Waec Syllabus for Data Processing
Below is this 2026 Waec Syllabus for Data Processing. Note that this syllabus is for both internal and external candidates.
Aims and Objectives
- acquisition of basic skills in data processing and management
- level of competence in ICT applications that will promote the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living in the global world
- knowledge of the application of ICT in facilitating business transactions and education
- preparedness for further studies in data processing and management
Scheme of Examination
There will be two papers, Papers 1 and 2, both of which shall be taken as a composite paper at one sitting.
PAPER 1:
will consist of forty multiple-choice objective questions, all of which are to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
PAPER 2:
will consist of two sections: Sections A and B. Candidates will be required to answer five questions in all.
Section A:
will consist of four essay questions. Candidates will be required to answer any three in 1 hour for 30 marks.
Section B:
will be a test of practical work. It shall consist of two compulsory essay questions to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
Detailed Data Processing Syllabus
INFORMATION AGE
History of Computers
- Computing devices
- Concept of the Number System in Computing
- Generations of Computer:
- first,
- second,
- third,
- fourth, and
- fifth generations of computer
Data and Information
- Definition of data and information.
- Types of Data.
- Ways of handling data.
- Definition of Data.
- Digitalization.
Basic Computing
Classification of Computers
- Classify computers by
- Type
- Size, and
- Usage.
Application of ICT in everyday life
- Uses of ICT in everyday activities.
- Impact of ICT in society
Components of Computers
- Input Devices.
- Output Devices.
- System Unit.
- Storage Devices
Information Processing
The art of Information processing
- Definition of Information Processing.
- Steps involved in Information Processing
Information Transmission
Process of Information transmission
- Definition of information transmission.
- Methods of transmitting the information
Medium of Information Transmission
- Types of Information Transmission.
- Classification of means of transmission
Networking
- Meaning of networking, internet, and intranet.
- Types of Networking. The significance of networking should be mentioned
Internet
- Definition of the Internet.
- Benefits of the Internet
- Internet browsers
- Internet security
- Abuse of the Internet
Tools for Processing Information
Operating System
- Definition of Operating System.
- Types of Operating Systems.
- Examples of Operating System.
- Functions of Operating System.
Word Processing
- Definition of Word Processing.
- Uses of Word Processing
- Examples of word Processing software.
- Starting, loading and exiting word processing
- Creating, saving and retrieving documents Candidates should be able to make use of word processor to create and manipulate documents
Spreadsheet
- Definition.
- Uses.
- Examples of Spreadsheet Applications.
- Loading and exiting spreadsheets.
- Creating, saving and retrieving Spreadsheet files
Database Management System
- Definition.
- Uses.
- Examples of database applications.
- Loading and exiting DBMS.
- Creating, saving, and retrieving database files.
Presentation Package
- The definition uses examples.
- Loading and exiting Presentation programs.
- Creating, saving and retrieving presentation files
Web Design Packages
- Definition.
- Uses.
- Components.
- Examples. Designing web pages is not required.
Graphic Packages
- Definition.
- Uses of Graphic software packages.
- Examples of graphic packages. The focus should be placed on Corel Draw
COMPUTER MAINTENANCE, ETHICS AND HUMAN ISSUES
Maintenance of Computer
- General Cleaning.
- Battery charging and replacement for portable systems and UPS.
- DVD drive lens cleaning.
- Details of hardware maintenance.
- Details of software maintenance.
- Computer crash and data recovery
Computer Ethics
- Computer room management ethics.
- Laboratory rules and regulations
Safety Measures
- The sitting arrangement.
- Positioning of the monitor, keyboard, CPU, mouse, and any other peripheral devices.
- Illuminating the computer room.
- Maintaining a dust-free environment.
- Keep liquid away from the computer room
Career opportunities in Data Processing
- Professions in computer.
- Qualities of a good data processing professional.
- Computer professional bodies.
Computer Virus
- Definition.
- Types/Examples.
- Sources.
- Signals of virus warning
- Virus prevention, detection and deletion
Data Management
Relational Model
- Database and table creation using application packages.
- Creating relationships between tables
- Creation of forms, queries and reports.
File Organization
- Definition of File organization.
- Types of File organization
Database Security
- Concept of data security, access control and data encryption.
- Role of a database administrator
Parallel and Distributed databases
- Basic concept of parallel and distributed databases.
- Storing data in a distributed database (DBM)
LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT / MATERIALS REQUIRED
ITEM NO. EQUIPMENT QUANTITY REQUIRED
The table below shows the minimum requirement for a class of fifty candidates.
Pictures/Charts showing different computing devices and other relevant information, such as computers in a network : 5
Computer system with Graphical User Interface (GUI), internet-ready system: 5
Standard software packages such as Open Office, Microsoft Office etc.(The latest version is desirable) : 1
Multimedia systems and applications such as projectors, speakers: 1
Graphic packages such as Corel draw: 1
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