⚖️
WAEC Subject Combination for Law 2026
The exact O'Level credits Nigerian law faculties expect, including the Literature in English rule most students miss.
📖 The 5 Required WAEC Subjects
Literature in English is the subject most students overlook for Law — it is compulsory at most faculties and cannot simply be swapped for another Arts subject.
International Law & Diplomacy
Offered as a distinct degree at a handful of universities. Uses the same WAEC combination as standard Law.
🏫 What Specific Universities Require
The "Government or History" flexibility does not apply everywhere. At Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Benin (UNIBEN), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Law specifically requires Literature in English plus two other subjects — Government or History alone will not satisfy their requirement in place of Literature. Since Literature in English is the subject most students skip, confirm this specific rule with your target school well before your WAEC registration deadline, so you can still add it if needed.
If you don't get Law: International Law & Diplomacy, offered at a handful of universities, uses the same WAEC combination and is a related pathway some students consider alongside standard Law admission.
⚠️
Sittings rule: Your five credits can come from a maximum of two sittings. Law is one of the most oversubscribed courses in Nigeria, so a strong grade in English Language especially carries real weight during screening.
🤔 Common Student Questions
At most Nigerian universities, yes. A credit in Literature in English is a specific requirement for Law, separate from your general English Language credit, so make sure you register and pass it before applying.
No. Even though Law is an Arts-based course, Mathematics is a compulsory credit at virtually every Nigerian university that offers it, alongside English Language and Literature in English.
Either subject satisfies the requirement, and most faculties treat them as equally acceptable. Government tends to align more directly with legal and constitutional topics, which some students find gives a smoother transition into first-year Law coursework.
Yes. As with other courses, universities accept a combination of WAEC and NECO credits from up to two sittings, as long as all five required subjects are covered at C6 or better.
You can register and sit Literature in English as a private candidate through WAEC or NECO, even if your school does not teach it as a subject. Many aspiring Law students do this specifically to meet the requirement.
OAU, UNIBEN, UNN and UNILORIN are known to require Literature in English plus two other subjects, rather than accepting Government or History as a substitute. Requirements do vary and can change, so always cross-check with your specific target university's current admission list before finalising your WAEC subjects.
🚀
Practice WAEC English & Literature Free
English Language and Literature in English carry the most weight for Law admission. Practise real past questions for free.
Practice WAEC Questions →