The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the subject combinations for the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE), introducing notable restrictions and new guidelines for students’ course selections.
WAEC confirmed that science students will no longer be allowed to take Economics as part of their examination subjects. Similarly, students pursuing Humanities subjects such as Literature, Government, or History are barred from choosing Economics, which is now exclusively reserved for commercial students.
According to WAEC, every candidate must take a minimum of seven and a maximum of nine subjects. This selection must include the three compulsory subjects approved by the Federal Government: English Language, Mathematics, and Civic Education. For science students, the core subjects now include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, and Agricultural Science, alongside the compulsory subjects. Additional elective options for science students are Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, and indigenous languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa.
Art students have a distinct combination, including Literature in English, Government or History, Religious Studies, and a choice of local languages. Their curriculum excludes Economics but offers alternatives like Arabic Studies, French, Music, and Commerce to diversify their options.
Commercial students focus on business-related subjects: Economics, Accounting, Commerce, Government, and Office Practice, besides the compulsory core subjects. Additional electives such as Further Mathematics and Agricultural Science remain accessible.
WAEC also emphasized the importance of the Trade/Entrepreneurship subjects, mandating each student to take at least one of the 35 available options. These trade subjects foster practical skills and job readiness, aligning education with Nigeria’s growing entrepreneurship landscape. Subjects range from Auto Mechanic and Welding to Catering Craft Practice and Data Processing.
Officials urge students and parents to review the new guidelines carefully and make informed decisions ahead of the 2026 examinations.
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