How to Combine WAEC and NABTEB Results for University Admission (2025)

Many Nigerian students face a challenge when applying for university admission: they have results from different examination boards. While most candidates rely solely on WAEC (West African Examinations Council) or NECO (National Examinations Council), some students also possess NABTEB (National Business and Technical Examinations Board) results.

Combining WAEC and NABTEB results is often necessary for students who want to meet course requirements in Nigerian universities. Some courses or universities may accept a mix of WAEC and NABTEB results, especially for technical, business, or commercial courses.

This comprehensive guide will explain how to combine WAEC and NABTEB results for university admission in 2025, covering:

• Why combining results may be necessary

• Eligibility and requirements for combining results

• How to identify which subjects can be combined

• Step-by-step process for admission

• Common mistakes to avoid

• Frequently asked questions

By the end of this article, students will have a clear roadmap for using both results to gain admission into their preferred university courses.

Why Combining WAEC and NABTEB Results May Be Necessary

Many students have one exam result that does not meet the minimum subject requirements for their desired course. For instance:

• A student may have passed WAEC but lacks one commercial or technical subject.

• NABTEB may provide the missing technical subject, such as Commerce, Accounting, or Technical Drawing.

Combining results allows students to:

1. Meet course-specific subject requirements

2. Increase the number of credit passes, improving admission chances

3. Satisfy university admission officers, who sometimes accept complementary results

4. Avoid retaking exams, saving time and money

Universities generally consider WAEC as the primary result, while NABTEB can supplement missing subjects. This combination is especially useful for courses in Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, and Technical fields.

Eligibility for Combining WAEC and NABTEB Results

Before attempting to combine results, students must ensure they meet university eligibility criteria:

1. Minimum Credit Requirement

• Most universities require at least five credit passes in relevant subjects for admission.

• Combining WAEC and NABTEB results can help achieve this threshold.

2. Relevant Subjects

• Only subjects that match the course requirements are considered for combination.

• Example: If applying for Business Administration, combining WAEC English, Mathematics, and Economics with NABTEB Accounting is usually acceptable.

3. Year of Examination

• WAEC and NABTEB results do not always have to be from the same year, but universities may set limits.

• Typically, results from the past five years are acceptable.

4. Official Verification

• Universities require original results for verification during admission.

• Both WAEC and NABTEB results must be valid and properly certified.

Step-by-Step Process to Combine WAEC and NABTEB Results

Step 1: Identify Your Course Requirements

• Check the JAMB Brochure for your desired course.

• Note all required subjects and credit levels.

Step 2: Check Your WAEC Result

• Review your WAEC credit passes and identify missing or low-grade subjects.

Step 3: Review Your NABTEB Result

• Identify NABTEB subjects that can fill the gaps in your WAEC result.

• Only relevant subjects will be accepted by universities.

Step 4: Determine Which Subjects Can Be Combined

• Example for a commercial course:

  • WAEC: English (Credit), Mathematics (Credit), Economics (Credit), Commerce (Pass)

  • NABTEB: Commerce (Credit), Accounting (Credit)

  • Combined: English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce (NABTEB), Accounting

Step 5: Apply for JAMB UTME

• Enter your WAEC and NABTEB results in your JAMB profile.

• Some candidates enter primary result (WAEC) and mention NABTEB as supplementary.

Step 6: Admission and Verification

• During admission or post-UTME, universities will verify both results.

• Ensure you provide original certificates for both WAEC and NABTEB.

Subjects That Can Be Combined

1. Commercial Courses

• WAEC: English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce

• NABTEB: Accounting, Commerce, Financial Accounting

2. Technical Courses

• WAEC: Mathematics, Physics, English

• NABTEB: Technical Drawing, Electronics, Computer Studies

3. Arts Courses

• WAEC: English, Literature, Government

• NABTEB: Geography, Economics, Business Studies

Note: Universities generally do not accept NABTEB subjects to replace core English or Mathematics credits.

Advantages of Combining WAEC and NABTEB Results

1. Flexibility – Allows students to meet course requirements without retaking exams.

2. Increased Admission Chance – More credit passes improve eligibility.

3. Cost-Effective – Avoids paying to retake WAEC exams.

4. Career-Oriented – Technical or commercial subjects from NABTEB complement WAEC results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Irrelevant Subjects – Only combine subjects relevant to your course.

2. Failing to Verify University Policies – Not all universities accept combined results.

3. Missing Deadlines – Ensure results are available before JAMB registration.

4. Ignoring Result Authenticity – Only official WAEC and NABTEB results are valid.

5. Assuming All Subjects Can Be Combined – Some subjects, like English and Mathematics, often cannot be replaced.

Comparison: WAEC vs NABTEB

Combining both results helps students maximize eligibility and strengthen their admission portfolio.

Tips for Successfully Combining WAEC and NABTEB Results

1. Plan Ahead – Choose NABTEB subjects that complement WAEC.

2. Focus on Core Subjects – Prioritize subjects that are mandatory for your course.

3. Keep Original Certificates Safe – Universities will require them during verification.

4. Check JAMB Guidelines – Enter results correctly in the portal.

5. Seek Guidance – Career counselors can help determine which subjects to combine.

Summary Table: How to Combine WAEC and NABTEB for Admission

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I combine WAEC and NABTEB for university admission?

Yes, universities may accept NABTEB subjects to complement WAEC results.

2. Are there restrictions on which subjects can be combined?

Yes. Core subjects like English and Mathematics usually cannot be replaced.

3. Do WAEC and NABTEB results need to be from the same year?

Not necessarily, but most universities accept results from the past five years.

4. Can I use NABTEB alone for admission?

Rarely. WAEC is usually the primary result, with NABTEB supplementing missing subjects.

5. How many subjects can be combined?

There is no strict limit, but only subjects relevant to the course are accepted.

6. Will universities verify NABTEB results?

Yes, official NABTEB certificates must be presented during admission.

7. Can NABTEB replace WAEC in technical courses?

Partially. NABTEB can supplement missing technical subjects, but core subjects are required from WAEC.

8. Is it cost-effective to combine WAEC and NABTEB?

Yes, it saves money by avoiding retakes.

9. Which courses benefit most from combining WAEC and NABTEB?

Technical, business, accounting, and commercial courses benefit the most.

10. How do I know if my university accepts combined results?

Check the university admission brochure or contact the admissions office.

11. Can I combine WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB?

Yes, some universities accept results from multiple boards, provided the required subjects are covered.

Conclusion

Combining WAEC and NABTEB results for university admission in Nigeria is a practical solution for students who need to meet course-specific requirements. By understanding eligibility, selecting relevant subjects, and following the correct steps, students can maximize their admission chances.

Careful planning, accurate registration, and proper verification of results are essential to avoid mistakes. For 2025 admission, combining these two results effectively can open doors to technical, business, and commercial courses without the need to retake WAEC exams.