One of the most consequential decisions a Nigerian secondary school student makes is choosing the right WAEC subject combination. Pick the wrong subjects, and you could sit all five papers, score excellent grades — and still be disqualified from your preferred course at university because you are missing a required subject. This guide spells out the correct WAEC O’Level subject combinations for science and other major courses in 2026, including Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing, Computer Science, and more.
The WAEC O’Level Requirement: What Universities Want
For university admission in Nigeria, candidates must present at least five O’Level credits (grades A1 to C6) in relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings. The five credits must include:
- English Language — compulsory for virtually every university course in Nigeria
- Mathematics — compulsory for all science, technology, and most social science courses
- Three other relevant subjects — these vary by course and must match the university’s specific entry requirements
JAMB’s guidelines allow universities to set their own specific O’Level requirements beyond the national minimum. Always check both the JAMB brochure and your specific target university’s requirements — they sometimes differ.
WAEC Subject Combinations for Science Courses 2026
1. Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
Medicine is Nigeria’s most competitive university course. The WAEC O’Level requirements are strict:
- Compulsory: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- All five must be credits (A1–C6) in ONE sitting for many medical schools, including UNILAG, UI, and UNIBEN
- Some schools accept two sittings, but single-sitting is strongly preferred and often required
- JAMB subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English
2. Pharmacy
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics
- Same five-subject combination as Medicine
- Some universities substitute Physics with Further Mathematics for candidates with strong mathematics background
- JAMB subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics or English
3. Nursing Science
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or any other Science subject
- Many nursing schools accept Agricultural Science in place of Physics
- JAMB subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English Language
4. Engineering (All Branches)
All engineering courses — Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum, Computer, Aerospace — share a common O’Level base:
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one of Further Mathematics or Biology
- For Electrical and Computer Engineering: Physics and Mathematics are the most critical — aim for A1 in both
- For Chemical Engineering: Chemistry becomes equally critical alongside Mathematics and Physics
- JAMB subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English or Biology
5. Computer Science
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and two of: Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Further Mathematics, Economics
- Many universities accept Computer Studies/Science as a WAEC subject in place of a second science
- JAMB subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, and English or one other subject
6. Architecture
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, and Technical Drawing or Fine Art
- Technical Drawing or Fine Art is particularly valued for Architecture
- JAMB subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, and English
7. Agricultural Science / Veterinary Medicine
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Agricultural Science or Physics
- Agricultural Science as a WAEC subject is specifically valued for Agronomy, Animal Science, and Veterinary Medicine
- JAMB subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science or Physics, and English
8. Microbiology / Biochemistry / Biological Sciences
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Agricultural Science
- JAMB subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, and English
9. Mathematics / Statistics
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and two of: Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Statistics
- Further Mathematics is critical — aim for a strong credit or distinction
- JAMB subjects: Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics, Economics or Chemistry, and English
10. Medical Laboratory Science
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Same as Medicine/Pharmacy combination
- JAMB subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English or Mathematics
WAEC Subject Combinations for Non-Science Courses
Law
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Literature in English, Government or History, and Economics or any other Arts/Social Science subject
- Note: Mathematics is required for Law admission at most Nigerian universities even though the course is an Arts discipline
- JAMB subjects: Literature in English, Government, Economics, and English Language
Accounting / Banking and Finance
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Financial Accounting or Commerce, and one other Social Science or Arts subject
- JAMB subjects: Mathematics, Economics, Financial Accounting or Commerce, and English
Mass Communication / Media Studies
- Required: English Language, Mathematics, Literature in English or Government, and two other subjects from Arts or Social Sciences
- JAMB subjects: English Language, Literature in English or Government, and two Social Science subjects
How to Choose Your WAEC Subjects Wisely in 2026
Step 1: Decide on Your Intended Course First
Your WAEC subject choice must be guided by where you want to end up. Do not choose subjects because they seem easier — choose them to qualify for your target course. If you want to study Medicine, you must take Physics, Chemistry, and Biology regardless of how challenging they are.
Step 2: Check the JAMB Brochure
The JAMB brochure (available at jamb.gov.ng) lists the O’Level requirements for every course at every accredited institution in Nigeria. Before finalising your subject choice, look up your specific course at your specific target university in the brochure.
Step 3: Take More Than the Minimum
WAEC allows you to sit up to 9 subjects. Take at least 6–7 to give yourself flexibility. Sitting an extra subject costs very little compared to the benefit of having additional options if one result disappoints. Many universities require 6 O’Level credits for certain programmes.
Step 4: Confirm Sitting Requirements
Some universities — particularly for Medicine and Law — require all five credits to be obtained in a single sitting. Check this requirement carefully before registering for WAEC. If your school offers a mock examination, use it to identify which subjects need more work before the official exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What WAEC subjects do I need for Medicine in Nigeria?
For Medicine, you need credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — all five must ideally be obtained in a single sitting for competitive medical schools.
Can I use Agricultural Science instead of Physics for Engineering?
No. Engineering courses require Physics. Agricultural Science is not a substitute. You must have a credit in Physics for admission to any engineering programme in Nigeria.
Is Further Mathematics compulsory for Computer Science?
Further Mathematics is not universally compulsory for Computer Science, but it is highly recommended. Some universities list it as preferred or required. Check your specific target university’s requirements.
How many subjects can I take in WAEC?
WAEC allows candidates to register for a minimum of 5 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects. Taking 6–7 is generally advisable to give yourself flexibility without overloading your revision schedule.
Does Literature in English count as English Language for university admission?
No. Literature in English and English Language are different subjects. You must have a credit in English Language specifically. A credit in Literature in English does not satisfy the English Language requirement for university admission.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right WAEC subjects is a decision that will follow you into university and beyond. Get it right by researching your target course and institution early, consulting the JAMB brochure, and taking more subjects than the minimum requirement. For more guidance on navigating the 2026 exam season, read our articles on the WAEC WASSCE 2026 timetable, how to pass WAEC Mathematics, and Post-UTME 2026 complete guide.
