WAEC Subject Combination for Public Administration (Easy Guide)

Choosing the right subjects for WAEC is one of the most important steps if you want to study Public Administration at university or polytechnic.

Unfortunately, many students make the mistake of selecting the wrong subjects, which later prevents them from gaining admission.

WAEC Subject Combination for Public Administration

To study Public Administration in Nigeria, you need at least five (5) O’Level credit passes in the following subjects:

1. English Language (compulsory)
2. Mathematics (very important, most schools require it)
3. Economics (core subject)
4. Government or History
5. One other relevant subject (Commerce, Accounting, Literature-in-English, Civic Education, or Geography).

Why These Subjects?

Public Administration is a social science course. It focuses on how governments, institutions, and organizations are managed. Because of this, schools expect you to have a strong background in:

• Communication skills (English).
• Numeracy and analysis (Mathematics).
• Understanding society and the economy (Economics, Government, History).
• A supporting subject that shows broader knowledge in social sciences or arts.

JAMB/UTME Subject Combination

For the JAMB exam, candidates applying for Public Administration usually write:

• Use of English (automatically required).
• Economics.
• Government.
• Mathematics or another relevant subject (such as History, Commerce, or Accounting, depending on the university).

Always check the admission brochure of your chosen institution because some schools may adjust the combination slightly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Subjects

1. Start with the core subjects: English, Mathematics, and Economics.
2. Add Government or History: Most schools strongly prefer Government, but History can sometimes be accepted.
3. Choose one more from related subjects: Commerce, Civic Education, CRS/IRS, Literature-in-English, or Geography.
4. Avoid irrelevant subjects: Science subjects like Chemistry, Biology, or Physics will not help you secure admission for Public Administration.

Substitutes if You’re Missing a Subject

• Missing Government? You can use History or sometimes Civic Education.
• Missing Economics? Some schools may accept Accounting or Commerce, but Economics is usually required.
• Weak in Mathematics? While some schools may not strictly insist, it is much safer to have at least a credit in Mathematics.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Not including Economics or Government. These are usually compulsory, and leaving them out can block your admission chances.
2. Choosing too many science subjects. For Public Administration, focus on arts and social sciences.
3. Mixing wrong JAMB combinations. If your UTME subjects do not match what the course requires, you may be disqualified even if your WAEC results are perfect.
4. Not checking school-specific rules. Some universities accept two sittings (WAEC + NECO), while others do not.

Checklist Before Registering

• English Language included.
• Mathematics included.
• Economics included.
• Government or History included.
• One more relevant social science/arts subject chosen.
• JAMB subjects align with WAEC subjects.
• Checked your school’s brochure for extra conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I study Public Administration without Mathematics?

Some universities may accept this, but many require at least a credit in Mathematics. It is safest to include it.

2. Can I use two sittings (WAEC + NECO)?

Some institutions accept two sittings, while others only accept one. Always check your preferred school’s admission policy.

3. Which is better between Government and History?

Government is more widely accepted, but History may be used as a substitute in some universities.

4. Is Economics compulsory?

Yes, Economics is considered a core subject for Public Administration.