Nursing science, being one of the most competitive medical courses in Nigeria presently, is a very important course amongst students now because of the increase in job opportunities.
Nursing Science is a medical course, and tertiary institutions require aspiring candidates to have a strong background in science-related courses like biology, chemistry, physics, etc.
To study Nursing in Nigeria, candidates must meet some specific WAEC subject requirements.
Generally, WAEC candidates aspiring to study nursing must have at least five credit passes in relevant subjects, like:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Apart from these core subjects, there are other additional subjects that make up the 9 subjects in WAEC, like Civic Education, Agricultural Science, etc.
Below is an overview of the WAEC subject combination for Nursing Science.
WAEC Subject Combination for Nursing Science
Core WAEC Subjects for Nursing
To study nursing in Nigeria, WAEC candidates must have at least five credit passes in core subjects. These subjects are:
- English Language
English is a compulsory subject for all WAEC candidates. In nursing, it is crucial for communication, patient documentation, medical reporting, and professional interactions.
- Mathematics
Mathematics is essential in nursing for drug dosage calculations, medical statistics, and understanding measurements in patient care. A strong foundation in math ensures accuracy in medical procedures.
- Biology
Biology is the most important science subject for nursing. It covers human anatomy, physiology, diseases, and the body’s functions. It’s a vital course for any medical student.
- Chemistry
Chemistry is required to understand how medications work, the composition of drugs, and biochemical reactions in the human body. It is also useful in laboratory tests and medical research.
- Physics
Physics is important in medical imaging (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound), understanding medical equipment, and physiological processes such as blood pressure and respiration.
Additional Recommended Subjects
In addition to the five core WAEC subjects, there are other subjects that are also required in WAEC to make up the nine (9) subjects.
These courses are:
Civic Education
Civic education is a compulsory subject in WAEC presently. It helps students understand ethics, responsibilities, and laws that govern the nation.
Agricultural Science or Food & Nutrition
Agricultural science can be beneficial for understanding nutrition, food production, and how diet affects human health.
Food & Nutrition is more relevant to nursing, as it covers diet planning, healthy eating, and the role of nutrition in patient care.
You can choose one of the two courses to make up your 9 subjects for WAEC.
A Nigerian language (as required by some institutions)
Some universities and nursing schools require candidates to have a credit pass in any Nigerian language (e.g., Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa). This is not compulsory for all schools.
Other alternative subjects include:
- Computer Science or Data Processing
- Economics
- Geography
- A trade subject
9 WAEC Subjects for Nursing
Based on deep research, the nine (9) recommended subjects for nursing in WAEC include
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Agricultural Science or Food and Nutrition
- Economics or Geography
- Nigerian language / Computer Science / Data Processing (depending on the specific requirements for your school)
General admission requirements for nursing in Nigeria
To study nursing in Nigeria, candidates must meet specific admission requirements, though it varies slightly across universities and nursing schools. The general requirements are
- O’Level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) Requirements
Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Mathematics (Compulsory)
- Biology (Compulsory)
- Chemistry (Compulsory)
- Physics (Compulsory)
The credit passes must be obtained in not more than two sittings (some universities accept only one sitting).
- JAMB UTME Requirements
Candidates must:
- Choose Nursing/Nursing Science as their first-choice course.
- Sit for the following UTME subjects: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Score at least 200-250+ in JAMB for higher chances of admission (top universities like UNN, UNILAG, UI, OAU, etc. may require 250+).
- Post-UTME/Screening Requirements
Many universities conduct post-UTME exams or screenings before final admission. While other schools use only WAEC and JAMB scores for screening instead of conducting a separate exam.
- Direct Entry (DE) Requirements (For ND, NCE, or RN Holders)
Candidates who do not enter through UTME can apply via Direct Entry if they have:
- A Registered Nurse (RN) certificate from an accredited nursing school.
- An ND/HND in Health-related courses with at least Upper Credit.
- A-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Age Requirement
Candidates must be at least 16 years old before admission.
FAQ
Is maths compulsory for nursing in JAMB?
No, mathematics is not a required subject in mathematics for nursing science.
Is further math compulsory for nursing in WAEC?
No, Further Mathematics is not a compulsory subject for Nursing Science in WAEC.
