WAEC 2023 past questions

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 23 October 2026

We hold 844 questions from the 2023 WAEC papers in 17 subjects, each with the answer and an explanation. Below are ten of them, from ten subjects, and then every 2023 paper we hold.

Ten WAEC 2023 questions with answers

1. From the Mathematics paper

   1.

   a. In a town, Chief X resides 60 m away on a bearing of 057° from Palace P, while Chief Y resides on a bearing of 150° from the same Palace P. The residence of X and Y are 180 m apart. Illustrate the information in a diagram.

   b. Find and correct to three significant figures, the: i. bearing of X from Y; ii. distance between P and Y.

   1. A
      y = 96 cm²
      Correct
   2. B
      y = 112 cm²
   3. C
      y = 84 cm²
   4. D
      y = 100 cm²
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   The length of the rectangle is 4 cm more than the width. If we let width = w, then length = w + 4. The perimeter is 2(w + w + 4) = 40, which simplifies to 4w + 8 = 40, giving w = 8 cm and length = 12 cm. The area = 8 × 12 = 96 cm².

2. From the Physics paper

   2.

   Which of the following equations is not a correct mirror formula? [The symbols have their usual meanings]

   1. A
      f = uv/(u+v)
   2. B
      1/f = 1/u + 1/v
   3. C
      u + v = f
   4. D
      f² = u² + v²
      Correct
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: D

   The correct mirror formula is 1/f = 1/u + 1/v derived from spherical mirror geometry and reflection law. This can be rearranged to f = uv/(u+v). The equation f² = u² + v² is not valid for mirrors and represents no optical relationship. This incorrect option tempts students who confuse optical formulas with Pythagorean relationships. Sign convention must be applied correctly when using mirror formulas.

3. From the Chemistry paper

   3.

   How many unpaired electrons are present in $_{26}Fe^{3+}$?

   1. A
      3
   2. B
      4
   3. C
      6
   4. D
      5
      Correct
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: D

   Step 1: Neutral iron's configuration. Iron has atomic number 26, so its electron arrangement is [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s².

   Step 2: Remove electrons to form Fe³⁺. When a transition metal loses electrons to form a cation, the 4s electrons are always removed before any 3d electrons. To lose 3 electrons in total, Fe first loses both 4s electrons, then one electron from 3d, leaving [Ar] 3d⁵.

   Step 3: Count unpaired electrons in 3d⁵. There are five 3d orbitals. By Hund's rule, each orbital receives one electron before any pairing happens. With exactly 5 electrons and 5 orbitals, every electron sits alone in its own orbital — giving 5 unpaired electrons.

4. From the Biology paper

   4.

   What is the probability that a pregnancy would result in a male child?

   1. A
      50%
      Correct
   2. B
      75%
   3. C
      25%
   4. D
      100%
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   The probability of a male child is 50%. Males have an XY chromosome combination, while females have XX. During reproduction, the mother always contributes an X chromosome (from her XX pair), while the father contributes either an X (resulting in female XX) or a Y (resulting in male XY) chromosome with equal probability (50% each). This 1:1 sex ratio is maintained across populations in the absence of selective pressures.

5. From the Government paper

   5.

   A public declaration of policy and aims especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate is commonly called

   1. A
      Ideology
   2. B
      Communique
   3. C
      Manifesto
      Correct
   4. D
      Constitution
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   A manifesto is a public declaration of the policies, aims and programmes that a political party or candidate intends to pursue if elected into office. It is usually issued before an election to inform voters of what the party stands for.

6. From the Literature in English paper

   6.

   The third stanza of the Shakespearean sonnet is

   1. A
      the couplet that resolves the poem's argument
   2. B
      a tercet presenting the poem's turning point
   3. C
      the third quatrain, occupying lines 9 to 12
      Correct
   4. D
      the opening quatrain that introduces the theme
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   A Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a closing couplet. The third stanza is therefore the third quatrain, covering lines 9–12. It typically carries the final development or complication of the theme before the couplet delivers the resolution.

7. From the Economics paper

   7.

   The demand for a factor input as a result of the demand for its output is known as

   1. A
      Composite demand
   2. B
      Derived demand
      Correct
   3. C
      Competitive demand
   4. D
      Joint demand
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   Derived demand is correct. In economics, the demand for a factor of production (land, labour, capital) is not wanted for its own sake but because of the demand for the goods or services it helps to produce. For example, the demand for bricklayers rises because of the demand for houses — the demand for the factor is "derived" from the demand for the final output.

8. From the Civic Education paper

   8.Activities of secret cults are not likely to be prominent in
   1. A
      urban markets
   2. B
      political rallies
   3. C
      tertiary institutions
   4. D
      religious organisations
      Correct
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: D

   Religious organisations instil strong moral and ethical codes that discourage cultism, unlike tertiary institutions where campus cults are commonly reported.

9. From the Christian Religious Studies paper

   9.

   What was Solomon's response when he discovered that his encounter with God was a dream? He
   

   1. A
      He made alliances
   2. B
      He built the Temple immediately
   3. C
      He requested more wealth
   4. D
      He rejoiced and served God
      Correct
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: D

   After God's vision promising him wisdom, riches, and honor (2 Chronicles 1:11-13), Solomon responded with gratitude and renewed commitment to serve God. He made offerings and demonstrated his dedication to righteousness. Solomon's initial response showed he understood his blessings came from God. Though he later turned away from God, this moment showed his acknowledgment of divine favor and his intention to govern well.

10. From the Commerce paper

    10.A source of capital to a cooperative society is
    1. A
       entrance fees paid by members
       Correct
    2. B
       issue of debentures to the general public
    3. C
       overdraft from commercial banks
    4. D
       flotation of ordinary shares on the stock exchange
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer: A

    Entrance fees paid by members is correct. A cooperative society is owned and run by its members for their mutual benefit, and one of its main sources of capital is the entrance fee every new member pays when joining, in addition to members' periodic contributions, loans from cooperative banks or unions, and government grants or donations.

The questions come from past JAMB, WAEC and NECO papers. We use software to help write the answer options and explanations, and every answer is checked twice before it goes on the site. How we check

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