This article aims to provide prospective candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the WAEC mandatory nine (9) science subjects established by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for science students in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Each year, millions of students participate in the WAEC. Regrettably, many Nigerian students find themselves unable to secure admission into tertiary institutions due to their failure to select the appropriate subject combinations during their O-level examinations, particularly in WAEC, which is the most widely taken examination in Nigeria.
In response to the challenges faced by science students from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) due to improper subject selection, it is crucial for science students, educational administrators, and school proprietors to be informed of the specific compulsory 2025/2026 nine subjects mandated by WAEC for science students ahead of the forthcoming examination.
Gradual Television has taken the initiative to publish the compulsory nine subjects for the 2026/2027 WAEC examination aiming to assist science students in successfully passing their examinations and securing admission into their preferred tertiary institutions.
Understanding WAEC
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is a legally established examination body tasked with defining and administering examinations that serve the public interest in English-speaking West African nations. Founded in 1952, the council supervises exit examinations in five English-speaking countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.
It is essential for secondary school students, particularly those in their final year (SSS3), to identify their desired career paths prior to WAEC registration and subsequent. Their desired career will guide them in selecting the appropriate subject combinations, thereby enhancing their prospects for admission into tertiary institutions.
The subject offerings are categorized into three distinct fields for senior secondary students:
- Science
- Arts
- Commercial
In the WAEC examination, students pursuing the science stream typically select a maximum of nine subjects, with English Language, Mathematics, and Civic Education being mandatory. These subjects are integral components of the WAEC curriculum for Science students and are essential for their academic progression.
For the 2026/2027 WAEC examinations, Science students are mandated to include the following subjects in their selections:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Geography
- Agricultural Science or Economics
- A Trade Subject
Considerations for WAEC Science Subjects in 2026/2027
Candidates may also select the following additional subjects:
- Further Mathematics
- Technical Drawing
- Yoruba
- Igbo
- Hausa Language
Mandatory Subjects for All 2026 WAEC Candidates
The following subjects are compulsory 2026 subjects for West African Examinations Council (WAEC) science students to choose while attempting to register for the examination:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Trade Subject
It is important to note that in certain secondary schools in Nigeria, Data Processing or Computer Studies is frequently chosen as a trade subject to fulfill the requirement of completing nine total subjects across any academic stream, be it Science, Arts, or Commercial.
Regardless of one’s career aspirations—whether in medicine, engineering, computer science, nursing, or pharmacy—one cannot circumvent the necessity of the compulsory WAEC subjects.
These subjects are foundational to the examination process for every Science student.
- English Language is a prerequisite for all university courses.
- Mathematics is indispensable in science fields, serving as a fundamental cornerstone for engineering and pharmacy.
- Biology is essential for all Science students, particularly those pursuing health or life sciences.
- Chemistry plays a critical role in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture.
- Physics is required for technical, engineering, and physical science domains.
These five subjects are vital; failing to achieve satisfactory results in any of them significantly impedes access to science-related courses.
WAEC 2026/2027 Elective Subjects for Science Students
Elective subjects provide flexibility tailored to individual career pathways while also enhancing overall WAEC performance. Common elective options for Science students, along with their corresponding career support, include:
- Further Mathematics Beneficial for engineering, computer science, architecture, and other quantitatively intensive disciplines.
- Geography Supports careers in environmental science, geology, surveying, and urban planning.
- Agricultural Science Relevant for agriculture, food science, animal science, and similar fields.
- Technical Drawing An advantageous choice for students in engineering and architecture.
- ICT/Computer Studies Equips students for careers in computer science, information technology, software engineering, and data analytics.
- Health Science Useful for those pursuing degrees in nursing, medical laboratory science, or related healthcare fields.
Strategic Steps to Enhance 2026/2027 Science WAEC Performance
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) requires candidates to register for between eight to nine subjects for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). This requirement applies to both school candidates during the May/June exams and private candidates in the November/December GCE.
Among the subjects, candidates must undertake four core subjects being English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education, and one Trade or Entrepreneurship subject, such as Data Processing or Catering Craft. Students then select four or five additional subjects to meet the exam criteria.
Science students typically choose from subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Mathematics, Agricultural Science, or Geography. In contrast, Arts and Commercial students may opt for Literature-in-English, Government, Economics, CRS/IRS, or Commerce.
To obtain the WAEC certificate, candidates need to secure credits in at least five subjects, which must include English and Mathematics.
Furthermore, for university admission, specific subjects are required based on the intended field of study; for instance, aspiring medical students need credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Although a Trade subject has become compulsory, it usually does not count toward the five-credit requirement for tertiary institutions.
Common Mistakes Science Students Make in WAEC
Science students can make critical errors during the WAEC examination that can adversely affect their scores.
- A common issue is poor time management during practical exams; students may spend excessive time on a single task, such as diagram drawing in Biology, which can leave other sections unfinished.
- Neglecting necessary calculations in subjects like Physics or Chemistry—such as ignoring unit conversions—can lead to losing marks even if theoretical knowledge is sound.
- Another mistake is memorizing concepts without a true understanding, which often results in difficulties with application-based questions.
- Some students also overlook Further Mathematics, incorrectly assuming it isn't essential for engineering programs, which can hinder their admission chances.
- In Biology, failing to accurately label diagrams can result in significant mark deductions.
- Miscalculations, such as incorrect input in calculators during Chemistry, can lead to avoidable mistakes.
Misunderstanding questions—like providing overly detailed answers when a concise response is required—will not earn any credit.
Strategic Steps for Science students to Boost 2026/2027 WAEC Performance
For students aiming to excel in WAEC, adopting a structured approach can significantly improve results. Here’s a seven-step strategy to consider:
- Understand the WAEC Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the official syllabus, focusing on key topics. For example, in Physics, major areas include Electricity, Waves, and Heat; in Chemistry, focus on Organic Chemistry and Stoichiometry; and in Biology, focus on Ecology, Genetics, and Physiology.
- Create a Study Timetable: Develop a subject-specific study schedule. For instance, allocate 6:00–7:30 AM for Physics theory and past questions, 4:00–5:30 PM for Chemistry practice, and 7:00–8:30 PM for Biology review.
- Engage in Active Recall and Spaced Repetition: After studying, close your books and verbally explain concepts. Utilize tools like Anki for creating flashcards on essential topics.
- Practice with Past Questions: Attempt at least ten years of timed past questions from 2015 to 2024, and use the WAEC marking scheme for self-assessment, focusing on commonly recurring question patterns.
- Sharpen Practical Skills: Practice drawing standard Biology diagrams, mastering Chemistry titrations, and producing Physics graphs complete with titles and labels.
- Study in Small Groups: Form a focused study group of no more than four members where each person teaches a specific topic, in order to encourage collaborative learning without distractions.
- Prepare for Exam Day: Arrive early with essential materials, tackle easier questions first, and maintain legibility in your writing, as clarity is often rewarded by examiners.
Recommended Resources for WAEC 2026/2027 Science Students
Students can enhance their preparation by utilizing WAEC Past Questions and Answers from Essential Mathematics for calculation patterns. For comprehensive studying, consider the New School series textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and check out the YouTube channel.
The free WAEC Syllabus PDF, available at waecdirect.org, is another valuable resource. Ideally, students should begin their exam preparation at least six months in advance, focusing on consistent study habits to achieve A1 grades in all science subjects.
Frequently WAEC Asked Science Questions
How Many Subjects Are Required for WAEC 2026/2027?
For the 2026 WAEC exams, science candidates are required to complete nine subjects, emphasizing careful selection during registration.
What is a WAEC Trade Subject?
A WAEC Trade Subject refers to subjects related to vocational training or skills that are mandatory within the WAEC curriculum.
Is a Trade Subject Mandatory in 2026 WAEC?
The West African Examinations Council mandates that a Trade subject is compulsory for the 2025 WAEC exam, increasing the importance of vocational education in the curriculum.
What are the 2026/2027 WAEC Trade Subjects?
The comprehensive list of trade subjects for the 2026/2027 WAEC examination contains 33 new subjects, including but not limited to:
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Animal Husbandry
- Auto Body Repairs and Spray Painting
- Auto Electrical Work
- Auto Mechanical Work
- Automobile Parts Merchandising
- Block Laying, Brick Laying, and Concreting Work
- Book-Keeping
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Catering Craft Practice
- Cosmetology
- Data Processing
- Dyeing and Bleaching
- Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works
- Fisheries
- Furniture Making
- GSM Phone Maintenance and Repair
- Garment Making
- Leather Goods Manufacturing and Repairs
- Machine Woodworking
- Marketing
- Mining
- Painting and Decorating
- Photography
- Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
- Printing Craft Practice
- Radio, Television, and Electronic Works
- Salesmanship
- Stenography
- Store Keeping
- Tourism
- Upholstery
- Welding and Fabrication Engineering Craft Practice
Students must select one trade subject, ensuring it aligns with the curriculum taught at their respective schools, as both practical and theoretical assessments will be conducted during the examination.
Is it Mandatory for WAEC Science Students to Take a Nigerian Language?
It is important to note that the study of a Nigerian language is not compulsory for either science or commercial students. However, it is a requirement for science students. Students are advised to exercise caution and to select subjects that correspond with their intended field of study at the university, polytechnic, or college of education.
We hope that this information regarding the necessary nine subjects for Science students in the WAEC 2026/2027 academic year has been beneficial.
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