Economics analyzes production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, offering tools for decision-making and policy development. In 2026, the Economics 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 Economics department of their preferred institution.
List of Economics O’Level Subject Requirement
The required O’Level subjects for Economics 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 Economics. 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 Economics 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 Economics?
Yes. Any subject used to replace Government must be officially approved by SSCE/WAEC/NECO for the Economics programme. Economics generally falls under the Faculty of Social Sciences, so acceptable replacement subjects usually come from this category. A typical option includes Commerce / Geography subject.
Is it allowed to substitute Biology with another approved subject in SSCE/WAEC/NECO?
Yes, Biology subject substitution is allowed, but the replacement must be approved and relevant for your chosen course. For Economics, a valid option would be any core Science subject.
How many credit passes do I need in O’Level for Economics?
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes (C5 and above) in their SSCE, including the required subjects for Economics.
Can I use a mixture of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB results for Economics?
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 Economics and is recognized by WAEC or NECO.
Are all subjects offered by WAEC/NECO accepted for substitution?
No. Only subjects approved for the Economics 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 Economics?
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 Economics.
Other Courses Requiring Mathematics, English Language, Economics and Government O’Level Subjects
Why Getting Economics O’Level Subjects Right Matters
If you select the right O’Level subjects for Economics, 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 Economics, 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 Economics 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 Economics 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 Economics, 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)
