Mathematics and English Language are two core subjects in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and passing them is usually a requirement for university admission, job opportunities, and scholarship applications in Nigeria and across West Africa.
So what happens if you’ve failed one or both?
Don’t panic. You’re not alone, and your academic journey doesn’t have to end here. This guide explores the practical, smart, and effective steps you can take if you failed Mathematics, English Language, or both in your WAEC result.
Why Failing Maths or English Is a Big Deal
WAEC considers Maths and English as compulsory subjects. Most Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education require a credit (C6 or above) in both subjects for admission into any course.
Here’s why passing them matters:
- English Language is the official language of instruction in Nigeria. It’s a compulsory requirement for all courses.
- Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all science, commercial, and many arts-related courses, especially those involving logic or numbers.
First, Confirm Your Result
Before jumping into the next step, ensure you actually failed:
- A D7, E8, or F9 means you did not pass the subject.
- A C6 and above is considered a credit.
- B’s and A’s are distinctions.
Double-check your result via https://www.waecdirect.org or use SMS as explained in WAEC result-checking guides.
Next Steps to Take if You Failed Maths or English in WAEC
1. Consider Registering for WAEC GCE (Private Candidate Exam)
WAEC GCE (also called WAEC Second Series) is an external exam held between August and December every year.
- You can resit only the subjects you failed (e.g., just Maths or English).
- You can use your WAEC GCE result to combine with your previous WAEC result for university admission.
- It is widely accepted across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Action Plan:
- Visit https://registration.waecdirect.org to register.
- Prepare thoroughly with a study plan and possibly enroll in a remedial center.
2. Write NECO (June/July or Nov/Dec GCE)
NECO is another widely accepted exam body in Nigeria. If you failed in WAEC, NECO offers a second chance—both in internal (June/July) and external (GCE) forms.
- NECO is equally valid for university/polytechnic admission.
- You can combine NECO results with WAEC results.
Action Plan:
- Check the registration portal at https://www.neco.gov.ng
- Focus on weak areas and attend tutorials if necessary.
3. Enroll in a Remedial/Pre-Degree Program
Some universities offer remedial or pre-degree programs designed for students who failed one or more core subjects like Maths or English.
- These programs run for 6 to 12 months.
- Upon successful completion and passing your O’level subjects, you are admitted into 100 level of your preferred course.
Popular universities that offer this include:
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
4. Try IJMB, JUPEB, or NABTEB A’ Level
These are advanced level (A’ Level) programmes that allow you to gain admission without JAMB, but you’ll still need to have at least credit passes in core subjects, including English and Maths, eventually.
- Some institutions may allow you to combine two sittings (e.g., WAEC + NECO).
- These programs can lead to 200 level admission if successful.
5. Take a Diploma or Certificate Course
Some universities and polytechnics offer diploma or certificate programs that don’t require credit in all five core O’level subjects immediately.
- These programs often serve as foundation steps into full-time degree programs.
- While you’re in the program, you can resit your failed WAEC subjects.
6. Explore Vocational or Technical Education
If university is not your immediate priority, consider enrolling in:
- Technical colleges
- Vocational training programs
- Skill acquisition centers
They offer practical, employable skills and certifications that can lead to meaningful employment or self-employment—even without a complete WAEC result.
Examples include:
- Plumbing, Welding, Carpentry
- Digital Marketing, Coding, Graphics Design
- Fashion Design, Catering, etc.
Many of these centers are registered with NBTE or ITF, and you can return to formal education later.
7. Resit WAEC (Next Year) as a School Candidate
If you’re still in school or planning to return, you can:
- Re-enroll as a school candidate for the next WAEC.
- Use this time to work on your weaknesses with the help of private tutors or online learning platforms.
Study Tips to Improve Your Next Performance
- Focus on past questions: Practice WAEC past questions regularly.
- Join a study group or tutorial center
- Set up a realistic study schedule — focus on weak subjects first.
- Take mock exams to test your readiness.
- Seek help from qualified teachers or mentors
Can You Combine Two WAEC or WAEC + NECO Results?
Yes. Most institutions in Nigeria accept “two sittings” for O’level results.
So you can:
- Combine WAEC + WAEC
- Combine WAEC + NECO
- Combine WAEC + GCE
- Combine NECO + GCE
As long as both contain credit passes in 5 required subjects, including English and Mathematics (depending on your course), you’re eligible for admission.
Failing English or Maths in WAEC is not the end of the road—it’s simply a hurdle you can overcome. Countless students have faced the same challenge and gone on to succeed. With the right information, strategy, and support, you can bounce back stronger.
Take this setback as an opportunity to review, reassess, and rise.
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