Arabic / Social Studies integrates Arabic language with sociocultural analysis, preparing graduates for careers in teaching, community outreach, and policy development. In 2026, the Arabic / Social Studies O’Level subjects are expected to remain the same as in previous years. The information on this platform is relevant for students preparing for WAEC, NECO, or GCE who want to know the subjects required to gain admission into the Arabic / Social Studies department of their preferred institution.
List of Arabic / Social Studies O’Level Subject Requirement
The required O’Level subjects for Arabic / Social Studies in Nigerian tertiary institutions comprise a minimum of five credit passes (C5 and above) in the SSCE/WAEC/NECO, including:
The subject requirements listed above are used by Nigerian tertiary institutions offering Arabic / Social Studies. Once you’ve confirmed the O’Level subjects stated above, the next step is to kick-start your admission expedition by registering for either JAMB UTME or IJMB, depending on which path suits you best. If you need more information related to Arabic / Social Studies course, you can also check the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board subject combination here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there restrictions on the subjects that can replace Geography subject for Arabic / Social Studies?
Yes. Any subject used to replace Geography must be officially approved by SSCE/WAEC/NECO for the Arabic / Social Studies programme. Arabic / Social Studies generally falls under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, so acceptable replacement subjects usually come from this category. A typical option includes Social studies subject.
Is it allowed to substitute Literature in English with another approved subject in SSCE/WAEC/NECO?
Yes, Literature in English subject substitution is allowed, but the replacement must be approved and relevant for your chosen course. For Arabic / Social Studies, a valid option would be Economics, Government or History subject.
How many credit passes do I need in O’Level for Arabic / Social Studies?
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes (C5 and above) in their SSCE, including the required subjects for Arabic / Social Studies.
Can I use a mixture of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results for Arabic / Social Studies?
Yes. Most Nigerian tertiary institutions accept a combination of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results, provided the subjects meet the course requirements.
What happens if I fail one of the core O’Level subjects?
You would need to retake the subject in a recognized examination (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) to meet the minimum requirement. Institutions generally do not accept alternatives unless officially approved.
Can I replace a subject I didn’t take in my first O’Level exam with a new one?
Yes, as long as the new subject is allowed for Arabic / Social Studies and is recognized by WAEC or NECO.
Are all subjects offered by WAEC/NECO accepted for substitution?
No. Only subjects approved for the Arabic / Social Studies programme can be used as replacements. Always check your preferred tertiary institution’s requirements for guidance.
Can a grade of C6 be used to meet the five-credit pass requirement in SSCE for Arabic / Social Studies?
No. Only grades C5 and above (C5, B3, A1) are considered credit passes in SSCE. A grade of C6 does not count and cannot be used to meet the five-credit pass requirement for Arabic / Social Studies.
Why Getting Arabic / Social Studies O’Level Subjects Right Matters
If you select the right O’Level subjects for Arabic / Social Studies, you make an important step in the admission process, yet many students fail to do so even though it directly affects eligibility and exam preparation. Here are the main reasons why this decision is relevant:
1. Prevent Unnecessary Setbacks
Students often realize too late that their O’Level subjects do not meet the requirements for Arabic / Social Studies, and preparing for WAEC or NECO requires time, and focus, so selecting the wrong subjects can waste all that effort.
2. Meet Admission Requirements
O’Level subject combinations are a core part of admission criteria, and even with good grades, missing a required subject can limit your chances, while selecting the correct Arabic / Social Studies subjects ensures you meet tertiary institution requirements and avoid changing courses later.
3. Prepare with Clarity and Confidence
When your subject choices align with the Arabic / Social Studies course requirements, you can focus fully on your exam preparation.
4. Build a Solid Academic Foundation
The right O’Level subjects also provide the foundational knowledge needed for Arabic / Social Studies, supporting a stronger grasp of core concepts and easing the transition into higher education.
Arts Subjects Eligible for O’Level Substitution
You can choose from the listed Arts subjects according to your specific O’Level subject needs.
3
Fine Arts / Painting / Sculpture
6
Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK)
Other Arts subjects
14
Catering Craft Practice
