The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) exams are crucial milestones for students in Nigeria and across West Africa. For students in the Arts or Humanities stream, choosing the right subject combination is vital for academic success and future university admission.
Whether you’re a WAEC or GCE candidate preparing for the May/June or Nov/Dec exams, this official guide will provide you with the complete and approved list of Art subjects along with key tips to help you make informed decisions.
Core Subjects for Art Students (WAEC & GCE)
These are the compulsory subjects every Art student must take, regardless of their school or career path:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Literature-in-English
- Civic Education
Note: English Language and Mathematics are required for all students across all departments (Arts, Science, Commercial) in WAEC and GCE.
List of Approved Elective Art Subjects
In addition to the core subjects, Art students are expected to choose 3–5 subjects from the following electives based on their interests and future academic goals:
- Government
- History
- Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
- Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
- Geography
- Economics
- Fine Arts/Visual Arts
- Music
- Theatre Arts
- Igbo Language
- Hausa Language
- Yoruba Language
- French Language
- Arabic Language
- Commerce
- Home Management
- Food and Nutrition
Note: Some schools offer local language options based on regional preferences.
WAEC Subject Combination for Art Students (Recommended)
Here’s a popular and university-accepted subject combination for Art students sitting for WAEC or GCE:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Literature-in-English
- Government
- CRS/IRS
- History or Geography
- One Nigerian Language or French
- Civic Education
Depending on the intended university course, students may swap subjects like History with Economics or add electives like Music, Fine Art, or Theatre Arts.
Best Subject Combination for Art-Related University Courses
If you're aiming for a specific university course, here are some ideal subject combinations:
1. Law
- English Language
- Literature-in-English
- Government
- CRS or History
2. Mass Communication
- English Language
- Literature-in-English
- Government
- CRS or Economics
3. Theatre Arts
- English Language
- Literature-in-English
- CRS
- Theatre Arts or Music
4. Political Science
- English Language
- Government
- CRS or History
- Literature-in-English
5. Linguistics or Language Studies
- English Language
- Literature-in-English
- One Nigerian Language or French
- CRS or IRS
Tips for Choosing the Right Art Subjects
- Know Your Career Goal: Choose subjects that align with your university course or future profession.
- Follow WAEC Guidelines: Stick to at least 8 or 9 subjects (5 core + 3 or 4 electives).
- Seek Guidance: Talk to your school counselor or teachers when in doubt.
- Avoid Overlapping Subjects: Choose subjects that don’t repeat in content to maintain a broad learning base.
- Check JAMB Brochure: Ensure your subject combination meets your preferred course requirements in Nigerian universities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many art subjects are required in WAEC or GCE?
WAEC and GCE candidates must register a minimum of 8 subjects, including 5 core and 3 or 4 electives.
2. Can I study Law without Literature-in-English in WAEC?
No. Literature-in-English is compulsory for Law and many other art-related courses.
3. Is Mathematics compulsory for Art students?
Yes. Mathematics is a general requirement for both WAEC and university admissions, even for Art students.
4. Can I combine Government and History in WAEC?
Yes. Many students combine both, especially if aiming for Political Science, Law, or History-related courses.
5. Is Civic Education compulsory in WAEC for Art students?
Yes. Civic Education is one of the general core subjects and must be taken by all students.
Conclusion
Choosing the right subjects as an Art student in WAEC or GCE exams is a major step toward achieving your academic and career goals. This complete list and subject combination guide helps you avoid errors that may hinder your university admission or delay your academic journey.
Take time to assess your interests, check the requirements of your desired course, and build a subject combination that aligns with your dreams. With the right choices, your future in the arts and humanities starts strong.
