How to Combine WAEC and NECO Results for Admission 2025/2026
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are WAEC and NECO?
- Why Combine WAEC and NECO Results for Admission?
- Is It Possible to Combine WAEC and NECO Results for Admission?
- How to Legally Combine WAEC and NECO Results for Admission 2025/2026
- Step 1: Understand Your Institution’s Policy
- Step 2: Obtain Original WAEC and NECO Results
- Step 3: Choose Your Best Credits from Both Results
- Step 4: Submit Combined Results During Application
- Step 5: Verify and Prepare for Screening or Post-UTME
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Combining WAEC and NECO Results
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Combining Results
- Examples and Scenarios of Students Combining WAEC and NECO
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Summary Table Before Conclusion
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
In Nigeria, students aiming to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges often take multiple exams to improve their chances. Two of the most popular exams are WAEC (West African Examinations Council) and NECO (National Examinations Council). Many candidates ask: “Can I combine my WAEC and NECO results to gain admission?” The answer is yes, but it requires careful planning and following certain rules.
This article explains, in simple terms, how to combine WAEC and NECO results for admission in 2025/2026. We will cover the meaning of both exams, why combining results can help, how to do it correctly, pros and cons, mistakes to avoid, and real-life examples. This guide is specially written for Nigerian students, with easy language and detailed explanations.
2. What Are WAEC and NECO?
Understanding WAEC
WAEC stands for West African Examinations Council. It is the most recognized examination board in West Africa and conducts the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) twice a year—usually in May/June and November/December. The WAEC exam tests students’ knowledge at the end of their secondary school education.
Understanding NECO
NECO stands for National Examinations Council. It is a Nigerian examination body that conducts the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). NECO exams are also conducted twice yearly — typically in May/June and November/December.
Both WAEC and NECO provide certificates required for admission into higher education institutions in Nigeria.
3. Why Combine WAEC and NECO Results for Admission?
Combining WAEC and NECO results can help students in many ways:
- Improves chances of meeting admission requirements: If you failed or scored low in one exam, you can use credits from the other.
- Increase the number of credits: Universities require a minimum number of credits in core subjects like English, Maths, and Sciences. Combining results can help you meet these cutoffs.
- Provides flexibility: If a student missed or failed some subjects in one exam, they can write the subjects in the other exam and combine results.
- Better performance: Some students perform better in one exam body than the other. Combining allows use of best grades.
4. Is It Possible to Combine WAEC and NECO Results for Admission?
The short answer is yes, you can combine WAEC and NECO results for admission in Nigeria. Many universities, polytechnics, and colleges accept combined results as long as you meet the minimum requirements.
Important Note: Not all institutions accept combined results, so always check the specific admission policy of your chosen institution before applying.
Most Nigerian tertiary institutions accept combined O’Level results, but they require that you submit original certificates (WAEC and NECO) during the admission or screening process.
5. How to Legally Combine WAEC and NECO Results for Admission 2025/2026
To combine your WAEC and NECO results properly, follow these steps:
Step 1: Understand Your Institution’s Policy on O’Level Results
Before combining, confirm from your university or polytechnic whether they accept combined WAEC and NECO results. Some schools accept only one exam body, while others allow combinations.
- Visit the official admission portal or website of your school.
- Contact the admission office directly if you are unsure.
- Read the JAMB brochure, which often states accepted O’Level combinations.
Step 2: Obtain Your Original WAEC and NECO Results
- Make sure you have your original WAEC and NECO certificates.
- Only original certificates or scratch cards can be used during the application and screening process.
- Digital results can be useful, but the originals are necessary for verification.
Step 3: Choose Your Best Credits from Both Results
- Examine your grades and pick the best passes (usually minimum credit ‘C6’ or better) in subjects you need for admission.
- For example, if you passed English in WAEC but Maths in NECO, you can use both to combine a stronger profile.
Remember: You cannot use the same subject twice from different exam bodies. For instance, you can’t use two English results. Pick the better one.
Step 4: Submit Your Combined Results During Admission Application
- During the application (like JAMB UTME or Direct Entry), fill in your O’Level results using both WAEC and NECO results where necessary.
- Upload or input your grades correctly.
- For institutions requiring online screening, submit scanned copies of both certificates.
Step 5: Verify and Prepare for Post-UTME or Screening
- Some institutions will invite you for a post-UTME exam or direct screening.
- Bring your original WAEC and NECO certificates for verification.
- Make sure all information matches your admission application.
6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Combining WAEC and NECO Results
Advantages of Combining WAEC and NECO
- Increases chances of admission: More credits mean better chances of meeting cutoffs.
- Cost-effective: You don’t need to rewrite all subjects in a single exam body.
- Flexibility: Retake subjects in the exam body where you performed poorly.
- More options for competitive courses: Helps meet higher cutoffs for courses like Medicine, Engineering, Law.
Disadvantages of Combining WAEC and NECO
- Some institutions don’t accept combined results: Always verify to avoid disappointment.
- Extra time needed: You may need to wait for both exam results before applying.
- Verification challenges: Schools may ask for originals, leading to potential delays if documents are missing.
- Not accepted for all admission types: Some special programs require only one exam body.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Combining WAEC and NECO Results
- Using duplicate subjects from both results: You must pick the best credit from either WAEC or NECO, not both.
- Failing to verify school policy: Assuming all schools accept combined results can cause rejection.
- Submitting fake or altered certificates: This is illegal and can lead to disqualification.
- Missing deadlines: Make sure you apply on time with all required documents.
- Ignoring minimum credit requirements: Some courses need at least five credits, including English and Maths.
8. Examples and Scenarios of Students Combining WAEC and NECO
Example 1: Ifeoma’s Story
Ifeoma scored credit in English, Biology, and Chemistry in her WAEC exam but failed Maths and Physics. She later wrote NECO and scored credit in Maths and Physics. By combining both results, she met the minimum requirements to apply for admission into a science-based course.
Example 2: Chinedu’s Story
Chinedu had five credits in his NECO but English and Literature in English Language were weak. He improved his English credit through WAEC and combined results to secure admission into his preferred university.
Example 3: Mary’s Story
Mary failed two subjects in WAEC and rewrote them in NECO. With both certificates, she combined her results and qualified for admission without rewriting all subjects again.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for JAMB admission?
Yes, most Nigerian universities accept combined O’Level results for admission. - Do all Nigerian universities accept combined results?
No, some universities require WAEC or NECO only. Always check with the institution. - Can I use the same subject from both WAEC and NECO?
No. You must pick the best credit from either WAEC or NECO for each subject. - Do I need to provide original certificates when combining results?
Yes, original certificates are usually required for verification during screening. - Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for polytechnic admission?
Yes, polytechnics generally accept combined results. - Will combining results improve my admission chances?
Yes, combining increases your credits and chances. - How many credits do I need in total?
Usually, five credits including English Language and Mathematics. - Is combining results legal?
Yes, as long as you present genuine certificates and follow school guidelines. - Can I combine WAEC and NECO for Direct Entry admission?
Yes, but verify the institution’s specific Direct Entry requirements. - Does combining results cost extra money?
It depends on whether you need to rewrite some exams, but application fees remain standard. - Can I use combined results for Post-UTME screening?
Yes, many schools allow this. - Is it better to retake subjects in WAEC or NECO?
Choose the exam body you are more comfortable with or where you expect better results.
10. Summary Table Before Conclusion
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Check institution policy | Visit admission office or website |
| Step 2 | Obtain original WAEC & NECO | Keep certificates safe |
| Step 3 | Pick best credits | Avoid using same subject twice |
| Step 4 | Submit combined results | Fill admission forms correctly |
| Step 5 | Verify during screening/post-UTME | Bring original certificates |
| Advantage | Improves admission chances | Combine best subjects |
| Disadvantage | Not accepted by all schools | Always confirm before applying |
11. Conclusion
Combining WAEC and NECO results is a smart way to increase your chances of gaining admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges for the 2025/2026 academic session. By carefully selecting your best subjects from both exam bodies, ensuring you follow institutional guidelines, and submitting the correct documents, you can optimize your admission prospects.
Always verify the specific admission requirements of your institution, avoid common mistakes, and prepare for any screening exercises. Remember, honest and legal use of combined results is accepted and can open more doors for your academic future.