WAEC subject combination for Chemistry; www.waecdirect.org 

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WAEC subject combination for Chemistry; www.waecdirect.org 

Course Chemistry
Qualification B.Sc
How many years 3 – 4 Years
Who can study this course? Science student
Number of universities 117

Is Chemistry a good course in Nigeria and what is the salary?

Yes, Chemistry is a good course in Nigeria with plenty of job roles to explore. There is no standard salary for any job in Nigeria. It depends on where you get the job. Chemistry graduates typically earn between ₦105,000 and ₦450,000 net per month

Chemistry is competitive and quite popular amongst science students in secondary school. From our records, 117 Nigerian universities offer this degree course.

So while you are here to get information on the O level subject combination for Chemistry, we also expect you consider the total number of students currently studying Chemistry and the employment rate we will show you below so that you will know what you are up against when you choose to study this course.

WAEC Subject Combinations For Chemistry

In WAEC, NECO or GCE, you are expected to register a maximum of 9 subjects for a Chemistry degree. You can register for less than 9 subjects if you are resitting.

However, you must have at least 5 credit passes amongst the 9 subjects listed below before you can gain admission into any Nigerian university to study for a Chemistry degree.

Remember, the requirement you’re about to read is also applicable to all o level examinations. (WAEC, NECO and GCE). We have painstakingly highlighted (in red) the core subjects on which you must obtain credit before you can gain admission. Any subject with blue colour means, a pass is allowed.

If however, you fail one of the core subjects, you should read through each university’s special requirements for this course below to see if there is a university that may accept another subject in lieu of the one you failed. The 9 WAEC/NECO/GCE subject combinations for Chemistry in Nigeria are:

  1. Mathematics
  2. English
  3. Civic Education
  4. Trade Subject
  5. Biology
  6. Physics
  7. Chemistry
  8. Geography
  9. Further Mathematics

If you have your O level result already and the subjects you have is not the same as the admission requirement that is the required O level subject combinations to study Chemistry, don’t give up. You should consider other Chemistry similar courses or take a look at Polytechnic or College of Education related course subject requirements.

You can also study online with a foreign university right from your bedroom or apply for a scholarship to study abroad. Education is now a choice. And please before you make a decision on which University to choose, please read useful guides on how to choose a course and university

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JAMB subject combination for Chemistry

For this degree, you are also required to register for 4 subjects and English is compulsory. More so, your JAMB score and your POST UTME score will determine the cumulative score that the university will use to decide your candidacy for admission.

You should score 200 or above in JAMB to stand a better chance of gaining admission to study Chemistry. You can still gain admission if you score between 180-190 upward but you do not stand a chance with those who had scored higher. Try out JAMB Admission Simulator.

The 4 JAMB subject combination for Chemistry are:

  • English
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry

Direct Entry requirement (required A-level result) to study Chemistry

If you’re one of those seeking admission into the University to further your studies, in addition to the required WAEC subjects combination for Chemistry, you are expected to have

  • Two ‘A’ level passes in Chemistry and any one of Physics, Mathematics or Biology.
  • OND/NCE with good grades in relevant ‘O’ level subjects

Also, check

List of Universities offering Chemistry in Nigeria:

  1. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
  2. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
  3. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
  4. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State
  5. University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
  6. Achievers University, Owo
  7. Adamawa State University Mubi (ADSU)
  8. Akwa Ibom State University of Technology, Uyo
  9. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
  10. Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State
  11. Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross River State
  12. Adeleke University Ede (AUE)
  13. Augustine University
  14. Yobe State University, Damaturu
  15. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
  16. Bauchi State University, Gadau
  17. Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
  18. Bauchi State University, Gadau
  19. Bayero University, Kano
  20. Baze University
  21. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
  22. ECWA Bingham University, New Karu
  23. The Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
  24. Bowen University, Iwo
  25. Benue State University, Makurdi
  26. University of Calabar (UNICAL)
  27. Caleb University, Lagos
  28. Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State
  29. Coal City University Enugu State
  30. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
  31. Crawford University Igbesa
  32. Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK)
  33. Crown Hill University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State
  34. Chrisland University
  35. Crescent University (CUAB)
  36. Cross River State University of Science & Technology, Calabar (CRUTECH)
  37. Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
  38. Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State
  39. Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
  40. Edo University Iyamo
  41. Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo
  42. Ekiti State University
  43. Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
  44. Eastern Palm University Ogboko Imo State
  45. Evangel University, Akaeze
  46. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA)
  47. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA)
  48. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
  49. Federal University Gashua, Yobe Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua
  50. Federal University, Gusau Zamfara (FUGUS)
  51. Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State (FUKASHERE)
  52. Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (FUWUKARI)
  53. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina
  54. Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD)
  55. Federal University, Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI)
  56. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOTUOKE)
  57. Fountain University, Oshogbo
  58. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
  59. Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State
  60. Gregory University, Uturu
  61. Gombe State University, Gombe
  62. Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun
  63. University of Ibadan (UI)
  64. Igbinedion University Okada
  65. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
  66. Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa (SLU)
  67. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
  68. Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU)
  69. Al-Qalam University, Katsina
  70. Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State
  71. Kogi State University Anyigba
  72. Kebbi State University, Kebbi
  73. Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil (KUST)
  74. Kwara State University, Ilorin (KWASU)
  75. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
  76. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBU)
  77. Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU)
  78. Lead City University, Ibadan
  79. Legacy University, Okija Anambra State
  80. Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo
  81. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
  82. University of Agriculture Makurdi
  83. Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTY)
  84. Federal University of Technology, Minna
  85. University of Mkar, Mkar
  86. Mountain Top University
  87. Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna (NDA)
  88. Niger Delta University Yenagoa (NDU)
  89. Northwest University Kano (NWU)
  90. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
  91. Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State
  92. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
  93. Paul University, Awka – Anambra State
  94. University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
  95. Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU)
  96. Nigeria Police Academy Wudil
  97. Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom
  98. River State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)
  99. Salem University, Lokoja
  100. Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa
  101. Sokoto State University
  102. Southwestern University, Oku Owa
  103. Summit University
  104. Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode (TASUED)
  105. Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSUJ)
  106. Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike
  107. Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina (UMYU)
  108. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
  109. Kings University, Ode Omu (UNIKINGS)
  110. Osun State University Osogbo (UNIOSUN)
  111. University of Uyo
  112. Veritas University, Abuja
  113. Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State
  114. Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa – Edo State
  115. Wesley University of Science & Technology, Ondo
  116. Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State
  117. Yobe State University, Damaturu.

WAEC Subject Combination

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), serves as the foundational academic credential for students in Nigeria and other West African nations. Selecting the correct WAEC subject combination is one of the most critical decisions a secondary school student will make, as it directly dictates eligibility for university admission, choice of degree programs, and long-term career paths.

Understanding the Structure of WAEC Subject Selection

WAEC regulations typically require candidates to register for a minimum of eight and a maximum of nine subjects. Regardless of the student’s field of study, two subjects are universally compulsory: English Language and General Mathematics. Failing to secure at least a “Credit” (C6 or better) in these two subjects often renders a student ineligible for admission into most Nigerian tertiary institutions, even if they perform exceptionally well in other subjects.

The remaining six or seven subjects must be chosen strategically to align with the admission requirements of the specific course the student intends to pursue at the university level.

Subject Combinations by Discipline

To maximize admission prospects, students should group their elective subjects according to the requirements of their intended course. Below are general guidelines for subject selection:

  1. Science and Health Sciences

Students aiming for fields like Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering, or Computer Science must prioritize subjects that build a strong foundation in analytical and empirical reasoning.

  • Compulsory for most: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Additional choices: Depending on the engineering or science sub-field, subjects like Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, Geography, or Agricultural Science are often required or highly recommended.
  1. Social Sciences and Management

Students pursuing degrees in Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Political Science, or Psychology need a blend of quantitative skills and social awareness.

  • Compulsory for most: English Language, Mathematics, and Economics.
  • Additional choices: Government, Commerce, Geography, Principles of Accounts (Financial Accounting), and sometimes a science subject (like Biology or Agricultural Science) are common requirements.
  1. Arts and Humanities

For students interested in Law, Mass Communication, Languages, History, or Theatre Arts, the focus shifts toward communication, critical thinking, and social/cultural knowledge.

  • Compulsory for most: English Language and Literature in English.
  • Additional choices: Government, Christian/Islamic Religious Studies (CRS/IRS), History, Geography, or an indigenous language (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa). For Law, Literature in English and Government are almost universally required.

The Critical Connection Between WAEC and JAMB

It is a common error to treat WAEC and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as independent processes. In reality, they are deeply intertwined. Most universities expect a candidate’s subject combination in the O’Level (WAEC/NECO) to match or logically support their chosen UTME subjects.

If a student intends to study Medicine, for instance, they must not only pass Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the O’Level, but they will also be examined on these same subjects during the UTME. An inconsistency—such as missing a core O’Level subject required for a specific course—can lead to automatic disqualification by a university’s admission portal, regardless of a high UTME score.

Strategic Tips for Subject Selection

  • Consult the JAMB Brochure: The most reliable way to identify the correct subject combination is to consult the official JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS). It provides the exact O’Level requirements for every course in every accredited university in Nigeria.
  • Plan Ahead (SS1): Subject selection should be intentional, beginning in SS1. Waiting until the final year to realize that a required subject was never taken can significantly limit a student’s options.
  • Avoid “Easy” Choices: Students often choose subjects they perceive as “easy” to inflate their grades, neglecting the core subjects required for their dream courses. A student who avoids Physics because they find it difficult will find it impossible to gain admission into any engineering or health science program.
  • Think in Alternatives: It is wise to consider at least two or three related courses. If a student is unsure between Engineering and Physics, they should choose a subject combination that satisfies the requirements for both (e.g., ensuring they include both Physics and Further Mathematics).
  • Quality Over Quantity: While a student can take up to nine subjects, excelling in eight relevant ones is significantly more valuable than struggling through nine and failing to get the necessary “Credits” in the core subjects required for admission.

By aligning their WAEC subjects with their academic goals early, students position themselves to navigate the university admission process with confidence and clarity, avoiding the common pitfalls of last-minute changes or academic disqualification.

 

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