All syllabuses
WAEC SSCE syllabus
WASSCE combines objective and theory papers. Most courses need five credits including English and Mathematics.
Official West African Examinations Council websiteEnglish Language
Key topics
- Comprehension and summary
- Lexis and structure
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, idioms
- Concord and tenses
- Oral English: vowels, consonants, stress, intonation
- Essay and letter writing (WAEC/NECO)
Suggested reading
- Countdown English Language — F. O. Ogunsanwo
- Effective English for Senior Secondary Schools
- Exam Focus English Language
Mathematics
Key topics
- Number bases, fractions, indices, logarithms, surds
- Sets and logic
- Algebra: equations, inequalities, variation, polynomials
- Sequences and series
- Geometry and mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate geometry
- Calculus (differentiation and integration basics)
- Statistics and probability
Suggested reading
- New General Mathematics for SS 1–3 — M. F. Macrae et al.
- Further Mathematics Project
- Exam Focus Mathematics
Biology
Key topics
- Variety of organisms and classification
- Cell structure and functions
- Nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion
- Support, movement and coordination
- Reproduction and growth
- Ecology and conservation
- Genetics, variation and evolution
Suggested reading
- Modern Biology for Senior Secondary Schools — S. T. Ramalingam
- Essential Biology — M. C. Michael
- College Biology — Idodo-Umeh
Chemistry
Key topics
- Separation of mixtures and purity
- Atomic structure and bonding
- Kinetic theory and gas laws
- Stoichiometry and the mole concept
- Acids, bases and salts
- Oxidation-reduction and electrolysis
- Rates of reaction and equilibrium
- Metals, non-metals and their compounds
- Organic chemistry
Suggested reading
- New School Chemistry — O. Y. Ababio
- Essential Chemistry for SS — I. O. Odesina
- Exam Focus Chemistry
Physics
Key topics
- Measurement, units and vectors
- Motion, forces and energy
- Heat and thermal properties
- Waves, light and sound
- Electrostatics and current electricity
- Magnetism and electromagnetic induction
- Modern physics: atomic and nuclear
Suggested reading
- New School Physics — M. W. Anyakoha
- Senior Secondary Physics — P. N. Okeke
- Comprehensive Certificate Physics
Economics
Key topics
- Basic concepts and economic systems
- Demand, supply and price determination
- Theory of production and costs
- Market structures
- National income
- Money, banking and inflation
- Public finance
- International trade
- Nigerian economy and development
Suggested reading
- Fundamentals of Economics — Femi Longe
- Comprehensive Economics for SS — J. U. Anyaele
- Exam Focus Economics
Government
Key topics
- Basic concepts: state, power, sovereignty
- Types and organs of government
- Constitutions and constitutionalism
- Political parties, elections and pressure groups
- Pre-colonial and colonial administration in Nigeria
- Nigerian constitutional development
- International organisations (ECOWAS, AU, UN)
Suggested reading
- Comprehensive Government for SS — J. U. Anyaele
- Government for Senior Secondary Schools — Ola & Oyeneye
Literature in English
Key topics
- Literary terms and devices
- Drama
- Prose (African and non-African)
- Poetry (African and non-African)
- Prescribed texts for the current exam cycle
Suggested reading
- Prescribed texts listed by the exam body for the year
- Introduction to Literature — Exam Focus
Christian Religious Studies
Key topics
- Themes from the Old Testament
- The life and ministry of Jesus
- The early church and Acts
- Selected epistles
Suggested reading
- The Holy Bible (RSV)
- CRS for Senior Secondary Schools
Commerce
Key topics
- Occupation, production and trade
- Retail and wholesale trade
- Business organisations
- Money, banking and finance
- Insurance and transport
- Communication and advertising
- Government and business
Suggested reading
- Commerce for Senior Secondary Schools — Asaolu
- Exam Focus Commerce
Financial Accounting
Key topics
- Bookkeeping principles
- Ledger, trial balance and errors
- Final accounts of sole traders
- Partnership and company accounts
- Manufacturing and non-profit accounts
- Public sector accounting basics
Suggested reading
- Simplified and Amplified Financial Accounting — Longe & Kazeem
- Exam Focus Financial Accounting
Geography
Key topics
- Map reading and practical geography
- The earth and solar system
- Rocks, landforms and weathering
- Climate and vegetation
- Human and economic geography
- Regional geography of Nigeria and Africa
Suggested reading
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography — Goh Cheng Leong
- Comprehensive Geography — Iwena
Agricultural Science
Key topics
- Agriculture in Nigeria
- Soil science
- Crop production and protection
- Animal husbandry
- Agricultural economics and extension
- Farm machinery
Suggested reading
- Modern Agricultural Science — Anthonio
- Essential Agricultural Science
Civic Education
Key topics
- Values and citizenship
- Human rights
- Democracy and rule of law
- Social issues: cultism, drug abuse, human trafficking
Suggested reading
- Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools
This is a study guide summary. Topics change between years — check the official syllabus before your exam.
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