The final test in secondary education is the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) administered by WAEC. To explain further, it is the final exam that secondary school students typically take at the end of their SS 3 course. Over the years, the percentage of students who pass this exam keeps decreasing. There are numerous causes for this result. However, one of the causes is that the majority of candidates do not adequately prepare for the exams. Many rely solely on their classes’ lesson plans. Others read anything, textbooks within their reach. They are unaware that not all textbooks cover the WAEC subject syllabuses in their entirety. The purpose of this post is to guide you on the Literature in English textbooks recommended by WAEC.

WAEC Recommended Literature in English Textbooks

WAEC-recommended textbooks for Literature in English are those that have been thoroughly examined by WAEC examiners and found to provide the best coverage, approach, and explanations of the topics covered in the Literature in English syllabus. One of the many reasons WAEC is a common external examination body is because of this. They offer syllabuses and textbook recommendations to their candidates. The syllabuses state the scope of the subjects and the learning objectives.  The textbooks that are recommended are those that employ the most effective teaching method and adequately cover the syllabuses. Every SSCE candidate who desires to pass the examinations to make use of both the syllabuses and recommended texts in their preparation.

Importance of Studying with WAEC Recommended Textbooks for Literature in English

Every year, when WAEC results are released, a few students are celebrated as the best performers.  It’s possible that these students are not the smartest or best ones. It’s possible that the appropriate textbooks helped them prepare more effectively. So it is very important to study and prepare for your SSCE with WAEC recommended textbooks. 

Reasons To Study And Prepare With Waec Recommended Textbooks

• They are recommended by WAEC examiners because they cover the entire Literature in English syllabus and meet the learning objectives.
• Reading those textbooks on Literature in English will help you concentrate on the essentials for the exam you are studying for. You won’t have to read any extraneous or unnecessary information and end up being poorly prepared because of it.
• Additionally, reading WAEC Literature in English saves time.
• Lastly, reading the Literature in English textbooks recommended by WAEC helps you prepare effectively and efficiently

WAEC Recommended Textbooks for Literature in English (SSCE) 2026

The WAEC-recommended textbooks for students preparing for the Literature in English section of this year’s SSCE are listed in the table below. You should get at least two of these textbooks and make it a point to read them. If you do, you already have a significant advantage over other candidates. Together with them, you’ll learn how to answer the examiner’s questions exactly how they want them. The WAEC Recommended list is presented in this form.

SHAKESPEAREAN TEXT: Antony and Cleopatra

AFRICAN PROSE

1. Pede Hollist: So the Path Does Not Die
2. Elma Shaw: Redemption Road

NON-AFRICAN PROSE

1. Harper Lee: To Kill a Mockingbird
2. Susanne Bellefeuille: Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured

AFRICAN DRAMA

1. Bosede Ademilua- Afolayan: Once Upon an Elephant
2. Efua Sutherland : The Marriage of Anansewa

NON-AFRICAN DRAMA

1. J. B. Priestley : An Inspector Calls
2. Robert Bolt: A Man for all Seasons

AFRICAN POETRY

1. Gabriel Okara: Once Upon a Time
2. Elizabeth L. A. Kamara : New Tongue
3. Wole Soyinka: Night
4. Niyi Osundare: Not My Business
5. S.O.H. Afriyie -Vidza: Hearty Garlands
6. Syl Cheney-Coker: The Breast of The Sea

NON-AFRICAN POETRY

1. Lord Byron: She Walks in Beauty
2. Geoffrey Chaucer (shortened) : The Nun’s Priest’s Tale
3. Seamus Heaney : Digging
4. Maya Angelou : Still I Rise
5. Fleur Adcock : The Telephone Call
6. Wilfrid Wilson Gibson : The Stone