WAEC subject combination for Physics; www.waecdirect.org
| Course | Physics |
| Qualification | (B.Sc. & B. Tech) |
| How many years | 3 – 4 Years |
| Who can study this course? | Science student |
| Cut off mark | Varies |
| Entrance | Very Competitive |
| Related courses | Physics related courses |
| Job Availability | High and Competitive |
On this page, I will guide you on the required O level subject combination to study Physics. if you are a returning visitor, you can skip reading repetitive paragraphs.
You must be a science student with a good background science subjects for you to study Physics in Nigeria Universities, and that’s can only be possible if you meet admission requirements. This page literally covers answers to questions related to O level and A-level admission requirement.
In other words, the WAEC subject combination (requirements), JAMB UTME subject combination (requirements), Direct Entry requirements, Special consideration (waivers) and the required screening documents for admission into Nigeria universities. In other to help you avoid having difficulties with getting admission in Nigeria Universities, we have some student guide articles that will be of benefit to you.
WAEC subject combination (requirements) for Physics
You’re expected to have at least 5 credits on the required WAEC subject combination needed to study Physics in Nigeria universities. These subjects combination are also applicable to other O’level exams such as NECO AND GCE. The required WAEC subject combination (O level requirement) for Physics must include:
- English Language
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Any other Science subject from Further mathematics and Biology or Agricultural Science
- WAEC Subjects Required for Computer Engineering
- WAEC Subjects Combination for Business Administration
- WAEC Subjects Combination for Estate Management
- WAEC Subjects Combination for Banking and Finance
- WAEC Subjects Combination for Nursing Sciences
- WAEC Subjects Combination for Fine and Applied Arts
- WAEC Subjects Combination for International Relations
- WAEC Subjects Combination For Architecture
- WAEC Subjects Combination For Marine Engineering
- Waec Subject Combination For Agricultural Economics
- WAEC Combination Required to Study Animal Science
- WAEC subject combinations for Mathematics
- WAEC subject combination for Veterinary Medicine
- WAEC subject combinations for Microbiology
- WAEC, Subject Combination for Management Information System
These listed subjects are compulsory for anyone writing WAEC and other O level examinations. I will advise you to include a Language in your O level subjects. For the record, if you are one of those students seeking admission into any universities, college or polytechnics in Lagos State, Yoruba Language is compulsory for Physics. So now that you know the compulsory O level subject requirement to study Physics, let also look at JAMB UTME and Direct requirements.
JAMB UTME subject combination (requirements) for Physics
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a body responsible for your admission into the University or other institutions. Now I’m going to show you the compulsory JAMB subjects for Physics that you must register (English must be included because it is compulsory even though it may not be listed among the JAMB subjects below), and I will honestly advise you to aim for a score of 200 and above in JAMB UTME instead of 180 to be on a safe side because anything short of that may deny you of Admission/Post UTME. Of course, if you have a score below 180, you can consider the College of Education or Polytechnic… Read how to answer and pass JAMB once.
Please note– If Mathematics is not listed among the Jamb subject on this post, then Mathematics is not compulsory for this course. JAMB is not the only option to gain admission into Nigerian Universities to study Physics. If you’re having troubles with JAMB UTME, maybe it’s time you pass through IJBM, JUBEB, ND, HND or Pre Degree!..
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry or Biology
Direct Entry requirement (required A-level result) to study Physics
If you’re one of those seeking admission into the University to further your studies, in addition to the required WAEC subjects combination for Physics, you are expected to have NCE/Two ‘A’ level A’ level passes in Physics and Mathematics or Chemistry.
If you have your O level result already and the subjects you have is not the same with the admission requirement that is the required O level subject combinations to study Physics, don’t give up. You should consider other Physics similar courses or take a look at Polytechnic or College of Education related courses.
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
Also, check
- WAEC Timetable 2026/2026 For May/June Examinations
- Art Subjects for WAEC 2026 See List of Compulsory Subjects
- How to calculate WAEC JAMB and Post UTME points for Admission
- How to change date of Birth on WAEC Certificate
- 11 Tips on How to pass WAEC in one sitting
- How to input WAEC result into Jamb
- How to check Junior WAEC result after Jss3 Exam
- How to Complain to WAEC and be heard
This is the list of Universities offering Physics in Nigeria
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma with options in Geophysics
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
- Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State
- Achievers University, Owo
- Adamawa State University Mubi (ADSU)
- Akwa Ibom State University of Technology, Uyo
- Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
- Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross river State
- Adeleke University Ede (AUE)
- Augustine University
- Bauchi State University, Gadau
- Bayero University, Kano
- Baze University
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
- ECWA Bingham University, New Karu
- Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
- River State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)
- Bowen University, Iwo
- Benue State University, Makurdi
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa (OSUSTECH)
- Caleb University, Lagos
- Chrisland University
- University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State
- Coal City University Enugu State
- University of Agriculture, Makurdi
- Crown Hill University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State
- Cross River State University of Science &Technology, Calabar (CRUTECH)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye with options in: Geophysics, Medical Health Physics and Physics
- Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
- Igbinedion University Okada (offers the course as Physics and Industrial Physics)
- Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State
- Edo University Iyamo
- Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo
- Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
- Evangel University, Akaeze
- Ekiti State University
- Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA)
- Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA)
- Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State (FUKASHERE)
- Federal University Gashua, Yobe Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua
- Federal University, Gusau Zamfara (FUGUS)
- Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (FUWUKARI)
- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina Usumanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
- Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD)
- Federal University, Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI)
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- Fountain University, Oshogbo
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
- Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State
- Gregory University, Uturu
- Gombe State University, Gombe
- Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU)
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
- Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Jigawa (SLU)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU)
- Al-Qalam University, Katsina
- Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State
- Kogi State University Anyigba
- Kebbi State University, Kebbi
- Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil (KUST)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Landmark University, Omu-Aran
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBU)
- Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU)
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH)
- Lead City University, Ibadan
- Legacy University, Okija Anambra State
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTY)
- Mountain Top University
- Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna (NDA)
- Niger Delta University Yenagoa (NDU)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- University of Mkar, Mkar
- Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK)
- Northwest University Kano (NWU)
- Novena University, Ogume
- Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
- Paul University, Awka – Anambra State
- Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU)
- Nigeria Police Academy Wudil
- Renaissance University Enugu
- Ritman University Ikot Ekpene
- Akwa Ibom, Salem University, Lokoja
- Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa
- Sokoto State University
- Southwestern University, Oku Owa
- Summit University
- Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSUJ)
- Usumanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
- Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike
- Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina (UMYU)
- Hezekiah University
- Umudi, Kings University, Ode Omu (UNIKINGS)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Uyo
- Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State
- Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa – Edo State
- Wesley University of Science & Technology, Ondo
- Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State
- Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State
- 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.
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Compulsory for most: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
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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.
2. 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.
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Compulsory for most: English Language, Mathematics, and Economics.
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Additional choices: Government, Commerce, Geography, Principles of Accounts (Financial Accounting), and sometimes a science subject (like Biology or Agricultural Science) are common requirements.
3. 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.
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Compulsory for most: English Language and Literature in English.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.

