WAEC has restricted Economics to only Business students in its 2026 exam guidelines, barring Science and Arts candidates from taking the subject.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released new subject combination guidelines for the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, introducing major changes to students’ subject choices. Under the revised arrangement, Economics will no longer be available to candidates in the Science or Arts/Humanities categories. Only students in the Business or Commercial stream will be permitted to register for the subject.
WAEC examinations require a minimum of seven and a maximum of nine subjects, including three compulsory papers — English Language, Mathematics, and Civic Education.
Traditionally, Science students could combine Economics with core subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while Arts students paired it with Literature, Government or History. The new policy now limits such flexibility.
WAEC says the restructuring aims to enforce clearer academic pathways across Science, Arts, and Commercial departments. However, the development may raise concerns among students seeking cross-disciplinary.