Every year, thousands of secondary school students in Nigeria sit for WAEC (West African Examinations Council) and NECO (National Examinations Council) examinations. For Arts students, the selection of subjects is a very important decision because it determines both academic success in secondary school and future admission into higher institutions.
The 9 compulsory subjects for Arts students in WAEC and NECO are carefully structured to balance language, social sciences, history, and cultural studies. Missing even one of these compulsory subjects can block your access to studying courses like Law, Mass Communication, Political Science, International Relations, Literature, or Theatre Arts.
This article will cover:
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The full list of 9 compulsory subjects for Arts students in WAEC/NECO.
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Why each subject is important.
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How subject requirements differ from JAMB UTME combinations.
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Career pathways linked to each subject.
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Mistakes students make when choosing subjects.
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A downloadable PDF list of compulsory subjects.
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FAQs and practical admission tips.
If you are a student, parent, or teacher, this comprehensive 2025 guide will give you everything you need to know about Arts subjects in WAEC/NECO.
What Are the 9 Compulsory Subjects for Arts Students in Nigeria?
The official 9 compulsory subjects for Arts students in WAEC/NECO include:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Literature-in-English
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Government
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CRS/IRS (Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Religious Studies)
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History
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Economics
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Civic Education
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A Nigerian Language (e.g., Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa)
These subjects combine general compulsory requirements (English, Mathematics, Civic Education) with core Arts subjects (Literature, Government, History, CRS/IRS, Nigerian Language) and a supporting subject (Economics).
Why Are These 9 Subjects Compulsory for Arts Students?
1. Admission Requirements
Universities in Nigeria require at least 5 credits in relevant Arts subjects, including English and Literature. The compulsory list ensures students meet this basic requirement.
2. Balanced Humanistic Knowledge
Arts education focuses on culture, history, governance, religion, and social sciences, preparing students for careers in law, politics, communication, and education.
3. Career Relevance
Subjects like Literature, Government, and History are essential for courses such as Law, International Relations, Political Science, and Journalism.
4. National Curriculum Policy
WAEC and NECO ensure all Arts students cover a broad curriculum that builds critical thinking, civic responsibility, and communication skills.
Detailed Breakdown of the 9 Compulsory Subjects
1. English Language
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Why it’s compulsory: English is Nigeria’s official language and medium of instruction.
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Admission relevance: Every university requires at least a credit in English for admission.
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What it covers: Comprehension, essays, grammar, oral English.
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Career link: Journalism, Law, International Relations.
2. Mathematics
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Why it’s compulsory: Builds problem-solving and analytical reasoning, even for Arts students.
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Admission relevance: A credit in Mathematics is required for almost all Nigerian courses.
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Career link: Economics, Accounting, Political Science (statistical analysis).
3. Literature-in-English
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Why it’s compulsory: Literature builds imagination, writing, and interpretation skills.
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Admission relevance: Compulsory for Law, Theatre Arts, English, and Mass Communication.
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Career link: Creative Writing, Journalism, Theatre Arts, Law.
4. Government
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Why it’s compulsory: Provides knowledge of political systems, constitutions, and governance.
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Admission relevance: Required for Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations.
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Career link: Politics, Law, Diplomacy, Civil Service.
5. CRS/IRS (Christian Religious Studies / Islamic Religious Studies)
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Why it’s compulsory: Builds moral, ethical, and spiritual development.
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Admission relevance: Accepted in WAEC/NECO as one of the compulsory Arts subjects.
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Career link: Religious Studies, Philosophy, Education, Counseling.
6. History
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Why it’s compulsory: Gives insight into past events, societies, and cultures.
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Admission relevance: Key for History, International Relations, Political Science.
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Career link: Archaeology, International Relations, Public Policy.
7. Economics
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Why it’s compulsory: Teaches how societies use resources and make decisions.
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Admission relevance: Needed for Economics, Business Administration, Political Science.
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Career link: Banking, Development Studies, Public Policy.
8. Civic Education
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Why it’s compulsory: Builds responsible citizenship and knowledge of rights.
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Admission relevance: Core WAEC/NECO subject, ensures well-rounded education.
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Career link: Civic activism, Public Policy, NGO work.
9. Nigerian Language (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, etc.)
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Why it’s compulsory: Promotes cultural identity and communication skills.
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Admission relevance: Required as part of the WAEC/NECO structure.
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Career link: Translation, Cultural Studies, Mass Communication.
Difference Between WAEC/NECO Arts Subjects and JAMB UTME Combinations
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WAEC/NECO: Students must register at least 9 subjects, including the core Arts subjects listed above.
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JAMB UTME: Students select only 4 subjects depending on their chosen course (e.g., English, Literature, Government, CRS for Law).
Key takeaway: WAEC/NECO covers a broad base, while JAMB focuses on specialization.
Common Mistakes Arts Students Make
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Neglecting Mathematics: Many Arts students ignore Mathematics, but a credit is compulsory for admission.
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Poor preparation in English and Literature: These two are the backbone of all Arts-related admissions.
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Wrong subject registration: Some students choose Science or Commercial electives, which do not align with Arts courses.
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Underestimating Civic Education: Even though it seems easy, failing Civic Education can affect your WAEC/NECO result status.
How to Prepare for the 9 Compulsory Subjects
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Use WAEC/NECO syllabus: Stick to the recommended curriculum.
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Practice past questions: Helps to identify exam patterns.
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Create a study timetable: Balance reading between core subjects like Literature and supporting ones like Mathematics.
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Join study groups: Discussion helps with subjects like Government and History.
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Work on writing skills: Especially for Literature and English essays.
Career Pathways Linked to the 9 Subjects
| Subject | Example Career Pathways |
|---|---|
| English Language | Journalism, Law, International Relations |
| Mathematics | Economics, Banking, Accounting |
| Literature-in-English | Theatre Arts, Creative Writing, Law |
| Government | Political Science, Diplomacy, Public Administration |
| CRS/IRS | Religious Studies, Philosophy, Counseling |
| History | Archaeology, International Relations, Education |
| Economics | Business, Development Studies, Public Policy |
| Civic Education | Human Rights Advocacy, NGO Management |
| Nigerian Language | Translation, Linguistics, Cultural Studies |
Summary Table: 9 Compulsory Subjects for Arts Students (WAEC/NECO)
| Category | Subjects | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Core Compulsory | English, Mathematics, Civic Education | Needed for all courses |
| Core Arts | Literature-in-English, Government, CRS/IRS, History | Essential for Law, Political Science, Mass Communication |
| Supporting Subjects | Economics, Nigerian Language | Expand admission and career opportunities |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the 9 compulsory subjects for Arts students in WAEC/NECO?
English, Mathematics, Literature-in-English, Government, CRS/IRS, History, Economics, Civic Education, and a Nigerian Language.
2. Is Mathematics compulsory for Arts students?
Yes. A credit in Mathematics is required for all university admissions in Nigeria.
3. Can I study Law without Literature in WAEC?
No. Literature-in-English is compulsory for Law.
4. Is Civic Education compulsory for Arts students?
Yes, it is a core subject in WAEC/NECO.
5. Can I choose Fine Arts instead of History?
Yes, Fine Arts can serve as an additional elective, but History is strongly recommended.
6. Do I need CRS/IRS for Political Science?
Not always compulsory, but it helps to strengthen your WAEC/NECO result.
7. What happens if I fail Mathematics as an Arts student?
You will not gain admission into any Nigerian university without at least a credit in Mathematics.
8. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for Arts admission?
Yes, combined results are accepted by many institutions if the required credits are complete.
9. Which Arts subjects are needed for Law in JAMB?
English, Literature-in-English, Government, and CRS/IRS or History.
10. Can I study Mass Communication without Economics?
Yes, but Economics is still useful as a supporting subject.
11. Do all universities in Nigeria accept Nigerian Language?
Yes, it is part of the general WAEC/NECO requirements.
12. Is Literature more important than History?
Yes. Literature is compulsory for most Arts courses, while History is supportive.
Conclusion: Master the 9 Compulsory Arts Subjects for Admission Success
The 9 compulsory subjects for Arts students in WAEC/NECO form the foundation for success in higher education. English and Mathematics ensure basic communication and analytical skills, while Literature, Government, History, and CRS/IRS prepare students for Law, Mass Communication, Political Science, and other Arts-related courses.
By focusing on these compulsory subjects, preparing strategically, and avoiding common mistakes, Arts students can not only pass WAEC/NECO but also secure admission into their dream courses in Nigerian universities and beyond.