One of the major key success towards studying MBBS at any University in Nigeria is choosing the correct WAEC subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery.
As a Secondary School student or you have already finished from Secondary school who has interest in pursing a career in Medicine and Surgery it is a very prestigious ambition you have chosen. Kindly understand that, studying Medicine and Surgery is not just for passion but it requires a solid foundation right from your Secondary School level.
In this article, we shall explore all the compulsory WAEC Subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery that every student who has interest in studying this medical profession course should know.
Firstly, let’s explain in details the full meaning of WAEC and why choosing the right WAEC subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery is important.
What is the Full Meaning of WAEC?
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) popularly known as WAEC is an examination that is conducted across the western countries in Africa.
WAEC is one of the main examination that every Secondary School student must partake by registering with the accredited school (center) by Government towards the end of your SS3 academic journey.
Though, every division set such as Science, Arts and Commercial students in Secondary School has a different subjects to register during WAEC period which only two are the main core subjects which are (English and Mathematics).
For all Science students who has full passion and interest in studying Medicine and Surgery in order to become a Medical Doctor, choosing the right WAEC subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery is very relevant.
WAEC Subjects Combination for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria 2025
There are several Science subjects offered in Secondary School but as a student who want to purse a degree in Medicine and Surgery, below are the main WAEC subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria 2025 that you must choose when registering for the examination.
| S/N | Science Subjects for Medicine and Surgery |
| 1. | English Language |
| 2. | Mathematics |
| 3. | Chemistry |
| 4. | Physics |
| 5. | Biology |
| 6. | Marketing |
| 7. | Economics |
| 8. | Civic Education |
| 9. | Religious Study (CRS or IRS) |
English Language
English language is a very demanding subject you must consider first as a science students who want to seat for WAEC. Also, when you mentioned Medicine and Surgery, English Language rooted the basic foundation for comprehension and articulation of the medical field. Therefore, English Language is a compulsory subject in WAEC and any other examination that involves studying MBBS.
Mathematics
Mathematics comes second after English Language, as it directly applicable to all science courses. Mathematics is also a compulsory subject in WAEC you must register as an science students who has interest in Medicine and Surgery. The main reason why mathematics is a compulsory WAEC subjects is simply because all Universities in Nigeria demand a credit pass as part of their general admission requirements for Medicine and Surgery.
Chemistry
Every information about Medicine and Surgery revolve around Chemistry. You can’t have interest in studying Medicine and Surgery without choosing chemistry and also, you most be good at chemistry. You are required to choose Chemistry as it is part of the compulsory Science subject when registering for WAEC.
Physics
The second chemistry in the area of all medical field. You are required to choose Physics as it is also part of the compulsory Science subject when registering for WAEC.
Biology
The essential discussion of Medicine and Surgery center in Biology. When you want to talk about Medicine and Surgery, Biology and Chemistry should be your main priority. You are required to choose Biology as it is part of the compulsory Science subject when registering for WAEC
Marketing
You are surprised why marketing is part of the secondary school subjects to choose for Medicine and Surgery. Though, marketing is not a compulsory subject to choose, just that some universities in Nigeria demand a credit pass in marketing as their part of admission requirements for medicine and surgery.
Economics
It is a complementary arts or social sciences subject you must consider when registering for WAEC as a student who want to study Medicine and Surgery. Sometimes, some students do choose Agriculture to replace Economics depending on what the university you are aspiring to study Medicine and Surgery preferred.
Civic Education
Civic Education shouldn’t be neglected as it is a compulsory arts subject to choose when registering for WAEC. Civic Education share some basic information with Government and History as it has been made compulsory for all science students to pass the subject with a minimum of credit.
Religious Studies
Religious Studies is the basic root subject to consider as a student who want to study Medicine and Surgery. Though, it is not a compulsory subject for all science students.
Career Opportunities for Medicine and Surgery Students
As an aspiring students who want to study MBBS in any Nigeria Universities, it is very important we share with some career opportunities that await you in future after knowing the WAEC subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery.
Below are the major career opportunities for studying Medicine and Surgery both Clinical practices and in non-clinical fields;-
- Specialist Doctor.
- Medical Researcher.
- Medical Consultant.
- Surgeon.
- Telemedicine Expert.
- Medical Educator.
- General practitioner.
- Global Health Professional.
- Health Administrator.
- Hospitalist.
- Entrepreneur in Health Tech.
- Medical Writer or Publisher.
- Emergency Medicine Physicians.
- Medical Health Specialist.
- Forensic Medicine Expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 9 Subjects for Medicine and Surgery in Secondary School?
The main 9 Subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery in Secondary school include:- English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Marketing, Civil Education, Religious Study and Economics.
Is Geography Compulsory for Medicine in WAEC?
No, Geography is not compulsory for medicine and surgery when registering for the compulsory Science in WAEC. Geography is a social science subject and it is a complementary subject you can choose as an alternative when registering for WAEC.
What are the 9 Subjects for Medicine in WAEC in Nigeria?
The 9 WAEC Subjects Combination for Medicine and Surgery comprises of English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Marketing, Civil Education, Religious Study and Agric Science.
Is Economics Compulsory for Medicine and Surgery?
Economics is not a compulsory subject but is a complementary social science subject to consider when registering for West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC).
In Conclusion
If you want to gain admission to study this Medical Sciences course, you must consider all these WAEC Subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria as mentioned in this article.
The major first five (5) WAEC Subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery include the following;- English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
The general advice we will like to share with you regarding these WAEC Subjects combination for Medicine and Surgery, make sure you do proper consultation regarding the admission requirements from the University you are aspiring to study this course to be at safer side.
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Information Source and Reference:- https://www.waecnigeria.org/
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