WAEC Subject Combination for Public Administration: Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning to study Public Administration in a Nigerian university or polytechnic and wondering which WAEC subjects you need? You’re not alone!

Every year, thousands of students search for the correct WAEC subject combination for Public Administration, so they don’t miss out on admission opportunities.

In this blog post, we will walk you through:

Let’s dive in!

What is Public Administration?

Public Administration is a social science course that deals with how government policies are planned, managed, and implemented.

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, policy planning units, or the civil service, then Public Administration might be the right course for you.

Public Administrators help improve how government institutions serve the public. They also help create policies that affect education, health, economy, transport, and more.

Why is Subject Combination Important?

The WAEC subject combination plays a key role in your university admission process. If you fail to sit for the required subjects, you may:

• Be disqualified from gaining admission
• Have to change your course or institution
• Waste time and resources rewriting exams

That’s why it’s important to get it right from the start!

Official WAEC Subject Combination for Public Administration

To study Public Administration in Nigeria, here is the correct WAEC subject combination:

You must have at least five (5) credits in these subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, and Government.

Breakdown of Each Subject

Here’s why each subject is necessary:

1. English Language

Public Administrators must be able to communicate clearly, write reports, and understand government documents. English is the language of instruction in Nigeria, making it essential.

2. Mathematics

While Public Administration is not a math-heavy course, you still need basic skills for budgeting, statistics, and analysis. That’s why Mathematics is required.

3. Government

This subject introduces students to the structure and operations of government, which is the core of Public Administration.

4. Economics

Economics helps you understand how resources are allocated and managed, which is vital in public policy and administration.

5. One Additional Subject

Choose one of the following based on your school’s offering and interest:

• Commerce – good for understanding business and trade regulations.
• Civic Education – deals with citizenship, rights, and responsibilities.
• Geography – useful if you’re interested in regional planning or environmental administration.
• History – provides background on political development.
• CRK/IRK – demonstrates your understanding of ethics and morality in public service.

Sample WAEC Subject Combination Table

 You must have at least five credits including English, Maths, and Government to be eligible.

What If You Didn’t Offer Some Subjects?

If you didn’t offer Economics or Government in WAEC, you may still have a chance to gain admission through change of course or supplementary admission lists, but this varies by institution.

Some polytechnics or colleges of education may allow a little more flexibility, but most federal and state universities require the full combination.

Bonus: JAMB Subject Combination for Public Administration

To increase your chances of getting admission, your JAMB (UTME) subject combination must also align with WAEC.

Here’s the correct JAMB subject combination:

1. English Language (Compulsory for all courses)
2. Government or History
3. Economics
4. One other Social Science subject (e.g., CRS, Commerce, Geography, or Literature)

 Note: Some universities accept History in place of Government.

List of Universities that Offer Public Administration in Nigeria

Here are some top Nigerian institutions where you can study Public Administration:

Each school may have slight variations in requirements. Always check the school’s official website or JAMB brochure before applying.

Career Opportunities in Public Administration

With a degree in Public Administration, you can work in:

• Government Ministries and Agencies
• NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)
• Local Government Councils
• Immigration and Customs
• Policy and Research Institutes
• Human Resources and Administrative Units

Typical job titles include:

• Administrative Officer
• Policy Analyst
• Civil Servant
• Local Government Officer
• Program Manager
• Human Resources Officer

Tips for Success as a Public Administration Student

1. Read widely – Public Administration is theory-heavy and covers areas like Political Science, Economics, and Sociology.
2. Improve your writing – You’ll write essays, policy briefs, and reports.
3. Be updated – Follow news, government policies, and current affairs.
4. Network early – Build relationships with lecturers and professionals.
5. Consider internships – Real-world experience will give you an edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing irrelevant WAEC subjects like Agricultural Science or Fine Arts (not accepted).
• Assuming that Government is not necessary, it is!
• Overlooking Mathematics, it is compulsory even if you’re not a math lover.
• Copying other students’ subject combinations without researching your course.

FAQs About WAEC Subject Combination for Public Administration

1. Can I study Public Administration without Government in WAEC?

No. Government is one of the core subjects required by most universities and polytechnics.

2. Is Commerce a good subject to include?

Yes, Commerce is a useful elective, especially if you’re interested in the business side of administration.

3. Is CRK or IRK accepted?

Yes, they are accepted as optional subjects in many institutions.

4. What if I have D7 or E8 in Mathematics?

You’ll likely need to rewrite WAEC or NECO to get a credit pass, as most institutions require at least a C6 in core subjects.