Table of Contents

Introduction

Choosing the right WAEC subjects is one of the first things a Nigerian student should consider when planning to study Nursing. A candidate may have excellent grades overall but still face admission problems if one of the required science subjects is missing.

So, what are the WAEC subjects required to study Nursing in Nigeria?

For most Nursing programmes, the essential O’level credits are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) currently lists these five subjects as the approved O’level requirement for General Nursing and related entry routes, with credits obtained in not more than two sittings from approved examination bodies such as WAEC, NECO or NABTEB.

However, meeting the WAEC requirement is only one part of gaining admission. University-specific requirements, JAMB UTME subjects, screening exercises and other admission conditions can also affect your chances.

This guide explains the required subjects, why they matter, how many credits you need, what happens if you have two sittings, and the common mistakes applicants should avoid.

WAEC Subjects Required to Study Nursing in Nigeria

The five key WAEC subjects you should have at credit level are:

English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

The NMCN states that applicants for its approved basic and post-basic programmes should have five O’level credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, obtained in not more than two sittings from WAEC, NECO or NABTEB.

Several university requirements follow the same pattern. For example, the University of Ibadan lists five O’level credit passes in English Language, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for Nursing.

1. English Language

English Language is required because nursing education and professional communication in Nigeria are conducted largely in English.

You need a credit pass in English Language at O’level. It is also part of the UTME subject combination because JAMB automatically includes Use of English in the examination combination.

Do not confuse English Language with Literature-in-English. For this requirement, the relevant subject is English Language.

2. Mathematics

Mathematics is another required O’level subject.

You may wonder why Mathematics is necessary for Nursing when the programme focuses heavily on health and biological sciences. Nurses still use numerical skills in areas such as medication calculations, fluid measurements, observations and interpreting clinical information.

For admission purposes, however, the important point is simple: you need the required credit in Mathematics.

3. Biology

Biology is one of the most important science subjects for a prospective nursing student.

Nursing education involves understanding the human body, cells, organs, diseases, reproduction, genetics, microorganisms and other biological concepts. A strong Biology background therefore provides useful preparation for university-level Nursing Science.

A credit pass in Biology is part of the five-subject O’level requirement specified by the NMCN.

4. Chemistry

Chemistry is also required.

Chemistry provides a foundation for understanding substances, chemical reactions and processes that are relevant to health and medical education. It also forms part of the science foundation expected for Nursing Science admission.

Make sure the result you present contains the required credit in Chemistry rather than assuming that a good grade in Biology can replace it.

5. Physics

Physics completes the five main O’level subjects.

Although Nursing may appear more closely connected to Biology and Chemistry, Physics is still specifically listed among the required O’level subjects by the NMCN.

It also provides useful scientific knowledge for understanding areas of healthcare involving measurement, pressure, movement, energy and medical equipment.

How Many Credits Do You Need for Nursing?

The standard requirement is five O’level credit passes in:

English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

The NMCN currently allows these five credits to be obtained in not more than two sittings for its approved basic and post-basic nursing entry requirements.

However, there is an important warning: not every university necessarily applies the same sitting policy.

For example, the University of Ibadan’s published Nursing requirements specify five O’level credits at one sitting for its Nursing programme.

This means you should not rely only on the general NMCN requirement when applying to a particular university.

Always check the current admission requirements of the institution you intend to attend.

Can I Study Nursing with Two WAEC Sittings?

Yes, the general NMCN requirement currently permits the five required credits to be obtained in not more than two sittings.

For example, a candidate might have:

WAEC result 1

English Language — Credit
Mathematics — Credit
Biology — Credit

WAEC result 2

Chemistry — Credit
Physics — Credit

Under the general NMCN requirement, this can satisfy the five-subject O’level requirement.

But there is a major qualification: a university may have its own rule.

Some institutions may accept two sittings, while others may require all five credits at one sitting. The University of Ibadan, for example, has published a one-sitting requirement for Nursing.

Therefore, if you already have two results, check the specific university before making an application.

What Grade Do You Need in WAEC for Nursing?

For the five required subjects, you should aim for at least a credit pass.

WAEC grades from A1 to C6 are generally considered credit-level grades, while D7, E8 and F9 are below credit level.

For Nursing, do not plan around merely passing the subjects. Aim for strong grades, especially in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English Language.

A candidate with stronger academic results may be better positioned when competing for limited admission spaces, depending on the university’s admission system.

Also remember that meeting the minimum O’level requirement does not automatically guarantee admission.

What Are the JAMB Subjects for Nursing?

WAEC subjects and JAMB UTME subjects are not exactly the same thing.

For Nursing, the commonly required UTME combination is:

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

JAMB has identified Nursing among programmes using Use of English, Physics, Biology and Chemistry in the UTME combination.

The order in which the subjects are listed does not mean one is more important than another. You should prepare seriously for all four.

JAMB also advises candidates to verify the subject combination for their particular programme and institution using its Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS) before applying.

This is especially useful because admission requirements can differ between institutions.

Is Agricultural Science Accepted Instead of Biology?

This is an area where applicants should be particularly careful.

Do not assume that Agricultural Science can automatically replace Biology for Nursing.

The NMCN’s stated requirement specifically names Biology, alongside English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

Some other health-related programmes may have different rules, but Nursing applicants should not replace Biology with Agricultural Science unless the specific institution’s current admission requirements clearly permit it.

When there is a conflict between advice from friends, social media posts and an institution’s official admission information, use the official admission requirement.

Do I Need All the Science Subjects in WAEC?

For Nursing, the safest approach is to have all three major science subjects:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics

You should also have:

English Language
Mathematics

Together, these make up the five core O’level subjects required by the NMCN.

WAEC itself allows candidates to register for several subjects. Its current WASSCE entry regulations list Biology, Chemistry and Physics among the science subjects candidates can select.

If Nursing is your goal, make sure these subjects are included in your examination plan.

Does WAEC Alone Give You Admission to Study Nursing?

No.

Having the five required WAEC credits makes you academically eligible at the O’level level, but it does not automatically give you a university admission.

For a typical university Nursing applicant, the process may involve:

Obtaining the required O’level credits.
Registering for JAMB UTME.
Selecting Nursing Science and an appropriate institution.
Using the correct UTME subject combination.
Meeting the institution’s required UTME score or admission benchmark.
Participating in the university’s screening or post-UTME process where applicable.
Meeting any additional institutional requirements.
Completing the admission and registration process if offered a place.

For example, the University of Ibadan states that UTME is the qualifying examination for entry into its 100-level programmes and that candidates must also satisfy the university’s O’level requirements.

Admission requirements can change from one admission cycle to another, so candidates should check current information before submitting an application.

WAEC Requirements for University Nursing vs School of Nursing

Another important distinction is the type of Nursing programme you want to enter.

Students sometimes use “study Nursing” to refer to university Nursing Science, while others mean admission into a School of Nursing for a basic nursing programme.

The NMCN regulates approved nursing education programmes and publishes requirements for its programmes. It also maintains a list of approved nursing training institutions.

For university admission, you should additionally check:

The university’s current admission brochure.
JAMB’s requirements.
The university’s Nursing department requirements.
Post-UTME or screening requirements.
Sitting requirements.
Any age or institutional conditions.

Do not assume that requirements for one School of Nursing automatically apply to every university offering Nursing Science.

Common Mistakes Nursing Applicants Should Avoid

Choosing the Wrong JAMB Combination

A candidate may have excellent WAEC results but select the wrong UTME subjects.

For Nursing, verify that your combination contains Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. JAMB’s IBASS platform is designed to help candidates check programme eligibility and UTME combinations.

Assuming Any Science Subject Can Replace Biology

Biology is specifically named in the NMCN requirement. Do not replace it based on advice from friends or unofficial websites.

Ignoring Mathematics

Some students focus heavily on Biology and Chemistry and forget Mathematics. That can create an avoidable problem because Mathematics is one of the five required O’level subjects.

Checking Requirements Too Late

Do not wait until JAMB registration or admission screening before checking your O’level requirements.

Check early so that you have time to correct any missing subject or result problem.

Assuming Two Sittings Are Accepted Everywhere

The NMCN permits up to two sittings for its stated requirement, but individual institutions may impose stricter rules. The University of Ibadan is one example where Nursing requirements specify one sitting.

How to Prepare for Nursing Admission

If Nursing is your target, start preparation before your final WAEC year.

Focus on the Five Required Subjects

Give particular attention to:

English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Create a realistic study timetable and give more time to subjects where you currently perform poorly.

Prepare for JAMB Separately

WAEC and JAMB test knowledge differently. Do not assume that studying only your school notes will automatically prepare you for UTME.

Practise past questions, understand the syllabus and work on answering questions accurately under time pressure.

Check Your Preferred University’s Requirements

Make a shortlist of the universities where you may want to study Nursing.

Then check each institution’s official requirements for:

O’level subjects
Number of sittings
UTME combination
Screening requirements
Admission score requirements
Other programme-specific conditions

JAMB’s IBASS Eligibility Checker can also help candidates check O’level and UTME eligibility for particular programmes and institutions.

Use Official Sources

Admission information can change.

For reliable information, prioritize the official websites of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, West African Examinations Council, and your chosen university.

Avoid paying an agent simply because someone claims that they have “special admission connections.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five WAEC subjects required for Nursing?

The five key subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The NMCN currently specifies credit passes in these five subjects for its approved nursing entry requirements.

Can I study Nursing without Physics in WAEC?

Generally, no. Physics is one of the five subjects specifically listed by the NMCN for the required O’level credits.

Can I study Nursing without Chemistry in WAEC?

No, Chemistry is also one of the five required O’level subjects under the NMCN’s current requirement.

Is Mathematics compulsory for Nursing?

Yes. Mathematics is one of the five O’level subjects listed by the NMCN: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Is Biology compulsory for Nursing?

Yes. Biology is one of the core O’level subjects required for Nursing under the current NMCN entry requirement.

Can I combine two WAEC results to study Nursing?

The NMCN currently permits the required five credits in not more than two sittings. However, some universities have stricter requirements, so check the institution you intend to apply to.

What is the JAMB subject combination for Nursing?

The UTME combination commonly used for Nursing is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. JAMB has specifically listed this combination for Nursing and advises candidates to verify current programme requirements through IBASS.

Can Agricultural Science replace Biology for Nursing?

You should not assume that it can. Biology is specifically listed among the five NMCN O’level requirements for Nursing. Check the current requirements of your chosen institution before making any substitution.

Does passing WAEC guarantee admission into Nursing?

No. WAEC credits satisfy the O’level part of the requirement, but admission can also depend on JAMB, the institution’s admission criteria, screening and available spaces.

Where can I check whether a nursing school is approved?

The NMCN publishes a list of approved nursing training institutions. Candidates should verify that the institution and programme they are considering are approved before paying fees or submitting an application.

Conclusion

The main WAEC subjects required to study Nursing in Nigeria are English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with the required credit passes. The NMCN currently allows these credits to be obtained in not more than two sittings for its stated entry requirements, but individual universities may have stricter rules.

If Nursing is your goal, do more than simply pass the five subjects. Aim for strong grades, prepare properly for JAMB with Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and check the current requirements of every university you are considering.

Most importantly, verify admission information from official sources before making decisions. Requirements can change, and checking early can save you from choosing the wrong subjects, sitting combination or UTME options.