WAEC subject combinations  for Mathematics; www.waecdirect.org 

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 WAEC subject combinations  for Mathematics; www.waecdirect.org 

Course Mathematics
Qualification B.Sc
How many years 3 – 4 Years
Who can study this course? Science student
Number of universities 121

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

Yes, Mathematics 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. Mathematics graduates typically earn between ₦70,000 and ₦350,000 net per month.

Mathematics is competitive and quite popular amongst science students in secondary school. From our records, 121 Nigerian universities offer this degree course.

So while you are here to get information on the O level subject combination for Mathematics, we also expect you consider the total number of students currently studying Mathematics 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.

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WAEC Subject Combinations For Mathematics

In WAEC, NECO or GCE, you are expected to register a maximum of 9 subjects for a Mathematics 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 Mathematics 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 Mathematics in Nigeria are:

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

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 Mathematics, don’t give up. You should consider other Mathematics 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

JAMB subject combination for Mathematics

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 250 or above in JAMB to stand a better chance of gaining admission to study Mathematics. You can still gain admission if you score between 180-200 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 Mathematics are:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry

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

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

  • Two ‘A’ level passes in Mathematics and any other science subject.
  • NCE with at least merit in Mathematics and one of Physics, Chemistry or Economics

Also, check

List of Universities offering Mathematics 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. Abia State University, Uturu
  6. University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
  7. Achievers University, Owo
  8. Adamawa State University Mubi (ADSU)
  9. Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
  10. Anchor University Ayobo Lagos State
  11. Arthur Javis University Akpoyubo Cross River State
  12. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli
  13. Adeleke University Ede (AUE)
  14. Augustine University
  15. Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan (ACU)
  16. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
  17. Bauchi State University, Gadau
  18.  Bauchi State University, Gadau
  19. Bayero University, Kano
  20. Baze University
  21. University of Benin (UNIBEN) with options in Computer Science and Statistics.
  22. ECWA Bingham University, New Karu
  23. Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
  24. Bowen University, Iwo
  25. Benue State University, Makurdi
  26. Caleb University, Lagos
  27. Chrisland University
  28. Clifford University Owerrinta Abia State
  29. Coal City University Enugu State
  30. Crown Hill University Eiyenkorin, Kwara State
  31. Cross River State University of Science & Technology, Calabar (CRUTECH)
  32. Crescent University (CUAB)
  33. Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
  34. Dominican University Ibadan Oyo State,
  35. Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki,
  36. Edo University Iyamo
  37. Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo
  38. Ekiti State University, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
  39. Eastern Palm University Ogboko
  40. Imo State, Evangel University, Akaeze
  41. Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD)
  42. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina
  43. Federal University Gashua, Yobe (FUUmar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua
  44. Federal University, Gusau Zamfara (FUGUS)
  45. Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State (FUKASHERE)
  46. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
  47. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA)
  48. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA)
  49. Federal University, Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI)
  50. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOTUOKE)
  51. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
  52. Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (FUWUKARI)
  53. Fountain Unversity, Oshogbo
  54. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
  55. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE)
  56. Federal University of Technology, Akure
  57. Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
  58. Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State
  59. Gregory University, Uturu
  60. Gombe State University Gombe
  61. Hallmark University, Ijebi Itele, Ogun
  62. University of Ibadan (UI)
  63. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
  64. Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU)
  65.  Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
  66. Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa (SLU)
  67. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
  68. Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU)
  69. Kola Daisi University Ibadan, Oyo State
  70. Al-Qalam University, Katsina
  71. Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil (KUST)
  72. Kebbi State University, Kebbi
  73. Kwara State University, Ilorin (KWASU)
  74. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
  75. Landmark University, Omu-Aran
  76. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBU)
  77. Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU)
  78. Legacy University, Okija Anambra State,
  79. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
  80. Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTY)
  81. Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo
  82. University of Mkar, Mkar
  83. Mountain Top University
  84. Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK)
  85. Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna (NDA)
  86. Northwest University Kano (NWU)
  87. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN),
  88. Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
  89. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU)
  90. Obong University, Obong Ntak
  91. Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
  92. Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa (OSUSTECH)
  93. Paul University, Awka – Anambra State
  94. University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
  95. Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU)
  96. Nigeria Police Academy Wudil
  97. Redeemer’s University, Mowe
  98. Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State
  99. Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom,
  100. River State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)
  101. Salem University, Lokoja
  102. Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa
  103. Sokoto State University
  104. Southwestern University, Oku Owa
  105. Summit University
  106. Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode (TASUED)
  107. Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSUJ)
  108. Usumanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
  109. Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike
  110. Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina (UMYU)
  111. Hezekiah University, Umudi
  112. Osun State University Osogbo (UNIOSUN)
  113. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
  114. Kings University, Ode Omu (UNIKINGS)
  115. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
  116. University of Uyo
  117. Veritas University, Abuja
  118. Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa – Edo State
  119. Western Delta University, Oghara Delta State
  120. Wesley University of Science & Technology, Ondo
  121. Yobe State University, Damaturu
Estimated number of students currently studying Mathematics in Nigerian Universities is 75,160
Mathematics has 62% employment rate in Nigeria

Admission Rate:

Mathematics has 25% admission rate.

Cut-off Mark for Mathematics

As you can see, more than one University offers Mathematics. This means the cut-off mark for Mathematics will vary. However, from aggregate, the cut off mark is 250. You can still gain admission if you score between 180-200 upward but you do not stand a chance with those who had scored higher.

Mathematics is how many years course?

In Nigeria, if you gain admission to study a Mathematics degree course at the university through JAMB UTME, you will study Mathematics for four years. If you gain admission through direct entry, you will study this course for three years. And of course, there is room for more years if you have an extension; the aftermath of carryover courses.

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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