WAEC 2026 Guide: Science Students

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1. COMPULSORY SUBJECTS (9 Total)

To qualify as a Science student, you generally need to register for the following:

• Core:
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Civic Education
• Science Core:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
• Social Science/Humanities (Choose 1):
  • Geography OR Economics
• Trade Subject (Choose 1):
  • e.g., Data Processing, Animal Husbandry, Technical Drawing
• Elective (Choose 1):
  • e.g., Further Mathematics, Agricultural Science

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2. EXAM STRUCTURE (Per Science Subject)

• Paper 1 (Objective): 50 Multiple-choice questions (50 marks, ~50 mins). Speed and accuracy are key.
• Paper 2 (Theory): Essay and short-structured questions (100 marks, 2 hours). Requires showing your working (Calculations) and detailed explanations.
• Paper 3 (Practical): Laboratory experiments (50-80 marks, 2 hours).
  • Biology: Specimen identification and drawings.
  • Chemistry: Titrations (Acid-Base) and Qualitative Analysis (Salt analysis).
  • Physics: Mechanics (pendulum/spring) or Optics (light/prism) experiments.

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3. KEY SYLLABUS HIGHLIGHTS & VISUAL AIDS

A. BIOLOGY

Focus Areas: Cell biology, organization of life, genetics (Mendel's laws), ecology, and plant/animal physiology.

Key Concept: Cell Structure Understanding the difference between plant and animal cells and their organelles is fundamental for Paper 2 (drawing) and Paper 1.

B. CHEMISTRY

Focus Areas: Atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonds, stoichiometry (mole concept), acids/bases/salts, and organic chemistry.

Key Concept: The Periodic Table You must memorize the first 20 elements and understand trends (electronegativity, ionization energy) across groups and periods.

C. PHYSICS

Focus Areas: Measurements, mechanics (motion, force, energy), waves (light/sound), electricity, and magnetism.

Key Concept: Mechanics (Forces & Motion) Mechanics usually carries the most marks in Paper 2. Understanding Free Body Diagrams is crucial for solving motion problems.

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4. UNIVERSITY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For courses like Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, or Nursing, you strictly need:

• Minimum 5 Credits (C6 or better) in one sitting (preferred).
• Compulsory Credits: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

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5. GENERAL INFORMATION

• Exam Timing: May/June 2026.
• Grading System:
  • A1: Excellent (75% - 100%)
  • B2 - B3: Very Good / Good
  • C4 - C6: Credit (Required for University)
  • D7 - E8: Pass
  • F9: Fail
• Official Resources: waecnigeria.org