Computer Studies is a core subject within the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), intended to give students a solid introduction to computing principles, programming, and information technology.
For the 2026/2027 academic session, WAEC will continue to include this subject in its science and technology curriculum. The syllabus serves as your preparation guide, clearly outlining the topics, skills, and knowledge areas you need to cover for the exam.
The Computer Studies syllabus is designed to help students understand computer hardware and software, recognise the importance of ICT in society, and acquire basic programming skills. Whether you are taking the school based or private examination, having the full syllabus at your disposal ensures your preparation stays focused and purposeful.
Aims and Objectives
- Basic concepts of computers and their operations.
- Manipulative, computational and problem solving skills.
- Application of software packages.
- Operation of computer related simple devices.
- Online skills and their applications.
- Safe attitudes and good practices on the effective use of computers.
- Potential for higher studies in computer related areas.
Examination Scheme
There are 3 papers, and you must take all of them:
Paper 1:
50 multiple choice questions (1 hour, 25 marks).
Paper 2:
5 essay questions, answer any 3 (1 hour, 30 marks).
Paper 3:
Practical skills (school candidates)/Practical work (private candidates), 3 questions (2 hours, 45 marks).
RELATED ARTICLE:
WAEC Syllabus 2026/2027 for All Subjects: SSCE & GCE
WAEC Syllabus for Computer Studies 2026/2027
| SECTIONS | TOPIC |
| Computing Devices I (Pre computing age: 19th century) | Features, components and uses of early computing devices: Abacus; Slide Rule Napier’s bone Pascal’s calculator Leibnitz multiplier; Jacquad loom Charles Babbage’s analytical engine Hollerith Census Machine Burrough’s Machine Contribution of each of the founders of these devices to modern computers. The trend of development in computing devices from one to the other |
| Computing Devices II (20th century to date) | Features, components and uses of: ENIAC EDVAC UNIVAC 1 Desktop Personal Computers Laptop and Notebook computers Palmtop. |
| Overview of Computing Systems | Definition of a Computer Two main constituents of a Computer Computer hardware Computer software Classification and examples of hardware and software Functional parts of a computer |
| Characteristics of Computers | Electronic in nature; Accuracy; Speed; Interactive etc. |
| Computer Ethics | Security and Ethics Sources of security breaches: Virus, worms and Trojan horses; Poor implementation of the network Poor implementation or lack of ICT policies Carelessness giving out personal and vital information on the net without careful screening. Hackers, spammers etc The definition and effects of viruses and worms should be treated The definition of hackers and spammers should be treated. Preventive measures Use of antivirus software e.g. Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc Use of firewall Exercising care in giving out vital and personal information Encryption Proper Network Implementation and policies Using sites with web certificates Exercising care in opening email attachments |
| Legal Issues | Copyright (software copyright) ownership right to text; images audio video Privacy of audio and video software Cyber crimes identify theft; Internet fraud Hacking An explanation of firewall is required The definition of encryption should be treated |
| Input devices | Definition and examples of input devices The use of a keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, etc Classification of keys on the keyboard into Function, Numeric, Alphabetic Cursor keys Features, function and operation of the mouse Differences in keyboard, mouse, light pen and scanner |
| Features of Word Processing programs in general | Application areas of Word Processing programs Office Publishing Journalism Education, etc. |
| Further operations in MS Word | move, copy, cut use of different types and sizes of fonts formatting justifying search/explore spell checking file merging, etc A definition of each operational term is required. |
| Additional operation in Excel | Editing Formatting Printing Drawing charts, etc Simple calculations with and without built-in functions e.g. sum, average, etc Pie chart, histogram, bar chart, etc |
DOWNLOAD WAEC SYLLABUS FOR COMPUTER STUDIES 2026
List of Facilities and Major Equipment/Materials Required
- Computer set
- Laptops
- Scanners
- Printers
- Fax Machine
- GSM Phone
- Memory chips
- Hard disks
- Flash drives
- Internet connectivity
- DVD
- Compact disks
- Cables (power and data)
- Word processing packages, database packages, BASIC programs and CorelDraw.
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