
Direct entry-level students gain admission into 200 level. It is required that they have read the requirements in their O’ levels such as WAEC, NECO, GCE or its equivalent. This is in addition to two ‘A’ level passes from the following subjects: Economics, Accounting, Public Administration, Government, Geography and Statistics
Special Requirements (Waiver) Requirements:
The special requirements are applicants that are still considered by tertiary institutions in Nigeria in spite of not meeting requirements already discussed above. Such requirements to be met include:
- Two (2) ‘A’ level/IJMB passes to include one of Government/History or Economics
- ND upper credit in Public Administration or Local Government Studies
- HND lower credit or Advanced Diploma in Public Administration from any accredited tertiary institutions
About Public Administration
Depending on your mode of entry, either via UTME or direct entry, Public Administration is a three to four years course in most Nigerian tertiary institutions. In many of these tertiary institutions, Public Administration is under the Faculty of Administration. However, the course may be put under a different faculty as decided by the university. This is because Public Administration crosses the boundaries between the social sciences and Art/humanities. The field of public administration is multidisciplinary. It is described as having six sub-fields which are human resources, organizational theory, policy analysis, statistics, budgeting, and ethics.
Public administration has to do with the implementation of government policies. It is also an academic discipline that studies the process of execution of government policies as well as public policy initiatives. This includes the decision-making process and the best possible ways these policies are implemented for the good of the people. It also helps to prepare civil servants for working in the public service sector. Public Administration also provides an avenue for individuals who want to make meaningful impacts and help solve problems in the community by influencing policies and decisions which in turn affect the conditions of the public.
Job roles of Public Administrators
Students who study public administration are able to work with public agencies. Here they are involved in the creation of government policies. These policies are centred on various sectors that affect the public.
Public administrators get involved in the ‘behind the scenes’ of administration. It helps to explain the reasons for the decisions of the government and also administrates projects and people to carry out those decisions and policies.
Public administrators do not work on the sides of elected officials alone. They also help to implement policies set by civil servants. Public administrators function as a part of a government’s executive branch. Here, they oversee and manage nearly all aspects of public service at the local, state and federal levels.
A graduate with a public administration degree can build a career in government/political office and non-profit work.
A public administrator can work as a government policy analyst, public relations manager or regional planner. One could also work in non-profit organizations to strategize and plan the company’s policies. A Public administrator can perform in various roles depending on the avenue or organization he or she finds himself. This is because Public Administration has to do with critical thinking at its core.
To start a career in the field of Public administration, what is often required is a bachelor’s degree. However, many Bachelor’s degree holders go on to earn master’s degrees to aid their chances at getting a job or better work opportunities.
Other job roles of Public administrators include:
Administrative Roles
Public administrators function in administrative roles by providing information to clients. They also help with the supervision, evaluation, and implementation of various projects for organizations. Public administrators are involved in directing and advising other workers of an organization such as researchers, program officers, and consultants.
Fiscal Administration
Public Administrators are involved in monitoring and approving budgets. This occurs mostly in the revenue generation and expenditure planning of organizations. They may design and evaluate accounting systems. Public administrators also help with the interpretation of financial reports so others in the organization can understand it.