By THE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has published revised subject combinations for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
A significant change is the reclassification of Economics, which will now be exclusively available to students in the Commercial/Business field. This means Science students, as well as Arts students focusing on Literature, Government, or History, will no longer be able to select Economics.
All candidates must take a minimum of seven and a maximum of nine subjects. The three compulsory subjects for every student, irrespective of their field of study, are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
Additionally, each student must select at least one subject from the list of Trade/Entrepreneurship subjects.
Subject Guidance by Field of Study
The secondary school curriculum is organised into three main fields. Below is a guide to the typical subject combinations for each.
1. For Science Students
Science students will focus on core scientific disciplines,many of which include practical examinations.
Core subjects typically include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Recommended Electives:
- Further Mathematics
- Geography
- Agricultural Science
- A Nigerian Language (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa)
- Technical Drawing
2. For Arts Students
Arts students will follow a curriculum centred on the humanities,languages, and social sciences.
Core subjects typically include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Religious Studies
- A Nigerian Language (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa)
Recommended Electives:
- Arabic Studies
- French
- Music
- Commerce
- Economics
3. For Commercial/Business Students
Commercial students will specialise in subjects related to business,management, and economics. Under the new policy, this is the only field permitted to take Economics.
Core subjects typically include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Economics
- Accounting
- Commerce
Recommended Electives:
- Office Practice
- Government
- Book Keeping
- A Nigerian Language (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa)
Entrepreneurship and Trade Subjects
To promote skill acquisition and self-reliance, every candidate must register for at least one of the 35 available Trade subjects.
A selection of these practical subjects includes:
- Animal Husbandry
- Auto Mechanics
- Bookkeeping
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Catering Craft Practice
- Data Processing
- Garment Making
- GSM Phone Maintenance and Repair
- Marketing
- Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
- Tourism
- Welding and Fabrication
How to Select Your Subjects
Students are advised to build their subject portfolio as follows:
- Start with the four compulsory subjects: English, Maths, Civic Education, and one Trade subject.
- Then, choose between four and five additional subjects from your primary field of study (Sciences, Arts, or Business).
- You may select up to two subjects from other fields to meet the required total, ensuring you have a minimum of eight and a maximum of nine subjects in total.
Students and schools are encouraged to consult the official WAEC guidelines for the complete list of subjects and detailed registration information.
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