The General Certificate of Education (GCE) is a subject-based academic qualification, typically known as O-Levels (Ordinary) or A-Levels (Advanced), used in many Commonwealth countries and international schools for secondary school leaving and university entrance. In Nigeria, it is a popular private examination (often called WAEC GCE/Nov-Dec) for students to correct result deficiencies or for private candidates. 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 GCE subject syllabuses in their entirety. The purpose of this post is to guide you on the Chemistry textbooks recommended by GCE.

GCE Recommended Chemistry Textbooks

GCE-recommended for Chemistry are those that have been thoroughly examined by GCE examiners and found to provide the best coverage, approach, and explanations of the topics covered in the Chemistry syllabus. One of the many reasons GCE 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 candidate who desires to pass the examinations should make use of both the syllabuses and recommended texts in their preparation.

Importance of Studying with GCE Recommended Textbooks for Chemistry

Every year, when GCE 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 GCE recommended textbooks.

Reasons To Study And Prepare With GCE Recommended Textbooks

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

GCE Recommended Textbooks for Chemistry (SSCE) 2026

The GCE-recommended textbooks for students preparing for the Chemistry 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 GCE Recommended list is presented in this form.

1. New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools
   Author: Osei Yaw Ababio
   A very popular and widely used textbook in Nigerian secondary schools. It covers the entire WAEC chemistry syllabus with clear explanations, worked examples, diagrams, and plenty of practice questions. 
2. Senior Secondary Chemistry (Books 1–3)
   Authors: S.T. Bajah, B.O. Teibo, G. Onwu & A. Obikwere
   A good multi-book series that breaks topics across three levels and helps build concepts progressively from SS1 to SS3.
3. Understanding Chemistry for Schools and Colleges
   Author: G.O. Ojokuku (Revised Edition)
   Well explained topics useful for both theory and practicals — good for building depth and understanding.
4. Essential Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools
   Author: I.A. Odesina (often credited in different editions)
   A core textbook used widely by students preparing for WAEC, NECO and JAMB with syllabus-aligned content.
5. Countdown to WASSCE/SSCE, NECO, JME Chemistry
   Authors: Uche, I.O.; Adenuga, I.J.; Iwuagwu, S.L.
   Good for revision, practice questions and exam preparation once you’ve studied the main textbooks. 

Other Useful Study Books

• These aren’t always listed as official recommended texts, but many WAEC students find them helpful for revision and practice:
• Lamlad’s SSCE and UTME Chemistry – text + lots of practice questions covering theory and calculations. 
• Evans Effective Chemistry (SSS Volumes 1–3) – clear explanations with exercises and practical insights. 
• Explicit Chemistry: A Revision Course – revision-focused text with practice questions for WAEC, NECO & JAMB.