NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
N-4 EL/A, 1995-11-22
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<PAGE>   1
             As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
   

                                                    '33 Act File No. 33-60239
    

================================================================================
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D. C. 20549
                                      
                                   FORM N-4
                                      
               REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES  [X]
                                 ACT OF 1933
                                      
   
                        Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
    

                                     and
                                      
                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                        INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940      [ ]
                                      
   
                                Amendment No. 1
    
                                      
                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                          (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT)
                                      
                      NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                             (NAME OF DEPOSITOR)
                                      
               ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609
       (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
                                      
      Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (614) 249-7111
                                      
GORDON E. MCCUTCHAN, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609
                   (Name and Address of Agent for Service)
================================================================================

      The Registrant elects to register an indefinite number of securities in
accordance with Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  Pursuant
to Paragraph (a)(3) thereof, a non-refundable fee in the amount of $500
accompanies this registration.

      Approximate date of proposed public offering:  (Upon the effective date
of this Registration Statement).

      The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance to Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.


                                   1 of 101
<PAGE>   2
                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

Caption in Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and Other
Information

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM                                                                                                PAGE
<S>        <C>                                                                                         <C>
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
    Item    1.   Cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
    Item    2.   Definitions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
    Item    3.   Synopsis or Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    Item    4.   Condensed Financial Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  N/A
    Item    5.   General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies  . . . . . . . . 15
    Item    6.   Deductions and Expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
    Item    7.   General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
    Item    8.   Annuity Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
    Item    9.   Death Benefit and Distributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
    Item   10.   Purchases and Contract Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
    Item   11.   Redemptions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
    Item   12.   Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
    Item   13.   Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
    Item   14.   Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Part B     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Item   15.   Cover Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
    Item   16.   Table of Contents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
    Item   17.   General Information and History  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
    Item   18.   Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
    Item   19.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
    Item   20.   Underwriters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
    Item   21.   Calculation of Performance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
    Item   22.   Annuity Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
    Item   23.   Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Part C     OTHER INFORMATION
    Item   24.   Financial Statements and Exhibits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
    Item   25.   Directors and Officers of the Depositor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
    Item   26.   Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or
                 Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
    Item   27.   Number of Contract Owners  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
    Item   28.   Indemnification  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
    Item   29.   Principal Underwriter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
    Item   30.   Location of Accounts and Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
    Item   31.   Management Services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
    Item   32.   Undertakings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
</TABLE>





                                    2 of 101
<PAGE>   3
                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  HOME OFFICE
                                 P.O. BOX 16609
                   COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609, 1-800-848-6331
                               TDD 1-800-238-3035

     INDIVIDUAL MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                   ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      OF NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

   
      The Individual Modified Single Premium Deferred Variable Annuity
Contracts described in this Prospectus are modified single premium payment
contracts (collectively referred to as the "Contracts").  Reference throughout
the prospectus to the Contracts shall also mean certificates issued under Group
Modified Single Premium Retirement Contracts.  For such Group Contracts,
references to "Owner" shall mean the "Participant."  The Contracts, by
themselves, do not qualify for tax-deferral under federal tax rules governing
Non-Qualified Annuities and Individual Retirement Annuities.  The Contracts are,
however, issued to custodians of Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs") for
the benefit of individual IRA account holders.  Annuity payments under the 
Contracts are deferred until a selected later date.
    

      Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide Variable Account
("Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company
(the "Company").  The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of
which invests in shares of one of the underlying Mutual Fund options described
below:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
- - -Delchester Fund-Institutional Class                            -Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund 
- - -Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.                                     -Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.                         
- - -The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                           -Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond                       
- - -The Evergreen Total Return Fund                                 Fund 
- - -Fidelity Asset Manager TM                                      -Neuberger &  Berman Partners Fund, Inc.  
- - -Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                    -Oppenheimer Global Fund 
- - -Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund                                      -Peoples Index Fund, Inc.  
- - -Fidelity Puritan Fund                                          -Phoenix Balanced Fund Series 
- - -Janus Twenty Fund                                              -Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.  
- - -MFS(R) World Governments Fund                                  -Templeton Foreign Fund 
- - -Nationwide(R) Bond Fund                                        -Twentieth Century Growth Investors 
- - -Nationwide(R) Fund                                             -Twentieth Century International Equity Fund
- - -Nationwide(R) Growth Fund                                      -Twentieth Century Ultra Investors
                                                                -Twentieth Century U.S. Governments Short- 
                                                                 Term

</TABLE>

   
      This Prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know
about the Individual Modified Single Premium Deferred Variable Annuity
Contracts issued by the Nationwide Variable Account before investing.  You
should read it and keep it for future reference.  A Statement of Additional
Information dated December 1, 1995 containing further information about the
Contracts and the Nationwide Variable Account has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.  You can obtain a copy without charge from
Nationwide Life Insurance Company by calling 1-800-848-6331, or writing P.O.
Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609.
    


                                       1


                                    3 of 101
<PAGE>   4
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THE PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

   
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED DECEMBER 1, 1995 IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE.  THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 30 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS DECEMBER 1, 1995.
    


                                      2

                                    4 of 101
<PAGE>   5
                           GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

ACCUMULATION UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Contract Value prior to the Annuitization Date.

ANNUITANT- The person designated to receive annuity payments during
Annuitization and upon whose life any annuity payments involving life
contingencies depends.  This person must be age 85 or younger at the time of
Contract issuance, unless the Company has approved a request for an Annuitant
of greater age.  The Annuitant is the person who may exercise the right to
change the allocation of investment options, or designations of the
Beneficiary, Contingent Beneficiary, the Annuity Payment Option or the
Annuitization Date.

ANNUITIZATION- The period during which annuity payments are actually received.

ANNUITIZATION DATE- The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to begin.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION- The chosen form of annuity payments.  Several options
are available under the Contract.

ANNUITY UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of
Variable Annuity payments.

BENEFICIARY- The Beneficiary is the person designated to receive certain
benefits under the Contract upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the
Annuitization Date.  The Beneficiary can be changed by the Annuitant as set
forth in the Contract.

CODE- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

COMPANY- Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY- The Contingent Beneficiary is the person designated to
be the Beneficiary if the named Beneficiary is not living at the time of the
death of the Annuitant.

CONTRACT- The Individual Modified Single Premium Deferred Variable Annuity
Contract described in this Prospectus.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY- An anniversary of the Date of Issue of the Contract.

CONTRACT OWNER (OWNER)- The Contract Owner shall be an IRA custodian.  All
contractual rights, however, are exercisable by the Annuitant.

CONTRACT VALUE- The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units
attributable to the Contract plus any amount held under the Contract in the
Fixed Account.

CONTRACT YEAR- Each year commencing with the Date of Issue, and each Contract
Anniversary thereafter shall be a Contract Year.

DATE OF ISSUE- The Date of Issue is the date the first Purchase Payment is
applied to the Contract.



                                      3
                                      
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<PAGE>   6
DEATH BENEFIT- The benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the
Annuitization Date.  If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any
benefit that may be payable shall be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option
elected.

DISTRIBUTION- Any payment of part or all of the Contract Value.

FIXED ACCOUNT- The Fixed Account is made up of all assets of the Company other
than those in any segregated asset account.

FIXED ANNUITY- An annuity providing for a series of payments which are
guaranteed by the Company as to dollar amount during Annuitization.

HOME OFFICE- The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT- A custodial account which qualifies for federal
tax treatment under Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code.

INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD- An Interest Rate Guarantee Period is the
interval of time in which an interest rate credited to the Fixed Account under
the Contract is guaranteed to remain the same.  For Purchase Payments into the
Fixed Account or transfers from the Variable Account, this period begins upon
the date of deposit or transfer and ends at the end of the calendar quarter at
least one year from deposit or transfer.  At the end of an Interest Rate
Guarantee Period, a new interest rate is declared with an Interest Rate
Guarantee Period starting at the end of the prior period and ending at the end
of the calendar quarter one year later.

IRA- Refers generally to both an Individual Retirement Account and an
Individual Retirement Annuity (unless otherwise specified) as defined in
Sections 408(a) and (b), respectively, of the Code.

MUTUAL FUNDS (FUNDS)- The registered management investment companies in which
the assets of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account will be invested.

PURCHASE PAYMENT- A deposit of new value into the Contract.  The term "Purchase
Payment" does not include transfers between the Variable Account and Fixed
Account, or among the Sub-Accounts.

QUALIFIED PLANS- Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under
Section 401 of the Code.

SUB-ACCOUNTS- Separate and distinct divisions of the Variable Account, to which
specific Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which Accumulation Units and
Annuity Units are separately maintained.

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY- An annuity which qualifies for treatment under Section
403(b) of the Code.

VALUATION DATE- Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's Home
Office is open for business or any other day during which there is a sufficient
degree of trading of the Variable Account's underlying Mutual Fund shares that
the current net asset value of its Accumulation Units might be materially
affected.

VALUATION PERIOD- The period of time commencing at the close of business of the
New York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for the next
succeeding Valuation Date.



                                      4
                                      
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<PAGE>   7
VARIABLE ACCOUNT- The Nationwide Variable Account, a separate investment
account of the Company into which Variable Account Purchase Payments are
allocated.  The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which
invests in the shares of a separate Mutual Fund.

VARIABLE ANNUITY- An annuity providing for payments which are not predetermined
or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with the investment
experience of the Variable Account.



                                      5
                                      
                                   7 of 101
<PAGE>   8
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS .........................................................................      3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES.......................................................................      8
SYNOPSIS...........................................................................................     12
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY..................................................................     13
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT...............................................................................     13
        Underlying Mutual Fund Options.............................................................     13
        Voting Rights..............................................................................     14
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS..................................     14
        Mortality Risk Charge......................................................................     14
        Expense Risk Charge........................................................................     15
        Contingent Deferred Sales Charge...........................................................     15
        Administration Charge......................................................................     16
        Premium Taxes..............................................................................     16
        Expenses of Variable Account...............................................................     16
        Investments of the Variable Account........................................................     17
        Right to Revoke............................................................................     17
        Transfers..................................................................................     17
        Beneficiary Provisions.....................................................................     18
        Ownership Provisions.......................................................................     18
        Substitution of Securities.................................................................     19
        Inquiries .................................................................................     19
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT............................................................     19      
        Value of an Annuity Unit...................................................................     19
        Assumed Investment Rate....................................................................     19
        Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments...................................................     20
        Annuitization Date.........................................................................     20
        Change in Annuitization Date...............................................................     20
        Change in Form of Annuity..................................................................     20
        Annuity Payment Options....................................................................     20
        Death of Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date.........................................     21
        Death of Annuitant After the Annuitization Date............................................     22
        Required Distributions for IRAs............................................................     22
        Generation-Skipping Transfers..............................................................     23
GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................     23
        Services...................................................................................     23
        Statements and Reports.....................................................................     25
        Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value.........................................     25
        Value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit..............................................     26
        Net Investment Factor.......................................................................    26
        Valuation of Assets........................................................................     27
        Determining the Contract Value.............................................................     27      
        Surrender (Redemption).....................................................................     27
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>   9
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                                             <C>
        Taxes......................................................................................     28
        IRAs.......................................................................................     28
        Advertising................................................................................     29
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................................................................     30
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...........................................     31
APPENDIX A.........................................................................................     32
APPENDIX B.........................................................................................     35
</TABLE>



                                       7
                                       
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<PAGE>   10
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

    Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge1   . . . . . .      7      % 
                                                            ------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        RANGE OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OVER TIME

               Number of Completed Years from                     Contingent Deferred Sales Load
                  Date of Purchase Payment                                  Percentage
                             <S>                                              <C>
                             0                                                  7%
                             1                                                  6%
                             2                                                  5%
                             3                                                  4%
                             4                                                  3%
                             5                                                  2%
                             6                                                  1%
                             7                                                  0%
</TABLE>
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
      Mortality and Expense Risk Charges  . . . . . . . . . . . .     1.25    %
      Administration Charge   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     0.15    %
        Total Variable Account Annual Expenses . . . . . . . . .      1.40    %

1   Each Contract Year, the Annuitant may withdraw without a Contingent
    Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC):  (1) an amount equal to 10% of the total sum
    of all Purchase Payments made to the Contract at the time of withdrawal,
    less any Purchase Payments previously withdrawn that were subject to a CDSC
    or (2) distributions required for the Contract to meet minimum distribution
    rules for IRA Rollovers.  This CDSC-free withdrawal privilege is
    non-cumulative, that is, free amounts not taken during any given Contract
    Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent Contract Year (see
    "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").



                                       8
                                       
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<PAGE>   11
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Total Portfolio
                                                     Management        Other           Company
                                                       Fees           Expenses         Expenses
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>              <C>
DELCHESTER FUND-INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                    0.58%            0.25%            0.83%
DREYFUS A BONDS PLUS, INC.                             0.65%            0.25%            0.90%
THE DREYFUS THIRD CENTURY FUND, INC.                   0.75%            0.42%            1.17%
THE EVERGREEN TOTAL RETURN FUND                        1.00%            0.18%            1.18%
FIDELITY ASSET MANAGER                                 0.72%            0.32%            1.04%
FIDELITY EQUITY-INCOME FUND                            0.44%            0.25%            0.69%
FIDELITY MAGELLAN(R) FUND                              0.76%            0.23%            0.99%
FIDELITY PURITAN FUND                                  0.53%            0.26%            0.79%
JANUS TWENTY FUND                                      0.67%            0.35%            1.02%
MFS(R) WORLD GOVERNMENTS FUND                          0.90%            0.64%            1.54%
NATIONWIDE(R) BOND FUND                                0.50%            0.21%            0.71%
NATIONWIDE(R) FUND                                     0.50%            0.13%            0.63%
NATIONWIDE(R) GROWTH FUND                              0.50%            0.18%            0.68%
NATIONWIDE(R) MONEY MARKET                             0.45%            0.20%            0.65%
NEUBERGER & BERMAN GUARDIAN FUND, INC.                 0.62%            0.19%            0.81%
NEUBERGER & BERMAN LIMITED MATURITY BOND FUND          0.49%            0.21%            0.70%
NEUBERGER & BERMAN PARTNERS FUND, INC.                 0.65%            0.16%            0.81%
OPPENHEIMER GLOBAL FUND                                0.73%            0.49%            1.22%
PEOPLES INDEX FUND(R), INC.                            0.10%            0.54%            0.64%
PHOENIX BALANCED FUND SERIES                           0.53%            0.43%            0.96%
STRONG TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC.                         0.81%            0.39%            1.20%
TEMPLETON FOREIGN FUND                                 0.63%            0.51%            1.14%
TWENTIETH CENTURY GROWTH INVESTORS                     1.00%            0.00%            1.00%
TWENTIETH CENTURY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND            1.90%            0.00%            1.90%
TWENTIETH CENTURY ULTRA INVESTORS                      1.00%            0.00%            1.00%
TWENTIETH CENTURY U.S. GOVERNMENTS SHORT TERM          1.00%            0.00%            1.00%


<FN>
2   The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the underlying Mutual  
    Fund level and are not direct charges against Variable Account assets or
    reductions from Contract Values. These underlying Mutual Fund expenses are
    taken into consideration in computing each underlying Mutual Fund's net
    asset value, which is the share price used to calculate the unit values of
    the Variable Account.

</TABLE>


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<PAGE>   12
                                   EXAMPLE

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be
incurred under this Contract assuming a $1000 investment and 5% annual return.
These dollar figures are illustrative only and should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or
lesser than those shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR       IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER       IF YOU ANNUITIZE YOUR          
                                        CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE    YOUR CONTRACT AT THE END    CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE        
                                          APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD       OF THE APPLICABLE TIME       APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD          
                                                                               PERIOD                                               
                                         1      3      5       10     1      3      5       10     1      3      5      10          
                                        YR.   YRS.    YRS.    YRS.   YR.   YRS.   YRS.     YRS.   YR.   YRS.   YRS.    YRS.         
<S>                                     <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>     <C>         
Delchester Fund-Inst'l                   93    117    150     264     23    72     123     264     *     72     123     264         
Dreyfus A Bonds Plus                     94    119    154     272     24    74     127     272     *     74     127     272         
The Dreyfus Third                        97    138    168     300     27    83     141     300     *     83     141     300         
Century Fund, Inc.                                                                                                                  
The Evergreen                            97    138    169     301     27    83     142     301     *     83     142     301         
Total Return Fund                                                                                                                   
Fidelity Asset                           96    124    162     286     26    79     135     286     *     79     135     286         
ManagerTM                                                                                                                           
Fidelity Equity-Income                   92    113    143     249     22    68     116     249     *     68     116     249         
Fund                                                                                                                                
Fidelity Magellan                        95    122    159     281     25    77     132     281     *     77     132     281         
Fund                                                                                                                                
Fidelity Puritan                         93    116    148     260     23    71     121     260     *     71     121     260         
Fund                                                                                                                                
Janus Twenty Fund                        95    123    160     284     25    78     133     284     *     78     133     284         
MFS(R) World                            101    139    187     337     31    94     160     337     *     94     160     337         
Governments Fund                                                                                                                    
Nationwide(R) Bond                       92    113    144     251     22    68     117     251     *     68     117     251         
Fund                                                                                                                                
Nationwide(R) Fund                       91    111    140     243     21    66     113     243     *     66     113     243         
Nationwide(R)                            92    112    143     248     22    67     116     248     *     67     116     248         
Growth Fund                                                                                                                         
Nationwide(R)                            92    111    141     245     22    66     114     245     *     66     114     245         
Money Market Fund                                                                                                                   
Neuberger & Berman                       93    116    149     262     23    71     122     262     *     71     122     262         
Guardian Fund, Inc.                                                                                  
Neuberger & Berman                       92    113    144     250     22    68     117     250     *     68     117     250         
Limited Maturity                                                                                                                    
Bond Fund                                                                                                                           
Neuberger & Berman                       93    116    149     262     23    71     122     262     *     71     122     262         
Partners Fund,                                                                                                                      
Inc.                                                                                                
</TABLE>



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<PAGE>   13
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR       IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER       IF YOU ANNUITIZE YOUR
                                        CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE    YOUR CONTRACT AT THE END    CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE
                                          APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD       OF THE APPLICABLE TIME       APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD
<S>                                    <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>     <C>
                                      1YR.    3YRS.  5YRS.  10YRS.   1YR.  3YRS.  5YRS.   10YRS.  1YR.  3YRS.  5YRS.   10YRS.
Oppenheimer Global                      98    129    171     305     28    84     144     305     *     84     144     305
Fund                                                                                                                
Peoples Index                           91    111    140     244     21    66     113     244     *     66     113     244
Fund, Inc.                                                                                                          
Phoenix Balanced                        95    121    157     278     25    76     130     278     *     76     130     278
Fund Series                                                                                                               
Strong Total                            97    129    170     303     27    84     143     303     *     84     143     303
Return Fund, Inc.                                                                                                   
Templeton Foreign                       97    127    167     297     27    82     140     297     *     82     140     297
Fund                                                                                                                
Twentieth C.                            95    122    159     282     25    77     132     282     *     77     132     282
Growth Investors                                                                                                    
Twentieth C.                           105    151    206     371     35    106    179     371     *     109    179     371
International                                                                                                             
Equity Fund                                                                                                         
Twentieth C. U.S.                       95    122    159     282     25    77     132     282     *     77     132     282
Governments Short-                                                                                                        
Term                                                                                                                
Twentieth C. Ultra                     105    151    206     371     35    106    179     371     *     106    179     371
Investors                                                                                                           

<FN>
*The Contracts sold under this Prospectus do not permit annuitizations
during the first two Contract years.  

The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to
assist the Annuitant in understanding the various costs and expenses that an
Annuitant will bear directly or indirectly. The expenses of the Nationwide
Variable Account as well as those of the underlying Mutual Funds are reflected
in the table. For more and complete descriptions of the expenses of the
Nationwide Variable Account, (see "Variable Account Charges, Purchase Payments,
and Other Deductions").  For more and complete information regarding expenses
paid out of the assets of a particular underlying Mutual Fund, see the
underlying Mutual Fund's prospectus. Deductions for premium taxes may also
apply but are not reflected in the Example shown above (see "Premium Taxes").
</TABLE>


                                      11
                                       
                                       
                                   13 of 101
<PAGE>   14
                                    SYNOPSIS
      The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made
for these Contracts.  However, if any part of the Contract Value of such
Contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct
from the Contract Value a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge not to exceed 7% of
the lesser of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 84 months prior to
the date of the request to surrender, or the amount surrendered.  This charge,
when applicable, is imposed to permit the Company to recover sales expenses
which have been advanced by the Company (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge").

      The Company will also assess an Administration Charge equal to an
annual rate of 0.15% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account. 
This charge is to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses related to
the issue and maintenance of the Contracts.  The Company does not expect to
recover from this charge an amount in excess of accumulated administrative
expenses (see "Administration Charge").

      The Company deducts a Mortality Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of
0.80% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account for mortality risk
assumed by the Company (see "Mortality Risk Charge").

      The Company deducts an Expense Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of
0.45% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account as compensation for
the Company's risk by undertaking not to increase administrative charges on the
Contracts regardless of the actual administrative costs (see "Expense Risk
Charge").

      The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $15,000 and subsequent
Purchase Payments, if any, must be at least $1,000.  Subsequent Purchase
Payments are not permitted for Contracts purchased in the states of New York,
Oregon, and Washington.  The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under a
Contract may not exceed $1,000,000 without the prior consent of the Company
(see "Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value").

      If the Contract Value at the Annuitization Date is less than $5000, the
Contract Value may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments.
If any annuity payment would be less than $50, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in
payments of at least $50 (see "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments").

      Premium taxes payable to any governmental entity will be charged against
the Contracts (see "Premium Taxes").  If any such premium taxes are payable at
the time purchase payments are made, the premium tax deduction will be made
from the Contract prior to allocation to any underlying Mutual Fund option.

      To be sure that the Annuitant is satisfied with the Contract, the
Annuitant has a ten day free look.  Within ten days of the day the Contract is
received, it may be returned to the Home Office of the Company, at the address
shown on page 1 of this Prospectus.  When the Contract is received by the
Company, the Company will void the Contract and refund the Contract Value in
full unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law (see "Right to
Revoke").



                                      12
                                      
                                  14 of 101
<PAGE>   15
                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

      The Company is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of
the State of Ohio in March 1929.  The Company is a member of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise, with its Home Offices at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43216-6609.  The Company offers a complete line of life insurance,
including annuities and accident and health insurance.  It is admitted to do
business in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and in all states.

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

         The Variable Account was established by the Company on March 3, 1976,
pursuant to the provisions of Ohio law.  The Company has caused the Variable
Account to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a unit
investment trust pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of
1940.  Such registration does not involve supervision of the management of the
Variable Account or the Company by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

      The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company and,
as such, is not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct.  The Company does not guarantee the investment
performance of the Variable Account.  Obligations under the Contracts, however,
are obligations of the Company.  Income, gains and losses, whether or not
realized, from the assets of the Variable Account are, in accordance with the
Contracts, credited to or charged against the Variable Account without regard
to other income, gains, or losses of the Company.

      Purchase Payments are allocated within the Variable Account among one or
more Sub-Accounts made up of shares in the underlying Mutual Fund options
designated by the Annuitant.  A separate Sub-Account is established within the
Variable Account for each of the underlying Mutual Fund options that may be
designated by the Annuitant.

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

      Annuitants may choose from among a number of different Sub-Account
options.  (See Appendix B which contains a summary of investment objectives for
each underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Accounts.)  More detailed
information may be found in the current prospectus for each underlying Mutual
Fund offered.  Such a prospectus for the underlying Mutual Fund option(s) being
considered must accompany this Prospectus and should be read in conjunction
herewith.  A copy of each prospectus may be obtained without charge from
Nationwide Life Insurance Company by calling 1-800-848-6331, TDD 1-800-238-3035
or writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609.

      The underlying Mutual Fund options are available to the general public.
Based on the Company's marketing plan for the Contracts (the Contracts will be
exclusively marketed through IRA custodial accounts), the Company does not
anticipate any disadvantages to this.  There is, however, a possibility that a
material conflict may arise between the interest of the Variable Account and
the various individuals and entities holding shares of the Mutual Funds.  A
conflict may occur due to a change in law affecting the operations of variable
annuity separate accounts, differences in the voting instructions of the
Annuitants and others maintaining a voting interest in the funds, or some other
reason.  In the event of conflict, the Company will take any steps necessary to
protect Annuitants and



                                      13
                                      
                                  15 of 101
<PAGE>   16
variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of the Variable Account from
participation in the underlying Mutual Fund or Mutual Funds which are involved
in the conflict.

VOTING RIGHTS

        Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to Purchase
Payments or accumulated amounts allocated to the Variable Account.  

        In accordance with its view of present applicable law, the Company will
vote the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds held in the Variable Account at
regular and special meetings of the shareholders of the underlying Mutual Funds
in accordance with instructions received from persons whose Contract Value is
measured by units in the Variable Account.  However, if the Investment Company
Act of 1940 or any Regulation thereunder should be amended or if the present
interpretation thereof should change, and as a result the Company determines
that it is permitted to vote the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds in its
own right, it may elect to do so.

        The person having the voting interest under a Contract shall be the
Annuitant.  The number of shares held in the Variable Account which is
attributable to each Annuitant is determined by dividing the Annuitant's
interest in the Variable Account by the net asset value of the applicable share
of the underlying Mutual Funds.

        The number of shares held in the Variable Account which is attributable
to each Contract is determined by dividing the reserve for such Contract by the
net asset value of one share.

        The number of shares which a person has the right to vote will be
determined as of the date to be chosen by the Company not more than 90 days
prior to the meeting of the underlying Mutual Fund and voting instructions will
be solicited by written communication at least 21 days prior to such meeting.

        Underlying Mutual Fund shares held in the Variable Account as to which
no timely instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the same
proportion as the voting instructions which are received with respect to all
Contracts participating in the Variable Account.

        Each person having the voting interest in the Variable Account will
receive periodic reports relating to the underlying Mutual Fund, proxy material
and a form with which to give such voting instructions with respect to the
proportion of the underlying Mutual Fund shares held in the Variable Account
corresponding to his or her interest in the Variable Account.

       VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

        The Company assumes a "mortality risk" that variable annuity payments
will not be affected by the death rates of persons receiving such payments or
of the general population by virtue of annuity rates incorporated in the
Contract which cannot be changed.

        For assuming this mortality risk, the Company deducts a Mortality Risk
Charge from the Variable Account.  This amount is computed on a daily basis and
is equal on to an annual rate of 0.80% of the daily net asset value of the
Variable Account.  The Company expects to generate a profit through assessing
this charge.



                                      14
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                  16 of 101
<PAGE>   17
EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

      The Company will not increase charges for administration of the Contracts
regardless of its actual expenses. For assuming this expense risk, the Company
deducts an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account.  This amount is
computed on a daily basis and is equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of the daily
net asset value of the Variable Account. The Company expects to generate a
profit through assessing this charge.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

      No deduction for a sales charge is made from the Purchase Payments for
these Contracts.  However, the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, referred to
below, when it is applicable, will be used to cover expenses relating to the
sale of the Contracts, including commissions paid to sales personnel, the costs
of preparation of sales literature and other promotional activity. The Company
attempts to recover its distribution costs relating to the sale of the
Contracts from the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.  Any shortfall will be
made up from the general account of the Company, which may indirectly include
portions of the Mortality and Expense Risk Charges, since the Company expects
to generate a profit from these charges.  The maximum amount that may be paid
to a selling agent on the sale of these Contracts is 6.25% of Purchase
Payments.

      If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered, a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge may be made by the Company. The Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge is calculated by multiplying the applicable Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge Percentages noted below by the Purchase Payments that are surrendered.
For purposes of calculating the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, surrenders
are considered to come first from the oldest Purchase Payment made to the
Contract, then the next oldest Purchase Payment and so forth, with any earnings
attributable to such Purchase Payments considered only after all Purchase
Payments made to the Contract have been considered (for tax purposes, a
surrender is treated as a withdrawal of earnings first).  This charge will
apply in the amounts set forth below to Purchase Payments within the time
periods set forth.

      The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge applies to Purchase Payments as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF COMPLETED        CONTINGENT DEFERRED        NUMBER OF COMPLETED        CONTINGENT DEFERRED
YEARS FROM DATE OF             SALES CHARGE            YEARS FROM DATE OF            SALES CHARGE
 PURCHASE PAYMENT               PERCENTAGE              PURCHASE PAYMENT              PERCENTAGE
         <S>                      <C>                          <C>                      <C>
         0                          7%                         4                          3%
         1                          6%                         5                          2%
         2                          5%                         6                          1%
         3                          4%                         7                          0%
</TABLE>
      Each Contract Year, the Annuitant may withdraw without a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) an amount equal to (1) 10% of the total
sum of all Purchase Payments made to the Contract at the time of withdrawal,
less any Purchase Payments previously withdrawn that were subject to a CDSC or
(2) distributions required for the Contract to meet minimum distribution rules.
This CDSC-free



                                      15
                                       
                                   17 of 101
<PAGE>   18
withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative, that is, free amounts not taken during
any given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent
Contract Year.

      A CDSC will not be assessed against the withdrawal of:  (1) Purchase
Payments which have been held under the Contract for at least 7 years; (2)
earnings attributable to Purchase Payments made to the Contract; (3) Death
Benefit payments made upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the
Annuitization Date; (4) amounts applied to an Annuity Payment Option after two
years from the Date of Issue; or (5) amounts transferred among the Sub-Accounts
or from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account or vice versa.

      For a discussion of the withdrawals that are subject to a CDSC, see the
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section above.

      When a Contract described in this Prospectus is exchanged for another
Contract issued by the Company, of the type and class which the Company
determined is eligible for such exchange, the Company will waive the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge on the first Contract.

ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

      The Company assesses an Administration Charge equal on an annual basis to
0.15% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account.  The Administration
Charge is designed only to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses
related to the issuance and maintenance of the Contract, and the Company will
monitor this charge to ensure that it does not exceed annual administration
expenses.

PREMIUM TAXES

      The Company will charge against the Contract Value the amount of any
premium taxes levied by a state or any other governmental entity upon Purchase
Payments received by the Company.  To the best of the Company's present
knowledge, premium taxes currently imposed by certain jurisdictions range from
0% to 3.5%.  This range is subject to change.  The method used to recoup
premium tax expense will be determined by the Company at its sole discretion
and in compliance with applicable state law.  The Company currently deducts
such charges from an Annuitant's Contract Value either:  (1) at the time the
Contract is surrendered, (2) at Annuitization, or (3) at such earlier date as
the Company may be subject to such taxes.

EXPENSES OF VARIABLE ACCOUNT

         The Variable Account is responsible for the following types of
expenses:  (1) administration expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance
of the Contracts;  (2) mortality risk expense of guaranteeing the annuity
purchase rates at issue for the life of the Contracts; and  (3) expense risk
associated with guaranteeing expenses through the deduction by the Company of
the Mortality Risk, Expense Risk and Administration Charges described above.
If these charges are insufficient to cover these expenses, the loss will be
borne by the Company.

      Deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the underlying
Mutual Funds are described in each of the underlying Mutual Funds'
prospectuses.



                                      16
                                      
                                  18 of 101
<PAGE>   19
INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

      At the time of purchase the Annuitant elects to have purchase payments
attributable to his participation in the Variable Account allocated among one
or more of the Sub-Accounts which consist of shares in the underlying Mutual
Funds.  Shares of the respective underlying Mutual Funds specified by the
Annuitant are purchased at net asset value for the respective Sub-Account(s)
and converted into Accumulation Units.  At the time of purchase, the Annuitant
designates the underlying Mutual Funds to which he desires to have purchase
payments allocated.  Such election is subject to any minimum purchase payment
limitations which may be imposed by the underlying Mutual Funds designated.
The Annuitant may change the election as to allocation of purchase payments or
may elect to exchange amounts among the Sub-Account options pursuant to such
terms and conditions applicable to such transactions as may be imposed by each
of the underlying Mutual Funds, in addition to those set forth in the
Contracts.

RIGHT TO REVOKE

      The Annuitant may revoke the Contract at any time between the Date of
Issue and the date 10 days after receipt of the Contract and receive a refund
of the Contract Value unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law.
In order to revoke the Contract, it must be mailed or delivered to the Home
Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on page 1 of this
Prospectus.  Mailing or delivery must occur on or before 10 days after receipt
of the Contract for revocation to be effective.  In order to revoke the
Contract, if it has not been received, written notice must be mailed or
delivered to the Home Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on
page 1 of this Prospectus.

      The liability of the Variable Account under this provision is limited to
the Contract Value in each Sub-Account on the date of revocation.  Any
additional amounts refunded to the Annuitant will be paid by the Company.

TRANSFERS

      The Company currently allows transfers up to 100% of the Variable Account
Contract Value from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account.  However, the
Company reserves the right to restrict transfers from the Variable Account to
the Fixed Account to 25% of Contract Value for any 12 month period.  All
amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on deposit in the Fixed
Account until the expiration of the Interest Rate Guarantee Period.  The
Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar quarter
during which the one year anniversary of the allocation of the Fixed Account
occurs.  The Annuitant's value in each sub-account will be determined as of the
date the transfer request is received in the Home Office in good order.  The
Company reserves the right to refuse transfers or Purchase Payments into the
Fixed Account if the Fixed Account is greater than or equal to 30% of the
Contract Value.

      The Annuitant may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period,
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The maximum percentage that may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the
Variable Account will be determined by the Company, at its sole discretion, but
will not be less than 10% of the total value of the portion of the Fixed
Account that is maturing and will be declared upon the expiration date of the
then current Interest Rate Guarantee



                                      17
                                      
                                  19 of 101

<PAGE>   20
Period. The specific percentage will be declared upon the expiration date of
the guaranteed period.  Transfers from the Fixed Account must be made within 45
days after the expiration date of the guarantee period.  Annuitants who have
entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging agreement with the Company (see "Dollar
Cost Averaging") may transfer from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account
under the terms of that agreement.

      Transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made prior to the first
Contract Anniversary.  Transfers must also be made prior to the Annuitization
Date.

      Transfers among the sub-accounts may be made either in writing or, in
states allowing such transfers, by telephone.  This telephone exchange
privilege is made available to Annuitants automatically without their having to
elect the privilege.  The Company will employ reasonable procedures to confirm
that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.  Such procedures may
include any or all of the following, or such other procedures as the Company
may, from time to time, deem reasonable:  requesting identifying information,
such as name, contract number, Social Security number, and/or personal
identification number; tape recording all telephone transactions; and providing
written confirmation thereof to both the Annuitant and any agent of record, at
the last address of record. The Company will not be liable for following
instructions communicated by telephone which it reasonably believes to be
genuine.  Any losses incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in
reliance on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine shall be
borne by the Annuitant.  The Company may withdraw the telephone exchange
privilege upon 30 days' written notice to Annuitants.

BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

      The Beneficiary is the person or persons who may receive certain benefits
under the Contract in the event the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization
Date.  If more than one Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, each will share
equally unless otherwise specified in the Beneficiary designation.  If no
Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, all rights and interest of the Beneficiary
shall vest in the Contingent Beneficiary, and if more than one Contingent
Beneficiary survives, each will share equally unless otherwise specified in the
Contingent Beneficiary designation.  If a Contingent Beneficiary is not named
or predeceases the Annuitant, all rights and interest of the Contingent
Beneficiary will vest with the Annuitant's estate. The Annuitant may change the
Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary from time to time, by written notice to
the Company.  The change, upon receipt by the Company at its Home Office, will
take effect as of the time the written notice was signed, whether or not the
Annuitant is living at the time of recording, but without further liability as
to any payment or settlement made by the Company before receipt of such change.

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

      Unless otherwise provided, the Annuitant has all rights under the
Contract.  The exercise of any ownership right in the Contract (including the
right to surrender or partially surrender the Contract, to change the
Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Annuity Payment Option or the
Annuitization Date) shall require a written indication of an intent to exercise
that right, which must be signed by the Annuitant.



                                      18
                                      
                                  20 of 101
<PAGE>   21
SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

      If the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds described in this Prospectus
should no longer be available for investment by the Variable Account or if, in
the judgment of the Company's management, further investment in such underlying
Mutual Fund shares should become inappropriate in view of the purposes of the
Contract, the Company may substitute shares of another underlying Mutual Fund
for underlying Mutual Fund shares already purchased or to be purchased in the
future by Purchase Payments under the Contract.  No substitution of securities
in the Variable Account may take place without prior approval of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, and under such requirements as it may impose.

INQUIRIES

      Inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life Insurance Company by writing
P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609, or calling 1-800-848-6331, TDD
1-800-238-3035.

                    ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT

      At the Annuitization Date the Variable Account Contract Value is applied
to the Annuity Payment Option elected in accordance with the Annuity Table in
the Contract.

      Subsequent Variable Annuity payments vary in amount in accordance with
the investment performance of the Variable Account.  The dollar amount of the
first annuity payment determined as above is divided by the value of an Annuity
Unit as of the Annuitization Date to establish the number of Annuity Units
representing each monthly annuity payment.  This number of Annuity Units
remains fixed during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of the
second and subsequent payments is not predetermined and may change from month
to month. The dollar amount of each subsequent payment is determined by
multiplying the fixed number of Annuity Units by the Annuity Unit Value for the
Valuation Period in which the payment is due. The Company guarantees that the
dollar amount of each payment after the first will not be affected by
variations in mortality experience from mortality assumptions used to determine
the first payment.

VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT

      The value of an Annuity Unit is arbitrarily set initially at $10 when the
first underlying Mutual Fund shares are purchased.  The value of an Annuity
Unit for a sub-account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined by
multiplying the Annuity Unit Value for the immediately preceding Valuation
Period by the Net Investment Factor for the Valuation Period for which the
Annuity Unit Value is being calculated, and multiplying the result by an
interest factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 3.5% per annum
(see "Net Investment Factor").

ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

      A 3.5% Assumed Investment Rate is built into the Annuity Tables contained
in the Contracts.  A higher assumption would mean a higher initial payment but
more slowly rising or more rapidly falling subsequent payments.  A lower
assumption would have the opposite effect.  If the actual investment rate is at
the annual rate of 3.5%, the annuity payments will be level.




                                      19


                                  21 of 101
<PAGE>   22
FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

      Annuity payments will be paid as monthly installments.  However, if the
net amount available to apply under any Annuity Payment Option is less than
$5,000, the Company shall have the right to pay such amount in one lump sum in
lieu of the payments otherwise provided for.  In addition, if the payments
provided for would be or become less than $50, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in
payments of at least $50.

ANNUITIZATION DATE

      The Annuitant selects an Annuitization Date at the time of Application.
Such date may be the first day of a calendar month or any other agreed upon
date and must be at least 2 years after the Date of Issue.  

CHANGE IN ANNUITIZATION DATE

      The Annuitant may, upon prior written notice to the Company, change the
Annuitization Date.  The date to which such a change may be made shall be the
first day of a calendar month.

      If the Annuitant requests in writing (see "Ownership Provisions"), and
the Company approves the request, the Annuitization Date may be deferred.  The
amount of the Death Benefit will be limited to the Contract Value if the
Annuitization Date is postponed beyond the first day of the calendar month
after the Annuitant's 86th birthday.

CHANGE IN FORM OF ANNUITY

      The Annuitant may, upon prior written notice to the Company, at any time
prior to the Annuitization Date, elect one of the Annuity Payment Options.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

      Any of the following Annuity Payment Options may be elected:

      Option 1-Life Annuity-An annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of
      the Annuitant, ceasing with the last payment due prior to the death of
      the Annuitant.  IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE UNDER THIS OPTION FOR THE ANNUITANT
      TO RECEIVE ONLY ONE ANNUITY PAYMENT IF HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE SECOND
      ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, TWO ANNUITY PAYMENTS IF HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE
      THIRD ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, AND SO ON.

      Option 2-Joint and Last Survivor Annuity-An annuity payable monthly
      during the joint lifetimes of the Annuitant and designated second person
      and continuing thereafter during the lifetime of the survivor.  AS IS THE
      CASE UNDER OPTION 1 ABOVE, THERE IS NO MINIMUM NUMBER OF PAYMENTS
      GUARANTEED UNDER THIS OPTION. PAYMENTS CEASE UPON THE DEATH OF THE LAST
      SURVIVING ANNUITANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF PAYMENTS RECEIVED.


                                      20
                                      
                                      
                                  22 of 101
<PAGE>   23
      Option 3-Life Annuity With 120 or 240 Monthly Payments Guaranteed-An
      annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the Annuitant with the
      guarantee that if at the death of the Annuitant payments have been made
      for fewer than 120 or 240 months, as selected, payments will be made as
      follows:

      (1)   If the Annuitant is the payee, any guaranteed annuity
            payments will be continued during the remainder of the selected
            period to such recipient as chosen by the Annuitant at the time the
            Annuity Payment Option was selected. In the alternative, the
            recipient may, at any time, elect to have the present value of the
            guaranteed number of annuity payments remaining paid in a lump sum
            as specified in section (2) below.

      (2)   If someone other than the Annuitant is the payee, the
            present value, computed as of the date on which notice of death is
            received by the Company at its Home Office, of the guaranteed
            number of annuity payments remaining after receipt of such notice
            and to which the deceased would have been entitled had he or she
            not died, computed at the Assumed Investment Rate effective in
            determining the Annuity Tables, shall be paid in a lump sum.

      Some of the stated Annuity Options may not be available in all states.
The Annuitant may request an alternative non-guaranteed option by giving notice
in writing prior to annuitization.  If such a request is approved by the
Company, it will be permitted under the Contract.

      If the Annuitant fails to elect an Annuity Payment Option, the Contract
Value will continue to accumulate.  Individual Retirement Accounts and
Annuities are subject to the minimum distribution requirements set forth in the
Internal Revenue Code.

DEATH OF ANNUITANT PRIOR TO THE ANNUITIZATION DATE

      If the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit is
payable to the Beneficiary.  If no Beneficiary is named (or if the Beneficiary
predeceases the Annuitant), then the Death Benefit is payable to the Contingent
Beneficiary.  If no Contingent Beneficiary is named (or if the Contingent
Beneficiary predeceases the Annuitant), then the Death Benefit will be paid to
the Annuitant's estate.

      The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as of the Valuation
Date coincident with or next following the date the Company receives in
writing:  (1) due proof of the Annuitant's death, (2) an election for either a
single sum payment or an Annuity Payment Option, and (3) any form required by
state insurance laws.  If a single sum payment is requested, payment will be
made in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations governing the
payment of Death Benefits.  If an Annuity Payment Option is requested, election
must be made by the Beneficiary during the 90-day period commencing with the
date written notice is received by the Company.  If no election has been made
by the end of such 90-day period commencing with the date written notice is
received by the Company, the Death Benefit will be paid in a single sum
payment.  If the Annuitant dies prior to his or her 86th birthday, the value of
the Death Benefit will be the greater of (1) the sum of all Purchase Payments,
made to the Contract less any amounts surrendered, (2) the Contract Value, or
(3) the Contract Value as of the most recent five-year Contract Anniversary,
less any amounts surrendered since the most recent five-

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<PAGE>   24
year Contract Anniversary.  If the Annuitant dies on or after his or her 86th
birthday, then the Death Benefit will be equal to the Contract Value.

      As an alternative to the death benefit described above, the beneficiary
may choose a distribution that is consistent with the distribution at death
rules set forth below in "Required Distributions for IRAs." 

DEATH OF ANNUITANT AFTER THE ANNUITIZATION DATE

      If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable shall be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option selected.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR IRAS

      Distribution from an IRA must begin not later than April 1 of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the Annuitant attains age 70
1/2.  Distribution may be accepted in a lump sum or in nearly equal payments
over:  (a) the Annuitant's life or the lives of the Annuitant and the
Annuitant's spouse or designated beneficiary, or (b) a period not extending
beyond the life expectancy of the Annuitant and the Annuitant's spouse or
designated beneficiary.

      If the Annuitant dies prior to the commencement of the distribution, the
interest in the Annuity held by the custodial account must be distributed by
December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of the
Annuitant's death occurs unless:

(a)      The Annuitant has named his or her surviving spouse as the designated
         beneficiary and such spouse elects to:

         (i)   treat the annuity as an asset of an IRA established for
               his or her benefit; or

         (ii)  receive distribution of the contract in nearly equal
               payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or
               her life expectancy) and commencing not later than December 31
               of the year in which the Annuitant would have attained age 70
               1/2; or

(b)      The Annuitant has named a beneficiary other than his or her surviving
         spouse and such beneficiary elects to receive a distribution of
         the account in nearly equal payments over his or her life (or a period
         not exceeding his or her life expectancy) commencing not later than
         December 31 of the year following the year in which the Annuitant
         dies.

      If the Annuitant dies after distribution has commenced, the distribution
must continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to the
Annuitant's death, except to the extent that a surviving spouse beneficiary may
elect to treat the Contract as his or her own, in the same manner as is
described in section (a)(i) of this provision.

      If the amounts distributed to the Annuitant are less than those mentioned
above, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the amount that should have been
distributed for that year.

      All or a portion of each distribution will be included in the gross
income of the person receiving the distribution and taxed at ordinary income
tax rates.  The portion of the distribution which is taxable is based on the
ratio between the amount by which non-deductible purchase payments exceed prior
non-taxable distributions and total account balances at the time of the
distribution.  The Annuitant must


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<PAGE>   25
annually report the amount of non-deductible purchase payments, the amount of
any distribution, the amount by which non-deductible purchase payments for all
years exceed non-taxable distributions for all years, and the total balance of
all IRAs.

        IRA distributions will not receive the benefit of the tax treatment of
a lump sum distribution from a Qualified Plan.  If the Annuitant dies prior to
the time distribution of the Annuitant's interest in the annuity is completed,
the balance will also be included in the Annuitant's gross estate.

GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFERS

        The Company may determine whether the Death Benefit or any other
payment constitutes a direct skip as defined in Section 2612 of the Internal
Revenue Code, and the amount of the tax on the generation-skipping transfer
resulting from such direct skip.  If applicable, the payment will be reduced by
any tax the Company is required to pay by Section 2603 of the Internal Revenue
Code.

        A direct skip may occur when property is transferred to or a Death
Benefit is paid to an individual two or more generations younger than the
Annuitant.

                              GENERAL INFORMATION

SERVICES

        ASSET REBALANCING - The Annuitant may direct the automatic reallocation
of contract values to the underlying Mutual Fund options on a predetermined     
percentage basis every three months.  If the last day of the three month period
falls on a Saturday, Sunday, recognized holiday or any other day when the New
York Stock Exchange is closed, the Asset Rebalancing exchange will occur on the
last business day before that day.  Asset Rebalancing will not affect future
allocations of purchase payments.  An Asset Rebalancing request must be in
writing on a form provided by the Company.  The Annuitant may want to contact a 
financial adviser in order to discuss a specific contract.  

        The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Asset
Rebalancing upon 30 days' written notice to the Annuitants, however, any such
discontinuation would not affect Asset Rebalancing programs which have already
commenced.  The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for
this service. 

        DOLLAR COST AVERAGING- The Annuitant may direct the Company to
automatically transfer a specified amount from the Money Market Fund
Sub-Account, the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or the Fixed
Account to any other Sub-Account within the Variable Account on a monthly
basis.  This service is intended to allow the Annuitant to utilize Dollar Cost
Averaging, a long-term investment program which provides for regular, level
investments over time.  The Company makes no guarantees that Dollar Cost
Averaging will result in a profit or protect against loss in a declining
market.  Transfers for purposes of Dollar Cost Averaging can only be made from
the Money Market Fund Sub-Account, the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio
Sub-Account or the Fixed Account.  The minimum monthly Dollar Cost Averaging
transfer is $100.  In addition, Dollar Cost Averaging monthly transfers from
the Fixed Account must be equal to or less than 1/30th of the Fixed Account
value when the Dollar Cost Averaging program is requested. Transfers out of the
Fixed Account, other than for Dollar Cost


                                      23


                                   25 of 101
<PAGE>   26
Averaging, may be subject to certain additional restrictions (see "Transfers").
A written election of this service, on a form provided by the Company, must be
completed by the Annuitant in order to begin transfers.  Once elected,
transfers from the Money Market Fund Sub-Account, the Limited Maturity Bond
Portfolio Sub-Account or the Fixed Account will be processed monthly until
either the value in the Money Market Fund Sub-Account, the Limited Maturity
Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or the Fixed Account is completely depleted or the
Annuitant instructs the Company in writing to cancel the monthly transfers.

      The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Dollar Cost
Averaging upon 30 days' written notice to Annuitants; however, any such
discontinuation would not affect Dollar Cost Averaging programs already
commenced.  The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for
this service.

      SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS- The Annuitant may elect in writing on a form
provided by the Company to take Systematic Withdrawals of a specified dollar
amount (of at least $100) on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
The Company will process the withdrawals as directed by surrendering on a
pro-rata basis Accumulation Units from all of the Sub-Accounts in which the
Annuitant has an interest, and the Fixed Account.  A Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge may apply to Systematic Withdrawals in accordance with the
considerations set forth in the "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" and
"Withdrawals Without Charge" sections.  Each Systematic Withdrawal is subject
to federal income taxes on the taxable portion.  In addition, a 10% federal
penalty tax may be assessed on Systematic Withdrawals if the Annuitant is under
age 59 1/2.  If directed by the Annuitant, the Company will withhold federal
income taxes from each Systematic Withdrawal.  A Systematic Withdrawal program
will terminate automatically at the end of each Contract Year and may be
reinstated only pursuant to a new request.  The Annuitant may discontinue
Systematic Withdrawals at any time by notifying the Company in writing.

      If the Annuitant withdraws amounts pursuant to a Systematic Withdrawal
program, then the Annuitant may withdraw each Contract Year without a CDSC an
amount up to the greater of (i) 10% of the total sum of all Purchase Payments
made to the Contract at the time of withdrawal, less any Purchase Payments
previously withdrawn that were subject to a CDSC, or (ii) the specified
percentage of the Contract Value based on the Annuitant's age, as shown in the
following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Annuitant's                               Percentage of
                Age                                  Contract Value
          <S>                                             <C>
            Under 59-1/2                                   5%
          59-1/2 to 70-1/2                                 7%
            70-1/2 to 75                                   9%
            75 and Over                                   13%
</TABLE>
      If the total amounts withdrawn in any Contract Year exceed the CDSC-free
amount as calculated under the Systematic Withdrawal method described above,
then such total withdrawn amounts will be eligible only for the 10% of Purchase
Payment CDSC-free withdrawal privilege described in the


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<PAGE>   27
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section, and the total amount of CDSC
charged during the Contract Year will be determined in accordance with that
provision.

      The Contract Value and the Annuitant's age for purposes of applying the
CDSC-free withdrawal percentage described above are determined as of the date
the request for a Systematic Withdrawal program is received and recorded by the
Company at its Home Office.  The Annuitant may elect to take such CDSC-free
amounts only once each Contract Year.  Furthermore, this CDSC-free withdrawal
privilege for Systematic Withdrawals is non-cumulative, that is, free amounts
not taken during any given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a
subsequent Contract Year.

      Systematic Withdrawals are not available prior to the expiration of the
ten day free look provision of the Contract.  The Company also reserves the
right to assess a processing fee for this service.

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

      The Company will mail to Annuitants, at their last known address of
record, any statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation.
Annuitants should therefore give Nationwide prompt notice of any address
change. The Company will send a confirmation statement to Annuitants each time
a transaction is made affecting the Annuitants' Variable Account Contract
Value, such as making additional purchase payments, transfers, exchanges or
withdrawals.  Quarterly statements are also mailed detailing the Contract
activity during the calendar quarter.  Instead of receiving an immediate
confirmation of transactions made pursuant to some types of periodic payment
plan (such as a dollar cost averaging program) or salary reduction arrangement,
Annuitants may receive confirmation of such transactions in their quarterly
statements.  Annuitants should review the information in these statements
carefully.  All errors or corrections must be reported to the Company
immediately to assure proper crediting to the Annuitants' Contract.  The
Company will assume all transactions are accurate unless otherwise notified
within 30 days after receipt of the statement.  The Company will also send to
Annuitants each year an annual report and a semi-annual report containing
financial statements for the Variable Account, as of December 31 and June 30,
respectively.

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

      Purchase payments are allocated to one or more Sub-Accounts within the
Variable Account in accordance with the designation of the underlying Mutual
Funds by the Annuitant, and converted into Accumulation Units.

      The initial purchase payment must be at least $15,000. Subsequent
purchase payments, if any, must be at least $1,000.  Subsequent purchase
payments are not permitted in the states of New York, Oregon, and Washington.
The cumulative total of all purchase payments under a Contract may not exceed
$1,000,000 without prior consent of the Company.

      The initial purchase payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account will be priced not later than 2 business days after receipt of
an order to purchase, if the Application and all information necessary for
processing the purchase order are complete upon receipt by the Company. The
Company may, however, retain the purchase payment for up to 5 business days
while attempting to complete an incomplete Application.  If the Application
cannot be made complete within 5 days, the


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<PAGE>   28
prospective purchaser will be informed of the reasons for the delay and the
purchase payment will be returned immediately unless the prospective purchaser
specifically consents to the Company retaining the purchase payment until the
Application is made complete.

      Purchase Payments will not be priced on the following nationally
recognized holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  

VALUE OF A VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT

      The value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit for each Sub-Account
was arbitrarily set initially at $10 when the underlying Mutual Fund shares in
that Sub-Account were available for purchase.  The value for any subsequent
Valuation Period is determined by multiplying the Accumulation Unit value for
each Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the Net
Investment Factor for the Sub-Account during the subsequent Valuation Period.
The value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation
Period to Valuation Period.  The number of Accumulation Units will not change
as a result of investment experience.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

      The Net Investment Factor for any Valuation Period is determined by
dividing (a) by (b) and subtracting (c) from the result where:

(a)    is the net of:
       
       (1)   the net asset value per share of the underlying Mutual
             Fund held  in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the current
             Valuation Period, plus

       (2)   the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain
             distributions made by the underlying Mutual Fund held in the
             Sub-Account if the "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current
             Valuation Period.

(b)    is the net asset value per share of the underlying Mutual Fund held in
       the Sub-Account determined at the end of the immediately preceding 
       Valuation Period.

(c)    is a factor representing the daily Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk
       Charge and Administration Charge deducted from the Variable Account.  
       Such factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.40% of the daily net asset 
       value of the Variable Account.

      For underlying Mutual Funds that credit dividends on a daily basis and
pay such dividends once a month (the Nationwide Money Market Fund), the Net
Investment Factor allows for the monthly reinvestment of these daily dividends.

      The Net Investment Factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the
value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease.  It should be noted
that changes in the Net Investment Factor may not be directly proportional to
changes in the net asset value of underlying Mutual Fund shares, because of the
deduction for Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk Charge and Administration
Charge.


                                      26
                                      
                                      
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<PAGE>   29
VALUATION OF ASSETS

        Underlying Mutual Fund shares in the Variable Account will be valued at
their net asset value.

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

        The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units
attributable to the Contract and amounts credited to the Fixed Account is the
Contract Value.  The number of Accumulation Units credited per each Sub-Account
are determined by dividing the net amount allocated to the Sub-Account by the
Accumulation Unit Value for the Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during
which the Purchase Payment is received by the Company.  In the event part or
all of the Contract Value is surrendered or charges or deductions are made
against the Contract Value, an appropriate number of Accumulation Units from
the Variable Account and an appropriate amount from the Fixed Account will be
deducted in the same proportion that the Annuitant's interest in the Variable
Account and the Fixed Account bears to the total Contract Value.

SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)

        While the Contract is in force and prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the Annuitant, the Company will, upon proper
written application by the Annuitant deemed by the Company to be in good order,
allow the Annuitant to surrender a portion or all of the Contract Value.
"Proper Written Application" means that the Annuitant must request the
surrender in writing and include the Contract.  The Company may require that
the signature(s) be guaranteed by a member firm of a major stock exchange or
other depository institution qualified to give such a guaranty.

        The Company will, upon receipt of any such written request, surrender a
number of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account and an amount from the
Fixed Account necessary to equal the gross dollar amount requested, less any
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge").  In the event of a partial surrender, the Company will, unless
instructed to the contrary, surrender Accumulation Units from all Sub-Accounts
in which the Annuitant has an interest, and the Fixed Account.  The number of
Accumulation Units surrendered from each Sub-Account and the amount surrendered
from the Fixed Account will be in the same proportion that the Annuitant's
interest in the Sub-Accounts and Fixed Account bears to the total Contract
Value.

        The Company will pay any funds applied for from the Variable Account
within 7 days of receipt of such application in the Company's Home Office.
However, the Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of any
payment of any benefit or values for any Valuation Period (1) when the New York
Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is closed, (2) when trading on the Exchange is
restricted, (3) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of
securities held in the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is
not reasonably practicable to determine the value of the Variable Account's net
assets, or (4) during any other period when the Securities and Exchange
Commission, by order, so permits for the protection of security holders;
provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (2) and (3)
exist.  The Contract Value on surrender may be more or less than the total of
Purchase Payments made by an Annuitant, depending on the market value of the
underlying Mutual Fund shares.


                                      27
                                      
                                      
                                  29 of 101
<PAGE>   30
TAXES

      INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE ADVICE OF A
PERSONAL TAX ADVISER.

      The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status for any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts.  The Contracts, by
themselves, do not qualify for tax-deferral under the federal tax rules
governing Non-Qualified Annuities and Individual Retirement Annuities.
Instead, the Contracts have been designed to be purchased as assets of IRA
custodial accounts pursuant to certain regulations under section 408 of the
Code.  Annuitants should consult their financial or tax consultants to discuss
in detail their particular tax situation and the use of the Contracts.

      Generally, the amount of any payment of items of interest to a
nonresident alien of the United State shall be subject to withholding of a tax
equal to thirty percent (30%) of such amount or, if applicable, a lower treaty
rate.  A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient
sufficiently establishes that such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and such
payment is includable in the recipient's gross income.

IRAS

      The Contract is intended to be purchased as an asset of IRA custodial
accounts established pursuant to regulations 1.408-2(b)(2)(ii) and 1.408-2(d)
under Section 408 of the Code. Because the Contract's minimum initial and
subsequent Purchase Payments are greater than the maximum yearly contribution
permitted an IRA, the Contract may be purchased only in connection with a
"rollover" (including a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer, where permitted).
Specifically, Contracts may be purchased only in connection with a rollover or
transfer (if applicable) of amounts from a Qualified Plan, Tax-Sheltered
Annuity, IRA or Individual Retirement Annuity.  The Annuitant should seek
competent advice as to the tax consequences associated with the use of this
Contract.

      Recent changes to the Code permit the rollover of most distributions from
Qualified Plans to other Qualified Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Most distributions from Tax-Sheltered Annuities may be rolled into another
Tax-Sheltered Annuity or an IRA.  Distributions which may not be rolled over
are those which are:

1.       one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
         payments made:  a) over the life (or life expectancy) of the
         employee, b) the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the
         employee and the employee's designated beneficiary, or c) for a
         specified period of ten years or more, or

2.       a required minimum distribution.

      Any distribution from a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity that is
eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax withholding at a rate of
twenty percent (20%) unless the distribution is transferred directly to an
appropriate plan as described above.

      Individual Retirement Accounts may not provide life insurance benefits.
If the Death Benefit associated with the Contracts offered hereunder exceeds
the greater of the cash value of the Contract


                                      28
                                      
                                      
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<PAGE>   31
or the sum of all purchase payments (less any surrenders), it is possible the
Internal Revenue Service could determine that the Individual Retirement Account
does not qualify for the desired tax treatment.

ADVERTISING

      A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the Nationwide
Money Market Fund sub-account.  "Yield" is a measure of the net dividend and
interest income earned over a specific seven-day period (which period will be
stated in the advertisement) expressed as a percentage of the offering price of
the sub-account's units.  Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is
assumed that the sub-account generates the same level of net income over a
52-week period.  The "effective yield" is calculated similarly but includes the
effect of assumed compounding, calculated under rules prescribed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.  The effective yield will be slightly
higher than yield due to this compounding effect.

      The Company may also from time to time advertise the performance of the
sub-account of the Variable Account relative to the performance of other
variable annuity sub-accounts or underlying mutual funds with similar or
different objectives, or the investment industry as a whole.  Other investments
to which the sub-accounts may be compared include, but are not limited to:
precious metals, real estate, stocks and bonds, closed-end funds, CDs, bank
money market deposit accounts and passbook savings, and the Consumer Price
Index.

      The sub-accounts of the Variable Account may also be compared to certain
market indexes, which may include, but are not limited to:  the S&P 500;
Shearson/Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate Bond Index; Shearson/Lehman
Long-Term Government/Corporate Bond Index; Donoghue Money Fund Average; U.S.
Treasury Note Index; Bank Rate Monitor National Index of 2 Year CD Rates; and
Dow Jones Industrial Average.

      Normally these rankings and ratings are published by independent tracking
services and publications of general interest including, but not limited to:
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/ Wiesenberger, Morningstar, Donoghue's;
magazines such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine,
Financial World, Consumer Reports, Business Week, Time, Newsweek, National
Underwriter, U.S. News and World Report; rating services such as LIMRA, Value,
Best's Agent Guide, Western Annuity Guide, Comparative Annuity Reports; and
other publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investor's Daily,
and Standard & Poor's Outlook.  In addition, Variable Annuity Research & Data
Service (The VARDS Report) is an independent rating service that ranks over 500
variable annuity funds based upon total return performance.  These rating
services and publications rank the performance of the underlying Mutual Funds
against all underlying mutual funds over specified periods and against funds in
specified categories.  The rankings may or may not include the effects of sales
or other charges.

      The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating
services, among which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company.
The purpose of these ratings is to reflect the financial strength or
claims-paying ability of the Company.  The ratings are not intended to reflect
the investment experience or financial strength of the Variable Account.  The
Company may advertise these ratings from time to time.  In addition, the
Company may include in certain advertisements,



                                      29
                                      
                                  31 of 101
<PAGE>   32
endorsements in the form of a list of organizations, individuals or other
parties which recommend the Company or the Contracts.  Furthermore, the Company
may occasionally include in advertisements comparisons of currently taxable and
tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax brackets, or
discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic conditions.

      The Company may from time to time advertise several types of historical
performance for the sub-accounts of the Variable Account.  The Company may
advertise for the sub-accounts standardized "average annual total return,"
calculated in a manner prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission,
and nonstandardized "total return."  "Average annual total return" will show
the percentage rate of return of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
for at least the most recent one, five and ten year period, or for a period
covering the time the underlying Mutual Fund option held in the sub-account has
been in existence, if the underlying Mutual Fund option has not been in
existence for one of the prescribed periods.  This calculation reflects the
deduction of all applicable charges made to the Contracts except for premium
taxes, which may be imposed by certain states.

      Nonstandardized "total return" will be calculated in a similar manner and
for the same time periods as the average annual total return except total
return will assume an initial investment of $10,000 and will not reflect the
deduction of any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, which, if
reflected, would decrease the level of performance shown.  The Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge is not reflected because the Contracts are designed for
long term investment.  An assumed initial investment of $10,000 will be used
because that figure more closely approximates the size of a typical Contract
than does the $1,000 figure used in calculating the standardized average annual
total return quotations.

      For those underlying Mutual Fund options which have not been held as
sub-accounts within the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the
standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations will show the investment performance such underlying Mutual Fund
options would have achieved (reduced by the applicable charges) had they been
held as sub-accounts within the Variable Account for the period quoted.

ALL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND COMPARATIVE MATERIAL ADVERTISED BY THE COMPANY
IS HISTORICAL IN NATURE AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT OR GUARANTEE FUTURE
RESULTS.  AN ANNUITANT'S CONTRACT VALUE AT REDEMPTION MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN
ORIGINAL COST.

                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      There are no material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine
litigation incidental to the business to which the Company and the Variable
Account are parties or to which any of their property is the subject.

      The General Distributor, Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., is not
engaged in any litigation of any material nature.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                                                                      PAGE
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
General Information and History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
</TABLE>
                                      30
                                       



                                   32 of 101
<PAGE>   33
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
Purchase of Securities Being Offered  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Underwriters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Calculations of Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fund Performance Summary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A
Annuity Payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
</TABLE>



                                      31

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<PAGE>   34
                                   APPENDIX A

                                 FIXED ACCOUNT

      Purchase payments under the Fixed Account portion of the Contract and
transfers to the Fixed Account portion become part of the general account of
the Company, which support insurance and annuity obligations. Because of
exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in the general account have
not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"), nor is the
general account registered as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). Accordingly, neither the general account nor
any interest therein are generally subject to the provisions of the 1933 or
1940 Acts, and we have been advised that the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission has not reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus which
related to the guaranteed interest portion. Disclosures regarding the Fixed
Account portion of the Contract and the general account, however, may be
subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the federal securities
laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements made in
prospectuses.

                          FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

      The Fixed Account is made up of all the general assets of the Company,
other than those in the Variable Account and any other segregated asset
account. Fixed Account Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed Account
by election of the Annuitant at the time of purchase.

      The Company will invest the assets of the Fixed Account in those assets
chosen by the Company and allowed by applicable law. Investment income from
such Fixed Account assets will be allocated by the Company between itself and
the Contracts participating in the Fixed Account.

      The level of annuity payments made to Annuitants under the Contracts will
not be affected by the mortality experience (death rate) of persons receiving
such payments or of the general population. The Company assumes this "mortality
risk" by virtue of annuity rates incorporated in the Contract which cannot be
changed. In addition, the Company guarantees that it will not increase charges
for maintenance of the Contracts regardless of its actual expenses.

      Investment income from the Fixed Account allocated to the Company
includes compensation for mortality and expense risks borne by the Company in
connection with Fixed Account Contracts. The amount of such investment income
allocated to the Contracts will vary from year to year in the sole discretion
of the Company at such rate or rates as the Company prospectively declares from
time to time. Any such rate or rates so determined will remain effective for a
period of not less than twelve months, and remain at such rate unless changed.
However, the Company guarantees that it will credit interest at not less than
3.0% per year (or as otherwise required under state law, or at such minimum
rate as stated in the contract when sold).  ANY INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS
ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3.0% PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED IN
THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY. THE ANNUITANT ASSUMES THE RISK THAT
INTEREST CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED THE MINIMUM
GUARANTEE OF 3.0% FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR.  New purchase payments deposited to the
Contract which are


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<PAGE>   35
allocated to the Fixed Account may receive a different rate of interest than
money transferred from the Variable sub-accounts to the Fixed Account and
amounts maturing in the Fixed Account at the expiration of an Interest Rate
Guarantee Period.

      The Company guarantees that, at any time, the Fixed Account Contract
Value will not be less than the amount of the Purchase Payments allocated to
the Fixed Account, plus interest credited as described above, less the sum of
all administrative charges, any applicable premium taxes, and less any amounts
surrendered.  If the Annuitant effects a surrender, the amount available from
the Fixed Account will be reduced by any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").

TRANSFERS

      Annuitants may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period,
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The maximum percentage that may be transferred will be determined by the
Company at its sole discretion, but will not be less than 10% of the total
value of the portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing and will be declared
upon the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period.
The Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar
quarter.  Transfer under this provision must be made within 45 days after the
expiration date of the guarantee period.  Annuitants who have entered into a
Dollar Cost Averaging Agreement with the Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging")
may transfer from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account under the terms of
that agreement.

      Transfers among the sub-accounts may be made either in writing or, in
states allowing such transfers, by telephone.  This telephone exchange
privilege is made available to Annuitants automatically without their having to
elect the privilege.  The Company will employ reasonable procedures to confirm
that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.  Such procedures may
include any or all of the following, or such other procedures as the Company
may, from time to time, deem reasonable:  requesting identifying information,
such as name, contract number, Social Security number, and/or personal
identification number; tape recording all telephone transactions; and providing
written confirmation thereof to both the Annuitant and any agent of record, at
the last address of record.  Although failure to follow reasonable procedures
may result in the Company's liability for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone transfers, the Company will not be liable for following
instructions communicated by telephone which it reasonably believes to be
genuine.  The Company may withdraw the telephone exchange privilege upon 30
days' written notice to Annuitants.

      Any group annuity Contract offered in conjunction with this Prospectus,
the assets of which are invested in the general account of the Company may be
subject to restrictions on surrender of a plan's or a participant's interest in
the annuity Contract, and may require that such a surrender be completed over a
period of 5 years.


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<PAGE>   36
                     ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-FIXED ACCOUNT

FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

      A Fixed Annuity is an annuity with payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during the annuity payment period.  The first Fixed
Annuity payment will be determined by applying the Fixed Account Contract Value
to the applicable Annuity Table in accordance with the Annuity Payment Option
elected. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. Fixed Annuity payments after the first will not be less than the first
Fixed Annuity payment.

      The Company does not credit discretionary interest to Fixed Annuity
payments during the annuity payment period for annuity options based on life
contingencies. The Annuitant must rely on the Annuity Tables applicable to the
Contracts to determine the amount of such Fixed Annuity payments.


                                      34

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<PAGE>   37
                                   APPENDIX B

                              PARTICIPATING FUNDS

Delchester Fund-Institutional Class
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide high current income by investing
principally in corporate bonds, and also in U.S. Government securities and
commercial paper.  This fund invests primarily in high-yield securities (junk
bonds) and greater risks may be involved with an investment in the fund than an
investment in a mutual fund comprised primarily of investment grade bonds.

Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.
Investment Objective: The Fund's goal is to provide the maximum amount of
current income to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and
the maintenance of liquidity.  The Fund invests principally in debt obligations
of corporations, the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities,
and major U.S. banking institutions.  The Fund's investment objective cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares.  There
can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved.

The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.
Investment Objective: Primarily seeks to provide capital growth through equity
investment in companies that, in the opinion of the Fund's management, not only
meet traditional investment standards but which also show evidence that they
conduct their business, in a manner that contributes to the enhancement of the
quality of life in America.  Current income is secondary to the primary goal.

The Evergreen Total Return Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks to achieve a return consisting of current income
and capital appreciation in the value of its shares.  The emphasis on current
income and capital appreciation will be relatively equal although, over time,
changes in the outlook for market conditions and the level of interest rates
will cause the fund to vary its emphasis between these two elements in its
search for the optimum return for its shareholders.  The fund seeks to achieve
its investment objective through investments in common stocks, preferred
stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks and fixed
income securities.  The fund may also write covered call options.

Fidelity Asset Manager (TM)
Investment Objective: Seeks high total return with reduced risk over the long
term by allocating its assets among stocks, bonds and short-term instruments.

Fidelity Equity-Income Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain reasonable income from a portfolio
consisting primarily of income-producing equity securities.  The fund seeks a
yield which exceeds the composite yield



                                      35

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<PAGE>   38
on the securities comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
index.  In addition, consistent with the above objective, in managing its
portfolio, the fund will consider the potential for achieving capital
appreciation.

Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in
common stock and securities convertible into common stock.  Up to 20% of the
fund's assets may also be invested in debt securities of all types and
qualities issued by foreign and domestic issuers if the fund's management
believes that doing so will result in capital appreciation.  No emphasis is
placed on dividend income except when the fund's management believes that this
income will have a favorable influence on the market value of the security.
Because the fund has no limitation on the quality of debt securities in which
it may invest, the debt securities in its portfolio may be of poor quality and
may present the risk of default or may be in default.

Fidelity Puritan Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain as much income as possible, consistent
with the preservation and conservation of capital, by investing in a broadly
diversified portfolio of high-yielding securities, including common stocks,
preferred stocks, and bonds.  While emphasis on income is an important
objective, this does not preclude growth in capital since some securities
offering a better than average yield may also possess some growth
possibilities.

Janus Twenty Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks growth of capital in a manner consistent with the
preservation of capital.  Under normal conditions, the Fund will concentrate
its investments in a core position of 20-30 common stocks.  However, the
percentage of the Fund's assets invested in common stocks will vary, depending
upon its investment adviser's opinion of prevailing market, financial and
economic conditions.  Consequently, the Fund may at times hold substantial
positions in cash, or interest bearing securities.

MFS(R) World Governments Fund
Investment Objective: To seek not only preservation, but also growth of
capital, together with moderate current income through a professionally managed
internationally diversified portfolio consisting primarily of debt securities
and, to a lesser extent, equity securities.  The fund is designed for investors
who wish to diversify their investments beyond the United States and who are
prepared to accept the risks entailed in such investments which may be higher
than those associated with certain U.S. Investments.

Nationwide(R) Bond Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks to generate a high level of income consistent with
capital preservation through investments in high quality bonds and other fixed
income securities. Through investment in long-term income obligations,
including corporate debt securities, United States and Canadian government
obligations and commercial paper, this fund seeks to serve those who are less
willing to accept the greater risk and higher volatility of a common stock
portfolio.


                                      36


                                   38 of 101
<PAGE>   39
Nationwide(R) Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain a reasonable current income on invested
capital and possible growth of such income through timely investments in common
stocks, convertible issues or bonds. Major emphasis in the selection of
investments for this fund is placed on securities which will provide a
reasonable current return. Though growth of capital considerations is
secondary, an effort is made to select those securities which, while paying a
reasonable current return, also hold some promise of long-term growth as well
as possibilities of growth of income.

Nationwide(R) Growth Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks to achieve reasonable growth of capital through
selective participation in the long-term progress of business without emphasis
on current return on invested capital. Major emphasis in the selection of
securities for this fund is placed on strong companies which have capable
management, and are in fields where social and economic trends, technical
developments and new processes or products indicate greater than average
growth.

Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide as high a level of current income as is
consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity,
through a diversified portfolio of high quality money market instruments
maturing in one year or less.

Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.
Investment Objective: Seeks capital appreciation through investments generally
in dividend-paying issues of established companies that its investment officers
believe are well managed.  The emphasis of the Fund's investments is on common
stock.  The Fund diversifies its holdings among different industries and
different companies in light of conditions prevailing at any given time.
Current income is a secondary objective.

Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks highest current income consistent with low risk to
principal and liquidity.  The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of
short-to intermediate-term debt securities and other debt securities with
special features producing similar price characteristics.  Total return is a
secondary objective.

Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.
Investment Objective: Seeks capital growth.  The fund invests in securities
solely on the basis of management's evaluation of their investment merit and
potential for growth using a value-oriented approach to the selection of
individual securities.  The fund's management believes that the fund is an
attractive investment vehicle for conservative investors who are interested in
long-term appreciation from stock investments, but who have a low tolerance for
risk.

Oppenheimer Global Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks capital appreciation.  The fund emphasizes
investment in foreign and domestic securities considered by the fund's
investment manager to have appreciation


                                      37


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<PAGE>   40
possibilities, primarily common stocks or securities having investment
characteristics of common stocks (such as convertible securities) of
"growth-type" companies.  As a matter of fundamental policy, under normal
market conditions, the fund will invest its total assets in securities of
issuers traded in markets in at least three different countries (which may
include the United States).  The portfolio may also emphasize securities of
cyclical industries and "special situations" when the fund's manager believes
that they present opportunities for capital growth.  The remainder of the
fund's invested assets will be invested in securities for liquidity purposes.

Peoples Index Fund, Inc.
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to
the price and yield performance of publicly-traded common stocks in the
aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index.  The fund's investment objective cannot be changed without approval by
the holders of a majority of the fund's outstanding voting shares.

Phoenix Balanced Fund Series
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks reasonable income, long-term capital
growth and conservation of capital.  It is intended that the Fund will invest
in common stocks and fixed income securities, with emphasis on income-producing
securities which appear to have some potential for capital enhancement.

Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.
Investment Objective: Seeks a combination of income and capital appreciation
which will produce the highest total return while assuming reasonable risks.
"Reasonable risks" refers to the advisor's judgment that the risks of investing
in the securities in the Total Return Fund's portfolio are no greater than
normal. The Total Return Fund invests in common stocks and other equity-type
securities; corporate bonds, debentures, and notes; and short-term money market
instruments.  Common stocks may be either growth or income oriented.  Other
equity-type securities are limited to convertible bonds, preferred stocks,
warrants, and convertible preferred shares.  Short-term money market
instruments include U.S. Treasury obligations, bank certificates of deposit,
commercial paper, and variable-rate master demand notes (floating-rate debt
instruments without a fixed maturity).  The Total Return Fund may also invest
in debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its agencies
or instrumentalities.

Templeton Foreign Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks long-term capital growth through a flexible policy
of investing in stocks and debt obligations of companies and governments
outside the United States.  Any income realized will be incidental.

Twentieth Century Growth Investors
Investment Objective: Seeks capital growth through investment in securities
which the management considers to have better than average prospects for
appreciation of value.  The fund's investment approach identifies companies
with accelerating earnings and revenues.  As part of its strategy, the fund
remains essentially fully invested in stocks at all times.


                                      38


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<PAGE>   41
Twentieth Century International Equity Fund
Investment Objective: Seeks capital growth by investing in an international
portfolio of common stocks, primarily in developed markets; stocks considered
by the investment manager to have prospects for appreciation.  The fund will
invest primarily in common stocks (defined to include depository receipts for
common stocks) and other equity equivalents of such companies.

Twentieth Century Ultra Investors
Investment Objective: The investment objective of the fund is to seek capital
growth by investing primarily in common stocks that are considered by
management to have better-than-average prospects for appreciation.

Twentieth Century U.S. Governments Short-Term
Investment Objective: To seek current income and limited price volatility by
maintaining an average weighted portfolio maturity of four years or less.  U.S.
Governments invests in securities of the United States government and its
agencies.


                                      39


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<PAGE>   42
   
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                              DECEMBER 1, 1995
    

         INDIVIDUAL MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY
                           CONTRACTS ISSUED BY THE
                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                     OF NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

   
      This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and more detailed than set forth in the Prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated December 1, 1995.
The Prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by
writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609, or calling 1-800-243-6295,
TDD 1-800-238-3035.
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                                                           PAGE
<S>                                                                                                       <C>
General Information and History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Underwriters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Calculations of Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fund Performance Summary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A
Annuity Payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
</TABLE>

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

      The Nationwide Variable Account is a separate investment account of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Company"). The Company is a member of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and all of the Company's common stock is owned
by Nationwide Corporation.  Nationwide Corporation is a holding company. All of
its common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (95.3%) and
Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.7%).

SERVICES

      The Company, which has responsibility for administration of the Contracts
and the Variable Account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer
identification number, and other pertinent information for each Annuitant and
the number and type of Contracts issued to each such Annuitant and records with
respect to the Contract Value of each Contract.

      The Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account is the Company. The
Company will maintain a record of all purchases and redemptions of shares of
the underlying Mutual Funds.

      The financial statements and schedule have been included herein in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified
public accountants, Two Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED

      The Contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states
where the Contracts may be lawfully sold. Such agents will be registered
representatives of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD").

      The Annuitant may transfer up to 100% of the Contract Value from the
Variable Account to the Fixed Account. However, the Company, at its sole
discretion, reserves the right to limit such transfers to 25% of the Contract
Value for any 12 month period.  Annuitants may at the maturity of an Interest
Rate Guarantee Period transfer a portion of the Contract Value of the Fixed
Account to the Variable Account. Such portion will be determined by the Company
at its sole discretion (but will not be less than 10% of the total value of the
portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing), and will be declared upon the


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                                   42 of 101
<PAGE>   43
expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period.  The
Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar quarter.
Transfer under this provision must be made within 45 days after the termination
date of the guarantee period.  Annuitants who have entered into a Dollar Cost
Averaging agreement with the Company may transfer from the Fixed Account under
the terms of that agreement.

      Transfers from the Fixed and Variable Accounts may not be made prior to
the first Contract Anniversary.  Transfers from the Fixed Account may not be
made within 12 months of any prior Transfer.  Transfers must also be made prior
to the Annuitization Date.

UNDERWRITERS

      The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43216, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. During the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, no underwriting commissions were paid
by the Company to NFS.

CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE

      Any current yield quotations of the Nationwide Money Market Fund
sub-account, subject to Rule 482 of the Securities Act of 1933, shall consist
of a seven calendar day historical yield, carried at least to the nearest
hundredth of a percent.  The yield shall be calculated by determining the net
change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of hypothetical pre-existing
account having a balance of one accumulation unit at the beginning of the base
period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from Annuitant
accounts, and dividing the net change in account value by the value of the
account at the beginning of the period to obtain a base period return, and
multiplying the base period return by (365/7) or (366/7) in a leap year.

      The Nationwide Money Market Fund sub-account's yield and effective yield
will fluctuate daily.  Actual yields will depend on factors such as the type of
instruments in the Nationwide Money Market Fund's portfolio, portfolio quality
and average maturity, changes in interest rates, and the Fund's expenses.
Although the sub-account determines its yield on the basis of a seven calendar
day period, it may use a different time period on occasion.  The yield quotes
may reflect the expense limitation described "Investment Manager and Other
Services" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.  There is no
assurance that the yields quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect
for any period of time and there is no guarantee that the net asset values will
remain constant.  It should be noted that an Annuitant's investment in the
Nationwide Money Market Fund sub-account is not guaranteed or insured.  Yield
of other money market funds may not be comparable if a different base period or
another method of calculation is used.

      All performance advertising shall also include quotations of standardized
average annual total return, calculated in accordance with a standard method
prescribed by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to facilitate
comparison with standardized Average annual total return advertised for a
specific period is found by first taking a hypothetical $1,000 investment in
each of the sub-accounts' units on the first day of the period at the offering
price, which is the Accumulation Unit Value per unit ("initial investment") and
computing the ending redeemable value ("redeemable value") of that investment
at the end of the period.  The redeemable value is then divided by the initial
investment and this quotient is taken to the Nth root (N represents the number
of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted from the result which is then
expressed as a percentage, carried to at least the nearest hundredth of a
percent.  Standardized average annual total return reflects the deduction of a
1.40% Mortality, Expense Risk and Administration Charge.  The redeemable value
also reflects the effect of any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
that may be imposed at the end of the period (See "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge" located in the prospectus).  No deduction is made for premium taxes
which may be assessed by certain states.  Nonstandardized total return may also
be advertised, and is calculated in a manner similar to standardized average
annual total return except the nonstandardized total return is based on a
hypothetical initial investment of $25,000 and does not reflect the deduction
of any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.  Reflecting the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge would decrease



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                                   43 of 101
<PAGE>   44
the level of the performance advertised.  The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
is not reflected because the Contract is designed for long term investment.  An
assumed initial investment of $25,000 will be used because that figure more
closely approximates the size of a typical Contract than does the $1,000 figure
used in calculating the standardized average annual total return quotations.

      The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total
return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar quarter
preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for publication.
Both the standardized average annual return and the nonstandardized total
return will be based on rolling calendar quarters and will cover periods of
one, five, and ten years, or a period covering the time the underlying Mutual
Fund option held in the sub-account has been in existence, if the underlying
Mutual Fund option has not been in existence for one of the prescribed periods.
For those underlying Mutual Fund options which have not been held as
sub-accounts within the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the
standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations will show the investment performance such underlying Mutual Fund
options would have achieved (reduced by the applicable charges) had they been
held as sub-accounts within the Variable Account for the period quoted.

      Quotations of standardized average annual total return and
non-standardized total return are based upon historical earnings and will
fluctuate.  Any quotation of performance, therefore, would not be considered a
guarantee of future performance.  Factors affecting a sub-account's
performance include general market conditions, operating expenses and
investment management.  An Annuitant's account when redeemed may be more or
less than original cost.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

      See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity payments" located in the prospectus.



                                      3

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<PAGE>   45

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors and Contract Owners of
   Nationwide Variable Account
   Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide Variable Account as of December 31, 1994,
and the related statements of operations and changes in contract owners' equity
for each of the years in the three year period then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1994, by correspondence with
the custodian and the transfer agents of the underlying mutual funds. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

      In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Variable Account
as of December 31, 1994, and the results of its operations and its changes in
contract owners' equity for each of the years in the three year period then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

      Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The supplementary information included in
Schedule I is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a
required part of the basic financial statements. Such information has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic
financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material
respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 3, 1995


- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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<PAGE>   46
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                               December 31, 1994

ASSETS:
<S>                                                                                                       <C>
   Investments at market value:
      Delaware Group Delchester High-Yield Bond Fund, Inc.  -- Delchester Fund
      Institutional Class (DeHyBd)
         78,981 shares (cost $537,991)...............................................................     $       477,834

      Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc. (DryABds)
         10,518 shares (cost $143,128)...............................................................             139,255

      The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. (Dry3dCen)
         10,740 shares (cost $79,932)................................................................              70,130

      The Evergreen Total Return Fund (EvTotRet)
         31,038 shares (cost $614,814)...............................................................             528,571

      Fidelity Asset ManagerTM (FidAsMgr)
         104,428 shares (cost $1,542,317)............................................................           1,444,234

      Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (FidCapIn)
         179,336 shares (cost $1,404,831)............................................................           1,547,671

      Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FidEqInc)
         355,682 shares (cost $10,303,628)...........................................................          10,919,445

      Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund (FidMgln)
         55,001 shares (cost $3,759,696).............................................................           3,674,073

      Fidelity Puritan Fund (FidPurtn)
         130,865 shares (cost $2,075,074)............................................................           1,938,112

      Fidelity VIP -- High Income Portfolio (FidHiInc)
         51,607 shares (cost $590,615)...............................................................             555,293

      Janus Twenty Fund (Jan20Fd)
         21,508 shares (cost $507,007)...............................................................             488,441

      MFS(R) World Governments Fund -- Class A (MFSWdGvt)
         114,322 shares (cost $1,401,399)............................................................           1,247,257

      Nationwide(R) Bond Fund (NWBdFd)
         131,666 shares (cost $1,275,646)............................................................           1,109,942

      Nationwide(R) Fund (NWFund)
         101,607 shares (cost $1,490,941)............................................................           1,477,364

      Nationwide(R) Growth Fund (NWGroFd)
         232,508 shares (cost $2,236,615)............................................................           2,490,156

</TABLE>

                                  46 of 101


<PAGE>   47
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
      Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)
         7,253,994 shares (cost $7,253,994)..........................................................           7,253,994

      Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund (NBGuard)
         13,512 shares (cost $250,955)...............................................................             246,331

      Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Fund (NBLtdMat)
         89,885 shares (cost $899,753)...............................................................             877,274

      Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund (NBPartFd)
         23,146 shares (cost $481,129)...............................................................             428,660

      Oppenheimer Global Fund (OppGlob)
         37,031 shares (cost $1,342,621 )............................................................           1,182,773

      Peoples Index Fund,(R) Inc. (PeoIxFd)
         9,531 shares (cost $150,122)................................................................             136,194

      Phoenix Balanced Fund Series (PhxBalFd)
         5,686 shares (cost $86,860).................................................................              84,316

      Strong Total Return Fund, Inc. (StTotRet)
         9,924 shares (cost $242,162)................................................................             234,396

      Twentieth Century Growth Investors (TCGroInv)
         664,003 shares (cost $14,853,843)...........................................................          12,443,422

      Twentieth Century Ultra Investors (TCUltra)
         52,591 shares (cost $1,074,647).............................................................           1,049,192

      Twentieth Century U.S. Governments Short-Term (TCUSGvt)
         376,733 shares (cost $3,584,714)............................................................           3,450,876
                                                                                                          ---------------
               Total investments.....................................................................          55,495,206

   Accounts receivable...............................................................................               1,215
                                                                                                          ---------------
               Total assets..........................................................................          55,496,421

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE.....................................................................................                 565
                                                                                                          ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY (NOTE 4) ....................................................................     $    55,495,856       
                                                                                                          ===============

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  47 of 101


<PAGE>   48
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                  Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1994             1993              1992
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>               <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:

   Reinvested capital gains and dividends......................       $  4,476,720        2,952,700         1,486,021
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------
   Gain (loss) on investments:
      Proceeds from redemptions of mutual fund shares..........         19,343,653       14,007,169        16,523,949
      Cost of mutual fund shares sold..........................        (18,215,058)     (11,941,205)      (14,871,699)
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------
      Realized gain on investments.............................          1,128,595        2,065,964         1,652,250
      Change in unrealized (loss) on investments...............         (5,977,389)        (991,082)       (1,616,627)
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------
         Net gain (loss) on investments........................         (4,848,794)       1,074,882            35,623
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------
                 Net investment activity.......................           (372,074)       4,027,582         1,521,644
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:

   Purchase payments received from contract
      owners...................................................         16,078,025        5,555,624         2,131,494
   Redemptions.................................................         (5,989,583)      (5,484,670)       (4,871,513)
   Annuity benefits............................................            (19,197)         (19,218)          (18,870)
   Adjustments to maintain reserves............................              1,593            2,272             1,098
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------
                 Net equity transactions.......................         10,070,838           54,008        (2,757,791)
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------

EXPENSES (NOTE 2):

   Contract charges............................................           (735,120)        (641,707)         (640,890)
   Contingent deferred sales charges...........................            (50,816)         (70,164)          (44,137)
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------
                 Total expenses................................           (785,936)        (711,871)         (685,027)
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY..........................          8,912,828        3,369,719        (1,921,174)
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD....................         46,583,028       43,213,309        45,134,483
                                                                      ------------      -----------       -----------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD..........................       $ 55,495,856       46,583,028        43,213,309
                                                                      ============      ===========       ===========

</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to financial statements.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  48 of 101


<PAGE>   49

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                        December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992

(1)   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   (a) Organization

      The Nationwide Variable Account (the Account) was established pursuant to
a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the
Company) on March 3, 1976. The Account has been registered as a unit investment
trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

   (b) The Contracts

      Only flexible purchase payment contracts without a front-end sales charge,
but with a contingent deferred sales charge and certain other fees, are offered
for purchase. See note 2 for a discussion of contract expenses.

      With certain exceptions, contract owners in either the accumulation or the
payout phase may invest in the following:

         Delaware Group Delchester High-Yield Bond Fund, Inc.  -- Delchester
           Fund Institutional Class (DeHyBd)

         Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc. (DryABds)

         The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. (Dry3dCen)

         The Evergreen Total Return Fund (EvTotRet)

         Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) (FidAsMgr)

         Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (FidCapIn)
           (not available for additional purchase payments or exchanges after
           May 1, 1991)

         Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FidEqInc)

         Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund (FidMgln)

         Fidelity Puritan Fund (FidPurtn)

         Portfolio of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
           (Fidelity VIP);
           Fidelity VIP -- High Income Portfolio (FidHiInc) (not available for
           additional purchase payments or exchanges after December 1, 1993)

         Janus Twenty Fund (Jan20Fd)
         
         MFS(R) World Governments Fund  -- Class A (MFSWdGvt)

         Nationwide(R) Bond Fund (NWBdFd) (managed for a fee by an affiliated
           investment advisor)

         Nationwide(R) Fund (NWFund) (managed for a fee by an affiliated
           investment advisor)

         Nationwide(R) Growth Fund (NWGroFd) (managed for a fee by an affiliated
           investment advisor)

         Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt) (managed for a fee by an
           affiliated investment advisor)

         Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund (NBGuard)

         Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Fund (NBLtdMat)

         Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund (NBPartFd)

         Oppenheimer Global Fund (OppGlob)

         Peoples Index Fund,(R) Inc. (PeoIxFd)

         Phoenix Balanced Fund Series (PhxBalFd)

         Strong Total Return Fund, Inc. (StTotRet)

         Twentieth Century Growth Investors (TCGroInv)

         Twentieth Century Ultra Investors (TCUltra)

         Twentieth Century U.S. Governments Short-Term (TCUSGvt)

      At December 31, 1994, contract owners have invested in all of the above
funds.


                                  49 of 101

<PAGE>   50

      The contract owners' equity is affected by the investment results of each
fund and certain contract expenses (see note 2). The accompanying financial
statements include only contract owners' purchase payments pertaining to the
variable portions of their contracts and exclude any purchase payments for fixed
dollar benefits, the latter being included in the accounts of the Company.

   (c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

      The market value of investments is based on the closing bid prices at
December 31, 1994. The cost of investments sold is determined on a specific
identification basis. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade
date (date the order to buy or sell is executed) and dividend income is recorded
on the ex-dividend date.

   (d) Federal Income Taxes

      Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with, operations
of the Company which is taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal
Revenue Code.

      The Company does not provide for income taxes within the Account. Taxes
are the responsibility of the contract owner upon termination or withdrawal.

(2)   Expenses

      The Company does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments received
from the contract owners. However, if any part of the contract value of such
contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from
a contract owner's contract value a contingent deferred sales charge. For
contracts issued prior to January 1, 1993, the contingent deferred sales charge
will be equal to 5% of the lesser of the total of all purchase payments made
within 96 months prior to the date of the request for surrender or the amount
surrendered. For contracts issued on or after January 1, 1993, the Company will
deduct a contingent deferred sales charge not to exceed 7% of the lesser of
purchase payments or the amount surrendered, such charge declining 1% per year,
to 0%, after the purchase payment has been held in the contract for 84 months.
No sales charges are deducted on redemptions used to purchase units in the fixed
investment options of the Company.

      The following administrative charges are deducted by the Company: (a) an
annual contract maintenance charge of $30, with certain exceptions, which is
satisfied by surrendering units; and (b) for contracts issued prior to January
1, 1993, a charge for mortality and expense risk assessed through the daily unit
value calculation equal to an annual rate of 0.80% and 0.50%, respectively; for
contracts issued on or after January 1, 1993, a mortality risk charge, an
expense risk charge and an administration charge assessed through the daily unit
value calculation equal to an annual rate of 0.80%, 0.45% and 0.05%,
respectively.

(3)   Schedule I

      Schedule I presents the components of the change in the unit values, which
are the basis for contract owners' equity. This schedule is presented for each
series in the following format:

           -  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1

           -  Reinvested capital gains and dividends
              (This amount reflects the increase in the unit value due to
              capital gains and dividend distributions from the underlying
              mutual funds.)

           -  Unrealized gain (loss)
              (This amount reflects the increase (decrease) in the unit value
              resulting from the market appreciation (depreciation) of the
              fund.)

           -  Contract charges
              (This amount reflects the decrease in the unit value due to the
              mortality risk charge, an expense risk charge and an
              administration charge discussed in note 2.)

           -  Ending unit value - Dec. 31

           -  Percentage increase (decrease) in unit value.

      For contracts in the payout phase, an assumed investment return of 3.5%,
used in the calculation of the annuity benefit payment amount, results in a
corresponding reduction in the components of the unit values as shown in
Schedule I.

                                  50 of 101

<PAGE>   51


(4) Components of Contract Owners' Equity

      The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at December 31,
1994, for each series, in both the accumulation and payout phases.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Contract owners' equity represented by:                              Units              Unit Value
                                                                     -----              ----------
<S>                                                                 <C>              <C>                   <C>
Contracts in accumulation phase:
   Delaware Group Delchester High-Yield
   Bond Fund, Inc.  -- Delchester Fund
   InstitutionalClass:
      Tax qualified..................................                43,997          $    10.867271        $     478,127
   Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.:
      Tax qualified..................................                15,283                9.110600              139,237
   The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.:
      Tax qualified..................................                 7,325                9.570659               70,105
   The Evergreen Total Return Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                51,305               10.301799              528,534
   Fidelity Asset ManagerTM:
      Tax qualified..................................               150,536                9.589367            1,443,545
   Fidelity Capital & Income Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                47,236               32.589111            1,539,379
   Fidelity Equity-Income Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................               306,544               35.576037           10,905,621
   Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................               307,064               11.964387            3,673,833
   Fidelity Puritan Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................               161,179               12.020413            1,937,438
   Fidelity VIP -- High Income Portfolio:
      Tax qualified..................................                34,151               16.267014              555,535
   Janus Twenty Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                56,135                8.701036              488,433
   MFS(R) World Governments Fund  -- Class A:
      Tax qualified..................................                39,642               31.104159            1,233,031
   Nationwide(R) Bond Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                35,282               30.832258            1,087,824
      Non-tax qualified..............................                   657               30.700082               20,170
   Nationwide(R) Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                32,311               45.095466            1,457,080
      Non-tax qualified..............................                   259               46.971513               12,166
   Nationwide(R) Growth Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                48,009               51.535806            2,474,183
      Non-tax qualified..............................                   121               54.415339                6,584
   Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund:
      Tax qualified - Pre 12/25/82...................                56,127               22.850271            1,282,517
      Tax qualified..................................               326,464               18.146709            5,924,247
      Non-tax qualified..............................                 1,329               22.994681               30,560
   Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                25,549                9.640402              246,303
   Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                89,231                9.833352              877,440
   Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                38,329               11.183371              428,647
   Oppenheimer Global Fund:
      Tax qualified..................................                87,590               13.503390            1,182,762
   Peoples Index Fund,(R) Inc.:
      Tax qualified..................................                12,668               10.749166              136,170
   Phoenix Balanced Fund Series:
      Tax qualified..................................                 9,028                9.338434               84,307
   Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.:
      Tax qualified..................................                19,727               11.881033              234,377
   Twentieth Century Growth Investors:
      Tax qualified..................................               324,141               38.113717           12,354,218
   Twentieth Century Ultra Investors:
      Tax qualified..................................               116,020                9.043121            1,049,183
   Twentieth Century U.S. Governments Short-Term:
      Tax qualified..................................               183,649               18.748399            3,443,125
Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:                     =======          ==============
      Tax qualified..................................                                                            171,175
                                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                                           $  55,495,856
                                                                                                           =============


</TABLE>

- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  51 of 101

<PAGE>   52
                                                                      Schedule I

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                                 TAX QUALIFIED

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




                                      DeHyBd       DryABds      Dry3dCen      EvTotRet
                                      ------       -------      --------      --------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
1994

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $11.511092    10.000000     10.477293     11.153183
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                     1.272604      .673864      1.340681       .771284
  Unrealized gain (loss)             (1.770117)   (1.452714)    (2.117415)    (1.484673)
  Contract charges                    (.146308)    (.110550)     (.129900)     (.137995)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $10.867271     9.110600      9.570659     10.301799
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                    (6)%         (9)%(b)        (9)%          (8)%

1993

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $10.000000       **         10.000000     10.000000
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                     1.182306                    .763556      1.208371
  Unrealized gain (loss)               .471495                   (.155922)      .084471
  Contract charges                    (.142709)                  (.130341)     (.139659)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $11.511092                  10.477293     11.153183
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                  15%(b)                        5%(b)       12%(b)

1992

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1        **            **             **           **
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends
  Unrealized gain (loss)
  Contract charges
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)

<CAPTION>


                                        FidAsMgr      FidCapIn      FidEqInc       FidMgln      FidPurtn
                                        --------      --------      --------       -------      --------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
1994

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1         10.415849     34.612981     35.955883     12.346838     11.972512
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                         .386944      2.899199      3.474735       .480494       .964375
  Unrealized gain (loss)                (1.082752)    (4.479225)    (3.384084)     (.704119)     (.757623)
  Contract charges                       (.130674)     (.443844)     (.470497)     (.158826)     (.158851)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31            9.589367     32.589111     35.576037     11.964387     12.020413
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                         (8)%         (6)%          (1)%           (3)%           0%

1993

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1         10.000000     28.076548     30.029661     10.000000     10.000000
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                         .409348      2.810534      1.323037      1.173742      1.451507
  Unrealized gain (loss)                  .034341      4.147502      5.040278      1.321301       .666192
  Contract charges                       (.027840)     (.421603)     (.437093)     (.148205)     (.145187)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31           10.415849     34.612981     35.955883     12.346838     11.972512
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                       4%(b)           23%           20%         23%(b)        20%(b)

1992

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            **        $22.214568     26.531856         **            **
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                                      2.087748      1.097562
  Unrealized gain (loss)                               4.120349      2.766580
  Contract charges                                     (.346117)     (.366337)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31                        $28.076548     30.029661
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                                      26%           13%
</TABLE>

 *An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

    (a) Contract charges do not include the annual contract maintenance charge
        discussed in note 2; and
    (b) This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.

**This investment option was not available or was not utilized.


                                  52 of 101
<PAGE>   53




                                                           Schedule I, continued

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                                 TAX QUALIFIED

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     FidHiInc       Jan20Fd      MFSWdGvt       NWBdFd         NWFund         NWGroFd
                                     --------       -------      --------       ------         ------         -------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>
1994
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $16.739460     9.451097     33.728667     33.991130      45.422888       51.458079
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                     1.533862      .025710      1.658769      2.317590       4.420863        1.956402
  Unrealized gain (loss)             (1.790091)    (.657508)    (3.874555)    (5.061696)     (4.160340)      (1.208860)
  Contract charges                    (.216217)    (.118263)     (.408722)     (.414766)      (.587945)       (.669815)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $16.267014     8.701036     31.104159     30.832258      45.095466       51.535806
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                    (3)%          (8)%          (8)%          (9)%           (1)%             0%

1993

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $14.073333    10.000000     28.864451     31.104546     43.104048        46.832151
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                     1.157225      .264912      3.190912      2.458273      3.251045         1.830294
  Unrealized gain (loss)              1.712047     (.787472)     2.083311       .864801      (.371871)        3.434588
  Contract charges                    (.203145)    (.026343)     (.410007)     (.436490)     (.560334)        (.638954)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $16.739460     9.451097     33.728667     33.991130     45.422888        51.458079
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                     19%         (5)%(b)        17%            9%            5%              10%

1992

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $11.587552        **        28.856612     29.186916     42.418147        44.639577
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                      .981520                   2.931651      2.522298      1.989329         1.831527
  Unrealized gain (loss)              1.678568                  (2.544051)     (.214142)     (.760657)         .949775
  Contract charges                    (.174307)                  (.379761)     (.390526)     (.542771)        (.588728)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $14.073333                  28.864451     31.104546     43.104048        46.832151
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                    21%                          0%            7%            2%               5%


<CAPTION>

                                         NWMyMkt
                                       Pre 12/25/82     NWMyMkt        NBGuard
                                       ------------     -------        -------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>
1994
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1         22.315407      17.721943      10.000000
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                         .829315        .658609        .249418
  Unrealized gain (loss)                  .000000        .000000       (.492915)
  Contract charges                       (.294451)      (.233843)      (.116101)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31           22.850271      18.146709       9.640402
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                         2%              2%          (4)%(b)

1993

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1         22.042019      17.504831          **
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                         .563931        .447841
  Unrealized gain (loss)                  .000000        .000000
  Contract charges                       (.290543)      (.230729)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31           22.315407      17.721943
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                         1%             1%

1992

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1         21.636991      17.183173          **
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                         .691506        .549166
  Unrealized gain (loss)                  .000000        .000000
  Contract charges                       (.286478)      (.227508)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31           22.042019      17.504831
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                         2%              2%
</TABLE>

 *An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

    (a) Contract charges do not include the annual contract maintenance charge
        discussed in note 2; and
    (b) This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.

**This investment option was not available or was not utilized.

                                  53 of 101

<PAGE>   54
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Schedule I, continued

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                 TAX QUALIFIED

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992


                                      NBLtdMat     NBPartFd      OppGlob      PeoIxFd     PhxBalFd      StTotRet       TCGroInv
                                      --------     --------      -------      -------     --------      --------       --------
1994

  <S>                               <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $  9.995028    11.548721    14.119303    10.819026    10.000000     12.205201      39.197771
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                       .555641      .945341     1.418589     1.169814      .295350       .172665       5.656730
  Unrealized gain (loss)               (.588488)   (1.162325)   (1.850696)   (1.099729)    (.843207)     (.340340)     (6.232359)
  Contract charges                     (.128829)    (.148366)    (.183806)    (.139945)    (.113709)     (.156493)      (.508425)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $  9.833352    11.183371    13.503390    10.749166     9.338434     11.881033      38.113717
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                      (2)%         (3)%          (4)%         (1)%        (7)%(b)       (3)%           (3)%

1993

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      $10.000000    10.000000    10.000000    10.000000        **        10.000000      38.275689
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                       .190065     1.163476     1.251857      .620996                    .191064       4.379740
  Unrealized gain (loss)               (.162079)     .524641     3.014957      .332942                   2.158921      (2.963789)
  Contract charges                     (.032958)    (.139396)    (.147511)    (.134912)                  (.144784)      (.493869)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31        $ 9.995028    11.548721    14.119303    10.819026                  12.205201      39.197771
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                        0%(b)       15%(b)        41%(b)        8%(b)                    22%(b)          2%

1992

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            **           **            **            **        **              **      $40.518750
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                                                                                                        .566941
  Unrealized gain (loss)                                                                                               (2.322093)
  Contract charges                                                                                                      (.487909)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31                                                                                         $38.275689
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                                                                                                       (6)%

<CAPTION>

                                       TCUltra      TCUSGvt
                                       -------      -------
1994

  <S>                                  <C>         <C>
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1        9.505758    19.087872
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                       .283163      .888205
  Unrealized gain (loss)               (.626504)    (.981660)
  Contract charges                     (.119296)    (.246018)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31          9.043121    18.748399
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                     (5)%        (2)%

1993

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       10.000000    18.563845
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                       .000000      .652799
  Unrealized gain (loss)               (.468221)     .119394
  Contract charges                     (.026021)    (.248166)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31          9.505758    19.087872
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                     (5)%(b)       3%

1992

  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            **      18.018283
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                                    .801196
  Unrealized gain (loss)                            (.016609)
  Contract charges                                  (.239025)
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31                      18.563845
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                                    3%

</TABLE>

   *An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

      (a) Contract charges do not include the annual contract maintenance charge
          discussed in note 2; and

      (b) These investment options were not utilized

          for the entire year indicated.

  **This investment option was not available or was not utilized.

                                  54 of 101

<PAGE>   55

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Schedule I, continued

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                               NON-TAX QUALIFIED

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       NWBdFd             NWFund              NWGroFd           NWMyMkt
                                                       ------             ------              -------           -------
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                     $33.845410          47.312558          54.333269          22.456439
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends              2.307668           4.604779           2.065716            .834547
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                             (5.040000)         (4.333421)         (1.276404)           .000000
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                                    (.412996)          (.612403)          (.707242)          (.296305)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                       $30.700082          46.971513          54.415339          22.994681
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease) in
      unit value*                                         (9)%              (1)%                0%                2%
========================================================================================================================

1993

   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                     $30.971200          44.897247          49.448867          22.181323
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends              2.447737           3.386294           1.932560            .567483
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                               .861084           (.387333)          3.626496            .000000
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                                    (.434611)          (.583650)          (.674654)          (.292367)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                       $33.845410          47.312558          54.333269          22.456439
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease) in
      unit value*                                          9%                5%                10%                 1%
========================================================================================================================

1992

   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                     $29.061793          44.182806          47.133788          21.773734
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends              2.511492           2.072087           1.933862            .695865
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                              (.213146)          (.792298)          1.002838            .000000
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                                    (.388939)          (.565348)          (.621621)          (.288276)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                       $30.971200          44.897247          49.448867          22.181323
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease) in
      unit value*                                          7%                2%                 5%                 2%
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

*  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do not
   include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.


See accompanying independent auditors' report.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  55 of 101
<PAGE>   56


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation) and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholder's equity and cash flows for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 1994. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Participating insurance and the related surplus are discussed in note 13. The
Company and its counsel are of the opinion that the ultimate ownership of the
participating surplus in excess of the contemplated equitable policyholder
dividends belongs to the shareholder. The accompanying consolidated financial
statements are presented on such basis.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

As discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 1994 the
Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

In 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes and SFAS No. 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pensions.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 27, 1995




                                  56 of 101






<PAGE>   57

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

<TABLE>
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets

                           December 31, 1994 and 1993
                                (000's omitted)

<CAPTION>
                                     Assets                                                1994                1993
                                     ------                                             -----------         ----------  
<S>                                                                                     <C>                <C>
Investments (notes 5, 8 and 9):
   Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
      Fixed maturities (cost $8,318,865 in 1994)                                        $ 8,045,906                 -
      Equity securities (cost $18,373 in 1994; $8,263 in 1993)                               24,713            16,593
   Fixed maturities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $3,602,310
      in 1994; $10,886,820 in 1993)                                                       3,688,787        10,120,978
   Mortgage loans on real estate                                                          4,222,284         3,871,560
   Real estate                                                                              252,681           253,831
   Policy loans                                                                             340,491           315,898
   Other long-term investments                                                               63,914           118,490
   Short-term investments (note 14)                                                         131,643            41,797
                                                                                        -----------       -----------
                                                                                         16,770,419        14,739,147
                                                                                        -----------       -----------

Cash                                                                                          7,436            21,835
Accrued investment income                                                                   220,540           190,886
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                         1,064,159           811,944
Deferred Federal income tax                                                                  36,515                 -
Other assets                                                                                790,603           636,161
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 8)                                                12,222,461         9,006,388
                                                                                        -----------       -----------
                                                                                        $31,112,133        25,406,361
                                                                                        ===========       ===========

                      Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                      ------------------------------------

Future policy benefits and claims (notes 6 and 8)                                        16,321,461        14,092,255
Policyholders' dividend accumulations                                                       338,058           322,686
Other policyholder funds                                                                     72,770            71,959
Accrued Federal income tax (note 7):
   Current                                                                                   13,126            12,294
   Deferred                                                                                       -            31,659
                                                                                        -----------       -----------
                                                                                             13,126            43,953
                                                                                        -----------       -----------

Other liabilities                                                                           235,778           217,952
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 8)                                        12,222,461         9,006,388
                                                                                        -----------       -----------
                                                                                         29,203,654        23,755,193
                                                                                        -----------       -----------

Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4, 7 and 13):
   Capital shares, $1 par value.  Authorized 5,000 shares, issued and
     outstanding 3,815 shares                                                                 3,815             3,815
   Paid-in additional capital                                                               622,753           422,753
   Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of adjustment
     to deferred policy acquisition costs of $82,525 ($0 in 1993) and net of               
     deferred Federal income tax benefit of $64,425 ($1,583 expense in 1993)               (119,668)            6,747
   Retained earnings                                                                      1,401,579         1,217,853
                                                                                        -----------       -----------
                                                                                          1,908,479         1,651,168
                                                                                        -----------       -----------
Commitments and contingencies (notes 9 and 16)                                          
                                                                                        $31,112,133        25,406,361
                                                                                        ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                  57 of 101


<PAGE>   58

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

                       Consolidated Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
                                (000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1994             1993             1992
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
<S>                                                                      <C>              <C>             <C>
Revenues (note 17):
   Traditional life insurance premiums                                   $  209,538          215,715          226,888
   Accident and health insurance premiums                                   324,524          312,655          430,009
   Universal life and investment product policy charges                     239,021          188,057          148,464
   Net investment income (note 5)                                         1,289,501        1,204,426        1,120,157
   Net ceded commissions from disposition of credit life and                                             
     credit accident and health business (note 12)                                -                -           27,115
   Realized gains (losses) on investments (notes 5 and 14)                  (16,384)         113,673          (19,315)
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
                                                                          2,046,200        2,034,526        1,933,318
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
Benefits and expenses:                                                                                   
   Benefits and claims                                                    1,279,763        1,236,906        1,319,735
   Provision for policyholders' dividends on participating                                                
     policies (note 13)                                                      46,061           53,189           61,834
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                          94,744          102,134           99,197
  Other operating costs and expenses                                        352,402          329,396          321,993
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
                                                                          1,772,970        1,721,625        1,802,759
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
          Income before Federal income tax and cumulative                                                
            effect of changes in accounting principles                      273,230          312,901          130,559
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
                                                                                                         
Federal income tax (note 7):                                                                             
   Current expense                                                           79,847           75,124           47,402
   Deferred expense (benefit)                                                 9,657           31,634          (13,660)
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
                                                                             89,504          106,758           33,742
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
                                                                                                         
          Income before cumulative effect of changes in                                                  
            accounting principles                                           183,726          206,143           96,817
                                                                                                         
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles,                                                   
   net of tax (note 3)                                                            -            5,365                -
                                                                         ----------       ----------       ----------
          Net income                                                     $  183,726          211,508           96,817
                                                                         ==========       ==========       ==========

</TABLE>                                                                       

                                                                               
         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.          


                                  58 of 101

<PAGE>   59

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

                Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
                                (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Unrealized
                                                                      gains (losses)
                                                        Paid-in       on securities                             Total
                                        Capital       additional      available-for-        Retained        shareholder's
                                         shares         capital         sale, net           earnings           equity
                                       ---------      -----------     --------------       ----------       -------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>             <C>                  <C>              <C>
1992:
   Balance, beginning of year           $  3,815         311,753              96,048          933,179           1,344,795
   Dividends paid to shareholder               -               -                   -           (5,846)             (5,846)
   Net income                                  -               -                   -           96,817              96,817
   Unrealized losses on equity
     securities, net of deferred
     Federal income tax                        -               -              (5,524)               -              (5,524)
                                       ---------      -----------     --------------       ----------       -------------
   Balance, end of year                 $  3,815         311,753              90,524        1,024,150           1,430,242
                                       =========      ===========     ==============       ==========       =============

1993:
   Balance, beginning of year              3,815         311,753              90,524        1,024,150           1,430,242
   Capital contributions                       -         111,000                   -                -             111,000
   Dividends paid to shareholder               -               -                   -          (17,805)            (17,805)
   Net income                                  -               -                   -          211,508             211,508
   Unrealized losses on equity
     securities, net of deferred
     Federal income tax                        -               -             (83,777)               -             (83,777)
                                       ---------      -----------     --------------       ----------       -------------
   Balance, end of year                 $  3,815         422,753               6,747        1,217,853           1,651,168
                                       =========      ===========     ==============       ==========       =============

1994:
   Balance, beginning of year              3,815         422,753               6,747        1,217,853           1,651,168
   Capital contribution                        -         200,000                   -                -             200,000
   Net income                                  -               -                   -          183,726             183,726
   Adjustment for change in
     accounting for certain
     investments in debt and 
     equity securities, net of
     adjustment to deferred policy          
     acquisition costs and deferred
     Federal income tax (note 3)               -               -             216,915                -             216,915
  Unrealized losses on securities
     available-for-sale, net of
     adjustment to deferred policy
     acquisition costs and deferred
     Federal income tax                        -               -            (343,330)               -            (343,330)
                                       ---------      -----------     --------------       ----------       -------------
  Balance, end of year                 $   3,815         622,753            (119,668)       1,401,579           1,908,479
                                       =========      ===========     ==============       ==========       =============
</TABLE>


                                                                     
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                  59 of 101
<PAGE>   60

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
                                (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1994             1993             1992
                                                                           ----------       ----------       ----------
<S>                                                                       <C>               <C>              <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                               $  183,726          211,508           96,817
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    operating activities:
      Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                    (264,434)        (191,994)        (177,928)
      Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                        94,744          102,134           99,197
      Amortization and depreciation                                             6,207           11,156            5,607
      Realized losses (gains) on invested assets, net                          15,949         (113,648)          19,092
      Deferred Federal income tax benefit                                      (2,166)          (6,006)         (13,105)
      Increase in accrued investment income                                   (29,654)         (4,218)          (11,518)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                                    (112,566)        (549,277)           6,132
      Increase in policyholder account balances                             1,038,641          509,370           19,087
      Increase in policyholders' dividend accumulations                        15,372           17,316           18,708
      Increase (decrease) in accrued Federal income tax payable                   832           16,838          (15,723)
      Increase in other liabilities                                            17,826           26,958           73,512
      Other, net                                                              (19,303)         (11,745)         (10,586)
                                                                           ----------       ----------       ----------
        Net cash provided by operating activities                             945,174           18,392          109,292
                                                                           ----------       ----------       ----------
                                                                                                                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                     579,067                -                -
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                         247,876          247,502           27,844
  Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturities held-to-maturity                 516,003        1,192,093        1,030,397
  Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities                                            -           33,959          123,422
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                   220,744          146,047          259,659
  Proceeds from sale of real estate                                            46,713           23,587           22,682
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and
     sale of other invested assets                                            134,998           59,643           99,189
  Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                           (2,569,672)         (12,550)         (12,718)
  Cost of fixed maturities held-to-maturity acquired                         (675,835)      (2,016,831)      (2,687,975)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                             (627,025)        (475,336)        (654,403)
  Cost of real estate acquired                                                (15,962)          (8,827)        (137,843)
  Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                     (118,012)         (76,491)         (97,491)
                                                                           ----------       ----------       ----------
      Net cash used in investing activities                                (2,261,105)        (887,204)      (2,027,620)
                                                                           ----------       ----------       ----------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from capital contributions                                         200,000          111,000                -
  Dividends paid to shareholder                                                     -          (17,805)          (5,846)
  Increase in universal life and investment product account balances        3,640,958        2,249,740        2,468,236
  Decrease in universal life and investment product account balances       (2,449,580)      (1,458,504)        (575,180)
                                                                           ----------       ----------       ----------
      Net cash provided by financing activities                             1,391,378          884,431        1,887,210
                                                                           ----------       ----------       ----------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                           75,447           15,619          (31,118)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                                   63,632           48,013           79,131
                                                                           ----------       ----------       ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                                     $  139,079           63,632           48,013
                                                                           ==========       ==========       ==========

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                                                
                                  60 of 101

<PAGE>   61
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                        December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
                                (000 s omitted)

(1)     Organization and Description of Business
        ----------------------------------------
        Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) is a wholly owned      
        subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation (Corp.).  Wholly-owned
        subsidiaries of NLIC include Financial Horizons Life Insurance
        Company (FHLIC), West Coast  Life Insurance Company (WCLIC), National 
        Casualty Company and subsidiaries (NCC), Nationwide Financial
        Services, Inc. (NFS), and effective December 31, 1994, Employers Life
        Insurance Company of Wausau and subsidiary (ELICW).  NLIC and its
        subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "the Company".

        NLIC, FHLIC, WCLIC and ELICW are life and accident and health
        insurers and NCC is a property  and casualty insurer. The Company is
        licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin
        Islands and Puerto Rico.  The  Company offers a full range of life, 
        health and annuity products through exclusive agents and other
        distribution channels and is subject to competition from other
        insurers throughout the United States.  The Company is subject to
        regulation by the Insurance Departments of states in which it is
        licensed, and undergoes periodic examinations by those departments.

        The following is a description of the most significant risks facing
        life and health insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:

            LEGAL/REGULATORY RISK is the risk that changes in the legal
            or regulatory environment in which an insurer operates will create 
            additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing 
            its products.  That is, regulatory initiatives designed to 
            reduce insurer profits, new legal theories or insurance 
            company insolvencies through guaranty fund assessments may create
            costs for the insurer beyond those recorded in the consolidated
            financial statements.  The Company mitigates this risk by offering
            a wide range of products and by operating throughout the United 
            States, thus reducing its exposure to any single product or
            jurisdiction, and also by employing underwriting practices
            which identify and minimize the adverse impact of this risk.

            CREDIT RISK is the risk that issuers of securities owned by the
            Company or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the
            Company will default or that other parties, including reinsurers,
            which owe the Company money, will not pay.  The Company minimizes
            this risk by adhering to a conservative investment strategy, by     
            maintaining sound reinsurance and credit and collection policies
            and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.

            INTEREST RATE RISK is the risk that interest rates will change
            and cause a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. 
            This change in rates may  cause certain interest-sensitive
            products to become uncompetitive or may cause disintermediation. 
            The Company mitigates this risk by charging fees for
            non-conformance with certain policy provisions, by offering 
            products that transfer this risk to the  purchaser, and/or by
            attempting to match the maturity schedule of its assets with the
            expected payouts of its liabilities.  To the extent that
            liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer
            would have to borrow funds or sell assets prior to maturity and
            potentially recognize a gain or loss.

(2)     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
        ------------------------------------------
        The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
        materially affect financial reporting are summarized below.  The
        accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
        accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which
        differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
        regulatory authorities.  See note 4.

        In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is
        required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
        amounts of assets and liabilities as  of the date of the consolidated 
        financial statements and revenues and expenses for the period.  Actual
        results could differ significantly from those estimates.

        The estimates susceptible to significant change are those used in
        determining the liability for future policy benefits and claims and 
        those used in determining valuation allowances for mortgage loans on 
        real estate and real estate.  Although some variability is inherent in
        these estimates, management believes the amounts provided are adequate.

                                  61 of 101

<PAGE>   62

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


                 (a) Consolidation Policy
                     --------------------

                     The December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 consolidated
                     financial statements include the accounts of  NLIC and its
                     wholly owned subsidiaries FHLIC, WCLIC, NCC and NFS.  The
                     December 31, 1994 consolidated balance sheet also
                     includes the accounts of ELICW, which was acquired by
                     NLIC effective December 31, 1994.  See Note 14.  All
                     significant intercompany balances and transactions have
                     been eliminated.

                 (b) Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses
                     -----------------------------------------------------

                     Prior to January 1, 1994, the Company classified fixed
                     maturities in accordance with the then existing accounting
                     standards, and accordingly, fixed maturity securities were
                     carried at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of
                     premium or discount, since the Company had both the
                     ability and intent to hold those securities until
                     maturity.  Equity securities were carried at fair value
                     with the unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred
                     Federal income tax, reported as a separate component of
                     shareholder's equity.

                     In May 1993, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
                     (FASB) issued STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
                     STANDARDS NO. 115 - ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN
                     DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (SFAS 115).  SFAS 115
                     requires fixed maturities and equity securities to be
                     classified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale,
                     or trading.  The Company has  no trading securities.  The 
                     Company adopted SFAS 115 as of January 1, 1994, with no 
                     effect on consolidated net income.  See note 3 regarding 
                     the effect on consolidated shareholder's equity.

                     Fixed maturity securities are classified as held-to-
                     maturity when the Company has the positive intent
                     and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are     
                     stated at amortized cost.  Fixed maturity securities not
                     classified as held-to-maturity and all equity securities
                     are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at
                     fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of
                     adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs and
                     deferred Federal income tax, reported as a separate
                     component of shareholder's equity.  The adjustment to
                     deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change
                     in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that
                     would have been required as a charge or credit to
                     operations had such unrealized amounts been realized.

                     Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid
                     principal balance less valuation allowances.  The Company
                     provides valuation allowances for impairments of
                     mortgage loans on real estate based on a review by
                     portfolio managers.  Loans in foreclosure and loans
                     considered in-substance foreclosed as of the balance
                     sheet date are placed on non-accrual status and written
                     down to the fair value of the existing property to
                     derive a new cost basis.   Real estate is carried at
                     cost less accumulated depreciation and valuation
                     allowances.  Other long-term investments are carried on
                     the equity basis, adjusted for valuation allowances.

                     Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are
                     determined on the basis of specific security 
                     identification.  Estimates for valuation allowances and
                     other than temporary declines are included in realized
                     gains and losses on investments.

                     In May, 1993, the FASB issued STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
                     ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 114 - ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS
                     FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN (SFAS 114).  SFAS 114, which
                     was amended by STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
                     STANDARDS NO. 118 - ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR
                     IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN - INCOME RECOGNITION AND
                     DISCLOSURE in October, 1994, requires the measurement of
                     impaired loans be based on the present value of expected
                     future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective
                     interest rate or,  as a practical expedient, at the
                     loan's observable market price or the fair value of the
                     collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The
                     impact on  the consolidated financial statements of
                     adopting SFAS 114 as amended is not expected to be
                     material.  Previously issued consolidated financial
                     statements shall not be restated.  The Company will adopt
                     SFAS 114 as amended in 1995.

                                  62 of 101

<PAGE>   63

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


                 (c) Revenues and Benefits
                     ---------------------

                     TRADITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE  PRODUCTS:  Traditional life
                     insurance products include those products with fixed and
                     guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist primarily of
                     whole life, limited-payment life, term life and certain
                     annuities with life contingencies.  Premiums for
                     traditional life insurance products are recognized as
                     revenue when due and collected.  Benefits and expenses
                     are associated with earned premiums so as to result in
                     recognition of profits over the life of the contract.
                     This association is accomplished by the provision for
                     future policy benefits and the deferral and amortization
                     of policy acquisition costs.

                     UNIVERSAL LIFE AND INVESTMENT PRODUCTS:  Universal life
                     products include universal life, variable universal life
                     and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies.
                     Investment products consist primarily of individual and
                     group deferred annuities, annuities without life
                     contingencies and guaranteed investment contracts.
                     Revenues for universal life and investment products
                     consist of cost of insurance, policy administration and
                     surrender charges that have been earned and assessed
                     against policy account balances during the period.
                     Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense
                     include benefits and claims incurred in the period in
                     excess of related policy account balances and interest
                     credited to policy account balances.

                     ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE:  Accident and health 
                     insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the 
                     terms of the policies.  Policy claims are charged to 
                     expense in the period that the claims are incurred.

                 (d) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
                     ---------------------------------

                     The costs of acquiring new business, principally
                     commissions, certain expenses of the policy issue
                     and underwriting department and certain variable
                     agency expenses have been deferred.  For traditional
                     life and individual health insurance products, these
                     deferred acquisition costs are predominantly being
                     amortized with interest over the premium paying period
                     of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of
                     actual annual premium revenue to the anticipated total
                     premium revenue.  Such anticipated premium revenue was
                     estimated using the same assumptions as were used for
                     computing liabilities for future policy benefits.  For
                     universal life and investment products, deferred policy
                     acquisition costs are being amortized with interest over
                     the lives of the policies in relation to the present
                     value of estimated future gross profits from projected
                     interest margins, cost of insurance, policy
                     administration and surrender  charges.  For years in
                     which gross profits are negative, deferred policy
                     acquisition costs are amortized based on the present
                     value of gross revenues.  Beginning January 1, 1994,
                     deferred policy acquisition costs are adjusted to
                     reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on
                     fixed maturity securities available-for-sale.  See note
                     2(b).

                 (e) Separate Accounts
                     -----------------

                     Separate Account assets and liabilities represent
                     contractholders' funds which have been segregated into
                     accounts with specific investment objectives.  The
                     investment income and gains or losses of these accounts
                     accrue directly to the contractholders.  The activity of
                     the Separate Accounts is not reflected in the
                     consolidated statements of income and cash flows except
                     for the fees the Company receives for administrative
                     services and risks assumed.

                 (f) Future Policy Benefits
                     ----------------------

                     Future policy benefits for traditional life and individual
                     health policies have been calculated using a net level
                     premium method based on estimates of mortality,
                     morbidity, investment yields and withdrawals which were
                     used or which were being experienced at the time the
                     policies were issued, rather than the assumptions
                     prescribed by state regulatory authorities.  See note 6.

                     Future policy benefits for annuity policies in the
                     accumulation phase, universal life and variable universal
                     life policies have been calculated based on participants'
                     contributions plus interest credited less applicable
                     contract charges.

                     Future policy benefits and claims for group long-term
                     disability policies are the present value (primarily
                     discounted at 5.5%) of amounts not yet due on reported
                     claims and an estimate of amounts to be paid on incurred
                     but unreported claims.  The impact of reserve discounting
                     is not material.  Future policy benefits and claims on
                     other group health policies are not discounted.


                                  63 of 101
<PAGE>   64

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

                 (g) Participating Business
                     ----------------------
                     Participating business represents approximately 45%
                     (48% in 1993 and 1992) of the Company's ordinary
                     life insurance in force, 72% (72% in 1993; 71% in 1992)
                     of the number of policies in force, and 41% (45% in 1993
                     and 1992) of life insurance premiums.  The provision for
                     policyholder dividends is based on current dividend
                     scales.  Future dividends are provided for ratably in
                     future policy benefits based on dividend scales in effect
                     at the time the policies were issued.  Dividend scales are
                     approved by the Board of Directors.

                     Income attributable to participating policies in excess
                     of policyholder dividends is accounted for as belonging to
                     the shareholder.  See note 13.

                 (h) Federal Income Tax
                     ------------------
                     NLIC, FHLIC, WCLIC and NCC file a consolidated Federal
                     income tax return with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
                     (NMIC), the majority shareholder of Corp.  Through 1994,
                     ELICW filed a consolidated Federal income tax return with
                     Employers Insurance of Wausau A Mutual Company.
                     Beginning in 1995, ELICW will file a separate Federal
                     income tax return.

                     In 1993, the Company adopted STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
                     ACCOUNTING STANDARDS  NO. 109 - ACCOUNTING  FOR INCOME
                     TAXES, which required a change from the deferred method
                     of accounting  for income tax of APB Opinion 11 to the
                     asset and liability method of accounting for income tax.
                     Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax
                     assets and liabilities are recognized for the future
                     tax consequences attributable to differences between
                     the financial statement carrying amounts of existing
                     assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases
                     and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
                     Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using
                     enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in
                     the years in which those temporary differences are
                     expected to be recovered or settled.  Under this
                     method, the effect on deferred tax assets and
                     liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
                     income in the period that includes the enactment date.
                     Valuation allowances are established when necessary to
                     reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to
                     be realized.

                     Prior to 1993, the Company applied the deferred method
                     of accounting for income tax which recognized deferred
                     income tax for income and expense items that are reported
                     in different years for financial reporting purposes and
                     income tax purposes using the tax rate applicable for
                     the year of calculation.  Under the deferred method,
                     deferred tax is not adjusted for subsequent changes in tax
                     rates.  See note 7.

                     The Company has reported the cumulative effect of the
                     change in method of accounting for income tax in the
                     1993 consolidated statement of income.  See note 3.

                 (i) Reinsurance Ceded
                     -----------------
                     Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries
                     on benefits and claims incurred are deducted from the
                     respective income and expense accounts.  Assets and
                     liabilities related to reinsurance ceded are reported on
                     a gross basis.

                 (j) Cash Equivalents
                     ----------------
                     For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash
                     flows, the Company considers all short-term investments
                     with original maturities of three months or less to be
                     cash equivalents.

                 (k) Reclassification
                     ----------------
                     Certain items in the 1993 and 1992 consolidated financial
                     statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1994
                     presentation.


                                  64 of 101
<PAGE>   65
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(3)     Changes in Accounting Principles
        --------------------------------

        Effective January 1, 1994, the Company changed its method of
        accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities in
        connection with the issuance of a new accounting standard by the FASB
        as described in Note 2(b).  As of January 1, 1994, the company
        classified fixed maturity securities with amortized cost and fair value
        of $6,593,844 and $7,024,736, respectively, as available-for-sale
        and recorded the securities at fair value.  Previously, these
        securities were recorded at amortized cost.  The effect as of January
        1, 1994 has been recorded as  a direct credit to shareholder's equity
        as follows:

<TABLE>
           <S>                                                                   <C>
           Excess of fair value over amortized cost of fixed maturity
              securities available-for-sale                                       $430,892
           Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                         (97,177)
           Deferred Federal income tax                                            (116,800)
                                                                                  --------
                                                                                  $216,915
                                                                                  ========
</TABLE>   

        During 1993, the Company adopted accounting principles in       
        connection with the issuance of two accounting standards by the FASB.  
        The effect as of January 1, 1993, the date of adoption, has been
        recognized in the 1993 consolidated statement of income as the
        cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, as follows:

<TABLE>        
           <S>                                                                   <C>
           Asset/liability method of recognizing income tax (note 7)              $ 26,344
           Accrual method of recognizing postretirement benefits other
              than pensions (net of tax benefit of $11,296), (note 11)             (20,979)
                                                                                  --------
                  Net cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles       $  5,365
                                                                                  ========
</TABLE>  

(4)     Basis of Presentation
        ---------------------
        The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in     
        accordance with GAAP.  Annual Statements for NLIC and FHLIC, WCLIC,
        ELICW and NCC, filed with the Department ofInsurance of the State of 
        Ohio, California Department of Insurance, Wisconsin Insurance
        Department and Michigan Bureau of Insurance, respectively, are prepared
        on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by 
        such regulatory authorities.  Prescribed statutory accounting
        practices include a variety of publications of the National Association
        of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as  well as state laws, regulations 
        and general administrative rules.  Permitted statutory accounting
        practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.  The
        Company has no material permitted statutory accounting practices.

        The following reconciles the statutory net income of NLIC as
        reported to regulatory authorities to the net income as shown
        in the accompanying consolidated financial statements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1994           1993            1992
                                                                                   --------        -------         -------
           <S>                                                                   <C>              <C>             <C>
           Statutory net income                                                    $ 76,532        185,943          33,812
           Adjustments to restate to the basis of GAAP:
                 Consolidating statutory net income of subsidiaries                  14,350         19,545          21,519
                 Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs, net                 167,166         89,860          78,731
                 Future policy benefits                                             (76,310)       (70,640)        (63,355)
                 Deferred Federal income tax (expense) benefit                       (9,657)       (31,634)         13,660
                 Equity in earnings of affiliates                                     1,013          7,121           4,618
                 Valuation allowances and other than temporary
                   declines accounted for directly in surplus                         6,275         (6,638)          3,402
                 Interest maintenance reserve                                        (7,332)        13,754           7,588
                 Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, 
                   net of tax                                                             -          5,365               -
                 Other, net                                                          11,689         (1,168)         (3,158)
                                                                                   --------        -------         -------
                    Net income per accompanying consolidated
                       statements of income                                        $183,726        211,508          96,817
                                                                                   ========        =======         =======
</TABLE>   

                                  65 of 101
<PAGE>   66

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

        The following reconciles the statutory capital shares and
        surplus of NLIC as reported to regulatory authorities to the
        shareholder's equity as shown in the accompanying consolidated
        financial statements:

<TABLE>        
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994            1993           1992
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
           <S>                                                                    <C>              <C>            <C>
           Statutory capital shares and surplus                                    $1,262,861        992,631        647,307
           Add (deduct) cumulative effect of adjustments:
                 Deferred policy acquisition costs                                  1,064,159        811,944        722,084
                 Nonadmitted assets and furniture and equipment charged to
                   income in the year of acquisition, net of accumulated
                   depreciation                                                        16,120         22,573         15,712
                 Asset valuation reserve                                              153,387        105,596        138,727
                 Interest maintenance reserve                                          18,843         21,069          7,315
                 Future policy benefits                                              (310,302)      (238,231)      (167,591)
                 Deferred Federal income tax, including effect of changes in
                   accounting principles in 1993                                       36,515        (31,659)       (82,724)
                 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles for
                   postretirement benefits other than pensions, gross                       -        (32,275)             -
                 Difference between amortized cost and fair value of fixed
                  maturity securities available-for-sale, gross                      (272,959)             -              -
                 Other, net                                                           (60,145)          (480)       149,412
                                                                                   ----------     ----------     ----------
                     Shareholder's equity per accompanying consolidated
                        balance sheets                                             $1,908,479      1,651,168      1,430,242
                                                                                   ==========     ==========     ==========
</TABLE>   
           
(5)     Investments
        -----------

        An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the 
        years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994            1993           1992
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
           <S>                                                                    <C>              <C>            <C>
           Gross investment income:
               Securities available-for-sale:
                 Fixed maturities                                                  $  674,346              -              -
                 Equity securities                                                        550          7,230          6,949
               Fixed maturities held-to-maturity                                      193,009        800,255        754,876
               Mortgage loans on real estate                                          376,783        364,810        334,769
               Real estate                                                             40,280         39,684         27,410
               Short-term                                                               6,990          5,080          7,298
               Other                                                                   42,831         33,832         30,717
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
                     Total investment income                                        1,334,789      1,250,891      1,162,019
           Less investment expenses                                                    45,288         46,465         41,862
                                                                                   ----------     ----------     ----------
                     Net investment income                                         $1,289,501      1,204,426      1,120,157
                                                                                   ==========     ==========     ==========
</TABLE>  
          

        An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
        securities available-for-sale and fixed maturities held-to-maturity
        follows for the years ended December 31:
        
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994            1993           1992
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
           <S>                                                                    <C>              <C>            <C>
           Securities available-for-sale:
              Fixed maturities                                                    $  (703,851)             -              -
              Equity securities                                                        (1,990)      (128,837)        (9,195)
           Fixed maturities held-to-maturity                                         (421,427)       223,392         17,774
                                                                                  -----------       --------       --------
                                                                                  $(1,127,268)        94,555          8,579
                                                                                  ===========       ========       ========
                                                                               
</TABLE>   
           


                                  66 of 101
<PAGE>   67

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


        An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments by investment 
        type follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994            1993           1992
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
           <S>                                                                    <C>              <C>            <C>
           Realized on disposition of investments:
             Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturities                                                     $(13,720)             -              -
                Equity securities                                                       1,427        129,728          7,215
             Fixed maturities                                                               -         21,159         13,399
             Mortgage loans on real estate                                            (16,130)       (17,763)       (30,334)
             Real estate and other                                                      5,765        (12,813)       (12,997)
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
                                                                                      (22,658)       120,311        (22,717)
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
                                                                                          
           
           Valuation allowances:
             Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturities                                                        6,600              -              -
             Fixed maturities                                                               -           (934)         1,792
             Mortgage loans on real estate                                             (4,332)       (10,478)        (5,969)
             Real estate and other                                                      4,006          4,774          7,579
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
                                                                                        6,274         (6,638)         3,402
                                                                                   ----------       --------       --------
                                                                                     $(16,384)       113,673        (19,315)
                                                                                   ==========       ========       ========
</TABLE>   
           
        The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities       
        available-for-sale and fixed maturities held-to-maturity were as
        follows as of December 31, 1994:
       
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Gross           Gross
                                                                  Amortized        unrealized     unrealized        Estimated
                                                                     cost            gains          losses         fair value
                                                                 -----------       ----------     ----------       ----------
          <S>                                                    <C>               <C>            <C>              <C>
          Securities available-for-sale                                                                    
          -----------------------------                                                        
            Fixed maturities:
              US Treasury securities and obligations of US
                government corporations and agencies              $  393,156           1,794         (18,941)         376,009
              Obligations of states and political           
                subdivisions                                           2,202              55             (21)           2,236
              Debt securities issued by foreign governments          177,910             872          (9,205)         169,577
              Corporate securities                                 4,201,738          50,405        (128,698)       4,123,445
              Mortgage-backed securities                           3,543,859          18,125        (187,345)       3,374,639
                                                                 -----------       ----------     ----------       ----------
                  Total fixed maturities                           8,318,865          71,251        (344,210)       8,045,906
            Equity securities                                         18,373           6,636            (296)          24,713
                                                                 -----------       ----------     ----------       ----------
                                                                  $8,337,238          77,887        (344,506)       8,070,619
                                                                 ===========       ==========     ==========       ==========
                                                                                                              
          Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                                       
          ------------------------------------------                                                          
              Obligations of states and political               
                subdivisions                                      $   11,613              92            (255)          11,450
              Debt securities issued by foreign governments           16,131             111             (39)          16,203
              Corporate securities                                 3,661,043          34,180        (120,566)       3,574,657
                                                                 -----------       ----------     ----------       ----------
                                                                  $3,688,787          34,383        (120,860)       3,602,310
                                                                 ===========       ==========     ==========       ==========
</TABLE>                                                                      
                                                                              
                                  67 of 101

<PAGE>   68
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

        The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments of fixed
        maturity securities were as follows as of December 31, 1993:
       
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Gross           Gross
                                                                  Amortized        unrealized     unrealized        Estimated
                                                                     cost            gains          losses         fair value
                                                                 -----------       ----------     ----------       ----------
          <S>                                                    <C>               <C>            <C>              <C>
               US Treasury securities and obligations of US
                 government corporations and agencies            $   287,738          18,204          (392)           305,550
               Obligations of states and political        
                 subdivisions                                         16,519           2,700            (5)            19,214
               Debt securities issued by foreign governments         137,092           7,719        (1,213)           143,598
               Corporate securities                                6,819,355         647,778       (15,648)         7,451,485
               Mortgage-backed securities                          2,860,274         121,721       (15,022)         2,966,973
                                                                 -----------       ----------     ----------       ----------
                                                                 $10,120,978         798,122       (32,280)        10,886,820
                                                                 ===========       ==========     ==========       ==========
</TABLE>               
        As of December 31, 1993 the net unrealized gain on equity       
        securities, before providing for deferred Federal income tax, was
        $8,330, comprised of gross unrealized gains of $8,345 and gross 
        unrealized losses of $15.

        The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
        securities available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities 
        held-to-maturity as of December 31, 1994, by contractual maturity,
        are shown below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual 
        maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay
        obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Amortized          Estimated
                                                                        cost            fair value
                                                                     ----------         -----------
           <S>                                                      <C>                <C>
           Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
           --------------------------------------------
           Due in one year or less                                   $  294,779            294,778
           Due after one year through five years                      2,553,825          2,490,886
           Due after five years through ten years                     1,382,311          1,327,089
           Due after ten years                                          544,091            558,514
                                                                     ----------         -----------
                                                                      4,775,006          4,671,267
           Mortgage-backed securities                                 3,543,859          3,374,639
                                                                     ----------         -----------
                                                                     $8,318,865          8,045,906
                                                                     ==========         ===========
           
           Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity
           ------------------------------------------
           Due in one year or less                                   $  333,517            333,000
           Due after one year through five years                      1,953,179          1,942,260
           Due after five years through ten years                     1,080,069          1,013,083
           Due after ten years                                          322,022            313,967
                                                                     ----------         -----------
                                                                     $3,688,787          3,602,310
                                                                     ==========         ===========
</TABLE>   
        Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 
        1994 were $247,876, while proceeds from sales of investments in
        fixed maturity securities during 1993 were $33,959 ($123,422 during
        1992).  Gross gains of $3,406 ($2,413 in 1993 and $3,194 in 1992) and
        gross losses of $21,866 ($39 in 1993 and $513 in 1992) were realized 
        on those sales.

        Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month
        period preceding December 31, 1994 amounted to $11,513 ($13,158 for
        1993) and consisted of $11,111 ($10,907 in 1993) in real estate and
        $402 ($2,251 in 1993) in other long-term investments.

        Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of 
        $29,275 in 1994 ($24,717 in 1993) and valuation allowances of $27,330 
        in 1994 ($31,357 in 1993). Other valuation allowances are $0 in 1994
        ($6,680 in 1993) on fixed maturities and $47,892 in 1994 ($42,350 in
        1993) on mortgage loans on real estate.

                                  68 of 101

<PAGE>   69
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

        The Company generally initiates foreclosure proceedings on all
        mortgage loans on real estate delinquent sixty days.  Foreclosures 
        of mortgage loans on real estate were $37,187 in 1994 ($39,281 in
        1993) and mortgage loans on real estate in process of foreclosure or
        in-substance foreclosed as of December 31, 1994 totaled $19,878
        ($24,658 as of December 31, 1993), which approximates fair value.

        Investments with an amortized cost of $11,137 and $11,383 as of 
        December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively, were on deposit with various
        regulatory agencies as required by law.

(6)     Future Policy Benefits and Claims
        ---------------------------------
        The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life and
        individual health policies has been established based upon the
        following assumptions:

           Interest rates:  Interest rates vary as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Year of issue                                   Life                                     Health
                  -------------                                   ----                                     ------
                  <S>                 <C>                                                                  <C>
                  1994                7.2 %, not graded - permanent contracts with loan provisions;         5.0%
                                      6.0%, not graded - all other contracts
                  1984-1993           7.4% to 10.5%, not graded                                             5.0% to 6%
                  1966-1983           6% to 8.1%, graded over 20 years to 4% to 6.6%                        3.5% to 6%
                  1965 and prior      generally lower than post 1965 issues                                 3.5% to 4%
</TABLE>                            
           Withdrawals:  Rates, which vary by issue age, type of coverage       
           and policy duration, are based on Company experience. 

           Mortality:  Mortality and morbidity rates are based on       
           published tables, modified for the Company's actual experience.

        The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts
        (approximately 81% and 80% of the total liability for future policy
        benefits as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively) has been
        established based on policy term, interest rates and various contract
        provisions.  The average interest rate credited on investment product
        policies was 6.5%, 7.0% and 7.5% for the years ended December 31, 1994,
        1993 and 1992, respectively.

        Future policy benefits and claims for group long-term disability
        policies are the present value (primarily discounted at 5.5%) of 
        amounts not yet due on reported claims and an estimate of amounts to be
        paid on incurred but unreported claims.  The impact of reserve
        discounting is not material.  Future policy benefits and claims on 
        other group health policies are not discounted.

        Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment
        expenses is summarized for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1994           1993           1992
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
           <S>                                                <C>             <C>            <C>
           Balance as of January 1                              $591,258        760,312        672,581
              Less reinsurance recoverables                      429,798        547,786        445,934
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
                    Net balance as of January 1                  161,460        212,526        226,647
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
           Incurred related to:
              Current year                                       273,299        309,721        360,545
              Prior years                                        (26,156)       (26,248)       (17,433)
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
                 Total incurred                                  247,143        283,473        343,112
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
           Paid related to:
              Current year                                       175,700        208,978        226,886
              Prior years                                         73,889        125,561        130,347
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
                 Total paid                                      249,589        334,539        357,233
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
           Unpaid claims of ELICW (note 14)                       40,223              -              -
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
                    Net balance as of December 31                199,237        161,460        212,526

              Plus reinsurance recoverables                      457,694        429,798        547,786
                                                                ---------      --------       --------
           Balance as of December 31                            $656,931        591,258        760,312
                                                                ========       ========       ========
</TABLE> 

                                  69 of 101

<PAGE>   70
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

        As a result of changes in estimates for insured events of prior
        years, the provision for claims and claim adjustment expenses
        decreased in each of the three years ended December 31, 1994 due to
        lower-than-anticipated costs to settle accident and health claims.
        
(7)     Federal Income Tax
        ------------------

        Prior to 1984, the Life Insurance Company Income Tax Act of 1959 as 
        amended by the Deficit Reduction Act  of 1984 (DRA), permitted the 
        deferral from taxation of a portion of statutory income under certain
        circumstances.  In these situations, the deferred income was
        accumulated in the Policyholders' Surplus Account (PSA).  Management 
        considers the likelihood of distributions from  the PSA to be remote;
        therefore, no Federal income tax has been provided for such
        distributions in the consolidated financial statements.  The DRA 
        eliminated any additional deferrals to the PSA.  Any distributions
        from the PSA, however, will continue to be taxable at the then current
        tax rate.  The balance of the PSA is approximately $35,344 as of
        December 31, 1994.

        The Company adopted STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO.
        109 - ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES (SFAS 109), as of January 1, 1993.  
        See note 3.  The 1992 consolidated financial statements have not 
        been restated to apply the provisions of SFAS 109.

        The significant components of deferred income tax expense for the years
        ended December 31 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1994           1993
                                                                      ------         ------
           <S>                                                       <C>            <C>
           Deferred income tax expense (exclusive of the
              effects of other components listed below)               $9,657         29,930
           Adjustments to deferred income tax assets and
              liabilities for enacted changes in tax laws             
              and rates                                                    -          1,704
                                                                      ------         ------
                                                                      $9,657         31,634
                                                                      ======         ======
</TABLE>   
        For the year ended December 31, 1992, the deferred income tax
        benefit results from timing differences in the recognition of 
        income and expense for income tax and financial reporting purposes.  
        The primary sources of those timing differences were deferred policy
        acquisition costs (deferred expense  of $16,457) and reserves for future
        policy benefits (deferred benefit of $32,045).
        
        Total Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31,
        1994, 1993 and 1992 differs from the amount computed by applying the
        U.S. Federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   
                                                   
                                                                 1994                        1993                  1992            
                                                                 ----                        ----                  ----            
                                                          Amount        %           Amount        %           Amount      %
                                                         -------       ----        --------      ----        -------     ----  
           <S>                                           <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>         <C> 
           Computed (expected) tax expense               $95,631       35.0        $109,515      35.0        $44,390     34.0
           Tax exempt interest and dividends
              received deduction                            (194)      (0.1)         (2,322)     (0.7)        (4,172)    (3.2)
           Current year increase in U.S. Federal
              income tax rate                                  -          -           1,704       0.5              -        -
           Real estate valuation allowance
              adjustment                                       -          -               -         -         (3,463)    (2.7)
           Other, net                                     (5,933)      (2.1)         (2,139)     (0.7)        (3,013)    (2.3)
                                                         -------       ----        --------      ----        -------     ----  
                 Total (effective rate of each           
                   year)                                 $89,504       32.8        $106,758      34.1        $33,742     25.8
                                                         =======       ====        ========      ====        =======     ====  
</TABLE> 
        Total Federal income tax paid was $87,576, $58,286 and $63,124 during
        the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.

                                  70 of 101
<PAGE>   71
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

        The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
        components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31,
        1994 and 1993 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                              
                                                                              1994            1993
                                                                            --------        ---------
           <S>                                                             <C>             <C>
           Deferred tax assets:
              Future policy benefits                                        $124,044          129,995
              Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale                    95,536                -
              Liabilities in Separate Accounts                                94,783           64,722
              Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate                   25,632           24,020
              Other policyholder funds                                         7,137            7,759
              Other assets and other liabilities                              57,528           41,390
                                                                            --------        ---------
                Total gross deferred tax assets                              404,660          267,886
                                                                            --------        ---------
                                                                                                     
           
           Deferred tax liabilities:
              Deferred policy acquisition costs                              317,224          243,731
              Fixed maturities, equity securities and other
                 long-term investments                                         3,620           11,137
              Other                                                           47,301           44,677
                                                                            --------        ---------
                Total gross deferred tax liabilities                         368,145          299,545
                                                                            --------        ---------
                      Net deferred tax asset (liability)                    $ 36,515          (31,659)
                                                                            ========        =========
</TABLE>   
        The Company has determined that valuation  allowances are not   
        necessary as of December 31, 1994 and 1993 and January 1, 1993 (date of
        adoption of SFAS 109) based on its analysis of future deductible
        amounts.   All future deductible amounts can be offset by future 
        taxable amounts or recovery of Federal income tax paid  within the
        statutory carryback period.  In addition,  for future  deductible
        amounts for  securities available-for-sale,  affiliates of  the Company
        which  are included in the same consolidated Federal income tax return
        hold investments that could  be sold for capital gains that could offset
        capital losses realized by the Company should securities
        available-for-sale be sold at a loss.

(8)     Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments
        -----------------------------------------------------

        STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 107 - DISCLOSURES ABOUT
        FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (SFAS 107) requires disclosure of
        fair value information about existing on and off-balance sheet financial
        instruments.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available,
        fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation
        techniques.

        These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used,
        including the discount rate and estimates of future cash  flows. 
        Although fair value estimates are calculated using assumptions that
        management believes are appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause
        these estimates to vary materially.  In that regard, the derived fair
        value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent
        markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in the immediate
        settlement of the instruments.  SFAS 107 excludes certain assets and
        liabilities from its disclosure requirements.  Accordingly, the
        aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying
        value of the Company.

        Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities that
        are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted from 
        SFAS 107 disclosures, estimated fair value of policy reserves on
        insurance contracts are provided to make the fair value disclosures more
        meaningful.

        The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can 
        have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
        considered in the estimates.

        The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in 
        estimating its fair value disclosures:

           CASH, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND POLICY LOANS:  The carrying 
           amount reported in the balance sheets for these instruments
           approximate their fair value.

                                  71 of 101
<PAGE>   72

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


           INVESTMENT SECURITIES:  Fair value for fixed maturity        
           securities is based on quoted market prices, where available.  
           For fixed maturity securities not actively traded, fair value is
           estimated using values obtained from independent pricing services
           or, in the case of private placements, is estimated by
           discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate
           applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the
           investments.  The fair value for equity securities is based on quoted
           market prices.

           SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:  The fair value of assets 
           held in Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. 
           The fair value of liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the
           amount payable on demand.

           MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE:  The fair value for mortgage loans on
           real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, 
           using interest rates currently being offered for similar loans 
           to borrowers with similar credit ratings.  Loans with similar
           characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. 
           Fair value for mortgages in default is valued at the estimated fair
           value of the underlying collateral.

           INVESTMENT CONTRACTS:  Fair value for the Company's liabilities
           under investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods.  
           For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value
           is the amount payable on demand.  For investment contracts with 
           known or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using
           discounted cash flow analysis.  Interest rates used are similar
           to currently offered contracts with maturities consistent with
           those remaining for the contracts being valued.

           POLICY RESERVES ON INSURANCE CONTRACTS:  Included are disclosures
           for individual life, universal life and supplementary contracts with
           life contingencies for which the estimated fair value is the
           amount payable on demand.  Also included are disclosures for the
           Company's limited payment policies, which the Company has used
           discounted cash flow analyses similar to those used for investment
           contracts with known maturities to estimate fair value.

           POLICYHOLDERS DIVIDEND ACCUMULATIONS AND OTHER POLICYHOLDER 
           FUNDS:  The carrying amount reported in the consolidated
           balance sheets for these instruments approximates their fair value.

        Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments 
        subject to SFAS 107 and policy reserves on insurance contracts were as 
        follows as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1994                             1993
                                                                    ----                             ----
                                                       Carrying         Estimated        Carrying         Estimated
                                                        amount         fair value         amount         fair value
                                                      -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
        <S>                                           <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
        Assets                                        
        ------
        Investments:                                  
          Securities available-for-sale:              
            Fixed maturities                          $ 8,045,906        8,045,906                -                -
            Equity securities                              24,713           24,713           16,593           16,593
          Fixed maturities held-to-maturity             3,688,787        3,602,310       10,120,978       10,886,820
          Mortgage loans on real estate                 4,222,284        4,173,284        3,871,560        4,175,271
          Policy loans                                    340,491          340,491          315,898          315,898
          Short-term investments                          131,643          131,643           41,797           41,797
        Cash                                                7,436            7,436           21,835           21,835
        Assets held in Separate Accounts               12,222,461       12,222,461        9,006,388        9,006,388

        Liabilities
        -----------
        Investment contracts                           12,189,894       11,657,556       10,332,661       10,117,288
        Policy reserves on insurance contracts          3,170,085        2,934,384        2,945,120        2,873,503         
        Policyholders' dividend accumulations             338,058          338,058          322,686          322,686
        Other policyholder funds                           72,770           72,770           71,959           71,959
        Liabilities related to Separate Accounts       12,222,461       11,807,331        9,006,388        8,714,586
                                                      
</TABLE>

                                  72 of 101

<PAGE>   73

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(9)     Additional Financial Instruments Disclosures
        --------------------------------------------

        FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK:  The Company is a
        party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
        normal course of business through management of its investment
        portfolio.  These financial instruments include commitments to
        extend credit in the form of loans.  These instruments involve, to
        varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts
        recognized on the consolidated balance sheets.

        Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
        agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions 
        established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed 
        expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require
        payment of a deposit.  Commitments extended by the Company are based on
        management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and
        the borrower's loan collateral.  The underlying mortgage property
        represents the collateral if the commitment is funded.  The Company's
        policy for new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than
        80% of collateral value.  Should the commitment be funded, the
        Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by
        the borrower is represented by the contractual amounts of these
        commitments less the net realizable value of the collateral.  The
        contractual amounts also represent the cash requirements for all
        unfunded commitments.  Commitments  on mortgage loans on real estate 
        of $243,200 extending into 1995 were outstanding as of December 31,
        1994.

        SIGNIFICANT CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK:  The Company grants mainly 
        commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the 
        United States.  The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more
        than 22% (23% in 1993) in any geographic area and no more than 2%
        (2% in 1993) with any one  borrower. The summary below depicts loans
        by remaining principal balance as of each December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 Apartment
                                                Office            Warehouse       Retail          & other           Total
                                               --------           ---------      ---------       ---------        ----------
             <S>                               <C>                <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>
             1994:
               East North Central              $109,233            103,499         540,686         191,489           944,907
               East South Central                24,298             10,803         127,845          76,897           239,843
               Mountain                           3,150             13,770         140,358          39,682           196,960
               Middle Atlantic                   61,299             53,285         140,847          30,111           285,542
               New England                       10,536             43,282         139,131               4           192,953
               Pacific                          195,393            210,930         397,911          68,768           873,002
               South Atlantic                    87,150             81,576         424,150         210,354           803,230
               West North Central               127,760             11,766          80,854           4,738           225,118
               West South Central                51,013             84,796         184,923         194,788           515,520
                                               --------           ---------      ---------       ---------        ----------
                                               $669,832            613,707       2,176,705         816,831         4,277,075
                                               ========           =========      =========       =========
                  Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                                  54,791
                                                                                                                  ----------
                       Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                   $4,222,284
                                                                                                                  ==========
             1993:
               East North Central              $109,208           108,478          470,755         158,964           847,405
               East South Central                27,562             1,460          117,341          69,991           216,354
               Mountain                           3,228             4,742          105,560          23,065           136,595
               Middle Atlantic                   56,664            52,766          132,821          15,414           257,665
               New England                       10,565            48,398          142,530               8           201,501
               Pacific                          174,409           185,116          389,428          65,497           814,450
               South Atlantic                   112,640            58,165          391,102         238,337           800,244
               West North Central               104,933            13,458           78,408           3,917           200,716
               West South Central                50,955            47,103          183,420         161,033           442,511
                                               --------           ---------        -------       ---------        ----------
                                               $650,164           519,686        2,011,365         736,226         3,917,441
                                               ========           =========      =========       =========
                  Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                                  45,881
                                                                                                                  ----------    
                       Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                   $3,871,560
                                                                                                                  ==========
</TABLE> 

                                  73 of 101

<PAGE>   74

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(10)    Pension Plan
        ------------

        NLIC, FHLIC, WCLIC, NCC, and NFS participate together with other
        affiliated companies, in a pension plan covering all employees who
        have completed at least one thousand hours of service within a 
        twelve-month period and who have met certain age requirements.  Plan
        contributions are invested in a group annuity contract of NLIC.  
        Benefits are based upon the highest average annual salary of any 
        three consecutive years of the last ten years of service.  The Company
        funds pension costs accrued for direct employees plus an allocation of 
        pension costs accrued for employees of affiliates whose work efforts 
        benefit the Company.

        Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
        ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 were $10,451, $6,702 and
        $4,613, respectively.

        The Company's net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1994
        and 1993 was $1,836 and $1,472, respectively.

        The net periodic pension cost for the plan as a whole for the years
        ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1994             1993             1992
                                                                     --------         --------         --------
        <S>                                                         <C>              <C>              <C>
            Service cost (benefits earned during the period)          $64,740           47,694           44,343
            Interest cost on projected benefit obligation              73,951           70,543           68,215
            Actual return on plan assets                              (21,495)        (105,002)         (62,307)
            Net amortization and deferral                             (62,150)          20,832          (24,281)
                                                                     --------         --------         --------
               Net periodic pension cost                              $55,046           34,067           25,970
                                                                     ========         ========         ========
   
        Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:
   
            Weighted average discount rate                               5.75%           6.75%            7.25%
            Rate of increase in future compensation levels               4.50%           4.75%            5.25%
            Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets             7.00%           7.50%            8.00%
</TABLE>

        Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of 
        December 31, 1994 and 1993 follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1994             1993
                                                                             ----------       ----------
                 <S>                                                        <C>              <C>
                     Accumulated benefit obligation:
                        Vested                                               $  914,850          972,475
                        Nonvested                                                 7,570           10,227
                                                                             ----------       ----------
                                                                             $  922,420          982,702
                                                                             ==========       ==========
                     Projected benefit obligation for
                        services rendered to date                             1,305,547        1,292,477
                     Plan assets at fair value                                1,241,771        1,208,007
                                                                             ----------       ----------
                     Plan assets less than projected benefit
                        obligation                                              (63,776)         (84,470)
                     Unrecognized prior service cost                             46,201           49,551
                     Unrecognized net losses                                     39,408           55,936
                     Unrecognized net assets at January 1, 1987                 (21,994)         (24,146)
                                                                             ----------       ----------
                          Net accrued pension expense                        $     (161)          (3,129)
                                                                             ==========       ==========

                 Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

                     Weighted average discount rate                               7.50%            5.75%
                     Rate of increase in future compensation levels               6.75%            4.50%
</TABLE>

                                  74 of 101
                                                               

<PAGE>   75
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(11)    Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
        -------------------------------------------

        In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, NLIC, FHLIC, WCLIC, 
        NCC and NFS participate with other affiliated companies in life and
        health care defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. 
        Postretirement life and health care benefits are contributory and
        available to full time employees who have attained age 55 and
        have accumulated 15 years of service with the Company after reaching 
        age 40.  Postretirement life insurance contributions are based on age
        and coverage amount of each retiree.  Postretirement health care 
        benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain cost-sharing
        features such as deductibles and coinsurance.  The accounting for the
        health care plan anticipates future cost-sharing changes to the
        written plan that are consistent with the Company's expressed intent
        to increase the retiree contribution amount annually for expected
        health care inflation.  The Company's policy is to fund the cost of
        health care benefits in amounts determined at the discretion of
        management.  The Company began funding in 1994.  Plan assets are
        invested in group annuity contracts of NLIC.

        Effective  January 1, 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of
        STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 106 - EMPLOYERS'
        ACCOUNTING FOR POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS (SFAS 106), 
        which requires the accrual method of accounting for postretirement  
        life and health care insurance benefits based on actuarially 
        determined costs to be recognized over the period from the date of 
        hire to the full eligibility date of employees who are expected to 
        qualify for such benefits.  Postretirement benefit cost for 1992, which
        was recorded on a cash basis, has not been restated.

        The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
        postretirement benefit obligation  as of January 1, 1993.  Accordingly,
        a noncash charge of $32,275 ($20,979 net of related income tax
        benefit) was recorded in the consolidated statement of income as a 
        cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.   See note 3. 
        The adoption of SFAS 106, including the cumulative effect of the
        change in accounting principle, increased the expense for
        postretirement benefits by $35,277 to $36,544 in 1993.  Net periodic
        postretirement benefit cost for 1994 was $4,627.  The Company's 
        accrued postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1994 and
        1993 was $36,001 and $35,277, respectively.

        Actuarial assumptions for the measurement of the December 31, 1994 
        accumulated postretirement benefit obligation include a discount rate  
        of 8% and an assumed health care cost trend rate of 11%, uniformly 
        declining to an ultimate rate of 6% over 12 years.

        Actuarial assumptions for the measurement of the December 31, 1993
        accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and the 1994 net
        periodic postretirement benefit cost include a discount rate of 7% and 
        an assumed health care cost trend rate of 12%, uniformly declining to
        an ultimate rate of 6% over 12 years.

        Actuarial assumptions used to determine the accumulated postretirement
        benefit obligation as of January 1, 1993 and the 1993 net periodic
        postretirement benefit cost include a discount rate of 8% and an
        assumed health care cost trend rate of 14%, uniformly declining to an
        ultimate rate of 6% over 12 years.

        Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
        December 31, 1994 and 1993 follows:       

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1994             1993
                                                                                          ---------        ---------
           <S>                                                                           <C>              <C>
           Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
              Retirees                                                                    $  76,677           90,312
              Fully eligible, active plan participants                                       22,013           24,833
              Other active plan participants                                                 59,089           84,103
                                                                                          ---------        ---------
                 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                              157,779          199,248
              Plan assets at fair value                                                      49,012                -
                                                                                          ---------        ---------
                 Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit
                   obligation                                                              (108,767)        (199,248)
              Unrecognized net (gains) losses                                               (41,497)          15,128
                                                                                          ---------        ---------
                 Accrued postretirement benefit obligation                                $(150,264)        (184,120)
                                                                                          =========        =========              
</TABLE>

                                  75 of 101
<PAGE>   76

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
        The amount of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the plan as 
        a whole for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   1994            1993
                                                                                                 -------         -------        
           <S>                                                                                  <C>             <C>
           Net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
              Service cost - benefits attributed to employee service during the year             $ 8,586            7,090
              Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                      14,011           13,928
              Actual return on plan assets                                                        (1,622)               -
              Net amortization and deferral                                                        1,622                -
                                                                                                 -------           ------
                 Net periodic postretirement benefit cost                                        $22,597           21,018
                                                                                                 =======           ======
</TABLE>
        The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect
        on the amounts reported.  A one percentage point increase in the
        assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the accumulated
        postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1994 and 1993 by
        $8,109 and $15,621, respectively, and the net periodic postretirement 
        benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993 by $866 and
        $2,377, respectively.

(12)    Portfolio Transfer of Credit Life and Credit Accident and Health
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        On March 13, 1992, WCLIC entered into an assignment and assumption
        agreement with American Bankers Life Assurance Company of Florida
        (ABLAC) under which ABLAC assumed, by portfolio transfer, substantially
        all of WCLIC's credit life and accident and health policies in force as
        of January 1, 1992.  A pre-tax loss of approximately $15,000 was
        recognized from this transaction in 1992.  The loss represents
        approximately $34,000 of amortization of deferred policy acquisition
        costs, less approximately $27,000 in ceded commissions earned, plus
        death benefits incurred and other expenses.  Under the terms defined in
        the assignment and assumption agreement, WCLIC is contingently liable
        for adverse development of claims  activity up to a defined limit.  As
        of December 31, 1994, WCLIC has provided for a contingent liability
        based on the development of claims experience through December 31,
        1994.  As of December 31, 1993, WCLIC had provided for the maximum
        contingent liability in the absence of conclusive claims experience
        development.

(13)    Regulatory Risk-Based Capital, Retained Earnings and Dividend
        -------------------------------------------------------------
        Restrictions
        ------------

        Each insurance company's state of domicile imposes minimum risk-based
        capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC.  The
        formulas for determining the amount of risk-based capital specify 
        various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances or
        various levels of activity based on the perceived degree of risk.
        Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of the company's
        regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its
        authorized control level risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC.  
        Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are classified
        within certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective
        action.  NLIC and each of its insurance subsidiaries exceed the minimum
        risk-based capital requirements.

        In accordance with the requirements of the New York statutes, the
        Company has agreed with the Superintendent of Insurance of that state
        that so long as participating policies and contracts are held by
        residents of New York, no profits on participating policies and
        contracts in excess of the larger of (a) ten percent of such profits or
        (b) fifty cents per year per thousand dollars of participating life
        insurance in force, exclusive of group term, at the year-end shall
        inure to the benefit of the shareholders.  Such New York statutes
        further provide that so long as such agreement is in effect, such
        excess of profits shall be exhibited as "participating policyholders'
        surplus" in annual statements filed with the Superintendent and shall be
        used only for the payment or apportionment of dividends to participating
        policyholders at least to the extent required by statute or for the
        purpose of making up any loss on participating policies.

        In the opinion of counsel for the Company, the ultimate ownership of
        the entire surplus, however classified, of the Company resides with the
        shareholder, subject to the usual requirements under state laws and
        regulations that certain deposits, reserves and minimum surplus be 
        maintained for the protection of the policyholders until all policy
        contracts are discharged.

                                  76 of 101

<PAGE>   77
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

        Based on the opinion of counsel with respect to the ownership of its
        surplus, the Company is of the opinion that the earnings attributable
        to participating policies in excess of the amounts paid as dividends
        to policyholders belong to the shareholder rather than the
        policyholders, and such earnings are so treated by the Company.

        The amount of shareholder's equity other than capital shares
        was $1,904,664, $1,647,353, and $1,426,427 as of December 31,
        1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.  The amount thereof not 
        presently available for dividends to the shareholder due to the New
        York restrictions and to adjustments relating to GAAP was $929,934,
        $954,037 and $841,583 as of December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992,
        respectively.

        Ohio law limits the payment of dividends to shareholders.  The 
        maximum dividend that may be paid by the Company without prior
        approval of the Director of the Department of Insurance of the State
        of Ohio is limited to the greater of statutory gain from operations of
        the preceding calendar year or 10% of statutory shareholder's surplus
        as of the prior December 31.  Therefore, $1,707,110, of shareholder's 
        equity, as presented in the accompanying consolidated financial 
        statements, is restricted as to dividend payments in 1995.

        California law limits the payment of dividends to shareholders of
        WCLIC.  The maximum dividend that  may be paid by WCLIC without
        prior approval of the Commissioner of the State of California
        Department of Insurance is limited to the greater of WCLIC's
        statutory net income of the preceding calendar year or 10% of 
        WCLIC's statutory shareholder's surplus as of the prior December 31. 
        Therefore, $126,489 of WCLIC's shareholder's equity is restricted as
        to dividend payments in 1995.

        Wisconsin law limits the payment of dividends to shareholders of ELICW. 
        The maximum dividend that may be paid by ELICW  without prior approval 
        of the Commissioner of the State of Wisconsin is limited to the greater
        of ELICW's statutory net income of the preceding calendar year or 10%
        of ELICW s statutory surplus as of the prior December 31, Therefore,
        $135,369 of ELICW's shareholder's equity is restricted as to dividend
        payments in 1995.

        Michigan law limits the payment of dividends to shareholders of NCC. 
        The maximum dividend that may be paid by NCC without prior approval
        of the Commissioner of the State of Michigan Bureau of Insurance is
        limited to the greater of NCC's statutory net income, not including
        realized capital gains, of the preceding calendar year or 10% of
        NCC's statutory shareholder's  surplus as of the prior December 31.  
        Therefore, $66,564 of NCC's shareholder's equity is restricted as to
        dividend payments in 1995.  In addition, prior approval is not required
        for a dividend which does not increase gross leverage to a point in 
        excess of the United States consolidated industry average for the most
        recent available year.

(14)    Transactions With Affiliates
        ----------------------------
        Effective December 31, 1994, NLIC purchased all of the outstanding 
        shares of ELICW from Wausau Service Corporation (WSC) for an
        amount approximating $165,000, subject to specified adjustments, if
        any, subsequent to year end.  NLIC transferred fixed maturity
        securities and cash with a fair value of $155,000 to WSC on 
        December 28, 1994, which resulted in a realized loss of $19,239 on
        the disposition of the securities.  An accrual approximating $10,000
        is reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The
        purchase price approximated both the historical cost basis and fair 
        value of net assets of ELICW.  ELICW has and will continue to share 
        home office, other  facilities, equipment and common management and
        administrative services with WSC.

        The deferred compensation annuity line of business of the Company
        is primarily sold through  Public Employees Benefit Services
        Corporation (PEBSCO).  The Company paid PEBSCO commissions and 
        administrative fees of $26,699, $22,681 and $20,146 in 1994, 1993 and
        1992, respectively.  PEBSCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Corp.

        The Company and NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services, Inc. (NEAVIS) have 
        contracted with the National Education Association (NEA) to provide 
        individual annuity contracts to be marketed exclusively to members of 
        the NEA.  The Company paid NEAVIS a marketing development fee of 
        $11,095, $9,229 and $6,426 in 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively. 
        NEAVIS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Corp.

        The Company shares home office, other facilities, equipment and
        common management and administrative services with affiliates.

                                  77 of 101

<PAGE>   78

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


        The Company participates in intercompany repurchase agreements 
        with affiliates whereby the seller will transfer securities to the
        buyer at a stated value.  Upon demand or a stated period, the 
        securities will be repurchased by the seller at the original sales 
        price plus a price differential.  Transactions under the agreements
        during 1994 and 1993 were not material.

        During 1993, the Company sold equity securities with a market value
        $194,515 to NMIC, resulting in a realized gain of $122,823.  With the
        proceeds, the Company purchased securities with a market value of
        $194,139 and cash of $376 from NMIC.

        Intercompany reinsurance contracts exist between NLIC and NMIC,
        NLIC and WCLIC, NLIC and NCC, WCLIC and NMIC and WCLIC and
        ELICW as of December 31, 1994.  These contracts are immaterial to
        the consolidated financial statements.

        NCC participates in several 100% quota share reinsurance agreements     
        with NMIC.  NCC serves as the licensed insurer as required for an
        affiliated excess and surplus lines company and cedes 100% of direct
        written premiums to NMIC.  In 1989, NCC transferred 100% of assets and
        unearned premiums and loss reserves related to a  discontinued block of
        assumed reinsurance to NMIC (95.3%) and  Nationwide Mutual Fire
        Insurance Company (4.7%).  Effective January 1, 1993, NCC entered into
        a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement to cede to NMIC 100% of all
        written premiums not subject to any other reinsurance agreements.

        As a result of these agreements, and in accordance with STATEMENT OF  
        FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 113 - ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING FOR 
        REINSURANCE OF SHORT-DURATION AND LONG-DURATION CONTRACTS, the  
        following amounts are included in the consolidated financial statements
        as of December 31, 1994 and 1993 for reinsurance ceded:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1994             1993
                                                                  --------         --------
           <S>                                                   <C>              <C>
           Reinsurance recoverable                                $575,721          533,401
           Unearned premium reserves                              (118,092)        (102,644)
           Loss and claim reserves                                (371,974)        (352,303)
           Loss and expense reserves                               (85,655)         (78,454)
                                                                  --------         --------
                                                                  $      0                0
                                                                  ========         ========
</TABLE>

        The ceding of reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer 
        from primary liability to its policyholder.  The insurer which assumes
        the coverage assumes the related liability and it is the practice of 
        insurers to treat insured risks, to the extent of reinsurance ceded, 
        as though they were risks for which the original insurer is not liable.
        Management believes the financial strength of NMIC reduces to an 
        acceptable level any risk to NCC under these intercompany reinsurance 
        agreements.

        The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
        Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC) and California Cash
        Management Company (CCMC), both affiliates, under which NCMC and CCMC
        act as common agents in handling the purchase and sale of short-term
        securities for the respective accounts of the  participants.  Amounts on
        deposit with NCMC and CCMC were $92,531 and $28,683 at December 31,
        1994 and 1993, respectively, and are included in short-term
        investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(15)    Bank Lines of Credit
        --------------------

        As of December 31, 1994 and 1993, NLIC had $120,000 of confirmed but 
        unused bank lines of credit which support a $100,000 commercial paper 
        borrowing authorization.  Additionally, NFS had $27,000 of confirmed 
        but unused bank lines of credit.

                                  78 of 101

<PAGE>   79

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(16)    Contingencies
        -------------

        The  Company is a defendant in various lawsuits.   In the
        opinion of management, the  effects, if any, of such lawsuits
        are not expected to be material to the Company's financial
        position or results of operations.

(17)    Major Lines of Business
        -----------------------

        The Company operates in the life and accident and health lines of
        business in the life insurance and property and casualty insurance 
        industries.  Life insurance operations include whole life, universal 
        life, variable universal life, endowment and term life insurance and  
        annuity contracts issued to individuals and groups.  Accident and 
        health operations also provide coverage to individuals and groups.

        The following table summarizes the revenues and income before Federal
        income tax and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles 
        for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and assets as of
        December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, by line of business.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1994              1993             1992
                                                                              -----------       ----------       ----------
            <S>                                                             <C>                 <C>              <C>
            Revenues:
                 Life insurance                                               $ 1,577,809        1,479,956        1,406,417
                 Accident and health                                              345,544          339,764          475,290
                 Investment income allocated to capital and surplus               122,847          214,806           51,611
                                                                              -----------        ---------        ---------
                      Total                                                   $ 2,046,200        2,034,526        1,933,318
                                                                              ===========        =========        =========
            Income before Federal income tax and cumulative
                effect of changes in accounting principles:
                 Life insurance                                                   141,650           83,917           78,627
                 Accident and health                                               13,220           15,043              436
                 Investment income allocated to capital and surplus               118,360          213,941           51,496
                                                                              -----------        ---------        ---------
                      Total                                                   $   273,230          312,901          130,559
                                                                              ===========        =========        =========
            Assets:
                 Life insurance                                                28,351,628       22,982,186       19,180,561
                 Accident and health                                              852,026          773,007          343,535
                 Capital and surplus                                            1,908,479        1,651,168        1,430,242
                                                                              -----------        ---------        ---------
                      Total                                                   $31,112,133       25,406,361       20,954,338
                                                                              ===========        =========        =========
</TABLE>

        Included in life insurance revenues are premiums from certain annuities
        with life contingencies of $20,134 ($35,341 and $54,066 for the years  
        ended December 31, 1993 and 1992, respectively) as well as universal  
        life and investment product policy charges of $239,021 ($188,057 and 
        $148,464 for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1992 respectively) 
        for the year ended December 31, 1994.

        Allocations of investment income and certain general expenses were
        based on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating
        results would change by line if different methods were applied.  
        Investment income and realized gains allocable to policyholders in 1994
        were $1,193,292 and $1,775, respectively.

(18)    Subsequent Event
        ----------------

        On January 30, 1995, FHLIC received approval from the Ohio Secretary of
        State to change its name to Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance 
        Company.

                                  79 of 101

<PAGE>   80

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
(a)  Financial Statements:
    (1)         Financial statements and schedule included
                in Prospectus.
                (Part A):
                Condensed Financial Information.                                                               N/A
    (2)         Financial statements and schedule included
                in Part B:
                Those financial statements and schedule                                                         45
                required by Item 23 to be included in Part B
                have been incorporated therein by reference
                to the Prospectus (Part A).
Nationwide Variable Account:
                Independent Auditors' Report.                                                                   45
                Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract                                                   46
                Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1994
                Statement of Operations and Changes in                                                          48
                Contract Owners' Equity for the years ended
                December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
                Notes to Financial Statements                                                                   49
                Schedule I                                                                                      52
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
                Independent Auditors' Report.                                                                   56
                Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December                                                      57
                31, 1994 and 1993.
                Consolidated Statements of Income for the                                                       58
                years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and
                1992.
                Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's                                                        59
                Equity for the years ended December 31,
                1994, 1993 and 1992.
                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for                                                       60
                the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993
                and 1992.
                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                                                     61
</TABLE>
                                  80 of 101
<PAGE>   81
   
Item 24.     (b) Exhibits
                (1)  Resolution of the Depositor's Board of Directors        
                     authorizing establishment of the separate account      
                     (Nationwide Variable Account)*
                                  
                (2)  Not Applicable

                (3)  Underwriting or Distribution Agreement between
                     Depositor and Principal Underwriter*

                (4)  Form of Variable Annuity Contract - attached hereto
                                                        
                (5)  Form of Application - attached hereto

                (6)  Articles of Incorporation*

                (7)  Not Applicable

                (8)  Not Applicable

                (9)  Opinion of Counsel - attached hereto

               (10)  Not Applicable

               (11)  Not Applicable

               (12)  Not Applicable

               (13)  Computation of Performance Quotations**

               *Filed previously in conjunction with '33 Act File No. 2-58043 
               and '40 Act File No.811-2716 and hereby incorporated by reference
      
               **Filed previously in conjunction with numerous prior 
               registrations (see, for example, SEC File 33-82190)

    

                                  81 of 101
<PAGE>   82
Item 25.     DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         NAME AND PRINCIPAL                           POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                WITH DEPOSITOR
                        <S>                                    <C>
                        Lewis J. Alphin                                       Director
                        519 Bethel Church Road
                        Mount Olivet, NC  28365

                        Willard J. Engel                                      Director
                        1100 East Main Street
                        Marshall, MN 56258

                        Fred C. Finney                                        Director
                        1558 West Moreland Road
                        Wooster, OH 44691

                        Peter F. Frenzer                       President and Chief Operating Officer
                        One Nationwide Plaza                                and Director
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.                             Director
                        600 South Washington Street
                        Butler, PA  16001

                        Henry S. Holloway                                 Chairman of the
                        1247 Stafford Road                                     Board
                        Darlington, MD  21034

                        D. Richard McFerson                    President and Chief Executive Officer-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                      Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
                        Columbus, OH  43215                                 and Director

                        David O. Miller                                       Director
                        115 Sprague Drive
                        Hebron, Ohio  43025

                        C. Roy Noecker                                        Director
                        2770 State Route 674 South
                        Ashville, OH 43103

                        James F. Patterson                                    Director
                        8765 Mulberry Road
                        Chesterland, OH  44026

                        Robert H. Rickel                                      Director
                        P.O. Box 319
                        Bayview, ID  83803
</TABLE>





                                   82 of 101

<PAGE>   83
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         NAME AND PRINCIPAL                           POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                WITH DEPOSITOR
                        <S>                                     <C>
                        Arden L. Shisler                                      Director
                        2724 West Lebanon Road
                        Dalton, OH  44618

                        Robert L. Stewart                                     Director
                        88740 Fairview Road
                        Jewett, OH  43986

                        Nancy C. Thomas                                       Director
                        10835 Georgetown Street NE
                        Louisville, OH  44641

                        Harold W. Weihl                                       Director
                        14282 King Road
                        Bowling Green, OH  43402

                        Gordon E. McCutchan                          Executive Vice President,
                        One Nationwide Plaza                         Law and Corporate Services
                        Columbus, OH  43215                                and Secretary

                        James E. Brock                                Senior Vice President -
                        One Nationwide Plaza                       Investment Product Operations
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        W. Sidney Druen                          Senior Vice President and General
                        One Nationwide Plaza                      Counsel and Assistant Secretary
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.                 Senior Vice President-Chief Actuary-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                        Life, Health, and Annuities
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Richard A. Karas                           Senior Vice President - Sales
                        One Nationwide Plaza                             Financial Services
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Robert A. Oakley                             Executive Vice President-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                          Chief Financial Officer
                        Columbus, Ohio  43215

                        Carl J. Santillo                               Senior Vice President
                        One Nationwide Plaza                         Life and Health Operations
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Michael D. Bleiweiss                              Vice President-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                           Deferred Compensation
                        Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>






                                   83 of 101

<PAGE>   84
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         NAME AND PRINCIPAL                           POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                WITH DEPOSITOR
                        <S>                                        <C>
                        Matthew S. Easley                                 Vice President -
                        One Nationwide Plaza                       Annuity and Pension Actuarial
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Ronald L. Eppley                                  Vice President-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                                  Pensions
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Timothy E. Murphy                             Vice President-Strategic
                        One Nationwide Plaza                             Planning/Marketing
                        Columbus, Ohio  43215

                        R. Dennis Noice                                   Vice President-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                       Individual Investment Products
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Joseph P. Rath                                    Vice President -
                        One Nationwide Plaza                         Associate General Counsel
                        Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>

Item 26.     PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR
             OR REGISTRANT.  

                *     Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are 
                      filed 
                **    Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated 
                      financial statements 
                ***   Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial 
                      statements filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries 
                ****  other subsidiaries









                                   84 of 101

<PAGE>   85
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                                  (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                                    UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                                STATE OF               INDICATED
                                COMPANY                       ORGANIZATION                                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
               <S>                                             <C>                                       <C>
               Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company                Ohio                                   Insurance Company
               (Casualty)

               Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company           Ohio                                   Insurance Company

               Nationwide Investing Foundation                  Michigan                                 Investment Company

               Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                    Ohio                                   Membership Non-Profit
               Foundation                                                                                Corporation

               Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities,               Ohio                                   Membership Non-Profit
               Inc.                                                                                      Corporation

               Farmland Mutual Insurance Company                  Iowa                                   Insurance Company

               F & B, Inc.                                        Iowa                                   Insurance Agency

               Farmland Life Insurance Company                    Iowa                                   Life Insurance Company

               Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance                  Iowa                                   Insurance Company
               Company

               Colonial Insurance Company of California        California                                Insurance Company

               Nationwide General Insurance Company               Ohio                                   Insurance Company

               Nationwide Property & Casualty Insurance           Ohio                                   Insurance Company
               Company

           **  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance              Ohio                                   Life Insurance Company
               Company

               Scottsdale Insurance Company                       Ohio                                   Insurance Company

               Scottsdale Indemnity Company                       Ohio                                   Insurance Company

               Neckura Insurance Company                        Germany                                  Insurance Company

               Neckura Life Insurance Company                   Germany                                  Life Insurance Company

               Neckura General Insurance Company                Germany                                  Insurance Company

               Columbus Service, GMBH                           Germany                                  Insurance Broker

               Auto-Direkt Insurance Company                    Germany                                  Insurance Company

               Neckura Holding Company                          Germany                                  Administrative service for
                                                                                                         Neckura Insurance Group

               SVM Sales GMBH, Neckura Insurance Group          Germany                                  Sales support for Neckura
                                                                                                         Insurance Group
</TABLE>

                                   85 of 101

<PAGE>   86
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                                (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                                  UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                              STATE OF                INDICATED
                              COMPANY                       ORGANIZATION                                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
              <S>                                            <C>                                        <C>
              Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                    Texas                                   Insurance Agency

              Colonial County Mutual Insurance Company          Texas                                   Insurance Company

              Nationwide Communications Inc.                    Ohio                                    Radio Broadcasting Business

              Nationwide Community Urban Redevelopment          Ohio                                    Redevelopment of blighted
              Corporation                                                                               areas within the City of
                                                                                                        Columbus, Ohio

              Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                    Ohio                                    Insurance Broker and
                                                                                                        Insurance Agency

              Nationwide Cash Management Company                Ohio                                    Investment Securities Agent

              California Cash Management Company             California                                 Investment Securities Agent

              Nationwide Development Company                    Ohio                                    Owns, leases and manages
                                                                                                        commercial real estate

              Allnations, Inc.                                  Ohio                                    Promotes cooperative
                                                                                                        insurance corporations
                                                                                                        worldwide

              Gates, McDonald & Company of New York           New York                                  Workers Compensation Claims
                                                                                                        Administration

              Nationwide Indemnity Company                      Ohio                                    Reinsurance Company

              NWE, Inc.                                         Ohio                                    Special Investments
</TABLE>

                                   86 of 101

<PAGE>   87
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                                  (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                                    UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                                STATE OF               INDICATED
                                COMPANY                       ORGANIZATION                                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
               <S>                                             <C>                                       <C>
               Nationwide Corporation                             Ohio                                   Organized for the purpose
                                                                                                         of acquiring, holding,
                                                                                                         encumbering, transferring,
                                                                                                         or otherwise disposing of
                                                                                                         shares, bonds, and other
                                                                                                         evidences of indebtedness,
                                                                                                         securities, and contracts
                                                                                                         of other persons,
                                                                                                         associations, corporations,
                                                                                                         domestic or foreign and to
                                                                                                         form or acquire the control
                                                                                                         of other corporations

               Nationwide Health Care Corporation                 Ohio                                   Develops and operates
                                                                                                         Managed Care Delivery
                                                                                                         System

               InHealth, Inc.                                     Ohio                                   Health Maintenance
                                                                                                         Organization (HMO)

               InHealth Agency, Inc.                              Ohio                                   Insurance Agency

               InHealth Management Systems, Inc.                  Ohio                                   Develops and operates
                                                                                                         Managed Care Delivery
                                                                                                         System

           **  West Coast Life Insurance Company               California                                Life Insurance Company
             
               Gates, McDonald & Company                          Ohio                                   Cost Control Business

               Gates, McDonald & Company of Nevada               Nevada                                  Self-Insurance
                                                                                                         Administration, Claims
                                                                                                         Examining, and Data
                                                                                                         Processing Services

               Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.                Ohio                                   Stock Transfer Agent

               Leber Direkt Insurance Company                   Germany                                  Life Insurance Company

           **  Nationwide Life Insurance Company                  Ohio                                   Life Insurance Company
             
</TABLE>

                                   87 of 101

<PAGE>   88
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                                  (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                                    UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                                STATE OF               INDICATED
                                COMPANY                       ORGANIZATION                                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
            <S>                                              <C>                                         <C>
           **  Nationwide Property Management, Inc.               Ohio                                   Owns, leases, manages and
                                                                                                         deals in Real Property.

           **  MRM Investments, Inc.                              Ohio                                   Owns and operates a
                                                                                                         Recreational Ski Facility

           **  National Casualty Company                        Michigan                                 Insurance Company
             

           **  Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.                Ohio                                   Registered Broker-Dealer,
                                                                                                         Investment Manager and
                                                                                                         Administrator

            *  Nationwide Separate Account Trust             Massachusetts                               Investment Company

            *  Nationwide Investing Foundation II            Massachusetts                               Investment Company

            *  Financial Horizons Investment Trust           Massachusetts                               Investment Company

               PEBSCO Securities Corp.                          Oklahoma                                 Registered Broker-Dealer in
                                                                                                         Deferred Compensation
                                                                                                         Market

           **  National Premium and Benefit                     Delaware                                 Insurance Administrative
               Administration Company                                                                    Services

               Public Employees Benefit Services                Delaware                                 Marketing and
               Corporation                                                                               Administration of Deferred
                                                                                                         Employee Compensation Plans
                                                                                                         for Public Employees

               PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance             Massachusetts                               Markets and Administers
               Agency, Inc.                                                                              Deferred Compensation Plans
                                                                                                         for Public Employees
</TABLE>


                                   88 of 101

<PAGE>   89
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                                (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                                  UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                              STATE OF                INDICATED
                              COMPANY                       ORGANIZATION                                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
              <S>                                          <C>                                          <C>
              Public Employees Benefit Services                Alabama                                  Markets and Administers
              Corporation of Alabama                                                                    Deferred Compensation Plans
                                                                                                        for Public Employees

              Public Employees Benefit Services                Montana                                  Markets and Administers
              Corporation of Montana                                                                    Deferred Compensation Plans
                                                                                                        for Public Employees

              PEBSCO of Texas, Inc.                             Texas                                   Markets and Administers
                                                                                                        Deferred Compensation Plans
                                                                                                        for Public Employees

              Public Employees Benefit Services               Arkansas                                  Markets and Administers
              Corporation of Arkansas                                                                   Deferred Compensation Plans
                                                                                                        for Public Employees

              Public Employees Benefit Services              New Mexico                                 Markets and Administers
              Corporation of New Mexico                                                                 Deferred Compensation Plans
                                                                                                        for Public Employees

              Wausau Lloyds                                     Texas                                   Texas Lloyds Company

              Wausau Service Corporation                      Wisconsin                                 Holding Company

              American Marine Underwriters, Inc.               Florida                                  Underwriting Manager

              Greater La Crosse Health Plans, Inc.            Wisconsin                                 Writes Commercial Health
                                                                                                        and Medicare Supplement
                                                                                                        Insurance

              Wausau Business Insurance Company               Illinois                                  Insurance Company

              Wausau Preferred Health Insurance               Wisconsin                                 Insurance and Reinsurance
              Company                                                                                   Company

              Wausau Insurance Co. Limited (U.K.)          United Kingdom                               Insurance and Reinsurance
                                                                                                        Company

              Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company           Wisconsin                                 Insurance Company

              Employers Life Insurance Company of             Wisconsin                                 Life Insurance Company
              Wausau
</TABLE>

                                   89 of 101

<PAGE>   90
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                                (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                                  UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                              STATE OF                INDICATED
                              COMPANY                       ORGANIZATION                                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
              <S>                                           <C>                                         <C>
              Employers Insurance of Wausau                   Wisconsin                                 Insurance Company
              A Mutual Company

              Wausau General Insurance Company                Illinois                                  Insurance Company

              Countrywide Services Corporation                Delaware                                  Products Liability,
                                                                                                        Investigative and Claims
                                                                                                        Management Services

              Wausau International Underwriters              California                                 Special Risks, Excess and
                                                                                                        Surplus Lines Insurance
                                                                                                        Underwriting Manager

              Companies Agency, Inc. (Wisconsin)              Wisconsin                                 Insurance Broker

              Companies Agency Insurance Services of         California                                 Insurance Broker
              California, Inc.

              Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.                   Idaho                                   Insurance Broker

              Key Health Plan, Inc.                          California                                 Pre-paid health plans

              Pension Associates of Wausau, Inc.              Wisconsin                                 Pension plan
                                                                                                        administration, record
                                                                                                        keeping and consulting and
                                                                                                        compensation consulting

              Companies Agency of Phoenix, Inc.                Arizona                                  Insurance Broker

              Companies Agency of Illinois, Inc.              Illinois                                  Acts as Collection Agent
                                                                                                        for Policies placed through
                                                                                                        Brokers

              Companies Agency of Kentucky, Inc.              Kentucky                                  Insurance Broker

              Companies Agency of Alabama, Inc.                Alabama                                  Insurance Broker

              Companies Agency of Pennsylvania, Inc.        Pennsylvania                                Insurance Broker

              Companies Agency of Massachusetts, Inc.       Massachusetts                               Insurance Broker
</TABLE>

                                   90 of 101

<PAGE>   91
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                                (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                                  UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                              STATE OF                INDICATED
                              COMPANY                       ORGANIZATION                                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
              <S>                                           <C>                                         <C>
              Companies Agency of New York, Inc.              New York                                  Insurance Broker

              Financial Horizons Distributors Agency          Oklahoma                                  Life Insurance Agency
              of Oklahoma, Inc.

              Financial Horizons Distributors Agency,         Delaware                                  Insurance Agency
              Inc.

              Financial Horizons Distributors Agency            Ohio                                    Insurance Agency
              of Ohio, Inc.

              Landmark Financial Services of New York,        New York                                  Life Insurance Agency
              Inc.

              Financial Horizons Distributors Agency           Alabama                                  Life Insurance Agency
              of Alabama, Inc.

              Financial Horizons Securities                   Oklahoma                                  Broker Dealer
              Corporation

              Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                    Ohio                                    Life Insurance Agency

              Affiliate Agency, Inc.                          Delaware                                  Life Insurance Agency

              NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services, Inc.        Delaware                                  Life Insurance Agency

              NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of            Alabama                                  Life Insurance Agency
              Alabama, Inc.

              NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Massachusetts                               Life Insurance Agency
              Massachusetts, Inc.

              NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of             Ohio                                    Life Insurance Agency
              Ohio, Inc.

              NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of             Texas                                   Life Insurance Agency
              Texas, Inc.

              NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of           Oklahoma                                  Life Insurance Agency
              Oklahoma, Inc.

              Financial Horizons Distributors Agency            Texas                                   Life Insurance Agency
              of Texas, Inc.

              Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc.          Arizona                                  Insurance Agency

              The Beak and Wire Corporation                     Ohio                                    Radio Tower Joint Venture

              Video Eagle, Inc.                                 Ohio                                    Operates Several Video
                                                                                                        Cable Systems
</TABLE>

                                   91 of 101

<PAGE>   92
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                                  (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                                    UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                                STATE OF               INDICATED
                                COMPANY                       ORGANIZATION                                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
            <S>                                                   <C>           <C>                      <C>
            *  MFS Variable Account                               Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account             Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Nationwide Variable Account-II                     Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Nationwide Variable Account                        Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Nationwide DC Variable Account                     Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Separate Account No. 1                             Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account                    Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                                Separate Account         Contracts

            *  Nationwide Variable Account-3                      Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2                  Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                                Separate Account         Contracts

            *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-A                   Ohio          Nationwide Life and      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Annuity Separate
                                                                                Account

            *  Nationwide Variable Account-4                      Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Nationwide Variable Account-5                      Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  NACo Variable Account                              Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account


            *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3                  Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                                Separate Account         Contracts

            *  Nationwide VL Separate Account-A                   Ohio          Nationwide Life and      Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                                Annuity Separate         Contracts
                                                                                Account

            *  Nationwide Variable Account-6                      Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Separate Account

            *  Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable               Ohio          Nationwide Life          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
               Account                                                          Separate Account

            *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-C                   Ohio          Nationwide Life and      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Annuity Separate
                                                                                Account

            *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-B                   Ohio          Nationwide Life and      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Annuity Separate
                                                                                Account

            *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q                   Ohio          Nationwide Life and      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                                Annuity Separate
                                                                                Account
</TABLE>


                                   92 of 101

<PAGE>   93
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                        (left side}
 ______________________
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |            
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|     MEMBERSHIP       |
|     NONPROFIT        |
|    CORPORATION       |
|______________________|
<S>                                      <C>                                           <C>
 ________________________________________________________________________________________________
|                               EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU                                    |         
|                                    A MUTUAL COMPANY                                            |       
|                                                                                                |=================================
|                         Contribution Note          Cost                                        |   
|                         -----------------          ----                                        |         
|                         Casualty                   $400,000,000                                |              
|________________________________________________________________________________________________|              
                 |                                    |
    _____________|_________________      _____________|__________________               _____________________
   |      WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.     |    |        WAUSAU SERVICE          |             |                     |
   |        (U.K.) LIMITED         |    |      CORPORATION (WSC)         |             |                     |
   |                               |    |                                |             |    WAUSAU LLOYDS    |
   |  Common Stock:   8,506,800    |    |   Common Stock:   1,000        |             |                     |
   |  -------------   Shares       |    |   -------------   Shares       |=============|                     |
   |                               |    |                                |             |                     |
   |                  Cost         |    |                   Cost         |             |                     |
   |                  ----         |    |                   ----         |             |    A TEXAS LLOYDS   |
   |  Employers--                  |    |   Employers--                  |             |                     |
   |  100%            $15,683,300  |    |   100%            $106,763,000 |             |                     |
   |_______________________________|    |________________________________|             |_____________________|
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |        WAUSAU BUSINESS       |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  5,900,000    |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 -----        |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $11,800,000  |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS    |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  8,750        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                  Cost        |
                                                        |    |                  ----        |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%        $24,560,006 |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       GREATER LA CROSSE      |
                                                        |    |       HEALTH PLANS, INC.     |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  3,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-33.3%      $861,761     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF ALABAMA, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $100         |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF KENTUCKY, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  ------------   Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |     OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.    |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $100         |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |     OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.   |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF NEW YORK, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |         OF IDAHO, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |          OF PHOENIX          |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |     COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES     |
                                                        |    |          CORPORATION         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  100          |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $145,852     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |         WAUSAU GENERAL       |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  200,000      |                    
                                                        |____|  ------------   Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $31,000,000  |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        








|


                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |     WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL     |
                                                        |    |         UNDERWRITERS         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $10,000      |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |      INSURANCE SERVICES      |
                                                        |    |        OF CALIFORNIA         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |____|  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |    |  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |      
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |        AMERICAN MARINE       |
                                                        |    |   UNDERWRITERS, INC. (AMU)   |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  20           |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $248,222     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF ILLINOIS, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  250          |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $2,500       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________      _____________________________
                                                        |    |    COMPANIES AGENCY, INC.    |    |     PENSION ASSOCIATES      |  
                                                        |    |          (WISCONSIN)         |    |       OF WAUSAU, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |    |                             |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  100          |    |  Common Stock:  1,000       |
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |____|  -------------  Shares      |
                                                             |                              |    |                             |
                                                             |                 Cost         |    |  Companies        Cost      |
                                                             |                 ----         |    |  Agency, Inc.     ----      |
                                                             |  WSC-100%       $10,000      |    |  (Wisconsin) --   $10,000   |
                                                             |______________________________|    |  100%                       |  
                                                                                                 |_____________________________|
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   94


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                (right side)
<S>                                         <C>                                  <C>             <C>
                                                                                            _________________________________
                                                                                           | NATIONWIDE ENTERPRISE INSURANCE |
                                                                                           |            FOUNDATION           |
                                                                                           |                                 | 
                                                                                           |            MEMBERSHIP           |
                                                                                           |            NONPROFIT            |
                                                                                           |           CORPORATION           |
                                                                                           |_________________________________|      
                                                       

    _________________________________________                                               ___________________________
   |                                         |                                             |                           |
===|           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL             |=============================================|     NATIONWIDE MUTUAL     |
   |              (CASUALTY)                 |                                             |            FIRE           |
   |_________________________________________|                                             |___________________________|        
                  |               | |   |__________________________________________________________________  :
                  |               | |   |                                                                  | :
    ______________|__________     | |   |    _____________________________                    _____________|_:____________________
   |       ALLNATIONS        |    | |   |   |         NATIONWIDE          |                  |            NATIONWIDE              |
   |                         |    | |   |   |           GENERAL           |                  |            CORPORATION             |
   | Common Stock:  2,939    |    | |   |   |                             |                  |                                    |
   | -------------  Shares   |    | |   |   | Common Stock: 20,000 Shares |                  | Common Stock:           Control    |
   |                         |    | |   |___| -------------               |                  | -------------           -------    |
   |                  Cost   |    | |   |   |                             |                  | $13,092,790             100%       |
   |                  ----   |    | |   |   |                Cost         |                  |                                    |
   | Casualty-26%    $88,320 |    | |   |   |                ----         |                  |          Shares      Cost          |
   | Fire-26%        $88,463 |    | |   |   | Casualty-100%  $5,944,422   |                  |          -----       ----          |
   |_________________________|    | |   |   |_____________________________|                  | Casualty $12,443,280  $710,293,557 |
                                  | |   |                                                    | Fire         649,510    24,007,936 |
    _________________________     | |   |    _____________________________                   |                                    |
   |      FARMLAND MUTUAL    |    | |   |   |     NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |                  |           (See Page 2)             |
   |     INSURANCE COMPANY   |    | |   |   |        AND CASUALTY         |                  |____________________________________|
   |                         |    | |   |   |                             |
   | Guaranty Fund           |____| |   |   | Common Stock: 60,000 Shares |
   | -------------           |______|   |___| -------------               |
   | Certificate             |          |   |                             |
   | -----------             |          |   |                   Cost      |
   |                         |          |   |                   ----      |
   |                Cost     |          |   | Casualty-100%    $6,000,000 |
   |                ----     |          |   |_____________________________|
   | Casualty       $500,000 |          |   
   |_________________________|          |    _____________________________
                   |                    |   |     COLONIAL INS. CO.       |
    _______________|___________         |   |      OF CALIFORNIA          |     
   |          F & B, INC.      |        |   |                             |
   |                           |        |   | Common Stock: 1,750 Shares  |
   | Common Stock:    1 Share  |        |___| -------------               |
   | -------------             |        |   |                             |
   |                           |        |   |                 Cost        |
   |                   Cost    |        |   |                 ----        |
   |                   ----    |        |   | Casualty-100%   $11,750,000 |
   | Farmland Mutual-  $10     |        |   |_____________________________|
   | 100%                      |        |
   |___________________________|        |    _____________________________        __________________________ 
        ____________________________    |   |         SCOTTSDALE          |      |     COLONIAL GENERAL     |
       |       FARMLAND LIFE        |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |      |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.  |
       |     INSURANCE COMPANY      |   |   |                             |      |                          |
       |                            |   |   | Common Stock: 30,136 Shares |      | Common Stock: 1 Share    |
       | Common Stock:  1,000,000   |___|___| -------------               |______| ------------             |
       | -------------  Shares      |   |   |                             |      |                          |
       |                            |   |   |                Cost         |      |              Cost        | 
       |                Cost        |   |   |                ----         |      |              ----        |
       |                ----        |   |   | Casualty-100%  $150,000,000 |      | Scottsdale-  $1,082,336  |                    
       | Casualty-100%  $23,826,196 |   |   |_____________________________|      | 100%                     |
       |____________________________|   |                                        |__________________________|
                                        |       
                                        |      
                                        |                                  
                                        |    _____________________________   
                                        |   |    NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS  | 
                                        |   |          INS. CO.           |
                                        |   | Common Stock:  1,000,000    |
                                        |   | -------------  Shares       |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |___| Casualty-       Cost        |
                                        |   | 99.9%           ----        |
                                        |   |                 $26,300,981 |
                                        |   | Other Capital:              |
                                        |   | Casualty-                   |
                                        |   | Ptd.            $713,567    |      
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        








                                        |    _____________________________                      ______________________________
                                        |   |    NECKURA HOLDING CO.      |                    |          NECKURA             |
                                        |   |        (NECKURA)            |                    |        INSURANCE CO.         |
                                        |   |                             |                    |                              |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 10,000 Shares |                    | Common Stock: 6,000 Shares   |
                                        |___| -------------               |____________________| -------------                |
                                        |   |                             |               |    |                              |
                                        |   |                 Cost        |               |    |               Cost           |
                                        |   |                 ---         |               |    |               ----           |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%   $87,943,140 |               |    | Neckura-100%  DM 6,000,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|               |    |______________________________|   
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |        NECKURA LIFE         |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 4,000 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |_____| -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                  Cost       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                  ----       |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 15,825,681 |   
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |      NECKURA GENERAL        |
                                        |                                                 |     |    AUTO INSURANCE CO.       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1,500 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |_____| ------------                |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |               Cost          |
                                        |                                                 |     |               ----          |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 1,656,925  |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 | 
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |      COLUMBUS SERVICE       |
                                        |                                                 |     |            GmbH             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1 Share       |
                                        |                                                 |_____| -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                Cost         |
                                        |                                                 |     |                -----        |
                                        |                                                 |     |  Neckura-100%   DM 51,639   |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |        AUTO DIRECT          |
                                        |                                                 |     |        INSURANCE CO.        |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1,500 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |     | -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |_____|                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |               Cost          |
                                        |                                                 |     |               ----          |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 1,643,149  |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |    _____________________________                |      ____________________________
                                        |   |          NATIONWIDE         |               |     |         SVM SALES          |
                                        |   |          DEVELOPMENT        |               |     |           GmbH             |
                                        |   |                             |               |     |                            |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 99,000 Shares |               |     | Common Stock: 50 Shares    |
                                        |   | -------------               |               |_____| -------------              |
                                        |   |                             |                     |                            |
                                        |___|                Cost         |                     |              Cost          |
                                        |   |                ---          |                     |              ----          |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $15,100,000  |                     | Neckura-100%  DM 50,000    |
                                        |   | Other Capital:              |                     |____________________________|
                                        |   | --------------              |
                                        |   | Casualty-Ptd.  $ 2,796,100  | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |          SCOTTSDALE         |
                                        |   |          INDEMNITY          |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |___| Common Stock: 50,000 Shares |
                                        |   | -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $8,800,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        | 
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |    NATIONWIDE INDEMNITY     |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 28,000 Shares |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $294,529,000 |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        



                                        |    _____________________________        __________________________
                                        |   |          LONE STAR          |      |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL |
                                        |   |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.    |      |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |
                                        |   |                             |      |                          |
                                        |   | Common Stock:  1,000 Shares |      | Surplus Debentures:      |
                                        |___| -------------               |______| -------------------      |
                                        |   |                             |______|                          |
                                        |   |                Cost         |      |          Cost            |
                                        |   |                ----         |      |          ----            |
                                        |   | Casualty       $5,000,000   |      | Colonial $500,000        |
                                        |   | 100%                        |      | Lone Star 150,000        |
                                        |   |_____________________________|      |__________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         NATIONWIDE          |
                                        |   |      COMMUNITY URBAN        |
                                        |   |       REDEVELOPMENT         |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 10 Shares     |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $1,000       |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         INSURANCE           |
                                        |   |    INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 1,615 Shares  |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $1,615,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         NATIONWIDE          |
                                        |   |      CASH MANAGEMENT        |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 100 Shares    |
                                        |   | -------------               |
                                        |___|                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-90%   $9,000       |
                                        |   | NW Fin Serv-    1,000       |
                                        |   | 10%                         | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________        __________________________
                                        |   |          CALIFORNIA         |      |      VIDEO EAGLE INC.    |
                                        |   |       CASH MANAGEMENT       |      |                          |
                                        |   |                             |      | Common Stock: 750 Shares |
                                        |   | Common Stock:  90 Shares    |      | -------------            |
                                        |___| -------------               |  ____|                          |
                                        |   |                             |  |   |              Cost        |
                                        |   |                Cost         |  |   |              ----        |
                                        |   |                ----         |  |   | NW Comm.-    $0          |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $9,000       |  |   | 100%                     |
                                        |   |_____________________________|  |   |__________________________|         
                                        |                                    |
                                        |                                    |
                                        |                                    |
                                        |                                    |
                                        |                                    |
                                        |                                    |
                                        |                                    |
                                        |                                    |
                                        |    _____________________________   |    __________________________
                                        |   |          NATIONWIDE         |  |   |       THE BEAK AND       |
                                        |   |     COMMUNICATIONS INC.     |  |   |     WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                        |   |                             |  |   |                          |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 14,750 Shares |  |   | Common Stock: 750 Shares |
                                        |___| -------------               |__|___| -------------            |
                                            |                             |      |                          |
                                            |                Cost         |      |           Cost           |
                                            |                ----         |      |           ----           |
                                            | Casualty-100%  $11,510,000  |      | NW Comm-  $531,000       |
                                            |                             |      | 100%                     |
                                            | Other Capital:              |      |__________________________|
                                            | --------------              |
                                            | Casualty-Ptd.     1,000,000 |
                                            |_____________________________|
    

<FN>
                                                                                          Subsidiary Companies     - Solid Line
                                                                                          Associated Companies     - Dotted Line
                                                                                          Contractural Association - Double Line

                                                                                                          December 31, 1994
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   95

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (left side)

<S>                                       <C>                                            <C>
                                           _______________________________________
                                          |                                       |
                                          |          EMPLOYERS INSURANCE          |___________________________________________
                                          |              OF WAUSAU                |___________________________________________
                                          |           A MUTUAL COMPANY            |                    |
                                          |_______________________________________|                    |
                                                                                                       |
                                                                                                       |
                                                                                                       |                        
                                                                                            ____________________________          
                                                                                          |       NATIONWIDE LIFE        |
                                                                                          | Common Stock: 3,814,779      |
                                                                                          | ------------- Shares         |
                                                                                          |                              |
                                                                                          | NW Corp.-    Cost            |
                                                                                          | 100%         ----            |
                                                                                          |              $909,179,664    |
                                                                                          |______________________________|
                                                                                                      |
                     _________________________________________________________________________________| 
                    |                                      |                      |
        ____________|____________               ___________|_______________       |        ______________________________
       |        NATIONWIDE       |             |     NATIONAL CASUALTY     |      |       |      FINANCIAL HORIZONS      |
       |    FINANCIAL SERVICES   |             | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |      |       |              LIFE            |
       | Common Stock: 7,676     |             | -------------             |      |       | Common Stock: 66,000         |
 ______| ------------- Shares    |        _____|                           |      |_______| ------------- Shares         |
|  ____|               Cost      |       |     |               Cost        |      |       | NW Life-       Cost          |
| |    |               ----      |       |     |               ----        |      |       | 100%           ----          |
| |    | NW Life-100% $5,996,261 |       |     | NW Life-100%  $66,132,811 |      |       |               $58,070,003    |
| |    |_________________________|       |     |___________________________|      |       |______________________________|
| |                                      |                 | |                    |
| |     _________________________        |      ___________|_|_____________       |
| |    |        NATIONWIDE       |       |     |                           |      |                                          
| |    |    INVESTOR SERVICES    |       |     |                           |      |                                          
| |    | Common Stock: 5 Shares  |       |     |       NCC OF AMERICA,     |      |                                         
| |____| -------------           |       |     |      INC. (INACTIVE)      |      |        ______________________________   
| |    |                         |       |     |                           |      |       |        WEST COAST LIFE       |  
| |    | NW Fin. Serv.- Cost     |       |     |                           |      |       | Common Stock: 1,000,000      |  
| |    |    100%        ----     |       |     |                           |      |       | ------------- Shares         |  
| |    |                $5,000   |       |     |                           |      |_______|               Cost           |  
| |    |_________________________|       |     |___________________________|      |       |               ----           |  
| |                                      |                                        |       | NW Life-100%  $92,762,014    |  
| |     _________________________        |      ___________________________       |       |______________________________|  
| |    |        NATIONWIDE       |       |     |     HICKEY-MITCHELL       |      |                                         
| |    |        INVESTING        |       |     |    INSURANCE AGENCY       |      |                                         
| |    |       FOUNDATION        |       |     | Common Stock: 101 Shares  |      |                                           
| |____|                         |       |_____|  -----------              |      |                                           
|  ____|                         |             |                           |      |        ______________________________    
| |    |                         |             |                Cost       |      |       | EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE CO. |   
| |    |                         |             |                ----       |      |       |        OF WAUSAU (EL)        |   
| |    |   COMMON LAW TRUST      |             | Nat. Cas.-100% $4,701,200 |      |       |                              |   
| |    |_________________________|             |___________________________|      |       | Common Stock: 250,000 Shares |   
| |                                                         |                     |_______| -------------                |   
| |     _________________________               ____________|______________       |       |                ----          |   
| |    |        NATIONWIDE       |             |     NATIONAL PREMIUM &    |      |       | NW Life-100%   $165,627,416  |   
| |    |        INVESTING        |             |  BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION   |      |       |______________________________|   
| |____|        FOUNDATION II    |             | Common Stock: 10,000      |      |                    |                     
|  ____|                         |             | ------------  Shares      |      |                    |                       
| |    |                         |             |                Cost       |      |                    |                          
| |    |                         |             | Hickey-        ----       |      |         ___________|_________________    
| |    |    COMMON LAW TRUST     |             | Mitchell-100%  $1,319,469 |      |        |       WAUSAU PREFERRED      |   
| |    |_________________________|             |___________________________|      |        |        HEALTH INS. CO.      |   
| |                                                                               |        |                             |   
| |                                                                               |        | Common Stock: 200 Shares    |   
| |     _________________________                                                 |        | -------------               |   
| |    |       NATIONWIDE        |                                                |        |  EL -- 100%   Cost          |   
| |____|    SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |                                                |        |               ----          |   
|  ____|          TRUST          |                                                |        |              $51,413,193    |   
| |    |    COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                                |        |_____________________________|   
| |    |_________________________|                                                |                                          
| |                                                                               |                                          
| |                                                                               |                                              
| |     _________________________                                                 |                                              
| |    |   FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |                                                |        ______________________________       
| |____|    INVESTMENT TRUST     |                                                |       |           NATIONWIDE         |      
|______|         TRUST           |                                                |       |      PROPERTY MANAGEMENT     |      
       |    COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                                |       | Common Stock: 59 Shares      |      
       |_________________________|                                                |_______| -------------                |      
                                                                                  |       |                              |      
                                                                                  |       |                Cost          |      
                                                                                  |       |                ----          |      
                                                                                  |       | NW Life-100%   $1,907,896    |      
                                                                                  |       |______________________________|      
                                                                                  |                    |                        
                                                                                                       





                        
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                           ______________________________          
                                                                                  |       |     MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.    |       
                                                                                  |       | Common Stock: 1 Share        |      
                                                                                  |       | ------------                 |      
                                                                                  |       |                              |      
                                                                                  |       |                Cost          |      
                                                                                  |       | Nat. Prop.     ----          |      
                                                                                  |       | Mgmt.-100%     $550,000      |      
                                                                                  |       |______________________________|      
                                                                                  |                                             
                                                                                  |                                             
                                                                                  |        ___________________________          
                                                                                  |       |        NWE, INC.          |         
                                                                                  |       |                           |         
                                                                                  |       | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |         
                                                                                  |_______|                           |         
                                                                                          | NW Life-100% Cost         |         
                                                                                          |              ----         |         
                                                                                          |             $35,971,375   |         
                                                                                          |___________________________|         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
</TABLE>                                                                       
   

<PAGE>   96
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (middle)

<S>                              <C>                        <C>                                      <C>
                                 _______________________________________
                                |                                       |
________________________________|          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL            |___________________________________________________________
________________________________|              (CASUALTY)               |___________________________________________________________
                                |                                       |
                                |_______________________________________|
                                                    |               _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
                                  __________________|______________|___       
                                 |        NATIONWIDE CORPORATION       |      
                                 | Common Stock:     Control:          |
                                 | -------------     -------           |
                                 |  13,092,790         100%            |                        
                                 |                                     |
                                 |           Shares       Cost         |                 
                                 |           ------       ----         |
                                 | Casualty  $12,443,280  $710,293,557 |
                                 | Fire          649,510    24,007,936 |
                                 |_____________________________________|
                                                    |
____________________________________________________|______________________________________________________________________________
                   |                                                    |                                          |
        ___________|_______________                        _____________|_____________                 ____________|______________
       |     PUBLIC EMPLOYEES      |                      |      GATES, McDONALD      |               |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
       |    BENEFIT SERV. CORP.    |                      |      & COMPANY (GATES)    |               |  DISTRIBUTORS AGY., INC.  |
 ______| Common Stock: 236,494     |                      | Common Stock: 254 Shares  |               | Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|
|  ____| ------------- Shares      |                      | -------------             |___       _____| -------------             |
| |    |               Cost        |                      |                           |   |     |  ___|                           |
| |    | NW Corp.-     ----        |                      |               Cost        |   |     | |   |               Cost        |
| |    | 100%          $12,830,936 |                      |               ----        |   |     | |   | NW Corp.      ----        |
| |    |___________________________|                      | MW Corp.-     $22,126,323 |   |     | |   | 100%          $19,501,000 |
| |                                                       | 100%                      |   |     | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                       |___________________________|   |     | |
| |                                                                                       |     | |
| |                                                        ___________________________    |     | |                                
| |     ___________________________                       |   GATES, McDONALD & Co.   |   |     | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |     PEBSCO SECURITIES     |                      |        OF NEW YORK        |   |     | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |    |           CORP.           |                      | Common Stock: 3 Shares    |   |     | |   |     DISTRIBUTORS AGY.     |
| |____| Common Stock: 5,000       |                      | -------------             |___|     | |   |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |
| |    | ------------- Shares      |                      |                           |   |     | |___| Common Stock: 10,000      |
| |    |                  Cost     |                      |                Cost       |   |     | |   |  -----------  Shares      |
| |    | Pub. Emp. Ben.   ----     |                      |                ----       |   |     | |   |               Cost        |
| |    | Serv.Corp.-100%  $25,000  |                      | Gates-100%     $106,947   |   |     | |   |               ----        |
| |    |___________________________|                      |                           |   |     | |   | FHDAI-100%    $100        |
| |                                                       |___________________________|   |     | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                       |     | |                                
| |                                                                                       |     | |                                
| |                                                        ___________________________    |     | |                                
| |     ___________________________                       |  GATES, McDONALD & Co.    |   |     | |                                
| |    |          PEBSCO OF        |                      |         OF NEVADA         |   |     | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |         NEW MEXICO        |                      |                           |   |     | |   |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |
| |    | Common Stock: 1,000       |                      |   Common Stock: 40 Shares |___|     | |   |        SERVICES OF        |
| |____| ------------- Shares      |                      |                           |         | |   |       NEW YORK, INC.      |
| |    |                   Cost    |                      |   Gates-100%    Cost      |         | |___| Common Stock: 10,000      |
| |    | Pub. Emp. Ben.    ----    |                      |                 ----      |         | |   | ------------- Shares      |
| |    | Serv.Corp.-100%   $1,000  |                      |                 $93,750   |         | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |___________________________|                      |___________________________|         | |   |               ----        |
| |                                                                                             | |   | FHDAI-100%    $10,100     |
| |                                                                                             | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |                                
| |    |         ARKANSAS          |                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |    | Common Stock: 50,000      |                                                            | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |____| ------------- Shares      |                                                            | |   |      SECURITIES CORP.     |
| |    |                  Cost     |                                                            | |___| Common Stock: 10,000      |
| |    | Pub. Emp. Ben.   ----     |                                                            | |   | ------------- Shares      |
| |    | Serv.Corp. 100%  $500     |                                                            | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |   |               ----        |
| |                                                                                             | |   | FHDAI-100%    $153,000    |
| |                                                                                             | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                             ___________________________    | |                                
| |    |          MONTANA          |                            |  AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.   |   | |    ___________________________ 
| |____| Common Stock: 500         |                            |                           |   | |   |                           |
| |    | ------------- Shares      |                            |  Common Stock: 100 Shares |__ | |   |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| |    |                   Cost    |                            |                           |   | |___|        DISTRIBUTORS       |
| |    | Pub. Emp. Ben.    ----    |                            |   FHDAI-100%    Cost      |   |  ___|       AGENCY OF TEXAS,    |
| |    | Serv.Corp.-100%  $500     |                            |                 ----      |   | |   |            INC.           |
| |    |___________________________|                            |                 $100      |   | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                             |___________________________|   | |                                
| |                                                                                             | |                                










| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    |          ALABAMA          |                                                            | |___|     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| |____| Common Stock: 100,000     |                                                            |  ___|      DISTRIBUTORS AGY.    |
| |    | ------------- Shares      |                                                            | |   |         OF OHIO, INC.     |
| |    |                  Cost     |                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |    | Pub. Emp. Ben.   ----     |                                                            | |                              
| |    | Serv.Corp.-100%  $1,000   |                                                            | |                           
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |                           
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |       MASSACHUSETTS       |                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    |   INSURANCE AGENY, INC.   |                                                            | |___|    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |____| Common Stock: 1,000       |                                                            |  ___|     DISTRIBUTORS AGY.     |
| |    | ------------- Shares      |                                                            | |   |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
| |    |                   Cost    |                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |    | Pub. Emp. Ben.    -----   |                                                            | |                                
| |    | Serv.Corp.-100%  $1,000   |                                                            | |                                
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |                                                                                             | |   |                           |
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |___|         AFFILIATE         |
| |____|                           |                                                            |_____          AGENCY OF         |
|______|         PEBSCO OF         |                                                                  |         OHIO, INC.        |
       |           TEXAS           |                                                                  |                           |
       |___________________________|                                                                  |___________________________|
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
</TABLE>
                                                    


<PAGE>   97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (right side)

<S>                     <C>                             <C>                                      
                       _______________________________________
                      |                                       |
______________________|          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL            |
______________________|             FIRE (FIRE)               |
                      |                                       |
                      |_______________________________________|
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  _ _|                                                  











                                                    
____________________________________________________________________
                        |                        |                  |
           _____________|_____________           |      ____________|______________
          |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |      INHEALTH, INC.       |
          |  INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.  |          |     | Common Stock: 100         |
   _______| Common Stock: 500         |          |     | ------------  Shares      |
  |  _____| ------------- Shares      |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               ----        |
  | |     | NW Corp.-     ----        |          |     | NW Corp.-                 |
  | |     | 100%          $5,000      |          |     | 100%          $12,046,413 |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                   
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |         NATIONWIDE        |
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |     |        HEALTH CARE        |
  | |_____|      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |          |_____| Common Stock: 15 Shares   |
  | |     | Common Stock: 500         |           _____| ------------              |
  | |     | ------------- Shares      |          |     |                           |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               ----        |          |     | NW Corp.-     ----        |
  | |     | NEA-100%      $5,000      |          |     | 100%          $16,850,000 |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                   
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |       INHEALTH MGT.       |
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |     |       SYSTEMS, INC.       |
  | |     |        OF OHIO, INC.      |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
  | |_____| Common Stock: 100         |          |_____| -------------             |
  | |     | ------------- Shares      |          |     |                           |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               -----       |          |     | NW Health     ----        |
  | |     | NEA-91%       $5,000      |          |     | Care-100%   $25,149       |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                   
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________
  | |     |                           |          |     |         INHEALTH          |
  | |     |                           |          |     |        AGENCY, INC.       |
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     | Common Stock: 99 Shares   |
  | |_____|     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |_____| -------------             |
  | |     |       OF TEXAS, INC.      |                |               Cost        |
  | |     |                           |                | NW Health     ----        |
  | |     |                           |                | Corp.-99%   $116,077      |
  | |     |___________________________|                |___________________________|
  | |                                                               
  | |      ___________________________        
  | |     |                           |       
  | |     |                           |       
  | |_____|      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |       
  |_______|     INVESTOR SERVICES     |       
          |      OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |       
          |                           |       
          |___________________________|       
                                              





<FN>

Subsidiary Companies     --  Solid Line
Associated Companies     --  Dotted Line
Contractual Association  --  Double Line

December 31, 1994

</TABLE>

                                    Page 2


<PAGE>   98

Item 27.         NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

                 Not Applicable

Item 28.         INDEMNIFICATION

                 Provision is made in the Company's Amended Code of Regulations
                 and expressly authorized by the General Corporation Law of the
                 State of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of any
                 person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
                 party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
                 proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
                 investigative by reason of the fact that such person is or was
                 a director, officer or employee of the Company, against
                 expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and
                 amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by
                 such person in connection with such action, suit or
                 proceeding, to the extent and under the circumstances
                 permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Ohio. 
                 Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
                 Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors,
                 officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the
                 foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in
                 the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
                 indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
                 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a
                 claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
                 the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by
                 a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in
                 the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
                 asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
                 connection with the securities being registered, the
                 registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
                 matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
                 court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
                 indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
                 the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
                 issue.
        
Item 29.         PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

                 (a) Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS") acts as
                 general distributor for the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable
                 Account, Nationwide DC Variable Account, Nationwide Variable
                 Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide Variable
                 Account-6, Nationwide VA Separate Account- A, Nationwide VA
                 Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C,
                 Nationwide VL Separate Account-A, Nationwide VLI Separate
                 Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, NACo Variable
                 Account and the Nationwide Variable Account, all of which are
                 separate investment accounts of the Company or its affiliates.
        
                 NFS also acts as principal underwriter for the 
                 Nationwide Investing Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account
                 Trust, Financial Horizons Investment Trust, and Nationwide
                 Investing Foundation II, which are open-end management
                 investment companies.
        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         (b)                          NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                                            DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
                                                                                           POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                               NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                                     WITH UNDERWRITER
                      <S>                                                                        <C>
                      Lewis J. Alphin                                                            Director
                      519 Bethel Church Road
                      Mount Olivet, NC  28365

                      Willard J. Engel                                                           Director
                      1100 E. Main Street
                      Marshall, MN 56258

                      Fred C. Finney                                                             Director
                      1558 West Moreland Road
                      Wooster, OH  44691
</TABLE>

                                  95 of 101
<PAGE>   99
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(b)                                   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                                            DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
                      <S>                                                           <C>
                      Peter F. Frenzer                                                   Vice Chairman, President
                      One Nationwide Plaza                                                     and Director
                      Columbus, OH  43215

                      Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.                                                  Director
                      600 South Washington Street
                      Butler, PA  16001

                      Henry S. Holloway                                                          Director
                      1247 Stafford Road
                      Darlington, MD  21034

                      Gordon E. McCutchan                                            Executive Vice President-Law and
                      One Nationwide Plaza                                            Corporate Services and Director
                      Columbus, OH  43215

                      D. Richard McFerson                                                      President and
                      One Nationwide Plaza                                          Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                      Columbus, OH  43215                                            Insurance Enterprise and Director

                      David O. Miller                                                            Director
                      115 Sprague Drive
                      Hebron, Ohio  43025

                      C. Roy Noecker                                                             Director
                      2770 State Route 674 South
                      Ashville, OH 43103

                      James F. Patterson                                                         Director
                      8765 Mulberry Road
                      Chesterland, OH  44026

                      Robert H. Rickel                                                           Director
                      P.O. Box 319
                      Bayview, ID  83803

                      Arden L. Shisler                                                           Director
                      2724 West Lebanon Road
                      Dalton, OH  44618

                      Robert L. Stewart                                                          Director
                      88740 Fairview Road
                      Jewett, OH  43986

                      Nancy C. Thomas                                                            Director
                      10835 Georgetown Street NE
                      Louisville, OH  44641

                      Harold W. Weihl                                               Chairman of the Board of Directors
                      14282 King Road
                      Bowling Green, OH  43402

                      W. Sidney Druen                                                    Senior Vice President and
                      One Nationwide Plaza                                                  General Counsel and
                      Columbus, OH  43215                                                   Assistant Secretary

                      Robert A. Oakley                                                  Executive Vice President -
                      One Nationwide Plaza                                                Chief Financial Officer
                      Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>
                                  96 of 101
<PAGE>   100
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(b)                                   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                                            DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
                      <S>                                                              <C>
                      James F. Laird, Jr.                                               Vice President and General
                      One Nationwide Plaza                                                 Manager and Treasurer
                      Columbus, OH  43215

                      Peter J. Neckermann                                                     Vice President
                      One Nationwide Plaza
                      Columbus, OH  43215

                      Harry S. Schermer                                                Vice President - Investments
                      One Nationwide Plaza
                      Columbus, OH  43215

                      Rae I. Mercer                                                              Secretary
                      One Nationwide Plaza
                      Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(c)          NAME OF           NET UNDERWRITING      COMPENSATION ON
             PRINCIPAL           DISCOUNTS AND         REDEMPTION OR         BROKERAGE
             UNDERWRITER         COMMISSIONS           ANNUITIZATION      COMMISSIONS         COMPENSATION
             -----------         -----------           -------------      -----------         ------------
             <S>                       <C>                     <C>                 <C>                <C>
             Nationwide                N/A                     N/A                 N/A                N/A
             Financial
             Services,
             Inc.
</TABLE>
                                  97 of 101
<PAGE>   101
Item 30.     LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
   

             Gary E. Berndt
             Nationwide Life Insurance Company
             One Nationwide Plaza
             Columbus, OH  43216
    

Item 31.     MANAGEMENT SERVICES

             Not Applicable

Item 32.     UNDERTAKINGS

             The Registrant hereby undertakes to:

             (a) file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement 
             as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited financial 
             statements in the registration statement are never more than 16 
             months old for so long as payments under the variable annuity 
             contracts may be accepted;

             (b) include either (1) as part of any application to  purchase a 
             contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an applicant can
             check to request a Statement of Additional Information, or (2) a 
             post card or similar written communication affixed to or included
             in the prospectus that the applicant can remove to send for a 
             Statement of Additional Information; and

             (c) deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any 
             financial statements required to be made available under this form
             promptly upon written or oral request. 

             The Registrant hereby represents that any contract offered by
             the prospectus and which is issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of
             the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, is issued by the
             Registrant in reliance upon, and in compliance with, the
             Securities and Exchange Commission's no-action letter to the
             American Council of Life Insurance (publicly available November
             28, 1988) which permits withdrawal restrictions to the extent
             necessary to comply with IRC Section 403(b)(11).

                                  98 of 101
<PAGE>   102



                                   Offered by
                       Nationwide Life Insurance Company


                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                          Nationwide Variable Account

                 Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract


                                  PROSPECTUS

   

                               DECEMBER 1, 1995

    
                                  99 of 101
<PAGE>   103
   
                              ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT


The Board of Directors
      Nationwide Life Insurance Company and
      Contract Owners of Nationwide Variable Account:


We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information.


                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
November 21, 1995
    

                                 100 of 101


<PAGE>   104
                                   SIGNATURES
   

    As required by the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT, has caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 21st day of November,
1995.
    
                                        NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT 
                                   ---------------------------------------
                                                (Registrant)

                                      NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                   ---------------------------------------
                                                 (Depositor)

                                             By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
                                   ---------------------------------------
                                               Joseph P. Rath
                                             Vice President and
                                           Associate General Counsel
   

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 21st day of
November, 1995.
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                                  TITLE
<S>                                              <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                             Director
- - -------------------------                                           
Lewis J. Alphin

WILLARD J. ENGEL                                            Director
- - -------------------------                                           
Willard J. Engel

FRED C. FINNEY                                              Director
- - -------------------------                                           
Fred C. Finney

PETER F. FRENZER                                        President/Chief
- - -------------------------                        Operating Officer and Director
Peter F. Frenzer                                       

CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR.                                   Director     
- - -------------------------                                           
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.

HENRY S. HOLLOWAY                                    Chairman of the Board
- - -------------------------                                 and Director
Henry S. Holloway                                         

D. RICHARD McFERSON                                   Chief Executive Officer
- - -------------------------                                 and Director 
D. Richard McFerson

DAVID O. MILLER                                             Director
- - -------------------------                                           
David O. Miller

C. RAY NOECKER                                              Director
- - -------------------------                                           
C. Ray Noecker

ROBERT A. OAKLEY                                      Executive Vice President-
- - -------------------------                              Chief Financial Officer
Robert A. Oakley
                                        
JAMES F. PATTERSON                                          Director               By:     JOSEPH P. RATH
- - -------------------------                                                             --------------------------------
James F. Patterson                                                                    Joseph P. Rath, Attorney-in-fact

ROBERT H. RICKEL                                            Director
- - -------------------------                                           
Robert H. Rickel

ARDEN L. SHISLER                                            Director
- - -------------------------                                           
Arden L. Shisler

ROBERT L. STEWART                                           Director
- - -------------------------                                           
Robert L. Stewart
                                                         
NANCY C. THOMAS                                             Director
- - -------------------------                                           
Nancy C. Thomas

HAROLD W. WEIHL                                             Director
- - -------------------------                     
Harold W. Weihl
</TABLE>
                                 101 of 101
<PAGE>   105





                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS



                              EXHIBITS TO FORM N-4


                             SEC FILE NO. 33-60239

<PAGE>   1





                                 EXHIBIT NO. 4


                       THE VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT FORM
<PAGE>   2
[NATIONWIDE LOGO]


NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Home Office  P.O. Box 16609   Columbus, Ohio  43216-6609
1-800-848-6331
(Hereinafter called the Company)


NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY will make annuity payments to the Annuitant
starting on the Annuitization Date, as set forth in the Contract.

This Contract is provided in return for the Purchase Payments made as required
in the Contract.

TEN DAY LOOK
To be sure that the Owner is satisfied with this Contract, the Owner has ten
days to examine the Contract and return it to the Home Office for any reason.
When the Contract is received in the Home Office, the Company will return the
Contract Value to the Owner, without deduction for any sales charges or
administration fees as of the date of cancellation, where permitted by state
law.

Executed for the Company on the Date of Issue.


/s/  Gordon E. McCutchan                           /s/  Peter F. Frenzer
- - --------------------------                         -----------------------------
Gordon E. McCutchan                                Peter F. Frenzer
Secretary                                          President


                          READ YOUR CONTRACT CAREFULLY

Individual Modified Single Premium Deferred Variable Annuity,
Non-Participating, Non-Qualified

ANNUITY PAYMENTS, DEATH BENEFITS, AND OTHER CONTRACT VALUES PROVIDED BY THIS
CONTRACT, WHEN BASED ON THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF A SEPARATE ACCOUNT, ARE
VARIABLE, MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FLUCTUATIONS IN THE
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR, AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO FIXED-DOLLAR AMOUNT.

             NOTICE - The details of the variable provisions in the
                 Contract may be found on Pages 15, 16, and 21.

APO-1293-36                                                         (BOA-NQ-A0)
<PAGE>   3
CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                            <C>
DATA PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .INSERT

CONTENTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .   2

DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

GENERAL PROVISIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ACCUMULATION PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

ANNUITIZATION PROVISIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

ANNUITY TABLES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
DEFINITIONS

ACCUMULATION UNIT - An Accumulation Unit is an accounting unit of measure.  It
is used to calculate the Variable Account Contract Value prior to the
Annuitization Date.

ANNUITANT - The Annuitant is the person designated to receive annuity payments
during Annuitization and upon whose life any annuity payment involving life
contingencies depends.  This person must be age 85 or younger at the time of
Contract issuance, unless the Company has approved a request for an Annuitant
of greater age.  The Annuitant may be changed prior to the Annuitization Date
with the consent of the Company.

ANNUITIZATION DATE - The Annuitization Date is the date annuity payments are
scheduled to begin.

ANNUITIZATION - Annuitization is the process of selecting an Annuity Payment
Option to begin the payout phase of the Contract. .

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION - The Annuity Payment Option is the chosen form of
annuity payments.  Several options are available under this Contract.


ANNUITY UNIT - An Annuity Unit is an accounting unit of measure used to
calculate the value of Variable Annuity payments.

BENEFICIARY - The Beneficiary is the person who may receive certain benefits
under the Contract upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuitization
Date.  The Beneficiary can be changed by the Contract Owner as set forth in the
Contract.

COMPANY - The Company is the Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

CONTINGENT ANNUITANT - The Contingent Annuitant is the person designated to be
the Annuitant if the Annuitant is not living at the Annuitization Date.  If a
Contingent Annuitant is named, all provisions of the Contract which are based
on the death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuitization Date will be based on
the death of the last survivor of the Annuitant and Contingent Annuitant.

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY - The Contingent Beneficiary is the person designated to
be the Beneficiary if the named Beneficiary is not living at the time of the
death of the Annuitant.

CONTINGENT OWNER - The Contingent Owner, if named, may succeed to the rights of
the Contract Owner upon the Contract Owner's death before the Annuitization
Date.





                                       3
<PAGE>   5
CONTRACT - The Individual Modified Single Premium Deferred Variable Annuity
described herein.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY - An anniversary of the Date of Issue of the Contract.

CONTRACT OWNER(S) (OWNER) - The Contract Owner is the person who possesses all
rights under the Contract, including the right to designate and change any
designations of the Owner, Contingent Owner, Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant,
Beneficiary, Contingent Beneficiary, Annuity Payment Option, and the
Annuitization Date.

CONTRACT VALUE - The Contract Value is the sum of the value of all Variable
Account Accumulation Units attributable to the Contract plus any amount held
under the Contract in the Fixed Account.

CONTRACT YEAR - A Contract Year is each year starting with the Date of Issue of
the Contract and each Contract Anniversary thereafter.

DATE OF ISSUE - The Date of Issue is the date the first Purchase Payment is
applied to the Contract .

DEATH BENEFIT - The benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant prior to
the Annuitization Date.  This benefit does not apply upon the death of the
Contract Owner when the Owner and Annuitant are not the same person.  If the
Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may be payable
shall be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option elected.

DISTRIBUTION - A Distribution is any payment of part or all of the Contract
Value.

FIXED ACCOUNT - The Fixed Account is made up of all assets of the Company other
than those in any segregated asset account.

FIXED ANNUITY - A Fixed Annuity is a series of payments which are guaranteed by
the Company as to dollar amount during Annuitization .

HOME OFFICE - The Home Office is the main office of the Company located in
Columbus, Ohio.

INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD - An Interest Rate Guarantee Period is the
interval of time in which an interest rate credited to the Fixed Account under
this Contract is guaranteed to remain the same.  For Purchase Payments into the
Fixed Account or transfers from the Variable Account, this period begins upon
the date of deposit or transfer and ends at the end of a calendar quarter
following one year from deposit or transfer.  At the end of an Interest Rate
Guarantee Period, a new interest rate is declared with an Interest Rate
Guarantee Period starting at the end of the prior period and ending at the end
of the calendar quarter one year later.





                                       4
<PAGE>   6
JOINT OWNER - The Joint Owner, if any, possesses an undivided interest in the
entire Contract in conjunction with the Contract Owner.  IF A JOINT OWNER IS
NAMED, REFERENCES TO "CONTRACT OWNER" OR "OWNER" IN THIS CONTRACT WILL APPLY TO
BOTH THE OWNER AND JOINT OWNER.  JOINT OWNERS MUST BE SPOUSES AT THE TIME JOINT
OWNERSHIP IS REQUESTED.

MUTUAL FUNDS (FUNDS)- The registered management investment companies in which
the assets of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account will be invested.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT - A Non-Qualified Contract is a Contract which does not
qualify for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of sections 401
(qualified plans), 408 (individual retirement annuities) or 403(b)
(tax sheltered annuities) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

PURCHASE PAYMENT - A Purchase Payment is a deposit of new value into the
contract.  The term "Purchase Payment" does not include transfers between the
Variable Accounts and Fixed Accounts or among the Sub-Accounts.

SUB-ACCOUNTS - Sub-Accounts are separate and distinct divisions of the Variable
Account, to which specific Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which
Accumulation Units and Annuity Units are separately maintained.

VALUATION DATE - A Valuation Date is each day the New York Stock Exchange and
the Company's Home Office are open for business.  It may also be any other day
during which there is a sufficient degree of trading of the Variable Account's
Mutual Fund shares such that the current net asset value of its Accumulation
Units might be materially affected.

VALUATION PERIOD - A Valuation Period is the interval of time between one
Valuation Date and the next Valuation Date.  It is measured from the closing of
business of the New York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for
the next succeeding Valuation Date.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT - The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the
Company into which Variable Account Purchase Payments are allocated.  The
Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which invests in the
shares of a separate Mutual Fund.

VARIABLE ANNUITY - A Variable Annuity is a series of payments which are not
predetermined or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with
the investment experience of the Variable Account.





                                       5
<PAGE>   7
GENERAL PROVISIONS


DEDUCTION FOR PREMIUM TAXES

The Company will charge against the Contract Value the amount of any premium
taxes levied by a state or any other government entity upon Purchase Payments
received by the Company.  The method used to recoup premium taxes will be
determined by the Company at its sole discretion and in compliance with
applicable state law.  The Company currently deducts such charges from a
Contract Owner's Contract Value either (1) at the time the Contract is
surrendered, (2) at Annuitization, or (3) at such earlier date as the Company
may be subject to such taxes.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

The Company will deduct a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge equal, on an annual
basis, to 1.25% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account.  This
deduction is made to compensate the Company for assuming the mortality risks
and expense risks under this Contract.  The Company assumes a "mortality risk"
that fixed and variable annuity payments will not be affected by the death
rates of persons receiving such payments or of the general population by virtue
of annuity rates incorporated in the Contract which cannot be changed.  The
Company also assumes a mortality risk by its promise to pay in certain
circumstances a Death Benefit that is greater than the Contract Value.  The
"expense risk" involves the guaranty by the Company that it will not increase
charges for administration of the Contract regardless of the Company's actual
administrative expenses.

ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

The Company will deduct an Administration Charge equal, on an annual basis, to
0.15% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account.  This deduction is
made to reimburse the Company for expenses incurred in the administration of
the Contract and of the Variable Account.

BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

The Beneficiary is the person or persons who may receive certain benefits under
the Contract in the event the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date.
If more than one Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, each will share equally
unless otherwise specified in the Beneficiary designation.  If no Beneficiary
survives the Annuitant, all rights and interests of the Beneficiary shall vest
in the Contingent Beneficiary, and if more than one Contingent Beneficiary
survives, each will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Contingent
Beneficiary designation.  If a Contingent Beneficiary predeceases the Annuitant
or if a Contingent Beneficiary is not named, all rights and interests of the





                                       6
<PAGE>   8
Contingent Beneficiary will vest with the Contract Owner or the Contract
Owner's estate.  Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract
Owner may change the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary from time to time
during the lifetime of the Annuitant, by written notice to the Company.  The
change, upon receipt and recording by the Company at the Home Office, will take
effect as of the time the written notice was signed, whether or not the
Annuitant is living at the time of recording, but without further liability as
to any payment or settlement made by the Company before receipt of such change.

CONTRACT OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

Unless otherwise provided, the Contract Owner has all rights under the
Contract.  IF THE PURCHASER NAMES SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIMSELF AS OWNER, THE
PURCHASER WOULD HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT.  If a Joint Owner is named,
the Joint Owner will possess an undivided interest in the Contract.  The
Contract Owner has sole rights in the Contract prior to the Annuitization Date.
Unless otherwise provided, when Joint Owners are named, the exercise of any
ownership right in the Contract (including the right to surrender or partially
surrender the Contract, to change the Owner, Contingent Owner, the Annuitant,
the Contingent Annuitant, the Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the
Annuity Payment Option or the Annuitization Date) shall require a written
indication of an intent to exercise that right, which must be signed by both
the Owner and Joint Owner.  Joint Owners must be spouses at the time joint
ownership is requested.  If a Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization
Date and the Contract Owner and the Annuitant are not the same person, Contract
ownership will be determined in accordance with the "Death of Contract Owner"
provision on page 8. If the Annuitant (regardless of whether the Annuitant is
also the Contract Owner) dies prior to the Annuitization Date, ownership will
be determined in accordance with the "Death of Annuitant Prior to Annuitization
Date" provision on page 9.  On and after the Annuitization Date, the Contract
Owner is the Annuitant.

Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may name a new Contract
Owner.  Such change may be subject to state and federal gift taxes and may also
result in current federal income taxation.  Any change of Contract Owner
designation will automatically revoke any prior Contract Owner designation.
Any request for change of Contract Owner must be (1) made by proper written
application, and, (2) received and recorded by the Company at its Home Office,
and (3) may include a signature guarantee as specified in the "Surrender"
provision on page 11.  Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the
Contract Owner may change the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary from time
to time during the lifetime of the Annuitant, by written notice to the Company.
The change, upon receipt and recording by the Company at the Home Office, will
take effect as of the time the written notice was signed, whether or not the
Annuitant is living at the time of recording, but without further liability as
to any payment or settlement made by the Company before receipt of such change.





                                       7
<PAGE>   9
The Contract Owner may request a change in the Annuitant or Contingent
Annuitant before the Annuitization Date.  Such a request must be made in
writing on a form acceptable to the Company and must be signed by the Contract
Owner and the person to be named as Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant. Such
request must be received by the Company at its Home Office prior to the
Annuitization Date.  Any such change is subject to underwriting and approval by
the Company.

CONTINGENT OWNER

The Contingent Owner is the person or persons who may receive certain benefits
under the Contract in the event the Contract Owner dies before the
Annuitization Date.  If more than one Contingent Owner survives the Contract
Owner, each will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Contingent
Owner designation.  If a Contingent Owner is not named or predeceases the
Contract Owner, all rights and interest of the Contingent Owner will vest in
the Contract Owner's estate.  Subject to the terms of any existing assignment,
the Contract Owner may change the Contingent Owner from time to time prior to
the Annuitization Date, by written notice to the Company.  The change, upon
receipt and recording by the Company at its Home Office, will take effect as of
the time the written notice was signed, whether or not the Contract Owner is
living at the time of recording, but without further liability as to any
payment or settlement made by the Company before receipt of such change.

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER

If the Contract Owner and the Annuitant are not the same person and the
Contract  Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, then the Joint Owner, if
any, becomes the new Contract Owner.  If no Joint Owner is named (or if the
Joint Owner predeceases the Contract Owner), then the Contingent Owner becomes
the new Contract Owner.  If no Contingent Owner is named (or if the Contingent
Owner predeceases the Contract Owner), then the Contract Owner's estate becomes
the Contract Owner.  Unless the new Contract Owner is the prior Contract
Owner's surviving spouse, the entire interest in the Contract, less applicable
deductions (which may include a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge), must be
distributed within five years of the prior Contract Owner's death or be
distributed in the form of a life annuity or an annuity for a period not
exceeding his or her life expectancy.  Such annuity must begin within one year
following the date of the prior Contract Owner's death.  If the new Contract
Owner is the surviving spouse of the prior Contract Owner, the Contract may be
continued without any required Distribution.

If the Annuitant (regardless of whether the Annuitant is also the Contract
Owner) dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable in
accordance with the "Death of Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date" below.





                                       8
<PAGE>   10
DEATH OF ANNUITANT PRIOR TO ANNUITIZATION DATE

If the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit is
payable unless the Contract Owner has also named a Contingent Annuitant, in
which case the Death Benefit is payable upon the death of the last survivor of
the Annuitant and Contingent Annuitant.  The Death Benefit is payable to the
Beneficiary.  If no Beneficiary is named (or if the Beneficiary predeceases the
Annuitant), then the Death Benefit is payable to the Contingent Beneficiary.
If no Contingent Beneficiary is named (or if the Contingent Beneficiary
predeceases the Annuitant), then the Death Benefit will be paid to Contract
Owner or the Contract Owner's estate.

The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as of the Valuation Date
coincident with or next following the date the Company receives in writing at
the Home Office the following three items (1) due proof of the Annuitant's
death; and (2) an election for either (a) a single sum payment or (b) an
Annuity Payment Option; and (3) any applicable state required form(s).

Proof of death is either:

(1)      a copy of a certified death certificate;
(2)      a copy of a certified decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as
         to the finding of death;
(3)      a written statement by a medical doctor who attended the deceased; or
(4)      any other proof satisfactory to the Company.

If a single sum payment is requested, payment will be made in accordance with
any applicable laws and regulations governing the payment of Death Benefits.
If an Annuity Payment Option is requested, election must be made by the
Contract Owner during the 90-day period commencing with the date written notice
is received by the Company.  If no election has been made by the end of such
90-day period, the Death Benefit will be paid in a single sum payment.  If the
Annuitant dies prior to his 85th birthday, the value of the Death Benefit will
be the greater of (1) the sum of all Purchase Payments, less any amounts
surrendered, (2) the Contract Value or (3) the Contract Value as of the most
recent five- year Contract Anniversary, less any amounts surrendered since the
most recent five-year Contract Anniversary.  If the Annuitant dies on or after
his 85th birthday, then the Death Benefit will be equal to the Contract Value.

If the Contract Owner is not a natural person, the death of the Annuitant (or a
change of the Annuitant) will be treated like a death of the Contract Owner and
will result in a Distribution pursuant to the first paragraph in the "Death of
Contract Owner" provision on page 8, regardless of whether a Contingent
Annuitant has also been named.





                                        9
<PAGE>   11
DEATH OF ANNUITANT AFTER THE ANNUITIZATION DATE

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may be
payable shall be paid according to the Annuity Payment Option selected.

ALTERATION OR MODIFICATION

All changes in or to the terms of the Contract must be:  (1) made in writing;
and (2) signed by the President or Secretary of the Company.  No other person
can alter or change any of the terms or conditions of this Contract.

ASSIGNMENT

Where permitted, the Owner may assign all rights under this Contract at any
time during the lifetime of the Annuitant, prior to the Annuitization Date.
The Company will not be bound by any assignment until written notice is
received and recorded at the Home Office.  The Company is not responsible for
the validity or tax consequences of any assignment.  An assignment will not
apply to any payment made or action taken by the Company prior to the time it
was recorded.

The value of any portion of the Contract which is assigned, pledged or
transferred by gift may be treated like a cash withdrawal for federal tax
purposes and may be subject to a tax penalty.  All rights in this Contract are
personal to the Contract Owner and may not be assigned without written consent
of the Company.  

ENTIRE CONTRACT

This document is the whole Contract between the Owner and the Company.  This
Contract, Data Page and Endorsement(s) (if any), make up the entire Contract.

MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX

If the age or sex of the Annuitant has been misstated, all payments and
benefits under this Contract will be adjusted.  Payments and benefits will be
made, based on the correct age or sex.  Proof of age of an Annuitant may be
required at any time, in a form satisfactory to the Company.  When the age or
sex of an Annuitant has been misstated, the dollar amount of any overpayment
will be deducted from the next payment or payments due under this Contract.
The dollar amount of any underpayment made by the Company as a result of any
such misstatement will be paid in full with the next payment due under this
Contract.





                                       10
<PAGE>   12
EVIDENCE OF SURVIVAL

Where any payments under this Contract depend on the recipient being alive on a
given date, proof that such person is living may be required by the Company.
Such proof may be required prior to making the payments.

PROTECTION OF PROCEEDS

Proceeds under this Contract are not assignable by any Beneficiary prior to the
time they are due.  Proceeds are not subject to the claims of creditors or to
legal process, except as mandated by applicable laws.

REPORTS

At least once each year, prior to the Annuitization Date, a report showing the
Contract Value will be provided to the Owner.

INCONTESTABILITY

This Contract will not be contested.

CONTRACT SETTLEMENT

The Company may require this Contract to be returned to the Home Office prior
to making any payments.  All sums payable to or by the Company under this
Contract are payable at the Home Office.

NUMBER AND GENDER

Unless otherwise provided, all references in this Contract which are in the
singular form will include the plural; all references in the plural form will
include the singular; and all references in the male gender will include the
female and neuter genders.

NON-PARTICIPATING

This Contract is non-participating.  It will not share in the surplus of the
Company.

ACCUMULATION PROVISIONS

SURRENDER

The Owner may surrender part or all of the Contract Value at any time this
Contract is in force and prior to the earlier of the Annuitization Date or the
death of the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant if any.  All surrenders will
have the following conditions:





                                       11
<PAGE>   13
1.       The request for surrender must be in writing.

2.       The surrender value will be paid to the Owner after proper written
         application and the Contract are received at the Home Office.

3.       The Company reserves the right to require that the signature(s) be
         guaranteed by a member firm of a major stock exchange or other
         depository institution qualified to give such a guaranty.  Payment of
         the Variable Account Contract Value will be made within seven days of
         receipt of both proper written application and the Contract.  Payment
         of the Fixed Account Contract Value may be deferred up to six months
         following receipt of application.

4.       When written application and the Contract are received, the Company
         will surrender the number of Variable Account Accumulation Units and
         an amount from the Fixed Account needed to equal: (a) the dollar
         amount requested; plus (b) any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge which
         applies.

5.       If a partial surrender is requested, unless the Owner has instructed
         otherwise, the surrender will be made as follows:  (a) from the
         Variable Account Contract Value; and (b) from the Fixed Account
         Contract Value.  The amounts surrendered from the Fixed Account and
         the Variable Account, will be in the same proportion that the Owner's
         interest in the Fixed Account and Variable Account bears to the total
         Contract Value.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered, a Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge may be made by the Company.  The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
is designed to cover expenses relating to the sale of the Contract.

The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is calculated by multiplying the
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Percentages noted below by the
Purchase Payments that are surrendered.  For purposes of calculating the amount
of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, surrenders are considered to come
first from the oldest Purchase Payment made to the Contract, then from the next
oldest Purchase Payment and so forth, with any earnings attributable to such
Purchase Payments considered only after all Purchase Payments made to the
Contract have been considered.  (For tax purposes, a surrender is treated as a
withdrawal of earnings first.)





                                       12
<PAGE>   14
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Completed  |                   |      Number of     |
  Completed Years    |     Contingent    |   Completed Years  |    Contingent
   from Date of      |   Deferred Sales  |    From Date of    |  Deferred Sales
    Purchase         |       Charge      |      Purchase      |      Charge
    Payment          |     Percentage    |      Payment       |    Percentage
- - ---------------------|-------------------|--------------------|--------------------
<S>                  |    <C>            |   <C>              | <C>
       0             |          7%       |         4          |        3%
       1             |          6%       |         5          |        2%
       2             |          5%       |         6          |        1%
       3             |          4%       |         7          |        0%
</TABLE>
WITHDRAWALS WITHOUT CHARGE

Each Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) an amount equal to 10% of the total sum of all
Purchase Payments made to the Contract at the time of withdrawal, less any
Purchase Payments previously withdrawn that were subject to a CDSC.  This
CDSC-free withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative, that is, free amounts not
taken during any given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a
subsequent Contract Year.

A CDSC will not be assessed against the withdrawal of any:  (1) Purchase
Payments which have been held under the Contract for at least 7 years; (2)
earnings attributable to Purchase Payments made to the Contract; (3) Death
Benefit payments made upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the
Annuitization Date; (4) amounts applied to an Annuity Payment Option after two
years from the Date of Issue; or (5) amounts transferred among the Sub-Accounts
or from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account or vice versa.

For a discussion of the withdrawals that are subject to a CDSC, see the
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section on page 12.

SURRENDER VALUE

The Surrender Value is the amount that will be paid if the full Contract Value
is surrendered.  The Surrender Value at any time will be:

1.       The Contract Value; less
2.       Any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge which applies.


SUSPENSION OR DELAY IN PAYMENT OF SURRENDER

The Company has the right to suspend or delay the date of any Surrender payment
from the Variable Account for any period:

1.       When the New York Stock Exchange is closed;





                                       13
<PAGE>   15
2.       When trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;

3.       When an emergency exists as a result of which:  disposal of securities
         held in the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is
         not reasonably practicable to fairly determine the value of the net
         assets of the Variable Account;

4.       During any other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission,
         by order, so permits for the protection of security holders; or

5.       When the request for Surrender is not made in writing.

Rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission will govern as
to whether the conditions set forth in numbers 2, 3, and 4 above exist.

The Company further reserves the right to delay payment of a total Surrender of
Fixed Account Contract Value for up to six months in those states where
applicable law requires the Company to reserve such right.

MODIFIED SINGLE PURCHASE PAYMENTS

The Contract is bought for the initial Purchase Payment and any subsequent
Purchase Payments.  The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under this
and any other annuity Contract(s) issued by the Company having the same
Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000 without the prior consent of the Company.

The initial Purchase Payment is due on the Date of Issue and may not be less
than $15,000.  Purchase payments, if any, after the initial Purchase Payment
must be at least $1,000 and may be made at any time.

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

The Owner elects to have the Purchase Payments allocated among the Fixed
Account and the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account at the time of
application.  The allocation of future Purchase Payments may be changed by the
owner by a written request that is received and recorded by the Company.

CONTRACT VALUE

The Contract Value at any time will be the sum of:  (1) the Variable Account
Contract Value; and (2) the Fixed Account Contract Value.





                                       14
<PAGE>   16
FIXED ACCOUNT CONTRACT VALUE

The Fixed Account Contract Value at any time will be:  the sum of all amounts
credited to the Fixed Account under this Contract less any amounts canceled or
withdrawn for charges, deductions, or surrenders.

INTEREST TO BE CREDITED

The Company will credit interest to the Fixed Account Contract Value.  Such
interest will be credited at such rate or rates as the Company prospectively
declares from time to time, at the sole discretion of the Company.  Such rates
will be declared to the Owner in writing after each quarterly period.  Any such
rate or rates so determined, for which deposits are received, will remain in
effect for a period of not less than 12 months.  However, the Company
guarantees that it will credit interest at not less than 3.0% per year or any
lesser amount as permitted by state law.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT CONTRACT VALUE

The Variable Account Contract Value is the sum of the value of all Variable
Account Accumulation Units under this Contract.

If:  (1) part or all of the Variable Account Contract Value is surrendered; or
(2) charges or deductions are made against the Variable Account Contract Value;
then, an appropriate number of Accumulation Units will be canceled or
surrendered to equal such amount.

THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company.  The
Company has allocated a part of its assets for this Contract and certain other
contracts to the Variable Account.  Such assets of the Variable Account remain
the property of the Company.  However, they may not be charged with the
liabilities from any other business in which the Company may take part.

The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts which invest in shares of the
Mutual Funds.  Purchase payments are allocated among one or more of these
Sub-Accounts, as designated by the Owner.

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Purchase Payments applied to the Variable Account will be invested at net
asset value in one or more of the Sub-Accounts.





                                       15
<PAGE>   17
VALUATION OF ASSETS

Mutual Fund shares in the Variable Account will be valued at their net asset
value.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNITS

The number of Accumulation Units for each Sub-Account of the Variable Account
is found by dividing: (1) the net amount allocated to the Sub-Account; by (2)
the Accumulation Unit value for the Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during
which the Company received the Purchase Payment.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE

The value of an Accumulation Unit for each Sub-Account of the Variable Account
was arbitrarily set at $10 when the first Mutual Fund shares were available for
purchase.  The value for any later Valuation Period is found as follows:

The Accumulation Unit Value for each Sub-Account for the last prior Valuation
Period is multiplied by the Net Investment Factor for the Sub-Account for the
next following Valuation Period.  The result is the Accumulation Unit Value.
The value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease from one Valuation
Period to the next.  The number of Accumulation Units will not change as a
result of investment experience.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

The Net Investment Factor is an index applied to measure the investment
performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next.  The Net
Investment Factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the value of an
Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease.

The Net Investment Factor for any Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is
determined by: dividing (1) by (2) and subtracting (3) from the result, where:

1.       is the net result of:

         a.      the net asset value per share of the Mutual Fund held in the
                 Sub-Account, determined at the end of the current Valuation
                 Period; plus

         b.      the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain
                 Distributions made by the Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Account,
                 if the "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current Valuation
                 Period.





                                       16
<PAGE>   18

2.       is the net result of:

         a.      the net asset value per share of the Mutual Fund held in the
                 Sub-Account, determined at the end of the last prior Valuation
                 Period; plus or minus

         b.      the per share charge or credit for any taxes reserved for the
                 last prior Valuation Period, plus or minus

         c.      a per share charge or credit for any taxes reserved for, which
                 is determined by the Company to have resulted from the
                 investment operations of the Sub-Account.

3.       is a factor representing the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge and the
         Administration Charge deducted from the Variable Account.  Such factor
         is equal, on an annual basis, to 1.40% of the daily net asset value of
         the Variable Account.

For funds that credit dividends on a daily basis and pay such dividends once a
month, the Net Investment Factor allows for the monthly reinvestment of these
daily dividends.

FIXED ACCOUNT PROVISIONS

The Fixed Account is the general account of the Company.  It is made up of all
assets of the Company other than:  (1) those in the Variable Account; and (2)
those in any other segregated asset account.

TRANSFER PROVISIONS

The Owner may annually transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to
the Variable Account and a portion of the Variable Account to the Fixed
Account, without penalty or adjustment.  Within any Contract Year, the Company
reserves the right to restrict transfers from the Variable Account to the Fixed
Account to 10% of the Variable Account at the time of the transfer.

Contract Owners may annually transfer at the end of an Interest Rate Guarantee
Period, a minimum of 10% of the funds with a maturing interest rate guarantee
from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.  The maximum allowable transfer
amount from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account will be determined by the
Company at its sole discretion.

Nationwide reserves the right to refuse transfers or Purchase Payments into the
Fixed Account if the Fixed Account is greater than or equal to 30% of total
Contract Value.  Transfers must be made prior to the Annuitization Date.
Transfers may occur among the Sub-Accounts once daily.





                                       17
<PAGE>   19
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS

The Contract Owner may elect in writing on a form provided by the Company to
take Systematic Withdrawals of a specified dollar amount (of at least $100) on
a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.  The Company will process
the withdrawals as directed by surrendering on a pro-rata basis Accumulation
Units from all of the Sub-Accounts in which the Contract Owner has an interest,
and the Fixed Account.  A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge may apply to
Systematic Withdrawals in accordance with the considerations set forth in the
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" and "Withdrawals Without Charge" sections on
pages 12 and 13.  Each Systematic Withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes
on the taxable portion.  In addition, a 10% federal penalty tax may be assessed
on Systematic Withdrawals if the Contract Owner is under age 59-1/2.  If
directed by the Contract Owner, the Company will withhold federal income taxes
from each Systematic Withdrawal.  A Systematic Withdrawal program will
terminate automatically at the end of each Contract Year and may be reinstated
only on or after the next Contract Anniversary pursuant to a new request.  The
Contract Owner may discontinue Systematic Withdrawals at any time by notifying
the Company in writing.

If the Contract Owner withdraws amounts pursuant to a Systematic Withdrawal
program, then the Contract Owner may withdraw each Contract Year without a CDSC
an amount up to the greater of (i) 10% of the total sum of all Purchase
Payments made to the Contract at the time of withdrawal, less any Purchase
Payments previously withdrawn that were subject to a CDSC, or (ii) the
specified percentage of the Contract Value based on the Contract Owner's age,
as shown in the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACT OWNER'S AGE              PERCENTAGE OF CONTRACT VALUE
- - --------------------              ----------------------------
<S>                               <C>
Under 59-1/2                      5%
59-1/2 to 70-1/2                  7%
70-1/2 to 75                      9% 
75 and Over                       13%
</TABLE>

If the total amounts withdrawn in any Contract Year exceed the CDSC-free amount
as calculated under the Systematic Withdrawal method described above, then such
total withdrawn amounts will be eligible only for the 10% of purchase payment
CDSC-free withdrawal privilege described in the "Withdrawals Without Charge"
section on page 13, and the total amount of CDSC charged during the Contract
Year will be determined in accordance with that provision.

The Contract Value and the Contract Owner's age for purposes of applying the
CDSC-free withdrawal percentage described above are determined as of the date
the request for a Systematic Withdrawal program is received and recorded by the
Company at its Home Office.  (In the case of Joint Owners, the older





                                       18
<PAGE>   20
Owner's age will be used.)  The Contract Owner may elect to take such CDSC-free
amounts only once each Contract Year.  Furthermore, this CDSC-free withdrawal
privilege for Systematic Withdrawals is non-cumulative, that is, free amounts
not taken during any given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a
subsequent Contract Year.

Systematic Withdrawals are not available prior to the expiration of the ten day
free look provision of the Contract.  The Company also reserves the right to
assess a processing fee for this service.

DISTRIBUTION PROVISIONS

The following events will give rise to a Distribution:

1.       Reaching the Annuitization Date - Distribution will be made pursuant
         to the Annuity Payment Option selected.

2.       Death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuitization Date - Distribution
         to be made in accordance with the options available under the Death of
         Annuitant provisions of this Contract.

3.       Death of the Owner - Distribution to be made in a manner consistent
         with the Death of Owner provisions of this Contract.

4.       Other Surrender - Distribution to be made in accordance with the
         Surrender provisions of this Contract.

ANNUITIZATION PROVISIONS

GENERAL

All of the provisions within this section are subject to the restrictions set
forth in the Section entitled "Death Of Owner".

ANNUITIZATION

This is the process of selecting an Annuity Payment Option to begin the payout
phase of the Contract.  As of the Annuitization Date, the Contract Value is
surrendered and applied to the purchase rate then in effect for the option
selected.  The purchase rates for any options guaranteed to be available will
be determined on a basis not less favorable than the 1983 "Table a" with ages
set back 6 years, with minimum interest at 3.0%.  The rates shown in the
Annuity Tables are calculated on this guaranteed basis.  Annuitization is
irrevocable once payments have begun.





                                       19
<PAGE>   21
ANNUITIZATION DATE

Such date may be the first day of a calendar month or any other agreed upon
date.  It must be at least two years after the Date of Issue.  The
Annuitization Date may not be later than the first day of the first calendar
month after the Annuitant's 85th birthday, unless a later date has been
requested by the Contract Owner; and approved by the Company.  This date is
selected by the Contract Owner at the time of application.  Any applicable
premium taxes not already deducted may be deducted from the Contract Value at
the Annuitization Date.  The remaining Contract Value will then be applied to
the Annuity Payment Option selected by the Owner.

CHANGE OF ANNUITIZATION DATE

The Owner may change the Annuitization Date.  A change of Annuitization Date
must be made by written request.  The request must be received at the Home
Office prior to both new and old Annuitization Dates.  The date to which such a
change may be made must be the first day of a calendar month.

CHANGE OF ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION

The Owner may change the Annuity Payment Option prior to the Annuitization
Date.  A change of the Annuity Payment Option must be made by written request
and must be received at the Home Office prior to the Annuitization Date.  After
a change of Annuity Payment Option is received at the Home Office, it will
become effective as of the date it was requested.  A change of Annuity Payment
Option will not apply to any payment made or action taken by the Company before
it is received.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

An Annuity Payment Option may be selected prior to Annuitization.  Any Annuity
Payment Option not set forth in the Contract or a combination of available
options which is satisfactory to both the Company and the Annuitant may be
selected.

SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENT

A Supplementary Agreement will be issued within 30 days following the
Annuitization Date.  The Supplementary Agreement will set forth the terms of
the Annuity Payment Option selected.

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS

Payments will be made based on the Annuity Payment Option selected and
frequency selected.  However, if the net amount to be applied to any annuity





                                      20
<PAGE>   22
payment option at the Annuitization Date is less than $5000, the Company has
the right to pay such amount in one lump sum.

If any payment provided for would be or becomes less than $50, the Company has
the right to change the frequency of payment to an interval that will result in
payments of at least $50.

FIXED ANNUITY PROVISIONS

A Fixed Annuity is an annuity with level payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during the annuity payment period.  At the
Annuitization Date, a designated portion of the Contract Value will be applied
to the applicable Annuity Table.  This will be done in accordance with the
Annuity Payment Option selected.

VARIABLE ANNUITY PROVISIONS

A Variable Annuity is a series of payments which are not predetermined or
guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with the investment
experience of the Variable Account.

DETERMINATION OF FIRST VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENT

At the Annuitization Date, a designated portion of the Contract Value will be
applied to purchase rates based on the 1971 Individual Annuity Mortality Table
with ages set back one year and 3.5% interest.

ANNUITY UNIT VALUE

An Annuity Unit is used to calculate the value of annuity payments.  The value
of an Annuity Unit for each Sub-Account was arbitrarily set at $10 when the
first Mutual Fund shares were bought.  The value for any later Valuation Period
is found as follows:

1.       The Annuity Unit Value for each Sub-Account for the last prior
         Valuation Period is multiplied by the Net Investment Factor for the
         Sub-Account for the Valuation Period for which the Annuity Unit Value
         is being calculated.

2.       The result is multiplied by an interest factor.  This is done because
         the Assumed Investment Rate of 3.5% per year is built into the Annuity
         Tables.

VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS AFTER THE FIRST PAYMENT

Variable Annuity payments after the first vary in amount.  The payment amount
changes with the investment performance of the Sub-Accounts within the





                                       21
<PAGE>   23
Variable Account.  The dollar amount of such payments is determined as follows:

1.       The dollar amount of the first annuity payment is divided by the unit
         value as of the Annuitization Date.  This result establishes the fixed
         number of Annuity Units for each monthly annuity payment after the
         first.  This number of Annuity Units remains fixed during the annuity
         payment period.

2.       The fixed number of Annuity Units is multiplied by the Annuity Unit
         Value for the Valuation Date for which the payment is due.  This
         result establishes the dollar amount of the payment.

The Company guarantees that the dollar amount of each payment after the first
will not be affected by variations in expenses or mortality experience.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

GENERAL

All annuity payments will be mailed within 10 working days of the first of the
month in which they are scheduled to be made. The following is a list of
options guaranteed to be made available by the Company.

LIFE ANNUITY

The amount to be paid under this option will be paid during the lifetime of the
Annuitant.  Payments will cease with the last payment due prior to the death of
the Annuitant.

JOINT AND LAST SURVIVOR ANNUITY

The amount to be paid under this option will be paid during the lifetimes of
the Annuitant and designated second person.  Payments will continue as long as
either is living.

LIFE ANNUITY WITH 120 OR 240 MONTHLY PAYMENTS GUARANTEED

The amount to be paid under this option will be paid during the lifetime of the
Annuitant.  A guaranteed period of 120 or 240 months may be selected.  If the
Annuitant dies prior to the end of this guaranteed period, the recipient chosen
by the Annuitant to receive the remaining payments may choose to continue
receiving payments until the end of the guaranteed period, or receive the
commuted value of the remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum.  Such lump
sum payment will be equal to the present value of the remaining guaranteed
payments.  The payment will be computed as of the date on which proof of the
death of the Annuitant is received at the Home Office and computed





                                       22
<PAGE>   24
at an assumed investment rate which is the greater of that used in the Annuity
Tables in effect on the date of the calculation of the lump sum and that used
in the Annuity Tables in effect on the Annuitization Date.

ANY OTHER OPTION

The amount and period under any other option will be determined by the Company.
Payment options not set forth in the Contract are available only if they are
approved by both the Company and the Annuitant.





                                       23
<PAGE>   25
                       MONTHLY BENEFITS PER $1000 APPLIED
                                 ANNUITY TABLES
                  JOINT AND SURVIVOR MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENTS

                        Annuitant's Age Last Birthday

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Female Age
                                   ----------
                         50        55        60        65        70 
                         --        --        --        --        --
<S>           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Male Age      50        3.36      3.46      3.56      3.64      3.71    
              55        3.42      3.56      3.69      3.82      3.93
              60        3.47      3.64      3.82      3.99      4.16 
              65                  3.70      3.92      4.15      4.39 
              70                            4.00      4.30      4.61
</TABLE>

                   LIFE ANNUITY:  MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Male Guaranteed Period                   Female Guaranteed Period 
ANNUITANT'S                              ANNUITANT'S
ATTAINED AGE            120     240      ATTAINED AGE            120       240
LAST BIRTHDAY   NONE   MONTHS  MONTHS    LAST BIRTHDAY   NONE   MONTHS   MONTHS
- - -------------   ----   ------  ------    -------------   ----   ------   ------
    <S>         <C>    <C>     <C>           <C>         <C>    <C>      <C>
    40          3.41   3.40    3.38          40          3.23   3.23     3.22
    41          3.44   3.44    3.41          41          3.26   3.26     3.24
    42          3.48   3.48    3.45          42          3.29   3.29     3.27
    43          3.52   3.52    3.48          43          3.32   3.32     3.30
    44          3.57   3.56    3.52          44          3.35   3.35     3.33
    45          3.61   3.60    3.56          45          3.39   3.38     3.37
    46          3.66   3.65    3.60          46          3.42   3.42     3.40
    47          3.71   3.69    3.64          47          3.46   3.46     3.43
    48          3.76   3.74    3.68          48          3.50   3.50     3.47
    49          3.81   3.79    3.73          49          3.55   3.54     3.51
    50          3.87   3.85    3.77          50          3.59   3.58     3.55
    51          3.93   3.90    3.82          51          3.64   3.63     3.59
    52          3.99   3.96    3.87          52          3.68   3.67     3.63
    53          4.05   4.02    3.92          53          3.74   3.72     3.68
    54          4.12   4.09    3.97          54          3.79   3.78     3.72
    55          4.19   4.15    4.03          55          3.85   3.83     3.77
    56          4.27   4.22    4.08          56          3.90   3.89     3.82
    57          4.34   4.30    4.14          57          3.97   3.95     3.88
    58          4.43   4.37    4.20          58          4.03   4.01     3.93
    59          4.51   4.45    4.26          59          4.10   4.08     3.99
    60          4.60   4.54    4.32          60          4.18   4.15     4.04
    61          4.70   4.62    4.39          61          4.25   4.22     4.11
    62          4.80   4.72    4.45          62          4.34   4.30     4.17
    63          4.91   4.82    4.51          63          4.42   4.38     4.23
    64          5.03   4.92    4.58          64          4.52   4.47     4.30
    65          5.15   5.03    4.65          65          4.61   4.56     4.37
    66          5.28   5.14    4.71          66          4.72   4.66     4.44
    67          5.43   5.27    4.78          67          4.83   4.76     4.51
    68          5.58   5.39    4.84          68          4.95   4.87     4.58
    69          5.74   5.53    4.90          69          5.08   4.98     4.65
    70          5.91   5.66    4.96          70          5.21   5.10     4.72
    71          6.10   5.81    5.02          71          5.36   5.22     4.79
    72          6.30   5.96    5.08          72          5.51   5.36     4.86
    73          6.51   6.12    5.13          73          5.67   5.50     4.93
    74          6.73   6.28    5.18          74          5.85   5.65     5.00
    75          6.97   6.44    5.23          75          6.04   5.80     5.06
</TABLE>
                                       24

<PAGE>   1





                                 EXHIBIT NO. 5


                     THE VARIABLE ANNUITY APPLICATION FORM
<PAGE>   2
                  ANNUITY APPLICATION            [ ] SEP-IRA
            $15,000 MINIMUM INITIAL PAYMENT      [ ] 401 INVESTMENT ONLY
                                                 [ ] IRA ROLLOVER 
Send Completed application - with a check made out to Nationwide Life
Insurance Co.  
FOR REGULAR MAIL:                  FOR EXPRESS MAIL: 
Nationwide Life Insurance Co.      Nationwide Life Insurance Co.  
P.O. Box 16609                     Investment Products Operations, 1-05-XX 
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609          One Nationwide Plaza
1-(800)-848-6331                   Columbus, Ohio  43215-2220

<TABLE>
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<S>                 <C>                                            |   <C>
1                   CONTRACT OWNER                                 |   (If Applicable) [ ] JOINT OWNER   [ ] CONTINGENT
                                                                   |                       (Spouse Only)     OWNER
CONTRACT            _____________________________________________  |   ________________________________________________
OWNER(S)            (Print) Last          First            MI      |   Last               First                 MI
                    _____________________________________________  |   ________________________________________________
If no annuitant     Address                                        |   Address
is specified in     _____________________________________________  |   ________________________________________________
section 2, the      City               State              Zip      |   City                 State                Zip
contract owner      Soc. Sec. No./Tax I.D.              Sex [ ] M  |   Soc. Sec. No./Tax I.D.                 Sex [ ] M
will be the         ________-____-________                  [ ] F  |   ________-_____-_______                     [ ] F
annuitant.                      MO.      DAY      YEAR             |               MO.       DAY       YEAR
                    Date of                                        |   Date of
                    Birth    ________|________|________            |   Birth    __________|________|_________
___________________________________________________________________|___________________________________________________
2                   ANNUITANT                                      |   [ ] CONTINGENT ANNUITANT (If Applicable)
                                                                   |                       
ANNUITANT           _____________________________________________  |   ________________________________________________
                    (Print) Last          First            MI      |   Last               First                 MI
Complete only if    _____________________________________________  |   ________________________________________________
different from      Address                                        |   Address
the contract        _____________________________________________  |   ________________________________________________
owner.              City               State              Zip      |   City                 State                Zip
                    Soc. Sec. No./Tax I.D.              Sex [ ] M  |   Soc. Sec. No./Tax I.D.                 Sex [ ] M
                    ________-____-________                  [ ] F  |   ________-_____-_______                     [ ] F    
                                MO.      DAY      YEAR             |               MO.       DAY       YEAR
                    Date of                                        |   Date of
                    Birth    ________|________|________            |   Birth    __________|________|_________
___________________________________________________________________|___________________________________________________
3                   PRIMARY BENEFICIARY                            |   [ ] CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY
                                                                   |
BENEFICIARY         _____________________________________________  |   ________________________________________________
                    (Print) Last             First       MI        |   (Print) Last               First          MI
                    _____________________________________________  |   ________________________________________________
                    Relationship To Owner(s)                       |   Relationship To Owner(s)
___________________________________________________________________|___________________________________________________
4                   
                    FIRST PURCHASE PAYMENT $_____________________
ANNUITY             Submitted herewith. A copy of this application duly signed by the agent will constitute receipt for
PURCHASE            such amount. If this application is declined, there will be no liability on the part of the company,
PAYMENTS            and any sums submitted with this application will be refunded.
                    (Minimum initial purchase payment of $15,000)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5
                    Will the proposed contract replace any existing annuity or insurance contracts?
REPLACEMENT         [ ] No    [ ] Yes    Existing Company________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6

REMARKS

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APO-2989                                                                                    Public Fund IRA - AO 11/95
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>                                 <C>                             <C>
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                      |
7                   _______% DELCHESTER FUND            ______% NATIONWIDE MONEY      |  DOLLAR COST AVERAGING (OPTIONAL) 
ALLOCATIONS                  INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                MARKET FUND           |  Transfers must be at least $100 
                                                                                      |  
                    _______% DREYFUS A BONDS PLUS,      ______% NATIONWIDE U.S.       |  Change of these instructions requires     
INITAL MINIMUM:              INC.                               GOVERNMENT INCOME     |  completion of form provided by the        
$15,000                                                         FUND                  |  Company.                                  
                    _______% THE DREYFUS THIRD                                        |                                            
                             CENTURY FUND, INC.         ______% NEUBERGER & BERMAN    |  Please transfer $__________ per           
IF NO ALLOCATIONS                                               GUARDIAN FUND, INC.   |  month from the (check one)                
ARE SPECIFIED,      _______% THE EVERGREEN TOTAL                                      |  [ ] Nationwide Money Market Fund          
THE ENTIRE                   RETURN FUND                ______% NEUBERGER & BERMAN    |  [ ] Nationwide Fixed Account              
AMOUNT WILL BE                                                  LIMITED MATURITY      |  [ ] Neuberger and Berman Limited          
ALLOCATED TO THE    _______% FIDELITY ASSET MANAGER             BOND FUND             |      Maturity Bond Fund                    
NATIONWIDE                                                                            |                                            
MONEY MARKET        _______% FIDELITY EQUITY-INCOME     ______% NEUBERGER & BERMAN    |  Monthly trnsfers from the Fixed           
FUND PENDING                 FUND                               PARTNERS FUND, INC.   |  Account must be equal to or less than     
INSTRUCTION FROM                                                                      |  1/30th of the Fixed Account when DCA      
THE CONTRACT        _______% FIDELITY MAGELLAN FUND     ______% OPPENHEIMER GLOBAL    |  is requested.                             
OWNER.                                                          FUND                  |  (Fund Name, whole % only, totaling 100%)  
                    _______% FIDELITY PURITAN FUND                                    |                                            
                                                        ______% PEOPLES INDEX FUND,   |  ______% _________________________________ 
                    _______% FIDELITY ADVISORS                  INC.                  |                                            
                             EQUITY INCOME A                                          |  ______% _________________________________ 
                                                        ______% PHOENIX BALANCED      |                                            
                    _______% FIDELITY ADVISORS                  FUND SERIES           |  ______% _________________________________ 
WHOLE                        GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY                                     |                                            
PERCENTAGES ONLY,                                       ______% STRONG TOTAL RETURN   |  ______% _________________________________ 
MUST TOTAL 100%     _______% FIDELITY ADVISORS                  FUND, INC.            |                                            
                             HIGH YIELD A                                             |  ______% _________________________________ 
                                                        ______% TEMPLETON FOREIGN     |    100 % TOTAL                             
                    _______% FIDELITY ADVISORS                  FUND                  |                                            
                             INCOME & GROWTH                                          |  Begin processing these transfer           
                                                        ______% TWENTIETH CENTURY     |  instructions on __________________ 19 ___ 
                    _______% JANUS FUND                         GROWTH INVESTORS      |                  Mo.           Day     Yr. 
                                                                                      |                                            
                    _______% JANUS TWENTY FUND          ______% TWENTIETH CENTURY     |  (All DCA transactions will be confirmed on
                                                                INTERNATIONAL EQUITY  |  quarterly statements. Please review the   
                    _______% MFS WORLD                          FUND                  |  information in these statements carefully.
                             GOVERNMENTS FUND                                         |  All errors or corrections must be reported
                                                         ______% TWENTIETH CENTURY    |  to Nationwide within 30 days to assure    
                    _______% NATIONWIDE BOND FUND                ULTRA INVESTORS      |  proper crediting to your contract)        
                                                                                      |
                    _______% NATIONWIDE FUND             ______% TWENTIETH CENTURY    |
                                                                 U.S. GOVERNMENTS     |
                    _______% NATIONWIDE GROWTH                   SHORT-TERM           |
                             FUND                                                     |
                                                         ______% WARBURG PINCUS       |
                    _______% FIXED ACCOUNT                       EMERGING GROWTH      |
______________________________________________________________________________________|____________________________________________

8   OPTIONAL:        I (Contract Owner) appoint _________________________________________________________ as  my  Limited Attorney
                     in fact.  Once this appointment is received and recorded by Nationwide Life, my Limited Attorney in fact may
LIMITED              exchange contract values in my name between and among the sub-accounts of my contract and change allocations 
POWER OF             among the sub-accounts for my future contributions.  
ATTORNEY             I and my Limited  Attorney in Fact, agree, for ourselves, our heirs, the legal representative of our estates,
[ ] NO  [ ] YES      their successors and assigns, to release Nationwide Life from any liability for acting in reliance on 
                     instructions given pursuant to the Limited Power. We jointly and severally  agree to indemnify Nationwide Life
_________________    from and against any claim, liability or expense arising out of any action by Nationwide Life in reliance on
Initialed by         such instructions.  
Contract Owner       THIS POWER IS PERSONAL TO THE HOLDER AND MAY NOT BE DELEGATED TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR ORGANIZATION. 
                     THE HOLDER MUST BE A CURRENTLY LICENSED  AND APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF NATIONWIDE LIFE AND MUST BE THE 
                     AGENT OF RECORD FOR THIS CONTRACT, OR THE POWER WILL AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATE. 
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9                    [ ] Please send me a copy of the Statement of Additional Information to the Prospectus.
                     Signed at:  _________________________________________ on ________________________________________
                                      City                        State                 (Mo / Day / Year)
                     Contract Owner ________________________________________  Joint Owner  ____________________________________ 
                                                                              (If Applicable)
SIGNATURES           Witness  ____________________________________________    ___________________________________#020-_________
                                      (Signature of Producer)                   (Print Producer Name and Number)
                     Producer Phone #      (   )                     Address __________________________________________________
                     Producer:   Do you have reason to believe the contract applied for is to replace existing annuities or
                                 insurance owned by the annuitant?  [ ]  Yes    [ ]  No
                     Broker Dealer  ______________________________________   Telephone_________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   1





                                 EXHIBIT NO. 9


                               OPINION OF COUNSEL
<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>                      <C>                               <C>
                                                      DRUEN, RATH & DIETRICH
                                                         ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                                                       ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA
                                                       COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216

BRIAN M. BACON              RANDALL L. ORR                (614) 249-7617                     TELECOPIER
THOMAS E. BARNES            ROBERT M. PARSONS                              
ROGER A. CRAIG              THOMAS J. PRUNTE                                               (614) 248-2418
ELIZABETH A. DAVIN          JOSEPH P. RATH
THOMAS W. DIETRICH          ARLENE L. REILLY                                          WRITER'S DIRECT DIAL NUMBER
W. SIDNEY DRUEN             LUCINDA A. REYNOLDS
CAROL E. DUNN               SANDRA L. RICH                                                 
JEANNE A. GRIFFIN           DANIEL R. RUPP
LEROY JOHNSTON III          STEVEN R. SAVINI
MARK B. KOOGLER             ANNE DANZA SAXON
WALTER R. LEAHY             W. JOSEPH SCHLEPPI
GEORGE K. MACKLIN           DAVID E. SIMAITIS
RANDALL W. MAY              KENT N. SIMMONS
M. LINDA MAZZITTI           LEE A. THORNBURY
REGINALD C. MOMAH           PHILIP W. WHITAKER
SANDRA L. NEELY             DAVID L. WHITE
PETER J. OESTERLING*

Practice Limited to Nationwide Insurance Companies
and their associated companies

*Practice Limited to Pennsylvania
</TABLE>


November 21, 1995

Nationwide Life Insurance Company
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio 43216

To the Company:

We have prepared the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for the purpose of registering under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts to be sold by
Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Nationwide") and to be issued and
administered through the Nationwide Variable Account.  In connection therewith,
we have examined the Articles of Incorporation, Code of Regulations and Bylaws
of Nationwide, minutes of meetings of the Board of  Directors, pertinent
provisions of federal and Ohio laws, together with such other documents as we
have deemed relevant for the purposes of this opinion.  Based on the foregoing,
it is our opinion that:

  1. Nationwide is a stock life insurance corporation duly organized and
     validly existing under the laws of the State of Ohio and duly authorized
     to issue and sell life insurance and annuity contracts.

  2. The Nationwide Variable Account  has been properly created and is a
     validly existing separate account pursuant to the laws of the State of
     Ohio.

  3. The issuance and sale of the Individual Deferred Variable Annuity
     Contracts have been duly authorized by Nationwide.  When issued and sold
     in the manner stated in the prospectus constituting a part of the
     Registration Statement, the contracts will
<PAGE>   3
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
November 21, 1995
Page 2

   be legal and binding obligations of Nationwide in accordance with their
   terms, except that clearance must be obtained, or the contract form must be
   approved, prior to the issuance thereof in certain jurisdictions.


We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption "Legal
Opinions" in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,


/s/ DRUEN, RATH & DIETRICH
- - --------------------------
DRUEN, RATH & DIETRICH


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