The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has revised the subject structure for candidates sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2026 and 2027.
The WAEC subject changes introduce new categories covering core, Science, Humanities, Business and Trade subjects.
According to WAEC’s official guidance, candidates are required to register for a minimum of eight and a maximum of nine subjects.
WAEC subject changes take effect for 2026 and 2027
Under the transition arrangement, candidates sitting WASSCE in 2026 and 2027 will have two core subjects: English Language and General Mathematics.
WAEC has also listed Citizenship and Heritage Studies and Digital Technologies as new core subjects.
However, the council said those two subjects will not be examined until 2028 because new curricula and examination syllabuses are still being developed.
Candidates taking the 2026 and 2027 examinations are therefore expected to choose six or seven additional subjects to reach the required eight to nine subjects.
WAEC introduces five subject categories
The revised structure groups available subjects into different areas.
The Science category includes subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, Geography and Technical Drawing.
The Humanities category includes Nigerian History, Government, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, Nigerian languages, French, Arabic, Visual Art, Music and Literature-in-English.
The Business category includes Accounting, Commerce, Marketing and Economics.
WAEC has also created a Trade Subjects category. It includes practical areas such as Fashion Design and Garment Making, Livestock Farming, Beauty and Cosmetology, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance, Horticulture and Crop Production.
Students must choose from the approved subjects
The new structure is designed to give candidates a broader range of academic and practical options.
WAEC’s official guidance requires candidates to combine the core subjects with additional subjects from the listed categories.
The council’s subject structure is aimed at supporting academic specialisation while also exposing students to practical and career-focused areas.
The changes also reflect the growing emphasis on technical and vocational skills in secondary education.
WAEC clarifies 2026 and 2027 registration
For candidates preparing for the 2026 and 2027 WASSCE, the immediate requirement is to register for at least eight and no more than nine subjects.
WAEC’s official website currently lists English Language and General Mathematics as the only core subjects available for examination during the transition period.
The council said Citizenship and Heritage Studies and Digital Technologies will become examinable later, after full implementation of their syllabuses.
The revised structure means schools and candidates should carefully check the approved subject lists before completing WASSCE registration.
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