On this Post, we’d be having a detailed look into Some of the Recommended WAEC 2026/2027 Textbooks for Mathematics. Mathematics is one subject every student in Nigeria must do, whether you like it or hate it, you cannot escape it if you hope to succeed in WAEC. Every year, thousands of students sit for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exam, and one thing remains constant, Mathematics determines how strong your result looks. Universities look at it, future employers value it, and even scholarship boards will never overlook it. That is why preparing well for your WAEC Mathematics exam is not an option, it is a necessity for you.
One of the factors that influence performance in Mathematics is the quality of textbooks a student reads. Not every book will guide you properly, and not every book will break down topics in a way that you would understand, there are books whose methods are simpler and easier to understand. WAEC has a list of approved and recommended textbooks that align with the syllabus, teaching style, question patterns, and expectations of examiners. Using the right books is therefore a necessity to understanding core concepts, practicing correctly, and building confidence.
This guide is written to help students who are preparing for 2026 WAEC Mathematics Examination, choose the right textbooks that will support their learning. It is well detailed, friendly, and written the way an average Nigerian student will understand easily without confusion. No unnecessary grammar, no complicated tone, just clarity, direction, and the right information.
So, if you are preparing for WAEC Mathematics 2026, sharpen your mind, pick up your pen, and read carefully. By the end of this article, you’ll know the exact textbooks to buy, how to use them effectively, and how to build a study strategy that guarantees success.
Why Does Textbooks Matter in WAEC Maths Preparation 2026?
Many WAEC students believe success in Mathematics comes only from solving past waec questions, while that is actually a very good step, it is important to know that, past questions alone aren’t enough on their own. Understanding why a formula work, how concepts are formed, and where to apply them is what gives you an excellent grade.
Textbooks help you to:
- Understand concepts from basic to advanced levels.
- See solved examples and practice questions.
- Develop deeper reasoning rather than guessing.
- Study according to the official WAEC syllabus.
- Build speed, accuracy, and confidence.
A student who studies with the right Mathematics textbooks is like a Electrician working with quality electrical tools, they will produce better results.
WAEC RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS FOR MATHEMATICS 2026
Below is a an arranged list of textbooks that WAEC approves for preparation. These books are trusted, widely used in Nigerian secondary schools, and written to match exam patterns. Each book also has its unique strengths which I will highlight for you.
- New General Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools (Book 1–3)
Authors: M.F. Macrae, A.O. Channon, R.M. Smith et al.
This textbook is one of the most popular in Nigeria. It explains topics in a way that encourages students understanding rather than memorising. It’s solved examples are detailed, and exercises progress from simple to challenging.
If you want to strengthen your foundation in Mathematics equations and formulas from SS1 to SS3, this should be one of your main textbooks.
- Essential Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools
Author: A.J.S. Oluwasanmi
This is another classic book used in many schools. Essential Mathematics is very straightforward and friendly. So many students who struggle with Mathematics say this textbook helped them understand concepts easily. Many students use it cause it’s in a simple language, many objective and theory exercises for students to practice and also it’s WAEC aligned examples.
It is one of the best for daily study and revision.
- Further Mathematics Project by Longe and Imade
Although titled “Further Mathematics,” this text contains deep explanations that build sharp reasoning. Even if you are not writing Further Maths, this book trains your brain to think in a very sharp and mathematical patterns. Student who aim to have an A1 in Mathematics must use this text book. Students who love challenging problems, will fall inclined with this textbook, it’s just super amazing.
Reading this book will stretch your understanding and improve your speed.
Also Read:- WAEC Recommended Textbooks for English 2026
- New Concept Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools (Book 1–3)
Author: H. Odogwu
This book is well structured, and modern. The diagrams, graphs, and problem solving methods help students who learn better through examples. The exercises reflect common WAEC formats.
This textbook offers students with multiple choice questions, so they can practice and also help them in understanding diagrams, graphs, statistics.
If you love practice based learning, get this.
- WAEC Past Questions and Solutions (10–15 Years Compilation)
No preparation is complete without past questions. This compilation exposes you to the exact style of WAEC examiners and the repeated patterns they use year after year.
They contain, Objective + Theory questions, Step by step worked solutions, and also helps improve accuracy and timing.
Study at least 10 years’ worth of past questions before your WAEC exam.
- Further Mathematics Textbook by Ababio and Ugbebor (Optional but Useful)
Some topics in WAEC MATHEMATICS EXAM require more depth especially trigonometry, calculus, vectors, and geometry. This book provides an advanced perspective for students aiming for excellence.
You may not read everything inside, but even a few chapters can boost your score.
BREAKDOWN OF WAEC MATHEMATICS SYLLABUS (WHAT YOU MUST COVER).
Buying the right textbooks is only half of the preparation. You also must know what WAEC expects you to study exceptionally well. Below are the major areas every student writing WAEC Mathematics 2026 must master.
Core Topic Key Area to Focus on for Maths WAEC 2026
- Numbers & Numeration Indices, Logarithms, Surds, Approximation.
- Algebraic Processes Quadratics,
- Geometry & Mensuration Area, Volume, Pythagoras, Polygons, Bearings.
- Trigonometry Ratios, Angles, Sine/Cosine Rules.
- Statistics & Probability Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Probability.
- Graphs Linear, Quadratic, Inequalities.
- Business Mathematics Interest, Profit & Loss, Depreciation.
- Vectors & Transformations Translation, Rotation, Enlargement.
- Simultaneous Equations, Sequences.
A successful WAEC candidate must not skip topics. Even the smallest area can produce marks that separate C6 from B3 or B3 from A1.
HOW TO USE THESE TEXTBOOKS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE.
Step 1: Start with New General Mathematics or Essential Mathematics.
This helps you build a solid a solid foundation. Read chapter by chapter, line by line and solve all examples. Do not skip exercises, because Mathematics is learnt by practicing and solving questions, not by mere watching.
Step 2: Use New Concept Mathematics for deeper clarity.
This book gives you more worked examples and understanding. Good in topics like geometry, sets, trigonometry, and graphs. With detailed explaination and examples.
Step 3: Challenge yourself with Further Mathematics books.
So many students are scared of Further Mathematics, but the truth is that it has a lot of benefits which many WEAC students don’t know. Even if you only select a few topics, your reasoning will sharpen. It prepares your brain for tricky WAEC questions.
Step 4: Practice WAEC Past Questions intensively.
We can’t underestimate how helpful past questions help WAEC students. It’s a MUST DO. All WAEC students who want to succeed in their WAEC exams must solve past questions. Solve at minimum 5 -10 years past questions monthly, then increase as the exam approaches. Time yourself to improve speed.
Step 5: Revise weak topics weekly.
Do not run away from Mathematics topics you fear. Attack them early. Ask teachers, classmates, or use videos if needed. Master one topic at a time.
Step 6: Form a study group (POWERFUL TIP!)
A study group help you learn faster. Explaining to others makes you learn better. Two heads always reason better than one.
SUCCESS TIPS FOR WAEC MATHEMATICS 2026 CANDIDATES
To pass Mathematics excellently, you need more than textbooks, you need actual discipline, strategy, and confidence.
Here are keys to guide you:
- Study at least 1–2 hours daily
- Make notes as you read (never rely on memory alone)
- Practice questions repeatedly until they become easy
- Learn how to show workings WAEC awards method marks
- Avoid panic on exam day think before you solve
- Trust your preparation and believe in yourself
I know many students who were scared of Maths, then later scored an A1 because they approached preparation intentionally. You can be one of them.
WAEC Mathematics 2026 is not something to be scared of rather, It’s something to prepare for. More so, With the right textbooks, consistent practice, and a positive mindset, you can pass with flying colors. Let this write up, be a source of motivation and your starting guide, that success is possible.
Whether you are in SS2 preparing ahead, or an SS3 student getting ready to write, or a parent searching for the right learning materials, these textbooks are your tools for building confidence and competence.
Remember, Mathematics is like a language, the more you practice it, the more fluent you become.
Go for excellence. Aim for A1. You can do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get at least a credit in Mathematics in WAEC, requires preparation, discipline, and the right mindset. Many secondary students struggle with Maths not because it is impossible, but because they do not build a strong foundation early.
Understanding the basics is almost everything you need in order to pass you WAEC mathematics exam. Understand the basic concepts such as fractions, decimals, percentages, indices, algebra, and simple geometry. These topics appear in many WAEC questions, and once you understand them, solving more complex or harder questions becomes easier.
Always study with the WAEC syllabus. Syllabus are like road maps for you. No question will be set outside the syllabus. The syllabus clearly shows all the topics that can be tested, so it helps you avoid wasting time on areas that are not relevant. After following the syllabus critically, past questions are very important. WAEC often repeats question patterns, so practising past questions helps you become familiar with how questions are set and how to approach them. Try to practise them under exam conditions so you can improve your speed and accuracy. When solving questions, learn to show your workings clearly, especially formulas. Marks are awarded for correct steps, even if the final answer is not correct. Write neatly and arrange your solutions properly so that the examiner can follow your logic.Also, make sure you memorise important formulas for areas, volumes, trigonometry, statistics, and mensuration, as this will save you time during the exam.
Do not ignore topics you find difficult. Ask your teacher for help, ask your classmates or even friends for better explanations. Study with your classmates who understand the topic better. Consistency is key, so revise everyday, so it becomes part of you. Create a simple timetable that helps you keep in check on what to revise every day instead of waiting until the exam is close. During the exam, don’t waste much time on questions you don’t know, answer the questions you understand first before attempting the harder ones. Don’t leave any question unanswered then, Try your best to answer all questions.
In conclusion, with regular practice, patience and confidence in your preparation, passing WAEC Mathematics is very achievable.
To get an A1 in WAEC Mathematics, is not so easy, but yet it’s very very possible. Firstly you have to focus on understanding the key topics like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics. The basics is everything, pay attention to them.
Always study with the given WAEC syllabus. As someone who want to get an A1, you must not read outside the syllabus, it’s just a total waste of time. While reading with the guide of the syllabus, always practise past questions related to each tooics often, because WAEC repeats questions. Learn and memorize important formulas. Never forget your formulas, they are as important as anything you can think of. Always remember to show your workings clearly, and avoid making mistakes, marks are given for properly showing your workingsm During the exam, manage your time well, answer easy questions first, before answering difficult questions. Make sure you attempt all questions. Always be time conscious. With steady practice and confidence, an A1 is achievable.
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