Can You Combine Two WAEC Results for University Admission? Based on my research yearly, thousands of Nigerian students ask the same important question: “Can I combine two WAEC results to gain admission into university?”
This question is very common among candidates who may not have obtained all the required credit passes in one sitting of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Many students consider writing another WAEC or NECO exam to make up for subjects they failed.
The good news is that combining two WAEC results is possible in many cases, but there are specific rules you must understand before relying on this option for university admission.
In this detailed guide, you will learn:
- Whether two WAEC results can be combined for admission
- The official rules about “two sittings” in Nigeria
- Universities that accept combined results
- Courses that may not allow two sittings
- How to combine your WAEC results correctly during admission
- Important mistakes students should avoid
By the end of this article, you will clearly understand how combining WAEC results works and whether it can help you secure admission into your desired university.
What Does It Mean to Combine Two WAEC Results for University Admission?
Combining two WAEC results simply means using subjects from two different examination sittings to meet the minimum admission requirements for a university course.
For example:
A university may require five credit passes including English Language and Mathematics.
If a student gets:
WAEC 2023
- English – C6
- Mathematics – F9
- Biology – C5
- Chemistry – C6
Then writes WAEC GCE 2024 and gets:
- Mathematics – C4
- Physics – C6
The student can combine the results to meet the required five credit passes for admission.
In Nigerian university admissions, this is called “two sittings”.
Most universities allow candidates to present O-level results from not more than two examination sessions to satisfy admission requirements.
Can You Combine Two WAEC Results for University Admission?
Yes. Students can combine two WAEC results to gain admission into many Nigerian universities. Many institutions clearly state in their admission requirements that candidates must present:
“Five credit passes in relevant subjects at not more than two sittings.”
This means candidates are allowed to combine results from two exam sessions if they did not obtain all required credits in one sitting.
For example, you may combine:
- WAEC 2023 + WAEC GCE 2024
- WAEC 2022 + WAEC 2023
As long as the total subjects meet the university’s requirements. However, there are important conditions you must follow.
READ ALSO: Can You Use Awaiting Result for JAMB Admission?
Requirements for Combining Two WAEC Results
Before you combine two WAEC results for admission, ensure the following conditions are met.
1. Maximum of Two Sittings Only
Universities usually allow only two examination sittings.
This means:
Allowed
- WAEC + WAEC
- WAEC + NECO
- NECO + NABTEB
Not Allowed
- WAEC + NECO + NABTEB (three results)
Most institutions will reject more than two sittings.
2. You Must Have Five Credit Passes
Your combined results must provide at least:
- Five credit passes
- Including English Language
- Including Mathematics
- And other required subjects for your course
Students often combine results because they failed one subject in their first exam and passed it in another exam.
3. Subjects Must Match Your Course
Universities only consider subjects that match your course requirements.
Examples:
Medicine
- English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Engineering
- English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
Social Sciences
- English
- Mathematics
- Economics
If the combined results do not contain the required subjects, the admission may not be granted.
Can You Combine WAEC and NECO for Admission?
Yes. Many Nigerian universities accept the combination of WAEC and NECO results.
Students commonly combine them when they obtain better grades in the second exam.
For example:
WAEC
- English – C6
- Mathematics – D7
NECO
- Mathematics – C4
The NECO result can cover the weak WAEC subject.
Most institutions accept this combination as long as it is within two sittings.
How Universities View “Two Sittings”
When universities mention two sittings, they are referring to combining two different O-level results.
For instance:
One sitting
All required subjects obtained in a single WAEC exam.
Two sittings
Subjects obtained across two exams like WAEC and NECO.
However, not all universities accept two sittings for every course.
Some competitive programs require one sitting only.
Courses That May Not Accept Two WAEC Results
Some highly competitive courses prefer or require one sitting.
These include:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Law
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Dentistry
Certain universities may reject candidates who combine two results for these courses.
Therefore, always check the admission requirements of your chosen university before applying.
In some institutions, even when two sittings are accepted generally, they may still require one sitting for specific programs.
Universities in Nigeria That Accept Two WAEC Results
Many universities in Nigeria accept two sittings.
Examples include:
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
- Kaduna State University (KASU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- And more
These institutions allow candidates to combine results as long as they meet the required subject combinations.
Private universities are usually even more flexible when it comes to two sittings.
How to Combine Two WAEC Results for Admission
Combining your results is simple if you follow the correct steps.
Step 1: Ensure You Have the Required Credits
Combine subjects from both results until you have:
- Five credit passes
- Required course subjects
Step 2: Register JAMB with Both Results
During UTME registration, you can select:
“Awaiting Result”
Then upload both results when they become available.
Step 3: Upload Results on JAMB CAPS
You must upload both results at a JAMB accredited CBT centre.
If you fail to upload them, your admission may not be processed.
Step 4: Present Both Results During Screening
During post-UTME or admission screening, the university will verify both results.
If everything matches the requirements, your admission can proceed.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Combining WAEC Results
Many candidates lose admission opportunities because of avoidable mistakes.
Below are common errors to avoid.
1. Using More Than Two Results
Some students try to combine three results. Most universities do not accept this.
2. Not Checking Course Requirements
Some courses demand specific subjects. If those subjects are missing, the admission will fail.
3. Different Names on Results
If your name differs on both results, you may need:
- Affidavit
- Name correction
It is better to ensure names are consistent.
4. Not Uploading Results to JAMB Portal
Even if you have the results, failure to upload them can block admission processing.
Advantages of Combining Two WAEC Results
Combining results can help students in many ways.
1. Improves Admission Chances
Students who fail one or two subjects can rewrite the exam and combine results.
2. Saves Time
Instead of rewriting all subjects, you only need to focus on the failed ones.
3. Reduces Pressure
Many students perform better when they retake specific subjects.
Disadvantages of Combining Two WAEC Results
While combining results is helpful, it also has drawbacks.
1. Some Courses May Reject It
Competitive courses sometimes require one sitting.
2. Some Universities Prefer One Sitting
Even if they allow two sittings, candidates with one sitting may be prioritized.
3. Screening May Be Stricter
Universities may carefully verify combined results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine two WAEC results from different years?
Yes. You can combine WAEC results from different years if they meet the required subject criteria.
Can I combine WAEC and WAEC GCE?
Yes. WAEC May/June and WAEC GCE can be combined.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO?
Yes. Many universities accept WAEC and NECO combinations.
Can I combine three results?
No. Most universities only accept two sittings.
Can I gain admission with two sittings?
Yes. Many students gain admission every year using combined results.
Conclusion
Combining two WAEC results is a legitimate and widely accepted method for meeting university admission requirements in Nigeria. If you did not obtain all required credits in one sitting, writing another exam and combining results can significantly improve your chances of gaining admission.
However, it is important to remember that:
- Most universities allow only two sittings
- Some competitive courses require one sitting
- You must meet the correct subject combination
- Both results must be uploaded to JAMB CAPS
Before applying to any university, always confirm the admission requirements of the institution and your chosen course. With proper planning and the right subject combination, combining two WAEC results can still lead you to your dream university.
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