WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Civic Education 2023
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2023 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Which of the following is important for sustainable human relation in a society?

A. Tolerance
B. Birth registration
C. Cultural affinity
D. Rehabilitation
Explanation

Students might mistakenly select cultural affinity or birth registration, thinking shared identity creates peace, but diversity requires something deeper for peaceful coexistence. Tolerance is crucial for sustainable human relations because it allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to coexist peacefully by accepting differences in opinions, beliefs, and practices. Without tolerance, conflicts arise, leading to breakdowns in social harmony. Birth registration, cultural affinity, and rehabilitation, while important in other contexts, do not directly foster ongoing interpersonal sustainability like tolerance does. Common mistake: Equating shared cultural background with the active behavioral capacity to accept differences.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The machinery through which the will of the state is driven is described as

A. Administration
B. Rule of law
C. Government
D. Custom and tradition
Explanation

A student might choose administration or rule of law, confusing the daily execution of tasks with the overarching institutional apparatus of the state. Government is the structured machinery comprising institutions, officials, and processes that implement the collective will of the state through policy-making, law enforcement, and resource allocation. Administration supports operations, rule of law provides the framework, and customs influence culture, but only government directly drives state will across all functions. Common mistake: Confusing bureaucratic administration with the supreme governing authority of the state.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

A major attribute an individual will likely exhibit if not contended is

A. Jealousy
B. Irresponsibility
C. Greediness
D. Dishonesty
Explanation

Students could mistakenly select jealousy or dishonesty, assuming negative traits stem equally from dissatisfaction, but the direct drive for accumulation is distinct. Greediness emerges when an individual's desires for wealth, power, or resources are unchecked, leading to excessive accumulation at others' expense and societal harm like corruption. Jealousy involves envy, irresponsibility neglects duties, and dishonesty involves deceit, but greediness is the primary unchecked drive for personal gain without satisfaction. Common mistake: Confusing envy of others' possessions with the insatiable desire to accumulate more for oneself.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Standards, rules and criteria that determine acceptable norms that influence a cordial relationship in the society are referred to as

A. Values
B. Attitudes
C. Conventions
D. Regulations
Explanation

A student might pick regulations or attitudes, confusing formal legal mandates or personal moods with foundational societal standards. Values are the fundamental principles and beliefs that guide behavior, shaping societal norms for cordial relationships by promoting respect, fairness, and cooperation. Attitudes are personal dispositions, conventions are informal agreements, and regulations are formal rules, but values form the core foundation for acceptable conduct. Common mistake: Confusing legal regulations with the underlying ethical values that inform them.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Under the Nigeria 1999 constitution as amended, the right to secede is

A. Allowed to any state in the federation
B. Denied all states in the federation
C. Resident in local government in the federation
D. Given to the federal government
Explanation

Students might mistakenly think individual states have autonomy to secede under federal principles, or guess local governments might have rights. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) explicitly denies any state the right to secede in Section 2(2), emphasizing the indivisibility of the federation to maintain national unity. Options A, C, and D misrepresent this; no entity is granted secession rights to prevent fragmentation. Common mistake: Assuming federal systems grant constituent states the legal right to break away unilaterally.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The Nigerian Tribune newspaper was established by

A. Herbert Macauley
B. Obafemi Awolowo
C. Anthony Enahoro
D. Ahmadu Bello
Explanation

A student might mistakenly choose Herbert Macauley or Ahmadu Bello, attributing prominent historical nationalist media presence to the wrong figure. Obafemi Awolowo founded the Nigerian Tribune in 1949 as a platform to promote democratic ideals, Western Region development, and opposition to colonial rule. Herbert Macauley founded the Nigerian Daily Times, Anthony Enahoro was a journalist and activist, and Ahmadu Bello led Northern politics, but none established the Tribune. Common mistake: Attributing all major early Nigerian nationalist newspapers to Herbert Macauley.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

A person born in Ghana by Nigerian parents and resides in Ghana is a citizen of

A. Ghana by naturalization
B. Nigeria by birth
C. Nigeria by registration
D. Ghana by birth
Explanation

Students might mistakenly choose citizenship by birth in Ghana, or birth in Nigeria, forgetting the exact constitutional conditions for children born abroad to Nigerian parents. Under Nigerian law (1999 Constitution, Section 25), citizenship by registration applies to persons born outside Nigeria to Nigerian parents who register it. Here, birth in Ghana to Nigerian parents qualifies for Nigerian citizenship by registration, not birth (which requires birth in Nigeria) or Ghanaian categories. Common mistake: Assuming birth on foreign soil automatically confers birth citizenship if the parents are citizens.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The payment of residential utility bills is a duty of the

A. Federal government
B. State government
C. Local government
D. Citizens
Explanation

Students might mistakenly pick the federal or state government because authorities build public infrastructure. However, individual bill payments for electricity and water are the personal obligation of the users to encourage self-reliance and fair distribution. Governments avoid footing personal utility bills to prevent overwhelming fiscal burdens. Common mistake: confusing the provision of basic infrastructure with the payment of individual household consumption costs.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

An inalienable right enjoyed by citizens of a state but denied all non-citizens is the right to

A. Fair hearing
B. Freedom of speech
C. Be voted for
D. Sue and be sued
Explanation

A student might choose options like freedom of speech or fair hearing, forgetting that these freedoms generally extend to all inhabitants regardless of nationality. Electoral candidacy, such as the right to be voted for under Section 65 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, is restricted strictly to nationals to guarantee national loyalty and proper representation. Non-national residents can access judicial and expressive freedoms, but holding elective office remains exclusive. Common mistake: assuming all fundamental human rights apply equally to non-citizens.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Right to ownership of property falls under the category of

A. Civil right
B. Social right
C. Political right
D. Economic right
Explanation

Learners often select civil rights because property ownership sounds like a personal freedom. Under Section 44 of Chapter IV of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, owning property is categorized instead as an economic right due to its direct link to wealth creation, personal livelihood, and investment. Civil rights focus on personal liberties, social rights protect welfare, and political rights deal with governance. Common mistake: confusing personal freedoms with wealth-generating privileges.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The right to freedom of expression can be limited by

A. The legislature
B. The police
C. Slander
D. Insecurity
Explanation

One might incorrectly select the police or legislature since they enforce or create laws restricting actions. Freedom of expression, protected under Section 39 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, is specifically checked by laws against slander in order to safeguard personal reputations and avoid causing harm. While the police enforce rules and insecurity can justify broad limitations, slander serves as the direct personal check on speech. Common mistake: confusing the law enforcement bodies with the legal boundaries that restrict speech.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Human rights abuse can be prevented with the existence of

A. Independent judiciary
B. Well-equipped police force
C. Strong arm force
D. Strong intergovernmental relation
Explanation

Students might lean towards the police or armed forces because they maintain order, overlooking the fact that security agencies can also overreach and misuse power. Preventing human rights violations fundamentally relies on an independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law, reviews official actions, and delivers impartial justice in line with frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Common mistake: relying on enforcement agencies rather than judicial oversight to protect rights.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

To enhance national development, parenthood, which is the nucleus of every society, must be

A. Regulated by religious clerics
B. Relaxed in their responsibilities
C. Supported by leaders in government
D. A civil and morally responsible one
Explanation

A candidate might mistakenly choose government support or religious regulation, failing to see that the core foundation of societal development rests on individual accountability. A civil and morally responsible upbringing instills vital ethical values and discipline in children, creating a stable bedrock for society. Religious control can clash with secularism, and while state support helps, the direct duty belongs to parents. Common mistake: attributing the primary duty of child upbringing to external authorities rather than parental moral responsibility.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The beam of yellow colour on a traffic light is an indication to drivers to

A. Move
B. Get ready to move
C. Stop
D. Watch out for cars
Explanation

Drivers might mistakenly think a yellow light means they should speed up to cross or simply watch for other cars. Following global traffic standards, a yellow indication acts as a caution signal instructing drivers to prepare for a stop if it is safe, or to proceed if they are already too far into the intersection. Green allows movement, red commands a stop, and scanning for cars is general vigilance. Common mistake: treating a cautionary yellow signal as a command to clear the intersection quickly.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Road signs are usually

A. Regulatory and informative
B. Persuasive and regulatory
C. Informative and persuasive
D. Punitive and informative
Explanation

Students often select persuasive options, assuming road signs attempt to convince drivers to behave well. Road signs actually serve to regulate behavior through rules like speed limits and inform drivers through directional markers to maintain order and safety. Punitive choices are incorrect because penalties happen after a violation occurs, not through the signs themselves. Common mistake: confusing mandatory regulation with persuasion.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

From the above statement, it is clear that accidents can be

A. Discouraged
B. Managed
C. Eliminated
D. Prevented
Explanation

Some might select 'eliminated', but total eradication of road accidents is unrealistic. By applying road safety education, strict law enforcement, and proper infrastructure, accidents can be actively prevented. Discouraged is too vague, and managed only applies after an incident occurs. Common mistake: viewing accidents as entirely eliminatable rather than preventable through proactive measures.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Traffic regulations are laws that mainly

A. Guide all road users on safety practices
B. Establish agencies for control of traffic
C. Ensure the teaching of road safety in school
D. Instruct drivers on the use of traffic signs only
Explanation

A student might choose the option about instructing drivers on traffic signs only, overlooking pedestrians and other road users. As outlined in the Nigeria Road Traffic Act, traffic regulations primarily guide all categories of users on proper safety practices to reduce hazards. Agencies exist for enforcement and school programs are educational, but the core focus is safety guidance. Common mistake: restricting the application of traffic rules solely to motorists.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Positive interpersonal relationship mainly promotes

A. Competition with one another
B. Peaceful co-existence
C. Existence of healthy rivalry
D. Acquisition of business ideas
Explanation

Learners may select business ideas or competition, but these are secondary or potentially divisive outcomes. Positive interpersonal relationships primarily build mutual respect and cooperation, ensuring peaceful coexistence within diverse communities. Competition and rivalry often create friction rather than harmony. Common mistake: prioritizing economic gains over social harmony when evaluating human relationships.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

A social affiliation between two or more people in the society is known as

A. Intercommunal relations
B. Inter-ethnic relation
C. Interpersonal relations
D. Inter societal relations
Explanation

One might choose intercommunal or inter-ethnic relations, missing the broader or narrower scopes implied. Direct social connections between individuals are specifically known as interpersonal relations, which help build personal trust and support systems. Intercommunal links involve entire groups, and inter-ethnic ties involve specific cultural backgrounds. Common mistake: confusing individual-to-individual connections with group-level relations.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

A major achievement that can be attributed to good intercommunal relationship in Nigeria is

A. Curtailing rural-urban migration
B. Promoting national cultural festivals
C. Encouraging competition among individuals in the society
D. Promoting peace, mutual understanding and development
Explanation

A student could mistakenly choose curbing migration or encouraging competition, which are not direct outcomes of community harmony. Good intercommunal relationships bridge gaps between diverse groups in a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria, directly promoting peace, mutual understanding, and shared development. Cultural festivals are specific events rather than the overarching achievement. Common mistake: confusing isolated cultural events with foundational community peace.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Activities of secret cults are not likely to be prominent in

A. Educational campuses
B. Motor parks
C. Market squares
D. Religious gatherings
Explanation

Students might guess motor parks or market squares because they are public spaces, but these locations offer anonymity that actually attracts cult recruitment. Religious gatherings are the least likely setting for secret cult activities because they emphasize spiritual and moral values that directly oppose cult violence. Campuses, parks, and markets present vulnerabilities that facilitate recruitment. Common mistake: assuming all crowded public places are equally prone to illicit group activities.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Which of the following factors have made political apathy in Nigeria more pronounced?

A. Long period of dictatorship and election rigging
B. Poverty, ethnicity and religious fanaticism
C. Indiscriminate registration of parties and illiteracy
D. Use of card readers and complexity of voting procedures
Explanation

One might point to past military dictatorships, but while historical, it does not fully explain current widespread disengagement. Political apathy in modern Nigeria is deepened by widespread poverty along with deep-seated ethnicity and religious fanaticism, which foster public disillusionment. Illiteracy and party multiplicity play minor structural roles compared to socio-economic and identity divisions. Common mistake: attributing current voter apathy solely to historical military rule.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Combating human trafficking requires the efforts of

A. Government, educational bodies, religious organisations including civil societies
B. Government and non-governmental agencies excluding the students
C. International bodies, pressure groups and other non-governmental agencies only
D. Individuals, government, non-governmental agencies including international bodies
Explanation

A candidate might exclude students or limit the fight to NGOs and governments only. In accordance with UN protocols, combating human trafficking requires a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach involving individuals who report crimes, governments that legislate and enforce laws, NGOs that assist victims, and international bodies that coordinate global efforts. Leaving out any group limits the effectiveness of the intervention. Common mistake: omitting individual citizens or specific sectors from collective anti-trafficking efforts.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

When voters exercise their right to vote based on monetary or material inducements, the elected candidates may suffer

A. Eroded legitimacy
B. Loss of voter support in the next election
C. Loss of party support for another term
D. Erosion of dividends of democracy
Explanation

Students might mistakenly pick a loss of future voter or party support. When voters accept monetary or material inducements, the direct consequence is the erosion of dividends of democracy, as compromised leaders fail to deliver accountability, public services, and infrastructure. While legitimacy suffers broadly, the tangible loss to the public is the degradation of governance benefits. Common mistake: confusing electoral penalties for politicians with the direct loss of public services suffered by citizens.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Political apathy can be addressed by

A. Selling of votes to the highest bidders
B. Criticizing the policies of elected officials
C. Boycotting election campaigns and rallies
D. Public enlightenment and campaigns
Explanation

A student might suggest criticizing officials or boycotting events, which actually deepen disengagement rather than cure it. Political apathy is effectively addressed through public enlightenment campaigns that educate citizens on their civic rights and duties, motivating them to participate. Selling votes exacerbates corruption, and boycotts push citizens further away from governance. Common mistake: confusing political protest or criticism with positive civic engagement education.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Legislative arm of government can check the executive by

A. Withholding the salaries of ministers
B. Delaying the posting of ambassadors
C. Demanding the review of any act of the executive
D. Reporting them to the supreme court
Explanation

One might think the legislature can withhold ministerial salaries or report executives to the supreme court, which are illegal or procedurally incorrect actions. Under the separation of powers, the legislature checks the executive through parliamentary oversight, which includes demanding the review of any executive act to ensure accountability. Salary withholding violates legal frameworks, and the judiciary handles court matters. Common mistake: assuming the legislature has direct punitive powers like withholding salaries or acting as a court.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The Nigerian federation is divided into how many geopolitical zones?

A. 774
B. 36
C. 6
D. 4
Explanation

A learner might confuse the number of states (36) or local government areas (774) with the regional breakdown. The Nigerian federation is divided into six geopolitical zones to ensure balanced regional representation within the federal structure. The number four is completely incorrect in this context. Common mistake: confusing the count of states or local councils with the number of geopolitical zones.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The executive, legislative and judiciary constitute the

A. Arms of government
B. Systems of government
C. Tiers of government
D. Forms of government
Explanation

Students might select tiers of government, mixing up horizontal separation with vertical levels like federal, state, and local. The executive, legislative, and judiciary constitute the arms of government, exercising checks and balances in a democratic system. Systems and forms refer to broader structural classifications like federalism or republicanism. Common mistake: confusing the horizontal arms of government with the vertical tiers of governance.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The rule of law can be best protected by the cooperation between

A. Government and international bodies
B. Different opposing communities
C. Individuals of divergent interests
D. Government and the populace
Explanation

Some might look to international bodies, but external entities only offer secondary support. The rule of law is best protected through cooperation between the government, which enforces laws fairly, and the populace, whose compliance and advocacy ensure mutual accountability. Domestic partnership remains the foundational pillar for legal integrity. Common mistake: relying on international intervention rather than domestic government-citizen cooperation.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

When power is concentrated in one central government, the constitution is said to be

A. Federal
B. Unitary
C. Republican
D. Semi-federal
Explanation

A student might choose a federal or semi-federal structure, overlooking how authority is distributed. When all governing power rests in a single central authority, as seen in the UK, the constitution is classified as unitary, unlike a federal system where power is shared. Republican status simply defines a state with an elected head rather than a monarch. Common mistake: confusing a centralized unitary system with a decentralized federal arrangement.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Legislations on issues affecting policies on money, policing and international relations are within the scope of

A. Exclusive legislative matter
B. Concurrent and residual list
C. Residual legislative matter
D. Concurrent and exclusive list
Explanation

Learners might think these subjects appear on the concurrent list, but shared jurisdiction would lead to conflicting national policies. Money, policing, and international relations fall under the exclusive legislative matter scope of Nigeria's Second Schedule to ensure uniform federal control. Concurrent lists are shared with states, and residual matters belong exclusively to state assemblies. Common mistake: assuming critical national security and financial matters can be shared between federal and state levels.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

God-fatherism in a democratic system of government can lead to

A. Neglect of followers
B. Citizens' participation
C. Loss of employment
D. Economic development
Explanation

One might incorrectly expect economic development or citizen participation, assuming godfathers foster growth. God-fatherism occurs when powerful patrons control elected protégés, inevitably leading to the neglect of followers because the leaders prioritize pleasing their sponsors over public service. This dynamic breeds corruption and stunts growth. Common mistake: viewing political patronage as a helpful leadership network rather than a source of public neglect.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

One significance of democracy in Nigeria is that it promotes

A. Secularism
B. Sectionalism
C. Regionalism
D. Constitutionalism
Explanation

Options like secularism, sectionalism, and regionalism might seem plausible as they touch upon governance themes, but secularism is only a partial aspect of governance, while sectionalism and regionalism are inherently divisive rather than unifying. Upholding constitutionalism involves adherence to a supreme constitution, which serves to limit arbitrary power under Nigeria's 1999 framework. Common mistake: Confusing the divisive nature of sectionalism and regionalism with the unifying protection of a supreme legal framework.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Execution and implementation of government policies are parts of the functions of the

A. Military
B. Civil society
C. Legislature
D. Public service
Explanation

Students might mistakenly lean toward the military, civil society, or legislature because they are prominent government-related bodies, yet the military's role is defense, civil society acts as an advocate, and the legislature solely makes laws. Policy execution and implementation are efficiently and impartially carried out by the public service, which functions as a crucial bridge connecting the government to ordinary citizens. Common mistake: Attributing policy execution to lawmakers in the legislature rather than administrators in the public service.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

One of the political responsibilities of a citizen is

A. Exercising the right of franchise
B. Participating in social gatherings
C. Engaging in cultural debates
D. Joining town hall meetings
Explanation

Options involving social gatherings, cultural debates, or town hall meetings could mistakenly look political due to their community nature, but they are primarily social or cultural activities, whereas town halls serve as voluntary extensions of community life. Democratic participation and leadership selection rely heavily on exercising the right of franchise, making voting a core political duty for citizens. Common mistake: Equating general community participation with formal political responsibilities like voting.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Local government administration promotes

A. Consensus building in governance
B. Responsible government
C. Democracy at the grass roots
D. Responsive government
Explanation

Consensus building and responsive government might seem like the correct goals because they relate broadly to good governance, but they merely aid administration rather than being the primary structural outcome. Local government administration decentralizes power to enable community involvement in local decisions, thereby directly fostering grassroots democracy. Common mistake: Mistaking general administrative qualities like responsiveness for the structural decentralization of grassroots democracy.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The traffic sign indicated above means

A. No waiting
B. No stopping
C. No crossing
D. No overtaking
Explanation

Students might mistakenly choose no stopping, no crossing, or no overtaking because they represent various traffic restrictions, but those involve different rules like longer stops or lane movements. The 'No Waiting' sign specifically prohibits brief stops, such as loading and unloading, to maintain traffic flow in busy areas. Common mistake: Confusing brief stops permitted or barred by a waiting sign with a total ban on stopping.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Where you will likely not find the sign in the diagram above in Nigeria

A. Court areas
B. Military zone
C. Presidential villa
D. Shopping malls
Explanation

A student might guess court areas, military zones, or the presidential villa, thinking they are all high-security public buildings, but restricted security signs are specifically placed there for protection. Shopping malls are focused entirely on commerce and public retail rather than specialized security restrictions. Common mistake: Failing to distinguish between commercial public spaces and high-security government zones.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

The major aim of youth empowerment programmes is to

A. Tackle the problem of insecurity and lawlessness
B. Provide vocational skills to the youths
C. Provide attitudinal reorientation to the youth
D. Help the youths become good decision makers
Explanation

Vocational skills, attitudinal reorientation, and decision-making training might seem like the primary goals because they are components of youth programs, but they are ultimately supportive rather than the overarching objective. Nigerian youth empowerment policies specifically target root causes like unemployment in order to tackle the broader problems of insecurity and lawlessness. Common mistake: Focusing on the training tools, such as vocational skills, while missing the ultimate societal goal of reducing insecurity.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Civic Education · 2023

Human trafficking can be described as

A. Desperate desire by youths to travel abroad for greener pasture
B. Exploitation of humans in the ways their right are deprived in the course of movement
C. Exploration and adventures in foreign countries
D. Recruitment of youths as casual workers in distant places
Explanation

Desperate desires to travel for greener pastures, positive foreign exploration, or casual work recruitment might seem plausible because they involve movement or labor, but voluntary migration and legitimate casual jobs lack the element of abuse. Human trafficking involves recruitment and transport for exploitation, such as forced labor or sex, which deprives individuals of their rights during movement according to the UN Trafficking Protocol. Common mistake: Confusing voluntary economic migration with forced exploitation and human trafficking.

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