WAEC Subject Requirements for Medicine in Nigeria: Studying Medicine and Surgery is a dream shared by thousands of Nigerian students every year. However, gaining admission to study Medicine requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to your WAEC or other O’level results.
One of the first questions prospective medical students ask is:
What WAEC subjects do I need to study Medicine in Nigeria?
The answer is straightforward in general terms, but there are important details that every aspiring medical student should understand. For many Nigerian universities, candidates seeking admission into Medicine and Surgery through UTME are expected to have credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the O’level. The exact number of sittings allowed, however, can vary between universities.
For example, the University of Lagos lists five O’level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for Medicine and Surgery, while its UTME subject combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
The University of Ibadan similarly lists five O’level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Medicine and Surgery and states that its College of Medicine requires these five credits at one sitting.
This guide explains the WAEC subject requirements for Medicine, the minimum grades you should aim for, whether two sittings are accepted, how WAEC and NECO combinations work, the difference between O’level and JAMB requirements, and other important things you should know before applying to medical school.
Important: Admission requirements can change from one academic session to another and can differ between universities. Always confirm the current requirements for your chosen university and admission year before applying.
What Are the WAEC Subjects Required to Study Medicine?
For most Nigerian universities, the five key O’level subjects required for Medicine and Surgery are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
You generally need a credit pass in each of these subjects.
In the WAEC grading system, the credit grades are generally:
A1 – Excellent
B2 – Very Good
B3 – Good
C4 – Credit
C5 – Credit
C6 – Credit
Therefore, a candidate with the following result would generally meet the five-subject credit requirement, subject to the university’s other conditions:
Subject Grade
English Language C5
Mathematics C6
Biology B3
Chemistry C4
Physics C5
However, simply having these five credits does not automatically guarantee admission to study Medicine.
You must also meet the university’s requirements regarding:
Number of sittings
UTME subject combination
JAMB score
University screening requirements
Age requirements
Other institutional conditions
The Five Important WAEC Subjects for Medicine Explained
Let’s look at each required subject individually.
English Language
English Language is an important requirement for university admission in Nigeria.
For Medicine and Surgery, candidates are generally expected to have a credit pass in English Language.
English is important because medical students need strong communication skills. During your medical education and future professional practice, you will need to:
- Read medical textbooks
- Understand scientific literature
- Write reports
- Communicate with patients
- Communicate with other healthcare professionals
- Interpret medical information
- Therefore, you should take your English Language examination seriously.
A candidate who has excellent grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics but does not have the required English credit may not satisfy the O’level requirements for Medicine at many universities.
Mathematics
Mathematics is another important O’level subject for Medicine.
Many universities require a credit pass in Mathematics as part of the five required O’level subjects.
For example, the University of Lagos lists Mathematics alongside English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics among the five required O’level credits for Medicine and Surgery.
Mathematics is useful in medical education because students may encounter:
- Dosage calculations
- Drug calculations
- Statistics
- Research methods
- Measurement
- Data interpretation
Although Medicine is not primarily a Mathematics-based course, a good foundation in Mathematics is still valuable.
Biology
Biology is one of the most important subjects for anyone who wants to study Medicine.
It is directly connected to the study of living organisms and forms part of the foundation for understanding the human body.
In medical school, students study areas such as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
- Histology
A good understanding of Biology can make the transition into medical education easier.
For Medicine and Surgery, Biology is normally one of the required O’level subjects.
Chemistry
Chemistry is another essential subject for aspiring medical students.
Medical students need to understand chemical processes that occur within the human body and how different substances interact with biological systems.
Chemistry provides a foundation for areas such as:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Drug interactions
- Metabolism
- Acid-base balance
- Chemical processes in the body
- For this reason, Chemistry is typically one of the five O’level subjects required for Medicine.
Students who find Chemistry challenging should pay particular attention to it during their WAEC preparation.
Physics
Physics is also an important requirement for Medicine and Surgery.
Medical students encounter physics-related concepts in areas such as:
- Medical imaging
- Radiation
- Ultrasound
- Electricity
- Mechanics
- Pressure
- Optics
Physics also helps students understand the scientific principles behind certain medical technologies.
Universities such as the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan include Physics among the required O’level subjects for Medicine and Surgery.
What Is the Minimum WAEC Grade Required for Medicine?
Generally, universities require credit passes in the five relevant O’level subjects.
A credit is usually represented by:
A1
B2
B3
C4
C5
C6
Therefore, a candidate should generally aim for at least C6 or better in:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
However, students should not assume that C6 is always sufficient for every university.
Some universities may have additional requirements, and some admission processes may be highly competitive.
For Medicine, it is advisable to aim for the strongest grades possible.
For example:
Excellent result:
English – A1
Mathematics – A1
Biology – A1
Chemistry – B2
Physics – B3
This result demonstrates a strong academic foundation.
However, remember that admission into Medicine is not based solely on WAEC grades.
Is A1 Required in WAEC to Study Medicine?
No.! You do not generally need an A1 in WAEC to study Medicine.
A credit pass may satisfy the basic O’level requirement if the university accepts that grade.
For example, a C6 in Biology may meet the basic credit requirement.
However, Medicine is highly competitive, and stronger academic performance can be beneficial.
The key distinction is:
Minimum requirement ≠ guaranteed admission.
Meeting the minimum WAEC requirement means that you may be eligible to apply. It does not mean that you are automatically admitted.
Can I Study Medicine With C6 in WAEC?
Yes, a C6 is generally a credit. If you have C6 in the required subjects and the university accepts that grade, you may satisfy the basic O’level requirement.
For example:
English – C6
Mathematics – C6
Biology – C6
Chemistry – C6
Physics – C6
This is five credit passes.
However, your admission will still depend on the requirements of the university and the competitiveness of the Medicine program.
You will also need to satisfy the relevant UTME and screening requirements.
Can I Study Medicine With D7 in Biology?
Generally, no, if the university requires a credit in Biology.
D7 is usually classified as a pass rather than a credit.
If Biology is one of the required subjects for Medicine, you would generally need to improve the result by retaking the examination or obtaining another recognized O’level result with the required credit.
The same principle applies to:
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
English Language
If you have D7 or E8 in a subject where the university requires a credit, you may not satisfy the O’level requirement.
Can I Study Medicine With F9 in Chemistry?
Generally, no. Chemistry is one of the core O’level subjects required for Medicine and Surgery at many Nigerian universities.
An F9 is a fail, so it would not normally satisfy a credit requirement.
If you have F9 in Chemistry, you may need to retake the examination and obtain the required credit.
If you have another O’level result containing the required Chemistry credit, you may be able to combine the results if the university permits two sittings.
Can I Study Medicine With Two WAEC Results?
This depends entirely on the university.
Some universities accept two sittings for certain courses, while others require candidates applying for Medicine to obtain all five required credits in one sitting.
For example, the University of Ibadan’s current 2026/2027 admission information states that candidates seeking admission into programs in its College of Medicine must have five credits at one sitting in relevant O’level subjects.
The university’s published course requirements specifically list English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Medicine and Surgery.
Therefore, if you have:
First WAEC
English – C5
Mathematics – C6
Biology – C5
Physics – C6
Chemistry – F9
Second WAEC
Chemistry – C5
You may be able to combine the two results for universities that accept two sittings.
However, you may not qualify for a university such as the University of Ibadan if its current Medicine requirement specifies that the five credits must be obtained at one sitting.
This is why checking your university’s current policy is extremely important.
Can I Combine WAEC and NECO for Medicine?
The answer depends on the university.
Some universities may accept a combination of WAEC and NECO when they permit two O’level sittings.
For example:
WAEC
English – C5
Mathematics – C6
Biology – C5
Physics – C6
Chemistry – F9
NECO
Chemistry – C5
If your chosen university allows two sittings and accepts both WAEC and NECO, you may be able to use the two results.
However, if the university requires Medicine candidates to have all five credits at one sitting, the combination would not satisfy that specific requirement.
Always check the official admission information for your university.
Is One Sitting Better for Medicine?
If you are planning to study Medicine, obtaining all five required credits in one sitting can give you access to universities that impose a one-sitting requirement.
It can therefore provide greater flexibility when choosing where to apply.
For example, the University of Ibadan’s current admission information requires candidates seeking admission into its College of Medicine to have five relevant credits at one sitting.
However, having two sittings does not mean that you cannot study Medicine.
The important thing is to identify universities whose current requirements match your results.
Can I Study Medicine With WAEC and NECO Results?
Yes, potentially.
If your chosen university allows two sittings and accepts both examination bodies, you may be able to combine your results.
However, your combined results must still contain the required credits in:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
For example:
WAEC
English – B3
Mathematics – C5
Biology – C6
Physics – F9
Chemistry – C5
NECO
Physics – C5
If the university allows two sittings, you may have the required five credits.
However, if the university requires one sitting, you would not be eligible under that specific O’level rule.
What Is the JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine?
The WAEC subject requirements are different from the UTME subject combination.
For Medicine and Surgery, the commonly required UTME subjects are:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
For example, the University of Lagos lists English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as the UTME subjects for Medicine and Surgery.
The University of Ibadan also lists English Language, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the UTME subjects for Medicine and Surgery.
This means that your preparation should cover both:
O’level requirements
English
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
UTME subjects
English Language
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Do not confuse these two requirements.
Mathematics may be required as an O’level credit even though it is not one of the four UTME subjects you sit for when applying for Medicine.
Why Is Mathematics Required in WAEC but Not Usually Written in UTME for Medicine?
This is a common source of confusion.
For many Medicine programs, Mathematics is part of the required O’level credits.
However, the UTME subject combination generally consists of:
English Language
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
The reason is that O’level requirements and UTME subject combinations serve different purposes.
Your O’level result demonstrates that you have a broad academic foundation, while your UTME subject combination is used to assess your preparation in subjects directly relevant to your intended course.
Always check the current JAMB brochure or JAMB’s eligibility system for your specific university and program.
JAMB’s IBASS eligibility checker allows candidates to select their institution, program, O’level credits, and UTME subject combination to check program eligibility.
Can I Study Medicine Without Mathematics in WAEC?
This depends on the university, but candidates should generally expect Mathematics to be required.
For example, the University of Lagos requires five O’level credits in:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
for Medicine and Surgery.
The University of Ibadan also lists Mathematics among the five required O’level credit subjects for Medicine and Surgery.
Therefore, if you do not have the required Mathematics credit, you may not qualify for Medicine at universities that specifically require it.
If you have a weak Mathematics result, consider checking the current requirements of your preferred institutions or improving the result through another recognized examination.
Can I Study Medicine Without Physics in WAEC?
Generally, no. Physics is one of the core science subjects commonly required for Medicine and Surgery.
Both the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan list Physics among the required O’level subjects for Medicine.
If you do not have the required Physics credit, you may need to obtain another O’level result that includes the required credit, subject to the university’s rules on combining results.
Can I Study Medicine Without Chemistry in WAEC?
Generally, no. Chemistry is a core subject for Medicine.
It is required because of its connection to:
Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Drug interactions
Metabolism
Chemical processes in the human body
Universities such as UNILAG and the University of Ibadan list Chemistry as one of the required O’level subjects for Medicine and Surgery.
Can I Study Medicine Without Biology in WAEC?
Generally, no. Biology is one of the most important subjects for Medicine.
It provides the foundation for understanding:
Human anatomy
Human physiology
Cells
Genetics
Microorganisms
Living systems
Therefore, Biology is normally one of the required O’level credits for Medicine.
Can I Study Medicine Without English Language in WAEC?
Generally, no.
English Language is a core requirement for most university degree programs in Nigeria, including Medicine.
You should therefore aim to obtain at least a credit in English Language.
What If I Have the Five Required Subjects but One Is D7?
If one of the five required subjects has D7, you may not meet the credit requirement.
For example:
English – C5
Mathematics – C6
Biology – C5
Chemistry – C6
Physics – D7
You have four credits, not five.
If the university requires five credits, you would need to obtain a credit in Physics through another recognized result, subject to the institution’s rules.
What If I Have Five Credits but Biology Is Missing?
You may not qualify for Medicine.
For example:
English – C5
Mathematics – C6
Chemistry – B3
Physics – C5
Economics – B2
Although you have five credits, Biology is missing.
If your chosen university specifically requires Biology, this result would not satisfy the Medicine O’level requirement.
This demonstrates why relevant subjects are more important than simply counting the number of credits.
What If I Have Biology but No Chemistry?
You may not qualify for Medicine at universities that require Chemistry.
Chemistry is one of the core subjects required for Medicine and is usually not optional.
You should consider obtaining the required Chemistry credit before applying.
Can a WAEC Result With Awaiting Result Be Used for Medicine?
Some candidates apply for university admission while awaiting their WAEC or another O’level result
Whether you can apply while awaiting your result depends on the university and admission cycle.
If you are awaiting a result, you should pay close attention to deadlines.
JAMB states that candidates who register while awaiting results should upload the results to the JAMB portal as soon as they become available. JAMB also states that an institution’s recommendation will not be considered if the candidate has not uploaded the result to the Board’s portal.
Therefore, if you are using an awaiting result:
- Complete your examination.
- Wait for the result to be released.
- Obtain your result details.
- Upload the result as required.
- Ensure your information is accurate.
- Confirm that your university has received or can access the result where necessary.
How Many Credits Do I Need to Study Medicine?
Generally, you need five relevant O’level credit passes.
For many universities, the five subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
However, the number of sittings allowed can vary.
For example, the University of Ibadan requires five relevant credits at one sitting for its College of Medicine.
Other institutions may have different rules.
Does WAEC Grade Determine Whether You Will Become a Doctor?
No. WAEC is an important part of your eligibility, but it does not determine your entire medical career.
You still have to:
Gain admission
- Complete medical training
- Pass professional examinations
- Complete required clinical training
- Meet professional registration requirements
However, your WAEC result is an important first step because it determines whether you meet the basic academic requirements to apply.
Is WAEC Enough to Gain Admission to Medicine?
No.! WAEC is only one part of the admission process.
You may also need:
JAMB UTME
Correct UTME subject combination
Required UTME score
Post-UTME or screening
Correct O’level upload
Meeting the university’s age requirement
Meeting other institutional requirements
For example, UNILAG’s 2026/2027 Post-UTME notice states that candidates must have made the university their first choice, scored at least 200 in UTME, and possessed five credit passes at one sitting in relevant O’level subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
However, admission requirements vary by institution and year.
How Competitive Is Medicine and Surgery?
Medicine is one of the most competitive university programs in Nigeria.
This means that meeting the minimum WAEC requirement does not guarantee admission.
For example, UNILAG’s published 2025/2026 merit cut-off information listed a Medicine and Surgery merit score of 85.025, with different figures for certain catchment states. This illustrates how competitive admission can be, although cut-off figures can change from year to year.
Therefore, aspiring medical students should aim for strong performance in:
WAEC
UTME
Post-UTME or screening
Other relevant admission requirements
How to Prepare for WAEC If You Want to Study Medicine
If you are still in secondary school and plan to study Medicine, preparation should begin early.
Take Biology Seriously
Understand concepts rather than memorizing everything.
Focus on:
Human systems
Genetics
Ecology
Cell biology
Reproduction
Evolution
Build a Strong Chemistry Foundation
Pay attention to:
Organic chemistry
Inorganic chemistry
Physical chemistry
Chemical equations
Mole concepts
Acids and bases
Practice Physics Regularly
Work on:
Mechanics
Electricity
Waves
Optics
Heat
Modern physics
Improve Your Mathematics
Practice:
Algebra
Geometry
Statistics
Trigonometry
Probability
Improve Your English
Develop:
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading comprehension
Essay writing
Solve Past Questions
Past questions can help you understand:
Question patterns
Common topics
Time management
Examination structure
Avoid Last-Minute Preparation
Medicine is competitive, so it is better to build a strong academic foundation early.
How to Check Your Eligibility for Medicine
Before applying, follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose Your University
Decide where you want to study.
Step 2: Find the Medicine Admission Requirements
Visit the official university website.
Step 3: Check the O’level Requirements
Confirm that you have credits in:
English
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Step 4: Check the Number of Sittings
Confirm whether the university accepts:
One sitting
Two sittings
Step 5: Check the UTME Combination
For Medicine, the commonly required combination is:
English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Step 6: Check the University Screening Requirements
Confirm:
UTME score
Post-UTME
Screening
Age requirements
Other conditions
Step 7: Use JAMB’s Eligibility Checker
JAMB’s IBASS eligibility checker allows you to select your institution and program and enter your O’level credits and UTME combination to assess eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What WAEC subjects do I need to study Medicine?
You generally need credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
What is the minimum WAEC grade for Medicine?
The general minimum is a credit pass in each required subject, usually A1 to C6. However, universities may have additional requirements.
Is Mathematics compulsory for Medicine?
Many universities require a Mathematics credit as part of the five O’level credits for Medicine.
Is Biology compulsory for Medicine?
Yes, Biology is generally one of the core O’level subjects required for Medicine.
Is Chemistry compulsory for Medicine?
Yes. Chemistry is generally required for Medicine and Surgery.
Is Physics compulsory for Medicine?
Yes. Physics is generally one of the required O’level subjects.
Is English compulsory for Medicine?
Yes, a credit in English Language is generally required.
Can I study Medicine with C6 in WAEC?
Yes, C6 is a credit. If you have C6 in all five required subjects and meet all other admission requirements, you may be eligible to apply.
Can I study Medicine with D7 in Chemistry?
Generally, no, because D7 is not a credit.
Can I study Medicine with F9 in Physics?
Generally, no. You would need the required Physics credit.
Can I study Medicine with two WAEC results?
It depends on the university. Some universities accept two sittings, while others require one sitting for Medicine.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO for Medicine?
You may be able to if your university allows two sittings and accepts both examination bodies.
Can I study Medicine without Mathematics?
Many universities require Mathematics as one of the five O’level credits, so you should not assume that it can be omitted.
What is the JAMB subject combination for Medicine?
The commonly required UTME combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Is Mathematics written in JAMB for Medicine?
Mathematics is generally not part of the standard four-subject UTME combination for Medicine, although Mathematics may still be required as an O’level credit.
Can I study Medicine with five credits but no Biology?
Generally, no, if the university requires Biology.
Can I study Medicine with five credits but no Chemistry?
Generally, no.
Can I study Medicine with five credits but no Physics?
Generally, no.
Do I need A1 in all five subjects?
No. A1 is not generally required in every subject. Credit passes may satisfy the basic O’level requirement, but stronger grades can be beneficial.
Does WAEC alone guarantee admission into Medicine?
No. You must also satisfy UTME, university screening, and other admission requirements.
Can awaiting WAEC results be used to apply for Medicine?
Some universities allow candidates to apply with awaiting results, but the result must be provided and uploaded when available according to JAMB and institutional requirements.
Which is better for Medicine: one sitting or two sittings?
One sitting provides access to universities that specifically require all five credits in one sitting. However, two sittings can still be acceptable at universities that permit them.
Can I study Medicine with WAEC and NECO combined?
Yes, potentially, if the university allows two sittings and accepts the combination.
How many credits are needed for Medicine?
Generally, five relevant O’level credits are required.
What should I do if I do not have the required WAEC subjects?
You may need to retake the relevant subject or obtain another recognized O’level qualification, depending on the university’s rules.
Conclusion
The WAEC subject requirements for Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria are generally centered around five key subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Aspiring medical students should aim to obtain at least credit passes in these subjects. However, meeting the five-subject requirement is only the beginning of the admission process.
The number of sittings allowed is particularly important. While some universities may accept two O’level sittings, others have stricter one-sitting requirements for Medicine. The University of Ibadan, for example, currently requires candidates seeking admission into its College of Medicine to have five relevant credits at one sitting.
You should also remember that the WAEC requirements are different from the JAMB UTME subject combination. For Medicine, the commonly required UTME subjects are English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Universities such as UNILAG and the University of Ibadan publish these subjects for their Medicine and Surgery programs.
If you are serious about becoming a doctor, start preparing early. Aim for strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English Language. At the same time, prepare carefully for UTME and make sure your subject combination is correct.
Most importantly, do not rely on general information alone when making your final application decision. Admission requirements can change, and different universities may have different rules regarding grades, subject combinations, and the number of sittings accepted.
Before applying, check the latest requirements from your chosen university and use JAMB’s eligibility checker to confirm that your O’level subjects and UTME combination match the Medicine program you intend to study.
With the right WAEC subjects, strong academic preparation, the correct UTME combination, and careful attention to each university’s admission requirements, you can put yourself in a much stronger position to pursue your dream of studying Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria.
