Your younger sister in SSII has written for your advice on what subjects she should study for the SSCE. As someone who knows her ability in the different su...

Answer Details

15 Rosewood Avenue,
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
10 July, 2026.

Dear Ada,

Thank you for your letter asking me to help you decide the subjects you should offer for the SSCE. I am delighted that you have started thinking seriously about it now, in SSII, rather than waiting until the examination is at your doorstep. Because I have watched you study over the years, I can speak honestly about where your strengths lie.

First of all, you must keep the compulsory subjects: English Language and Mathematics. No matter what career you choose, admission into any tertiary institution depends on a credit pass in both, so they are not negotiable.

Now to the subjects where you have a real choice. You have always been outstanding in Biology, Chemistry and Physics; your notebooks are neat and your test scores in the sciences are consistently high. Since you have often told me that you would like to become a medical doctor, these three sciences are exactly the ones you should offer. They lead directly to Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing and other health courses.

On the other hand, I would advise you to drop Geography and Technical Drawing. You struggle with the map work in Geography and you find the instruments in Technical Drawing frustrating. Offering subjects that you do not enjoy will only drag down your grades and waste your energy. Choose Agricultural Science instead, since you love practical work and it complements the sciences well.

Remember to add one subject you can pass comfortably, such as Civic Education, to strengthen your results. Do not be influenced by what your friends are offering; choose according to your own ability and your ambition.

Please give my warm greetings to Mummy and Daddy. Write back and let me know what you finally decide.

Your loving sister,
Bola.