As the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is about to start, if you are a candidate, WAEC has released WAEC Civic Education Syllabus 2026/2027 which is an essential guide for candidates preparing for the upcoming Exam.
What to know about Civic Education
Civic Education is one of the four compulsory subjects for all WAEC candidates in Nigeria and other participating West African countries, making it a crucial subject for academic success.
Beyond examination purposes, Civic Education equips students with the knowledge, values, and attitudes needed to become responsible citizens, understand human rights, participate actively in democratic governance, and contribute meaningfully to national development. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the WAEC Civic Education examination format, full syllabus, and recommended textbooks to help students, teachers, and parents prepare effectively.
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WAEC Civic Education Examination for 2026/2027 & Guidelines
The WAEC Civic Education examination is structured to test students in both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of Civic responsibilities, governance, and social issues.
Examination Structure
The Civic Education examination consists of two papers written together as a composite paper:
Paper 1: Objective Test
Duration: 1 hour
Number of Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions
Coverage: Entire syllabus
Total Marks: 40 marks
This paper assesses candidates’ understanding of key concepts, definitions, and civic principles.
Paper 2: Essay Test
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 60 marks
Structure: Divided into three sections (A, B, and C)
Requirement: Answer four questions, selecting at least one question from each section
Focus of Each Section
Section A: National ethics, discipline, rights, and obligations
Section B: Emerging societal issues and global challenges
Section C: Governmental systems, democracy, and civic participation
This balanced format ensures that students demonstrate both factual knowledge and the ability to apply civic concepts to real-life situations.
WAEC Civic Education Syllabus 2026/2027
WAEC Civic Education Syllabus for 2026/2027
Below is a structured summary of the official WAEC syllabus for Civic Education, organized by themes and learning objectives.
1. Values
Students learn the definition, types, and importance of values in society, emphasizing honesty, integrity, discipline, and tolerance as foundations of national unity.
2. Citizenship and Nationalism
This topic covers:
Meaning of citizenship and citizenship education
Duties and obligations of citizens
Nationalism and ways of promoting unity
Roles of individuals and groups in nation-building
Identification of local and global civic problems
3. Human Rights
Key areas include:
Meaning and categories of human rights
Characteristics of human rights
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Core freedoms under the UDHR
Limitations to the exercise of human rights
4. Law and Order
Students explore:
Meaning and features of law and order
Importance of law in society
Constituted authority and its roles
5. Responsible Parenthood
This topic focuses on:
Meaning of responsible parenthood
Roles of parents
Importance of responsible parenting in national development
6. Traffic Regulations
Covers:
Meaning of traffic regulations
Importance of road safety
Roles of individuals and government in enforcement
7. Inter-Personal and Inter-Communal Relationships
Students learn about:
Types of interpersonal relationships
Skills that promote peaceful coexistence
Causes and resolution of inter-communal conflicts
8. Cultism
This section addresses:
Meaning and origin of cultism
Cult groups and symbols in Nigeria
Causes, consequences, and prevention strategies
9. Drugs and Drug Abuse
Focus areas include:
Meaning and types of drug abuse
Symptoms and effects
Prevention methods
Laws and agencies combating drug abuse
10. Human Trafficking
Students examine:
Meaning and causes of human trafficking
Effects and consequences
Government and individual efforts to stop trafficking
11. HIV/AIDS
This topic covers:
Meaning, causes, and symptoms
Prevention strategies
Stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS
12. Youth Empowerment
Key areas include:
Meaning and importance of youth empowerment
Empowerment skills
Government efforts toward youth development
13. Structure and Functions of Government
Students learn:
Meaning of government
Tiers of government
Functions and responsibilities of government
14. Democracy, Rule of Law, and National Development
This includes:
Types and features of democracy
Rule of law and its importance
Relationship between democracy, good governance, and development
15. Political Apathy
Covers:
Meaning and causes of political apathy
Consequences
Ways to encourage political participation
16. Civil Society and Popular Participation
Students explore:
Meaning and types of popular participation
Civil society organizations
Challenges facing civil society
17. Public Service in Democracy
Focus areas include:
Meaning and functions of public service
Problems and reforms in the public sector
WAEC Civic Education Recommended Textbooks for 2026/2027
To prepare effectively, WAEC recommends the following Textbooks:
Ukegbu, M.N. et al. Basic Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools
Anifowose, R. & Enemuo, F. Elements of Politics
Adamolekun, L. Politics and Administration in Nigeria
Adebayo, A. Principles and Practice of Public Administration in Nigeria
FGN (2011). 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended)
Okunloye, R.W. et al. Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools
Meneke, O.A. & Nwebo, I. Milestone Comprehensive Civic Education
These books align closely with the 2026/2027 WAEC Civic Education syllabus and provide both theoretical explanations and practical examples.
Why Civic Education syllabus 2026/2027 Is Important for WAEC Candidates
Civic Education helps students:
Understand their rights and responsibilities
Develop critical thinking on social and political issues
Participate effectively in democratic processes
Build values that support peaceful coexistence and national unity
Mastery of this subject (Civic Education) not only boosts WAEC results but also prepares students for active citizenship.
WAEC Civic Education Candidate are advised to get updated information about the subject, Timetable and guidelines for the 2026/2027 Examination, in this regard students are advised to always check the official WAEC E-LEARNING PORTAL https://www.waeconline.org.ng/ for information that you could not find here.
For those who are looking for how to study with past questions For the WAEC Civic Education Syllabus, look no more, here we are to give everything you need to study and pass your Examination with good grades, for online Past Questions CBT on all Subjects Visit http://www.Myschool.ng
We wish you success as you read and prepare for the Upcoming Exam, Cheer’s
Always check this website for an update about the PDF for the WAEC Civic Education Syllabus 2026/2027.
