Many students in Nigeria face challenges when they do not pass all required subjects in one sitting of WAEC or NECO. For such students, the option of combining results becomes a lifesaver. If you had good grades in some subjects in WAEC and better grades in other subjects in NECO, you can combine both to meet admission requirements.
The good news is that most universities in Nigeria officially accept the combination of WAEC and NECO results. This comprehensive guide will give you a complete list of universities that accept the combination, the conditions attached, the difference between one sitting and two sittings, and how to avoid common mistakes.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to use your combined results to secure admission without stress.
What Does It Mean to Combine WAEC and NECO Results?
Combining WAEC and NECO simply means using your results from the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) together to meet admission requirements.
For example:
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If you had C6 in English and Mathematics in WAEC but failed Biology, and in NECO you had C5 in Biology, you can combine both results to meet the 5-credit requirement.
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Universities accept this practice as long as the combination meets the subject requirements for your chosen course.
This process is sometimes referred to as using two sittings, especially when both results come from different exam years.
Why Do Universities Accept the Combination of WAEC and NECO?
Universities in Nigeria recognize that not every student will have all required credits in one examination sitting. Accepting WAEC and NECO combinations allows more students to gain access to higher education.
Key reasons include:
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Fairness: It gives students a second chance to qualify for admission.
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Flexibility: It allows candidates to use their strongest subjects across different exams.
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Accessibility: It prevents students from being excluded just because they did not pass all subjects at once.
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Policy Recognition: JAMB and many universities have already approved the use of two sittings for most courses.
One Sitting vs. Two Sittings: What You Must Know
When applying to universities, you will often see requirements like “5 credits in one sitting” or “5 credits in two sittings.”
One Sitting
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Means all 5 required credits must be from one exam only (WAEC, NECO, or GCE).
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Preferred for courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Nursing.
Two Sittings
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Means you can combine two different results (e.g., WAEC + NECO, WAEC + WAEC, or NECO + NECO).
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Accepted by most universities, especially for non-medical courses.
Complete List of Universities That Accept WAEC and NECO Combination (2025)
Below is the full list of universities in Nigeria that accept the combination of WAEC and NECO results for admission. This includes federal, state, and private universities.
Federal Universities That Accept WAEC + NECO Combination
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University of Lagos (UNILAG)
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
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University of Benin (UNIBEN)
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
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University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
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University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
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Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK)
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Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
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Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
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Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
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Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE)
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Federal University, Lafia
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Federal University, Dutse
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Federal University, Lokoja
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Federal University, Gusau
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All other federal universities (unless otherwise stated for special courses).
State Universities That Accept WAEC + NECO Combination
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Lagos State University (LASU)
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Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
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Delta State University (DELSU)
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Ambrose Alli University (AAU Ekpoma)
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Abia State University (ABSU)
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Anambra State University (COOU)
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Ekiti State University (EKSU)
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Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
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Benue State University (BSU)
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Rivers State University (RSU)
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Kaduna State University (KASU)
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Imo State University (IMSU)
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Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST Wudil)
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Gombe State University (GSU)
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Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
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All other state universities across Nigeria.
Private Universities That Accept WAEC + NECO Combination
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Covenant University
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Babcock University
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Bowen University
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Redeemer’s University
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Landmark University
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Afe Babalola University
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Igbinedion University
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Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
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Madonna University
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Benson Idahosa University
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Caleb University
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Achievers University
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American University of Nigeria (AUN)
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Nile University
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All other licensed private universities in Nigeria.
Courses That Require One Sitting vs. Two Sittings
While most courses accept two sittings (WAEC + NECO), there are a few sensitive courses that often require one sitting.
Courses That Commonly Require One Sitting:
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Medicine and Surgery
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Dentistry
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Nursing Science
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Law
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Pharmacy
Courses That Commonly Accept Two Sittings:
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Education courses
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Social sciences (Economics, Political Science, Sociology, etc.)
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Arts and Humanities
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Agriculture-related courses
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Engineering courses (depending on the school’s policy)
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Management and Accounting courses
Always check the specific university’s admission brochure to confirm.
How to Combine WAEC and NECO Results Correctly
To combine results without mistakes, follow these steps:
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Ensure Both Results Are Original: Only original WAEC and NECO certificates or printouts are accepted.
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Meet the Subject Requirements: You must still have the required subjects for your course (e.g., Medicine requires English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
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Present Both Certificates During Screening: Submit both results when applying for post-UTME or admission screening.
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Use Consistent Details: Your name, date of birth, and other personal information must match across both certificates.
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Upload Both Results on JAMB CAPS: JAMB allows uploading of combined results for verification.
Advantages of Combining WAEC and NECO Results
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Greater Admission Chances: Increases your eligibility for more courses.
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Flexibility: Helps you use your best subjects from each exam.
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Saves Time: You don’t have to wait another year to re-sit WAEC or NECO.
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Universally Accepted: Almost all Nigerian universities recognize it.
Disadvantages of Combining WAEC and NECO Results
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Not Accepted for Some Courses: Medicine, Law, and similar courses may reject two sittings.
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Extra Documentation: You must submit both results during admission processes.
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Possible Errors: Mistakes in names or exam years may cause verification issues.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Combining WAEC and NECO
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Using incomplete or fake results.
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Assuming all courses accept two sittings.
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Failing to check specific university policies.
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Uploading only one result on JAMB CAPS.
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Mixing names or details between certificates.
Summary Table: Universities That Accept WAEC and NECO Combination (2025)
| Category | Universities | Acceptance of Two Sittings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Universities | UNILAG, UNN, OAU, UNIBEN, UNILORIN, FUTA, FUTO, FUNAAB, UNIABUJA, UNIPORT, UDUSOK, FUOYE, etc. | Yes | Some courses (e.g., Medicine) may require one sitting |
| State Universities | LASU, DELSU, ABSU, EKSU, UNIOSUN, RSU, IMSU, ESUT, KASU, etc. | Yes | Varies by faculty/course |
| Private Universities | Covenant, Babcock, Bowen, Redeemer’s, Afe Babalola, Igbinedion, Nile, Madonna, etc. | Yes | Most private schools are flexible |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I combine WAEC and NECO for admission in Nigeria?
Yes, most universities in Nigeria accept the combination of WAEC and NECO results for admission.
2. Do all courses accept WAEC and NECO combination?
No. Courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Nursing often require one sitting.
3. Is WAEC and NECO combination accepted for JAMB registration?
Yes. You can use combined results during JAMB registration and upload both on CAPS.
4. How many subjects must I pass to combine results?
You must still have at least 5 credits, including English and Mathematics, in the required subjects for your course.
5. Can I combine two WAEC results instead?
Yes. Most universities also accept WAEC + WAEC or NECO + NECO.
6. Do private universities accept WAEC and NECO combination?
Yes, almost all private universities accept it.
7. Is WAEC and NECO combination accepted abroad?
No. Most foreign universities require one sitting. Combination is mainly accepted in Nigeria.
8. Can I use WAEC and NECO combination for postgraduate studies?
Postgraduate admissions do not usually depend on O’level results. They are mostly required at undergraduate entry.
9. What should I do if my name differs between WAEC and NECO?
Apply for a name correction at WAEC/NECO offices to avoid issues during admission screening.
10. Can I combine WAEC GCE and NECO SSCE?
Yes. WAEC GCE and NECO SSCE can be combined, as long as they meet the subject requirements.
Conclusion: Secure Admission with WAEC and NECO Combination
Combining WAEC and NECO results is a widely accepted and reliable way to gain admission into Nigerian universities. While some competitive courses may prefer one sitting, the majority of courses and institutions allow two sittings.
If you failed to get all required credits in one exam, do not give up. Use the combination option wisely, confirm the requirements of your chosen course, and ensure your details match across both results. With proper preparation, you can secure admission into your dream university in 2025 without stress.