Approved Waec Subject Combination For All Courses: (Art, Commercial & Science)
Choosing the right WAEC subject combination is a crucial step for students aiming to pursue higher education or professional careers. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) plays an essential role in shaping the academic paths of students in Nigeria and other West African countries. The approved WAEC subject combinations ensure students meet the minimum requirements for their desired courses in higher institutions. This guide covers the recommended subject combinations for Art, Commercial, and Science disciplines to help students make informed decisions.
Understanding WAEC Subject Requirements
WAEC requires students to register for a minimum of eight subjects and a maximum of nine subjects, which include both compulsory and elective options. The three compulsory subjects for all students are:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Civic Education
In addition to these, students must choose elective subjects based on their field of interest. Selecting the wrong combination can hinder admission into the desired course, making it crucial for students to align their choices with university or polytechnic requirements.
General WAEC Requirements
Before delving into specific combinations, here are some key points to note:
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Every candidate must pass English Language and Mathematics as they are the foundation for all courses.
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A minimum of five credits (including core subjects) is mandatory for admission into most tertiary institutions.
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Elective subjects should align with the specific course or faculty requirements in the institution of choice.
Approved WAEC Subject Combinations by Discipline
1. WAEC Subject Combination for Science Courses
Science courses demand a focus on analytical and practical subjects that develop problem-solving skills. Below is the ideal subject combination for science students:
Compulsory Subjects:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Civic Education
Core Science Subjects:
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Biology
Additional Electives (as required by specific courses):
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Further Mathematics
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Geography
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Agricultural Science
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Computer Studies
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Technical Drawing
Examples of Specific Combinations for Science Courses:
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Medicine and Surgery:
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English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
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Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical):
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English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Technical Drawing
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Nursing Science:
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English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
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Computer Science:
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English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
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2. WAEC Subject Combination for Art Courses
Art courses emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and an understanding of human culture and history. Students in this field should focus on subjects that reflect these qualities.
Compulsory Subjects:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Civic Education
Core Art Subjects:
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Literature in English
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Government or History
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Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
Additional Electives (as required by specific courses):
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Economics
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Geography
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A Nigerian Language (e.g., Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa)
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French
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Visual Arts
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Music
Examples of Specific Combinations for Art Courses:
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Law:
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English Language, Literature in English, Government, CRS or IRS, Economics
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Mass Communication:
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English Language, Literature in English, Government, Economics, or a Nigerian Language
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Theatre Arts:
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English Language, Literature in English, Government, Visual Arts or Music
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History and International Studies:
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English Language, History, Government, CRS or IRS, Geography
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3. WAEC Subject Combination for Commercial Courses
Commercial courses focus on financial, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills. These subjects provide students with the knowledge to succeed in business-related fields.
Compulsory Subjects:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Civic Education
Core Commercial Subjects:
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Economics
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Commerce
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Financial Accounting
Additional Electives (as required by specific courses):
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Business Studies
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Marketing
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Geography
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Data Processing
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Mathematics (further emphasis in some cases)
Examples of Specific Combinations for Commercial Courses:
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Accounting:
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English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce, Financial Accounting
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Banking and Finance:
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English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce, Geography
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Business Administration:
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English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce, Marketing
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Economics:
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English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Financial Accounting
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Why the Right Subject Combination Matters
Selecting the wrong WAEC subject combination can lead to the following challenges:
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Admission Denial: Many tertiary institutions will not admit students who fail to meet the required subject prerequisites.
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Lost Opportunities: Students may be forced to change their course of study due to subject misalignment.
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Waste of Resources: Rewriting WAEC exams to fix subject combination errors can be time-consuming and costly.
Tips for Choosing the Right WAEC Subject Combination
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Understand Your Career Goals: Determine the course you want to pursue in the university or polytechnic.
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Research Admission Requirements: Check the requirements of your desired institution and course. This can often be found in JAMB brochures or official university websites.
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Consult Your School Counselor: Seek guidance from teachers or academic counselors who are familiar with WAEC requirements.
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Choose Relevant Electives: Pick subjects that complement your strengths and align with your intended career path.
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Plan for Flexibility: Include additional subjects that provide backup options for related courses.
Approved WAEC Subject Combinations for Popular Courses
Here are some common courses and their required combinations:
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Architecture: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technical Drawing
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Pharmacy: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
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Political Science: English Language, Mathematics, Government, CRS or IRS, Economics
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Public Administration: English Language, Mathematics, Government, Economics, Commerce
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Agricultural Science: English Language, Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Biology
Conclusion
Choosing the right WAEC subject combination is an essential step toward academic success and career fulfillment. With the combinations provided for Science, Art, and Commercial disciplines, students can make informed decisions that align with their career aspirations. By understanding the requirements and consulting relevant resources, students can avoid unnecessary challenges and set themselves up for success in their higher education journey.
Plan carefully, choose wisely, and secure your academic future by selecting the right WAEC subject combination!