Criminology studies the causes and control of criminal behavior with insights into justice systems, legal frameworks, and profiling. In 2026, the Criminology 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 Criminology department of their preferred institution.
List of Criminology O’Level Subject Requirement
The required O’Level subjects for Criminology 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 Criminology. 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 Criminology 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 Government subject for Criminology?
Yes. Any subject used to replace Government must be officially approved by SSCE/WAEC/NECO for the Criminology programme. Criminology generally falls under the Faculty of Social Sciences, so acceptable replacement subjects usually come from this category. A typical option includes History subject.
Is it allowed to substitute Geography with another approved subject in SSCE/WAEC/NECO?
Yes, Geography subject substitution is allowed, but the replacement must be approved and relevant for your chosen course. For Criminology, a valid option would be Literature in English, Christian Religious Studies / Islamic Studies subject.
How many credit passes do I need in O’Level for Criminology?
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes (C5 and above) in their SSCE, including the required subjects for Criminology.
Can I use a mixture of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results for Criminology?
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 Criminology and is recognized by WAEC or NECO.
Are all subjects offered by WAEC/NECO accepted for substitution?
No. Only subjects approved for the Criminology 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 Criminology?
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 Criminology.
Other Courses Requiring Government, Mathematics, Economics and Geography O’Level Subjects
Why Getting Criminology O’Level Subjects Right Matters
If you select the right O’Level subjects for Criminology, 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 Criminology, 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 Criminology 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 Criminology 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 Criminology, supporting a stronger grasp of core concepts and easing the transition into higher education.
Social Science Subjects Eligible for O’Level Substitution
You can choose from the listed Social Science subjects according to your specific O’Level subject needs.
2
Christian Religious Studies (CRS / CRK)
Other Social Science subjects
5
History (not available in Nigeria currently)
6
Islamic Religious Studies (IRS / IRK)
