For many students in Nigeria and other West African countries, gaining admission into higher institutions sometimes means combining two different O’Level results. Whether you sat for WAEC, NECO, or GCE at different times, it is important to understand how to combine O’Level results correctly and what institutions accept such combinations.
This guide explains everything you need to know about combining O’Level results — what it means, how it works, the rules, accepted combinations, and the common mistakes to avoid.
If you have questions like Can I combine WAEC and NECO?, Does my university accept two sittings?, or What subjects can be combined?, this article answers them all.
What Does Combining O’Level Results Mean?
Combining O’Level results means using two separate certificates from different examination sittings to meet the minimum admission requirements for your chosen course.
For example:
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You sat for WAEC in 2022 but got a D7 in Mathematics.
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You sat for NECO in 2023 and passed Mathematics.
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You can combine both results to satisfy the five required credits (including English and Mathematics).
This is also referred to as two sittings on admission forms.
Why Do Students Combine O’Level Results?
There are several reasons students choose to combine their results:
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To meet the required five credits if they failed in one sitting.
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To improve specific subject grades.
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To qualify for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering.
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To make up for missing or cancelled results.
Types of O’Level Results You Can Combine
Many institutions allow combinations of the following exams:
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WAEC + WAEC
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WAEC + NECO
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WAEC + GCE (WAEC)
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NECO + NECO
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NECO + GCE (NECO)
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WAEC + NABTEB (fewer institutions accept this)
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NECO + NABTEB (rarely accepted)
It is advisable to check with your institution of choice to confirm which combinations they accept.
Institutions That Accept Combined O’Level Results
Most universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria accept two sittings for many courses, but some competitive courses may require one sitting only.
Examples:
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Medicine & Surgery in some federal universities may require one sitting.
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Law, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Engineering sometimes favor one sitting but still accept two in many schools.
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Most other courses are open to two sittings.
Always review the admission brochure or contact the school for updated policies.
How to Combine Your O’Level Results Correctly
Here are steps to properly combine your results:
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Select Certificates Wisely: Choose results where each required subject has a credit pass.
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Ensure Names Match: Your names should appear the same on both certificates.
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Present Both Originals: Both result slips or certificates must be presented during screening.
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Fill Two Sittings in JAMB: While filling UTME, indicate two sittings and input each exam detail.
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Use the Correct Year and Exam Numbers: Ensure the exam years and numbers correspond to the results you’re submitting.
Sample O’Level Subject Combination Table
| Subject | WAEC Result | NECO Result | Final Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | C6 | B3 | B3 (NECO) |
| Mathematics | D7 | C5 | C5 (NECO) |
| Biology | B3 | – | B3 (WAEC) |
| Chemistry | C5 | – | C5 (WAEC) |
| Physics | – | C6 | C6 (NECO) |
In this case, the candidate combines the best grades across both sittings to meet the five credit requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Combining Results
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Using results where the names differ (e.g., missing middle name).
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Combining more than two sittings (most schools don’t allow this).
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Combining invalid or altered results (forgery is illegal).
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Assuming all courses accept two sittings — always confirm first.
Benefits of Combining O’Level Results
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Saves time compared to rewriting all subjects.
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Gives students another chance to meet admission requirements.
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Opens doors to competitive courses and institutions.
Courses That May Not Accept Two Sittings
While many courses accept combined results, some competitive fields prefer one sitting:
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Medicine & Surgery
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Dentistry
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Law
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Pharmacy
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Engineering (sometimes)
Always verify with the institution for your specific course.
Tips for Students Planning to Combine Results
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Aim to pass core subjects in one sitting to reduce dependency.
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Keep both certificates safe and accessible.
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Use accredited centers for exams to avoid invalid results.
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Begin preparations early to avoid repeated failures.
Summary Table: Combining O’Level Results at a Glance
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Allowed Sittings | 2 |
| Accepted Exam Combinations | WAEC + WAEC, WAEC + NECO, etc. |
| Required Minimum Credits | 5 (including English & Math) |
| Who Accepts Two Sittings | Most universities & polytechnics |
| Courses That May Require One Sitting | Medicine, Law, Pharmacy |
| Essential Requirement | Same name & correct details |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Yes, most Nigerian institutions accept WAEC + NECO combinations.
Can I use three different O’Level results?
No, most schools only allow a maximum of two sittings.
Does Medicine accept combined results?
Some universities require one sitting for Medicine. Check the school’s admission policy.
What happens if my names differ on both results?
You may need an affidavit to confirm they belong to you, but it’s best to ensure names match.
Can I combine WAEC and NABTEB?
A few institutions accept it, but many don’t. Always confirm with the school.
Do private universities accept two sittings?
Yes, most private universities accept two sittings for many courses.
What if I failed English in both results?
You must retake and pass English, as it is compulsory.
Can I combine GCE results?
Yes, WAEC GCE and NECO GCE can also be combined with WAEC or NECO.
Is combining results seen as a disadvantage?
Not necessarily — most institutions treat combined results equally as long as requirements are met.
Are there extra fees for two sittings?
No extra fees, but you must ensure both certificates are valid and recognized.
Conclusion: Is Combining O’Level Results a Good Option?
Combining O’Level results remains a practical and widely accepted way to secure admission into higher institutions when you didn’t meet all requirements in one sitting.
By understanding the rules, choosing the right combinations, and ensuring your details are correct, you can successfully meet the admission criteria and pursue your dream course.
If you’re planning to combine your O’Level results, start by confirming the requirements of your preferred institution and ensure that both certificates meet the necessary conditions.