Getting a D7 or E8 in your WAEC (West African Examinations Council) result can be disappointing, especially when you have dreams of getting into a university, polytechnic, or college of education in Nigeria. But the big question many students and parents are asking is:
Can I gain admission in 2025 with D7 or E8 in WAEC?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the course, institution, and your overall result.
This article explains everything you need to know about admission with D7 or E8 in WAEC in Nigeria in 2025. We’ll discuss what these grades mean, schools that accept them, alternative options, courses you can study, and smart steps to still achieve your academic dreams.
Let’s break it down in a simple, clear, and professional way for you.
Summary Table: Admission with D7 or E8 in WAEC (2025)
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Can D7 or E8 gain admission? | Yes, in some cases |
| Best Institutions | Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, some Private Universities |
| Courses you can study | Education, Social Sciences, Technical courses, etc. |
| Alternative exams | NECO, NABTEB, JUPEB, IJMB |
| Admission Tips | Combine results, do change of course, apply to flexible institutions |
| Who accepts low grades? | Some state universities, polytechnics, private schools |
| What to avoid | Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering |
| Next steps | Research, prepare, and apply early |
What Does D7 or E8 Mean in WAEC?
Before we talk about what to do with these grades, let’s understand what they actually mean.
In WAEC, subjects are graded like this:
- A1 – Excellent
- B2, B3 – Very Good
- C4, C5, C6 – Credit
- D7 – Pass
- E8 – Weak Pass
- F9 – Fail
Most universities and higher institutions in Nigeria require at least a credit pass (C6 and above) in core subjects like English Language and Mathematics. So, D7 and E8 are not credit passes. But they are not fails either.
What this means:
- D7 and E8 are low passes.
- Some schools and courses may still accept them, depending on the subject and program.
Can You Gain Admission with D7 or E8 in WAEC in 2025?
Yes, you can still gain admission in Nigeria in 2025 even with D7 or E8, but with conditions:
1. It Depends on the Subject
If you got D7 or E8 in a non-core subject like Agric Science, Government, or Yoruba, it might not affect your chances.
But if you got D7 or E8 in English Language or Mathematics, you may need to find alternatives because they are compulsory for most courses.
2. It Depends on the Institution
Not all schools have the same requirements. For example:
- Some private universities and polytechnics accept D7 or E8.
- Some state universities may accept it if your other grades are strong.
- Most federal universities are stricter.
3. It Depends on the Course
Courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy do not accept anything less than credit in all major subjects.
But less competitive courses may allow D7 or E8.
List of Institutions That May Accept D7 or E8 in 2025
Here’s a general guide of institutions that may be flexible with WAEC grades:
1. Polytechnics
Many polytechnics allow D7 or E8 in one or two subjects as long as you meet the general entry requirements. Examples include:
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic
- Kaduna Polytechnic
- Yaba College of Technology (for non-science courses)
2. Colleges of Education
Colleges of Education are often more flexible, especially for students studying education-related courses. Examples:
- Adeyemi College of Education
- Federal College of Education, Zaria
- Nwafor Orizu College of Education
3. Private Universities
Some private universities may accept lower grades, especially if you’re willing to pay the fees. Examples (as of past trends):
- Lead City University
- Achievers University
- Novena University
- Igbinedion University
Note: Always check the JAMB brochure or call the school’s admission office for current policies.
Courses You Can Study with D7 or E8 in WAEC
Some courses are less strict with WAEC grades. If you had D7 or E8 in a non-essential subject, these courses may still accept you:
Education Courses
- Adult Education
- Education and Social Studies
- Education and Religious Studies
- Guidance and Counseling
Social Science & Arts Courses
- History and International Studies
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Political Science (if core subjects are okay)
Technical & Vocational Courses
- Welding and Fabrication
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Catering and Hotel Management
- Fashion and Design Technology
Alternative Paths to Gain Admission with D7 or E8
If you don’t meet the full requirements, here are smart options to still gain admission:
1. Combine WAEC with NECO or NABTEB
If you have D7 in WAEC but passed the same subject in NECO or NABTEB, you can combine both results.
Example:
- WAEC: English – D7
- NECO: English – C6
✅ You are eligible.
2. Take a Pre-degree or Remedial Program
Many universities offer pre-degree or remedial programs to help students improve their results. After completion, you can gain admission into 100 level.
3. Go for IJMB or JUPEB
These are A-level programs that allow you to gain direct entry into 200 level in universities. You don’t need WAEC credits for admission into the program, but you’ll need them when moving to the university.
4. Re-write WAEC or NECO (GCE)
You can register for WAEC GCE or NECO GCE in 2025 to improve the subject you had D7 or E8 in. Once you get the required credit, you can proceed.
5. Change Your Course or Institution
Sometimes, changing to a less competitive course or applying to a school with flexible requirements can help you secure admission faster.
Pros and Cons of Admission with D7 or E8 in WAEC
Pros
- You can still continue your education journey.
- Some schools are flexible and understanding.
- You have multiple options like polytechnics, COEs, and private schools.
Cons
- Your choices of course and school are limited.
- You may not be eligible for very competitive programs.
- Some employers and scholarship bodies prefer students with good WAEC results.
Practical Examples of What to Do
Example 1: D7 in Mathematics, C5 in English
You want to study Political Science.
Apply to a College of Education or Polytechnic.
Combine with NECO if available.
Don’t apply to competitive universities.
Example 2: E8 in English, B3 in all other subjects
You want to study Mass Communication.
Not possible in most universities.
Consider re-writing WAEC GCE or doing a diploma first.
Example 3: C6 in English, D7 in Biology
You want to study Sociology.
You may still be eligible in polytechnics or less competitive universities.
How to Check If a School Accepts D7 or E8
To know if your school of choice accepts low grades:
- Check JAMB Brochure – Available online or in CBT centers.
- Visit the School Website – Look under “Admission Requirements”.
- Contact the Admission Office – Email or call for accurate info.
- Use CAPS on JAMB Portal – Check eligibility when choosing a course.
High CPC Keywords and LSI Terms Used
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- Universities that accept D7 in English
- Admission without English or Maths credit
- Nigerian university requirements 2025
- What to do with bad WAEC result
Final Thoughts
Getting D7 or E8 in WAEC in 2025 is not the end of your academic journey. Many students in Nigeria still gained admission and became successful, even with low WAEC grades. What matters is your next step.
Here’s what to do:
- Don’t panic.
- Look at alternative options.
- Combine results if possible.
- Rewrite your exam if necessary.
- Apply to institutions that match your qualifications.
Stay informed, plan wisely, and never give up on your dreams. Education has many paths, and you can still succeed no matter your WAEC result.
