Full WAEC Subject Requirements for All Courses

In Nigeria, one of the first academic hurdles every secondary school student faces is the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), popularly known as WAEC. The WAEC result is not just another certificate; it is a gateway to higher education. Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education all require candidates to meet specific subject requirements in WAEC before they can be admitted into any course of study.

Sadly, many students fail to pay attention to these requirements and end up choosing the wrong subjects. This mistake often leads to disappointment during university admissions, even after scoring high in JAMB. To avoid this, you need to clearly understand the full WAEC subject requirements for all courses in Nigeria.

This guide provides an in-depth look at subject combinations for major fields of study and explains why meeting WAEC requirements is crucial for your academic journey.

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Why WAEC Subject Requirements Matter

Every course in higher institutions is tied to specific subjects. For example, you cannot study Medicine without having a credit in Biology and Chemistry in WAEC, and you cannot pursue Law if you don’t have Literature in English. Admission officers in Nigeria check WAEC first before considering your JAMB score.

If you fail to meet the subject requirements:

• Your application will be rejected, no matter how high your JAMB score is.
• You may be forced to change your course of study.
• You may lose admission completely for that academic session.

So, choosing the right WAEC subjects is the first step in shaping your academic and career path.

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General WAEC Requirements for Admission

Before looking into specific courses, here are the general rules for WAEC subject requirements:

1. Credits in at least five (5) subjects relevant to the course of study.
2. Compulsory subjects for all candidates are:
   • English Language
   • Mathematics
3. The remaining three subjects depend on your chosen course.

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WAEC Subject Requirements by Major Fields

Below is a breakdown of the major courses and their WAEC requirements:

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1. Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Medical Sciences

If you want to pursue a career in medicine or any medical-related field, you must be strong in the sciences.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Other accepted science subjects like Further Mathematics or Agricultural Science can be additional, but the five above are non-negotiable.

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2. Engineering and Technology Courses

Engineering requires strong knowledge in physical sciences and mathematics.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• One other science subject (Biology, Technical Drawing, Further Mathematics, or Agricultural Science)

Examples of courses under engineering include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Computer Engineering.

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3. Law

Law is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria. Without Literature in English, you cannot be admitted to study Law.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Literature in English
• Government or History
• Mathematics
• One other Arts or Social Science subject (CRS/IRS, Economics, Civic Education, etc.)

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4. Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Mass Communication, Sociology, Psychology, etc.)

For social science courses, Mathematics and English are compulsory, along with other social science subjects.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Government or History
• One other Social Science/Arts subject (Geography, Literature in English, CRS/IRS, Civic Education, etc.)

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5. Management and Business Courses (Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Marketing, Insurance, etc.)

If you’re pursuing a career in business or commerce, your WAEC subjects must align with accounting and financial management.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Accounting or Commerce
• One other Social Science subject (Geography, Government, CRS/IRS, Civic Education, etc.)

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6. Arts and Humanities (English, Linguistics, Philosophy, History, Religious Studies, Theatre Arts, Music, etc.)

Arts students have more flexibility, but Literature in English is often central.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Literature in English
• CRS/IRS
• Government or History
• One other Arts subject (Music, Fine Arts, Civic Education, etc.)

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7. Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (Agricultural Science, Forestry, Fisheries, Environmental Management, etc.)

Agricultural and environmental studies focus heavily on life sciences.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Biology or Agricultural Science
• Chemistry
• One other science subject (Physics, Geography, or Economics)

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8. Education Courses (Education and Biology, Education and Economics, Guidance and Counseling, etc.)

Education degrees usually combine a teaching subject with general education courses.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• At least two subjects relevant to your teaching area (e.g., Biology for Education in Biology, Economics for Education in Economics)
• One other relevant subject (CRS, Literature, Government, etc.)

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9. Computer Science, Information Technology, and Related Fields

Technology-driven courses like Computer Science require strong mathematical ability.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• One other science subject (Biology, Further Mathematics, or Agricultural Science)

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10. Fine Arts, Architecture, and Design Courses

For creative arts and architecture, WAEC subject requirements combine both arts and sciences.

Compulsory WAEC Subjects:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Fine Arts or Technical Drawing
• Physics or Chemistry (for architecture-related fields)
• One other relevant subject (Geography, Literature in English, etc.)

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Tips for Choosing the Right WAEC Subjects

1. Know Your Career Path Early
   Don’t wait until WAEC registration before deciding your course. If you know your dream career, you can choose the right subjects from SS1.
2. Check the JAMB Brochure
   The JAMB brochure is the most reliable guide to confirm subject requirements. Every WAEC subject combination must align with what your chosen institution accepts.
3. Don’t Neglect Compulsory Subjects
   English and Mathematics are essential for all courses. Failing either one can deny you admission.
4. Seek Guidance from Teachers and Counselors
   Talk to your school counselor, teachers, or senior students already in higher institutions to confirm requirements.
5. Balance Arts and Science Wisely
   If you are still undecided about your career, select a balanced mix of arts and science subjects. That way, you won’t be restricted later.

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Common Mistakes Students Make in WAEC Subject Selection

• Choosing subjects randomly without considering their future course.
• Ignoring Mathematics or English Language because they find them difficult.
• Selecting irrelevant electives that have no link to their intended career.
• Waiting until registration day before deciding, leading to rushed and poor decisions.

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Final Thoughts

Your WAEC subject requirements are the foundation of your academic and professional future. Every course has a specific set of subjects you must pass to be eligible for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor, lawyer, engineer, accountant, or artist, your journey begins with choosing the right subjects in WAEC.

Take your time to plan carefully, consult the JAMB brochure, and ensure you select subjects that align with your chosen career. With the right choices and strong performance, your WAEC certificate will open the doors to limitless opportunities.