The world of university admissions in Nigeria can be tricky, especially when it comes to understanding the requirements for your O’ Level results. If you’re considering applying to a university and need to combine results from different exams, this guide is for you.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about universities that accept combined results such as WAEC and NECO, WASSCE and WAEC GCE, WAEC and NABTEB, or NECO and NABTEB, and how to approach your subject combinations correctly.
O’ Level Results and Admission Requirements
In Nigeria, most university programs require a minimum of five credit passes in O’ Level subjects for admission. This typically includes a combination of Core, Mandatory, and Optional subjects.
- Core Subjects: These are directly related to your chosen field of study. For example, if you’re pursuing a science degree, subjects like English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Agricultural Science) are crucial.
- Mandatory Subjects: These are also important but may not directly relate to your course. They are often required by the university or the course itself, such as English Language and Mathematics.
- Optional Subjects: These subjects may not be directly linked to your course of study but can still be chosen. They include subjects like Economics, Government, or Literature.
The key to understanding the role of these subjects is that your Core subjects must meet the required grades for your desired course. Grades lower than a C6 (like D7, E8, or F9) will not be accepted for admission.
Can I Still Gain Admission with Lower Grades?
What happens if you don’t meet the required grades in some subjects? Don’t worry! There’s a solution—combining different O’ Level results.
What Is the Combination of O’ Level Results?
Combining O’ Level results means using two different sets of exam results (for example, combining WAEC with NECO, NABTEB, or WAEC GCE) to create a stronger overall result. This approach helps you meet the required grade point for admission.
For example, if you have an F9 in Physics in your WAEC but did well in Physics in your NECO exam, you can combine both results to strengthen your application. However, the key here is that you must have at least a credit pass in the subject you are using to supplement the other result. Anything below a credit (like a D7 or E8) cannot be used in combination.
What Is the Correct Way to Combine O’ Level Results?
Combining O’ Level results is a practical approach for students who may not have met the required grades in all subjects but still want to pursue their desired course in a Nigerian university.
This method allows you to use two sets of exam results (such as WAEC and NECO, WAEC and NABTEB, or even their GCE counterparts) to create a stronger overall result. The combination helps you meet the minimum admission requirements set by most universities.
When combining results, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you can only combine subjects that you have passed with at least a credit in one of the two sets of results. For example, if you scored an E8 in Physics in your WAEC exam but performed well in Physics in your NECO exam, you can combine both results to satisfy the requirement for the subject.
The key is that your supplementary result should be a credit or better (C6 or higher). A grade lower than C6, such as D7 or E8, cannot be used in combination.
Let’s say Femi has the following results:
- WAEC: English (B2), Mathematics (C6), Biology (C4), Chemistry (A1), Physics (E8)
- NECO: Physics (C5)
Femi can combine his WAEC and NECO results since he passed Physics in NECO with a credit, which supplements the E8 he got in Physics in his WAEC result.
Key Points to Remember:
- Core Subjects Matter Most: You can afford to have lower grades in Optional subjects, but make sure you have at least a C6 in Core subjects (like English, Mathematics, and any subject directly related to your course of study).
- Check the JAMB Brochure: Before combining results, always consult the JAMB brochure (available on the JAMB IBASS platform) for specific course and subject requirements for the universities you are interested in. Some courses may not accept combined results, particularly competitive ones like Medicine and Surgery, or Pharmacy.
Universities That Accept Combined O’ Level Results
Not all Nigerian universities accept combined results for admission, but many do, especially for courses that aren’t as competitive. Here’s a list of universities that accept combined O’ Level results:
- Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM)
- Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
- Federal University Dutse (FUD)
- Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA)
- Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS)
- Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA)
- Niger Delta University (NDU)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
- Plateau State University (PLASU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Sokoto State University (SOSU)
- Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
- Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
… and many more!
However, keep in mind that while these universities may accept combined results, there may be specific restrictions for certain courses. For instance, Medicine and Surgery or Pharmacy may not accept two sittings.
Final Thoughts
Combining your O’ Level results can be an excellent way to enhance your chances of securing university admission in Nigeria. But it’s important to know the specific requirements for your chosen course and university. Always double-check with the JAMB brochure or your university’s admissions guidelines to ensure your combination is accepted.
Good luck with your admission process!
