Civic Education has been designated as a compulsory subject for all WAEC candidates in Nigeria. This decision reflects the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring that every young Nigerian understands their civic responsibilities, rights, and the workings of government.
For the 2026 examination, the importance of Civic Education has been further emphasised. According to the new WAEC subject combination guidelines, every student must register for Civic Education along with English Language and Mathematics.
This means your performance in Civic Education will directly impact your overall WASSCE results and, consequently, your chances of gaining admission into higher institutions.
However, candidates should note that there have been discussions regarding the implementation of new WAEC guidelines. The Senate has raised concerns about proposed changes that would remove Civic Education from the compulsory subject list, arguing that such a move would be detrimental at a time when Nigeria is pushing for greater civic responsibility and digital literacy.
As of the latest information, Civic Education remains a compulsory subject for the 2026 examination, and candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly using the syllabus outlined in this guide.
Aims and Objectives
- Understand the importance of citizenship in society.
- Explain the structure, functions, and responsibilities of government to the people.
- Know emerging issues in society.
- Understand the rights, duties, and obligations of citizens to government and society;
- Appreciate democratic values and strive to uphold them.
Examination Scheme
There will be two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, both of which will be on composite paper and will be taken in one sitting.
Paper 1:
This will be a 1 hour multiple choice test consisting of fifty questions drawn from the entire syllabus and will carry 40 marks.
Paper 2:
This paper will be a 2 hour essay type test consisting of three sections: Sections A, B, and C. Each section will contain three questions. Candidates will be required to answer four questions, choosing at least one from each section. The paper will carry 60 marks.
The sections shall cover the following areas of the syllabus:
Section A: National Ethics, Discipline, Rights, and Obligation
Section B: Emerging Issues in Society
Section C: Governmental System and Processes
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WAEC Syllabus 2026/2027 for All Subjects: SSCE & GCE
WAEC Syllabus for Civic Education 2026/2027
SECTION A: National Ethics, Discipline, Rights and Obligations
| SECTIONS | TOPIC |
| Values | Values definition, types, and the importance of values to the society. |
| Citizenship and Nationalism | Meaning of citizenship; Meaning of citizenship education; Goals of citizenship education Duties and obligations of citizens Meaning of nationalism; Ways of promoting national consciousness, integrity, and unity in society; The nationalistic roles of individuals and groups; Identification of local and world civic problems |
| Human Rights | Meaning of human rights; Categories of human rights; Characteristics of human rights; Meaning and historical background of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); Meaning and identification of the seven core freedoms of UDHR; Importance of UDHR; Roles of individuals, groups and government in UDHR; Limitations to the exercise of human rights. |
| Law and Order | Definition of Law and Order; Features of Law and Order; Importance of Law and Order in Society; Meaning of constituted authority; Types of constituted authority; Importance and roles of constituted authority |
| Responsible Parenthood | Meaning of responsible parenthood; Roles of responsible parents; Importance of responsible parenthood in national development. |
| Traffic Regulations | Meaning of traffic regulations; Traffic regulation and its importance in society; The roles of the individual and government in maintaining traffic regulations. |
| Inter Personal Relationships | Meaning of inter personal relationships; Types of interpersonal relationships; Skills that promote interpersonal relationships; Meaning of intercommunal relationships; Importance of intercommunal relationships; Meaning of inter communal conflicts. Skills for resolving inter communal conflicts. |
DOWNLOAD WAEC SYLLABUS FOR CIVIC EDUCATION 2026
SECTION B: Emerging Issues in the Society
| SECTIONS | TOPIC |
| Cultism | Meaning and origin of cultism; Different cult groups in Nigeria and their symbols; Reasons for cultism; Consequences of cultism; Ways of preventing cultism in society. |
| Drugs and Drug Abuse | Meaning of drug abuse; Drugs that can be abused; How drugs are abused; Symptoms of drug abuse; Behaviours of drug addicts; Ways of preventing drug abuse; Government agencies working to prevent drug abuse/trafficking and their activities; Laws against drug abuse. |
| Human Trafficking | Meaning of human trafficking; Causes of human trafficking; Effects and consequences of human trafficking; Efforts of government and individuals in stopping human trafficking. |
| HIV/Aids | Meaning of HIV/AIDS; Causes of HIV/AIDS; Symptoms and effects of HIV/AIDS; Prevention of HIV/AIDS; Stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS. |
| Youth Empowerment | Meaning of youth empowerment; Youth empowerment skills; Importance and benefits of youth empowerment skills. Efforts of government towards youth empowerment. |
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