Many science students in Nigeria often ask an important question when registering for WAEC: Is Economics compulsory for science students?
This question becomes even more common as students prepare for WAEC 2026 and try to choose subjects that will not overload them or affect their final results.
Science students already offer demanding subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Adding Economics may feel unnecessary or confusing, especially for students planning careers in medicine, engineering, or pure sciences.
This article provides a detailed and clear explanation of whether Economics is compulsory for science students in WAEC 2026, why some schools insist on it, when it is optional, and how it can affect university admission.
Is Economics Compulsory for Science Students in WAEC 2026?
The simple answer is no. Economics is not compulsory for science students in WAEC 2026.
According to WAEC subject requirements, science students are not required to offer Economics as a compulsory subject. The core compulsory subjects for all WAEC candidates, regardless of their class, are:
English Language
Mathematics
Apart from these two, subject requirements depend on the student’s chosen class (Science, Arts, or Commercial) and intended career path.
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Economics is classified as a Social Science subject, not a core science subject. Therefore, science students are free to choose whether or not to offer it.
Compulsory Subjects for Science Students in WAEC
Science students are expected to offer the following core science subjects:
English Language (compulsory for all students)
Mathematics (compulsory for all students)
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
These subjects form the foundation for science-based courses in Nigerian universities.
In addition to these, students are required to choose other subjects to make up the minimum number of subjects needed for WAEC.
Minimum Number of Subjects Required for WAEC
WAEC candidates are required to register for a minimum of eight subjects and a maximum of nine subjects.
Since English Language and Mathematics are compulsory, science students must choose at least six more subjects.
This is where optional subjects like Economics come in.
Why Some Science Students Offer Economics
Although Economics is not compulsory, many science students still choose to offer it for various reasons.
- School Policy
Some secondary schools make Economics compulsory for all students, regardless of class. This is usually a school-based decision, not a WAEC requirement.
- Broad Knowledge
Economics helps students understand how society manages resources, money, production, and consumption. Some schools believe this knowledge is important for all students.
- University Admission Strategy
Certain university courses may accept Economics as a supporting subject, especially when a student does not want to overload with too many science subjects.
- Backup Option
Some students offer Economics as a “scoring subject” to balance more difficult science subjects, especially if they are confident in it.
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When Economics Is Not Necessary for Science Students
Economics is not required if a student is strictly focused on pure science or professional science-based courses.
Courses that do not require Economics include:
Medicine and Surgery
Nursing
Pharmacy
Medical Laboratory Science
Engineering (all fields)
Computer Science
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Physics
Chemistry
For these courses, universities focus more on Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
In such cases, offering Economics does not give any special advantage.
Subjects Science Students Can Choose Instead of Economics
Science students who do not want to offer Economics can choose other relevant subjects such as:
Further Mathematics
Computer Studies / ICT
Agricultural Science
Technical Drawing
Geography
Data Processing
Trade subjects approved by WAEC
These subjects often align more closely with science and technical careers.
Does WAEC Force Science Students to Offer Economics?
WAEC does not force any science student to offer Economics.
WAEC only provides a list of approved subjects. It is the student’s responsibility, guided by the school and career goals, to choose appropriate subjects.
If a science student offers Economics, it is purely optional unless the school makes it compulsory.
Economics and University Admission Requirements
Most Nigerian universities do not require Economics for science-based courses.
University admission requirements usually focus on:
English Language
Mathematics
Relevant science subjects
However, Economics may be required or recommended for:
Economics
Accounting
Business Administration
Banking and Finance
Insurance
These are not science courses, so Economics is not relevant for most science students.
Can Offering Economics Affect a Science Student’s Performance?
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Yes, it can, depending on the student.
Advantages
Economics can be less practical and laboratory-based than science subjects.
It may be easier for some students to score high grades.
It broadens understanding of society and finance.
Disadvantages
It adds to subject load and study time.
It may distract from core science subjects.
Some students struggle with essay-based answers in Economics.
Students should only offer Economics if they can handle the workload.
Common Misconceptions About Economics for Science Students
Many students believe Economics is compulsory for WAEC. This is false.
Some believe universities require Economics for science courses. This is also false.
Others think Economics replaces a science subject. This is incorrect. Economics cannot replace Physics, Chemistry, or Biology for science courses.
Understanding these facts helps students make better subject choices.
Should Science Students Offer Economics in WAEC 2026?
The decision depends on the student’s goals, strengths, and school policy.
A science student should offer Economics if:
They are confident in the subject
Their school requires it
They want a balanced subject combination
A science student may avoid Economics if:
They struggle with theory subjects
They prefer technical or science-based subjects
They want to focus fully on core sciences
There is no universal rule; it is a personal and academic decision.
WAEC Subject Combination Example for Science Students
A typical WAEC subject combination for a science student may look like this:
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English Language
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Further Mathematics
Computer Studies
Technical Drawing or Geography
Economics can replace one of the optional subjects if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Economics compulsory for science students in WAEC 2026?
No, it is not compulsory.
Can a science student register WAEC without Economics?
Yes, as long as the student meets the minimum subject requirement.
Will not offering Economics affect university admission for science courses?
No, it will not.
Why does my school insist on Economics?
This is a school policy, not a WAEC rule.
Is Economics easier than science subjects?
It depends on the student’s strengths.
Conclusion
Economics is not compulsory for science students in WAEC 2026. The only compulsory subjects for all WAEC candidates are English Language and Mathematics. Science students are expected to focus mainly on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and other relevant science or technical subjects.
While some science students choose to offer Economics for personal or school-related reasons, it is not required by WAEC or most Nigerian universities for science-based courses. The decision to offer Economics should be based on the student’s ability, interest, and future career plans.
Making informed subject choices helps students perform better in WAEC and prepares them for successful university admission and career paths.
