One of the most important steps every secondary school student must take in preparation for tertiary education in Nigeria is choosing the right WAEC subject combination. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) subjects you choose directly influence your eligibility for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education.
In this official 2025/2026 guide, we break down the approved WAEC subject combinations for all major coursesacross Art, Commercial, and Science departments. Whether you’re a WAEC or GCE candidate, this post will help you avoid common mistakes and meet the academic requirements for your dream course.
How Many Subjects Are Required in WAEC 2025/2026?
WAEC requires students to register a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 9 subjects. These typically include:
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Compulsory subjects (Mathematics, English Language, Civic Education)
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Core subjects related to your department (Art, Commercial, Science)
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Elective subjects based on career aspirations
WAEC Subject Combination for Art Courses
Compulsory Subjects for Art Students:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Civic Education
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Literature in English
Electives (Choose 4 or 5 depending on your course):
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Government
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CRS / IRS
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History
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Economics
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Yoruba / Igbo / Hausa
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Fine Arts / Visual Arts
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French
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Arabic
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Music or Theatre Arts
Recommended WAEC Subject Combinations by Course:
| Course | Recommended WAEC Subjects |
|---|---|
| Law | English, Mathematics, Literature, CRS, Government, Civic |
| Mass Communication | English, Literature, Government, CRS, Economics |
| Political Science | English, Government, CRS, History, Literature |
| Linguistics | English, Literature, CRS, Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa |
| Theatre Arts | English, Literature, CRS, Music/Theatre Arts |
| History | English, History, CRS, Literature, Government |
WAEC Subject Combination for Commercial Courses
Compulsory Subjects for Commercial Students:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Civic Education
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Economics
Electives (Choose 4 or 5):
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Commerce
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Financial Accounting
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Business Studies
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Government
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Office Practice
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CRS / IRS
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Marketing
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Typewriting (for business-related schools)
Recommended WAEC Subject Combinations by Course:
| Course | Recommended WAEC Subjects |
|---|---|
| Accounting | English, Mathematics, Economics, Accounting, Commerce |
| Banking & Finance | English, Math, Economics, Commerce, Government |
| Business Admin | English, Math, Commerce, Economics, Business Studies |
| Marketing | English, Math, Commerce, Economics, Marketing |
| Insurance | English, Math, Economics, Commerce, Government |
| Human Resources | English, Government, Economics, CRS, Business Studies |
WAEC Subject Combination for Science Courses
Compulsory Subjects for Science Students:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Civic Education
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Biology
Core Subjects (Choose based on specialization):
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Agricultural Science
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Geography
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Further Mathematics
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Technical Drawing
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Computer Studies
Recommended WAEC Subject Combinations by Course:
| Course | Recommended WAEC Subjects |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery | English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Nursing | English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Engineering | English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Further Math |
| Computer Science | English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Studies |
| Agricultural Science | English, Math, Biology, Agric Science, Chemistry |
| Microbiology | English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Pharmacy | English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
General WAEC Subject Requirements (2025/2026)
| Subject | Required For |
|---|---|
| English Language | Mandatory for all candidates |
| Mathematics | Mandatory for all candidates |
| Civic Education | Mandatory for all candidates |
| Literature in English | Compulsory for most Art courses |
| Economics | Needed in both Commercial and some Art/Social Science courses |
| Biology, Physics, Chemistry | Core for all Science-based courses |
Important Notes for 2025/2026 WAEC Candidates
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Wrong subject combinations can deny you university admission, even if you pass the exam.
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Always cross-check the JAMB brochure for your chosen course to align with WAEC subjects.
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Literature-in-English is required for Law, Mass Communication, and Theatre Arts.
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Accounting and Commerce are key to commercial courses like Banking, Business Admin, and Marketing.
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Science courses like Medicine and Engineering require all three science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
FAQs on WAEC Subject Combinations
1. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Yes, many Nigerian universities accept two sittings (e.g., WAEC + NECO) for admission.
2. Is Literature compulsory for all Art students?
Yes, especially if you are planning to study Law, Mass Communication, or English.
3. What are the compulsory subjects for all WAEC candidates?
English Language, Mathematics, and Civic Education are mandatory for all students.
4. Can I choose both CRS and IRS?
Technically yes, but most students pick one based on their religion. One is sufficient.
5. Is Further Mathematics compulsory for Engineering courses?
It’s not always compulsory but highly recommended and advantageous.
Conclusion
Choosing the right WAEC subject combination for 2025/2026 is a crucial decision that can determine your future academic path. Whether you're in Art, Commercial, or Science class, make sure your subjects align with your career goals and university requirements.
Always consult your school counselor or check with your desired institution to ensure your choices are valid. A great WAEC result with the right combination is the first step to gaining admission into your dream course.
