Do I need to write Mathematics for the WAEC exam? The short answer:
Yes, you should write it, but the longer answer reveals what it really means, how it affects your admission chances, and how you can decide whether to take it seriously or just aim for a pass.
Why Many Art Students Wonder if They Must Write Mathematics
From the earliest years of secondary school, you’ll notice Mathematics follows you everywhere. It’s compulsory, it’s on the timetable, and the fear of failing it drops many Art-stream students’ hearts. But when the time comes to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) or make subject combinations for WAEC, many Art students wonder: “My course is Art/humanities, do I really need Math?”
The confusion exists because some university courses that Art students choose (like Fine Arts, Languages, Social Sciences) may not emphasise Mathematics the way engineering or pure science courses do. So students often ask whether they can skip Math or aim for a low grade. The truth is, while you may not need to excel in advanced Mathematics, WAEC still requires Mathematics for every candidate, which includes Art-stream students.
What the Rules Say: Mathematics in WAEC for Art Students
According to multiple official and guidance sources:
- Every candidate in WAEC, no matter the stream, must register and write Mathematics and English Language among their required subjects.
- For Art students, Mathematics is still considered a compulsory subject although the depth or emphasis may differ from science streams.
- Many student-guidance sites say that while Art students must sit for Math, it “may not be strictly required” that they score top marks, a credit or pass may suffice depending on the course.
What This Means in Your WAEC Registration & Studies
Here’s an action plan for you, the Art student:
- When your school opens registration, check the subject list includes Mathematics and make sure you’re registered for it.
- Buy past WAEC Mathematics papers and start practising early. Even if your “goal” grade is a pass, you’ll need familiarity with format, time-management, and anxiety control.
- Plan your study time: allocate some regular hours to Maths, even if your preference is for literature or art.
- Talk to your guidance counsellor: show them your target course in university, ask what Maths grade you’ll need, and plan accordingly.
- Set a clear target: If your course only requires a pass, confirm that and make your study plan match that target. If it needs a credit, up your efforts.
- Use resources: join peer-study groups, online Maths tutorials, or MyEduSOS’s Maths crash-sessions to stay confident.
- Avoid failing: A fail in Maths may hurt your general WAEC result and limit your flexibility. Don’t see writing it as optional, treat it as mandatory.
