If you are an Art student preparing for WAEC, this question has probably crossed your mind more than once. Do I really need to write Mathematics? Can I skip it? Or should I just aim for a pass and move on?
The short answer is yes, you must write Mathematics. But that answer alone does not explain what truly matters. What really affects your future is not just whether you write Mathematics, but how it influences your WAEC result, your JAMB chances, and your university admission options.
Many Art students misunderstand the role of Mathematics in WAEC. Some panic unnecessarily, while others ignore it completely and regret it later. This guide breaks everything down clearly, calmly, and honestly, so you can make informed decisions without fear or confusion.
Why Art Students Keep Asking This Question
From junior secondary school, Mathematics has always been compulsory. It sits on the timetable whether you like it or not. By the time students move into SS1 and choose Arts, Commercial, or Science, many expect Mathematics to fade into the background.
But it does not.
Art students focus heavily on subjects like Literature, Government, History, CRS, IRS, Fine Arts, or Languages. Compared to Science students, Mathematics feels less relevant, especially when your dream course is Law, Mass Communication, English, Theatre Arts, or International Relations.
This is where the confusion begins. Some students assume that because Mathematics is not central to their course, they can avoid it. Others believe a low grade will not matter. Unfortunately, this assumption has cost many candidates their admission opportunities.
What WAEC Officially Requires
According to WAEC regulations, every candidate, regardless of stream, must register and sit for Mathematics and English Language. These two subjects are compulsory for all students.
There is no exemption for Art students.
This means that when your school submits your WAEC registration, Mathematics will automatically appear on your subject list. If it does not, that registration is incomplete and invalid.
Even private candidates must register Mathematics.
So the real question is not whether you will write Mathematics, but how seriously you should take it.
Does WAEC Mathematics Affect Admission for Art Students?
This is where things become more practical.
Most Nigerian universities require a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language. Mathematics requirements vary depending on the course and institution.
For many Art and Humanities courses, Mathematics is not always required at credit level. In some cases, a pass is acceptable. However, failing Mathematics entirely can still create problems.
Some universities may still insist on at least a pass in Mathematics, even for Art-related courses. Others may not list it explicitly but still consider overall WAEC performance when screening candidates.
A poor Mathematics result can limit your flexibility. If you later decide to change your course or institution, that failed Mathematics grade may block you.
The Risk of Ignoring Mathematics Completely
Many Art students make the mistake of ignoring Mathematics throughout SS2 and SS3. They focus only on their preferred subjects and assume Mathematics will sort itself out.
This approach is risky.
WAEC Mathematics questions are not designed for guessing. Without practice, even basic questions can feel overwhelming under exam pressure. Anxiety increases, time is wasted, and students panic.
Failing Mathematics does not automatically cancel your WAEC, but it can reduce your options. It can also affect your confidence and overall result profile.
Treating Mathematics as optional is one of the most common regrets among Art students after WAEC results are released.
What Grade Do You Really Need in Mathematics?
This depends on your intended course and institution.
For many Art and Humanities courses, a credit in Mathematics is not compulsory. A pass may be enough. However, this is not universal. Some competitive universities still prefer candidates with stronger overall results.
Courses like Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, and some Social Sciences may require a credit in Mathematics, even if they fall under Arts or Commercial streams.
This is why guessing is dangerous.
You should confirm the exact Mathematics requirement for your target course by checking university admission guidelines or consulting a guidance counsellor. Planning blindly often leads to disappointment.
How Art Students Should Approach Mathematics
The goal is not to turn you into a mathematician. The goal is to help you pass confidently and protect your future options.
Start by accepting that Mathematics is compulsory. Once you remove the emotional resistance, preparation becomes easier.
Next, identify your realistic target. If your course requires only a pass, aim for a strong pass, not a borderline one. If a credit is required, plan for consistent practice.
WAEC Mathematics follows a predictable pattern. Many questions repeat in style and structure. With focused preparation, Art students can comfortably pass.
Practical Study Strategy That Works
You do not need to study Mathematics every day for hours. What you need is consistency and familiarity.
Buy past WAEC Mathematics questions and start early. Practice questions weekly, not randomly. Focus on common topics like algebra, geometry, statistics, and basic arithmetic.
Use simple explanations. Many online tutorials break topics down clearly. Study with classmates who understand Mathematics better. Group discussions reduce fear and increase confidence.
If your school offers extra lessons, attend them. If not, consider external tutorials or crash sessions focused on WAEC-style questions.
Most importantly, do not wait until the exam period. Panic is the enemy of performance.
Managing Fear and Anxiety Around Mathematics
Fear of Mathematics is real, especially for Art students who have struggled with it for years. But fear often comes from lack of exposure, not inability.
The more you practice, the less frightening it becomes.
WAEC Mathematics is not designed to trick candidates. It tests basic understanding and application. Once you become familiar with the format, your confidence improves.
Remind yourself that you are not aiming for perfection. You are aiming for competence.
How Mathematics Affects JAMB and Beyond
While JAMB subject combinations may not always include Mathematics for Art courses, your WAEC result still matters.
Universities often screen candidates holistically. A failed Mathematics grade can raise questions, especially in competitive schools.
Additionally, life after secondary school still involves numbers. From course registration to basic finance, digital skills, and workplace tasks, Mathematics never truly disappears.
Passing WAEC Mathematics is not just about admission. It is about equipping yourself for real-life situations.
What Parents and Guardians Should Know
Parents often underestimate the pressure Art students feel about Mathematics. Some assume it is unnecessary and advise their children to ignore it.
This advice can be harmful.
Parents should encourage steady preparation, not fear. Provide resources where possible and support balanced study routines.
A calm, supportive approach works better than pressure or dismissal.
Final Guidance for Art Students
Yes, you must write Mathematics in WAEC as an Art student. That part is not optional.
What is optional is how you approach it.
You can choose fear and avoidance, or you can choose preparation and control. You do not need to love Mathematics, but you need to respect its role in your academic journey.
Passing Mathematics keeps your options open. It reduces stress during admission and protects you from unnecessary setbacks.
Treat it as part of the process, not a punishment.
Calm Takeaway
WAEC Mathematics is compulsory for all students, including those in Arts. You may not need an outstanding grade, but you do need a deliberate plan.
Understand your course requirements, prepare steadily, avoid panic, and aim for a result that supports your future.
One subject should not stand between you and your dreams. With the right approach, it won’t.
