WAEC Syllabus For Geography

Are you a science student? Are you in the final year at the secondary level, and you will be writing the West African Examination Council in 2025? If this question describes you, we have vital information for you. Here on this page, we have information on the WAEC syllabus for Geography. This information is suitable mainly for science students who will be writing Geography in the forthcoming WAEC for 2025.

Geography is the study of Earth’s surfaces, landscapes, environments, places, and peoples, and the relationships between them. More than just memorizing capitals and locations, Geography is a dynamic field that bridges the natural sciences (like geology, ecology, and meteorology) and the social sciences (like sociology, economics, and politics).

As a subject of study, Geography is very vast in content, which is why you need to have the Geography syllabus as a reference tool. The Geography syllabus shows candidates the topics to read on, the content description for each topic, and the objectives of each topic. Can you now understand why the Geography Syllabus is a must-have document for candidates who are dreaming of passing the Geography exam with flying colors?

We are here to guide you on the right track. We have a complete WAEC Geography syllabus below. We are so intentional about your success, and we want the best for you as a student. Carefully read the content of the syllabus and use it to prepare effectively for the Geography exam.

A Complete Outline of the WAEC Syllabus for Geography 2025

Here is a clear outline of the WAEC syllabus for Geography. Candidates should study this carefully, make themselves familiar with each topic, subtopics, and Focus Areas. Also, candidates should pay attention to the Country Applicability. This will help you to have a better understanding of which topic is suitable for your country, and read on to the topic:

Topic	Subtopics & Focus Areas	Country Applicability
Map Work	Map reading and interpretation, scale, measurement of distances, direction and bearing, map reduction and enlargement, identification of physical and cultural features, measurement of gradients, drawing of cross profiles, inter-visibility, description and explanation of drainage characteristics and patterns.	All
Principles of Elementary Surveying	Definitions of terms, instruments, chain, and prismatic compass, plotting of traverse, and avoiding obstacles in the field.	Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia
Geographic Information System (GIS)	Basic concepts, components (hardware, software, data, procedures, experts), sources of data (land surveying, remote sensing, map digitizing, map scanning, field investigation, tabular data), uses (defense, agriculture, urban development, mapping, surveying, transportation, census), problems (power, personnel, capital).	Nigeria
Statistical Maps and Diagrams	Graphical representation of statistical data: bar graphs, line graphs, flow charts, dot maps, proportional circles, density maps, isopleth maps.	All
Elements of Physical Geography	The Earth as a planet in relation to the sun, latitude and distance, longitude and time, Earth’s rotation and revolution, and their effects, structure of the Earth (internal and external).	All
Hydrosphere	Ocean basins, salinity, ocean currents (causes, types, effects on adjacent coastlands), lakes, rivers, lagoons, water as an environmental resource.	Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia
Rocks	Types, characteristics, formation, and uses.	Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia
Tectonic Processes	Vulcanicity, earthquakes, landforms: mountains, plains, karsts, coastal landforms (formation, characteristics, importance).	Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia
Denudational Processes	Agencies modifying landforms such as weathering, mass movement, running water, underground water, wind, and waves.	Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia
Weather and Climate	Simple weather study based on local observation, description of the Stevenson’s screen, uses of basic weather instruments (rain gauge, thermometer, barometer, wind vane), rainfall, sunshine, air pressure, wind, humidity, temperature, and cloud.	Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia
Climate	Elements, classification (Greek and Köppen), climate change (meaning, causes, effects, remedies).	All (Climate change for Nigeria only)
Vegetation	Major types (tropical rainforest, cool/warm temperate woodland, tropical grassland), characteristics, distribution, factors affecting distribution, and plant communities.	Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia
Soil	Soil formation, types, characteristics, and uses.	Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia
The Environment	Environmental resources, environmental problems/hazards, and environmental conservation.	All

Examination Structure

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Geography examination is structured into three distinct papers, each designed to assess different competencies within the subject. Candidates are required to sit for all three papers.

Paper 1: Objective Test

Duration: 1 hour
Format: 50 multiple-choice questions
Coverage: Entire Geography syllabus, excluding elementary surveying
Marks: 50 marks
Requirement: All questions are compulsory.

Paper 2: Essay Test

Duration: 2 hours
Format: Nine essay-type questions

Sections:

Section A: Economic and Human Geography
Section B: Regional Geography of the candidate’s home country
Section C: Geography of Africa (for candidates in Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia)

Requirement:

Candidates in Nigeria: Answer four questions, choosing two from each of Sections A and B
Candidates in other countries: Answer four questions, selecting at least one from each of the three sections
Marks: 80 marks.

Paper 3: Practical and Physical Geography

Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Format: Eight essay-type questions

Requirement:

Question 1 (Map Reading and Interpretation) is compulsory and carries 25 marks
Answer any three of the remaining seven questions, each carrying 15 marks

Tools Needed: Graduated rulers (metric and imperial), a complete mathematical set, a piece of string, and a simple non-programmable calculator.

WAEC Recommended Textbooks for Geography

These textbooks are instrumental in providing a solid foundation for candidates preparing for the WAEC Geography examination.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography for Senior Secondary School (West African Edition)

Authors: B.O. Adeleke, O. Areola, and G.C. Leong
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Highlights: Comprehensive coverage of physical and human geography tailored to the West African context.

General Geography in Diagrams for West Africa

Authors: R.B. Bunnett and P.O. Okunrotifa
Publisher: Longman
Highlights: Visual representation of geographical concepts, aiding in better understanding through diagrams.

A New Geography of Nigeria (New Edition)

Author: N.P. Iloeje
Publisher: Longman
Highlights: Detailed exploration of Nigeria’s geography, including physical features, climate, and human activities.

Comprehensive Geography of Tropical Africa

Author: Reuben K. Udo
Publisher: Heinemann
Highlights: In-depth analysis of tropical Africa’s geographical aspects, emphasizing environmental and human interactions.

Senior Secondary Geography Series

Authors: M.A. Abegunde et al.
Publisher: Longman
Highlights: Structured content aligning with the senior secondary school curriculum, covering various geographical themes.

Exam Focus Geography for WASSCE/SSCE

Authors: D. Areola et al.
Publisher: University Press PLC
Highlights: Targeted preparation material focusing on examination techniques and past questions.

Collins New Secondary Atlas