NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
485BPOS, 1997-04-24
Previous: NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT, 485BPOS, 1997-04-24
Next: AFL CIO HOUSING INVESTMENT TRUST, N-30B-2, 1997-04-24



<PAGE>   1

             As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                      '33 Act File No. 2-58043 
                                                     '40 Act File No. 811-2716

===============================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                  REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                  ACT OF 1933

   
                      Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 [x]
    

                                      and

                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   
                              Amendment No. 31 [x]
    
                          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)

       This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in
respect of the Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information and Financial
Statements.

     It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
space)

[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
   
[X] on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
    
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
    previously filed post-effective amendment.
   
       The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of securities by a
prior registration statement in accordance with Rule 24f-2 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Registrant filed its Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996, on February 25, 1997.
    

===============================================================================


                                    1 of 104
<PAGE>   2



                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                    REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM                                                                                                    PAGE
<S>        <C>                                                                                              <C>
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS

     Item   1.   Cover page.................................................................................1
     Item   2.   Definitions................................................................................5
     Item   3.   Synopsis or Highlights....................................................................15
     Item   4.   Condensed Financial Information...........................................................16
     Item   5.   General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies.....................20
     Item   6.   Deductions and Expenses...................................................................21
     Item   7.   General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts.........................................29
     Item   8.   Annuity Period............................................................................26
     Item   9.   Death Benefit and Distributions...........................................................28
     Item  10.   Purchases and Contract Value..............................................................30
     Item  11.   Redemptions...............................................................................31
     Item  12.   Taxes.....................................................................................32
     Item  13.   Legal Proceedings.........................................................................33
     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 Yield Quotations of Money Market Sub-Accounts..............................43
     Item  22.    Annuity Payments..........................................................................43
     Item  23.    Financial Statements......................................................................44

Part C     OTHER INFORMATION

     Item  24.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.........................................................85
     Item  25.    Directors and Officers of the Depositor...................................................86
     Item  26.    Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the
                  Depositor or Registrant...................................................................88
     Item  27.    Number of Contract Owners.................................................................97
     Item  28.    Indemnification...........................................................................97
     Item  29.    Principal Underwriter.....................................................................97
     Item  30.    Location of Accounts and Records..........................................................98
     Item  31.    Management Services.......................................................................98
     Item  32.    Undertakings..............................................................................98
</TABLE>
    


                                    2 of 104
<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 DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                  ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
       The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts described in this
prospectus are Flexible Purchase Payment Contracts (collectively referred to as
the "Contracts"). Contracts issued prior to January 1, 1993 were issued to the
trustees of Qualified Plans as Qualified Contracts. Contracts issued after
January 1, 1993 may be issued to custodians of Individual Retirement Accounts
("IRAs").

       Contracts issued after January 1, 1993 do not qualify for tax-deferral
under federal tax rules governing Non-Qualified Annuities or Individual
Retirement Annuities. Such Contracts are, however, issued to custodians of
Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs") for the benefit of individual IRA
account holders. Such account holders shall be the Annuitant under these
Contracts. Annuity payments under the Contracts are deferred until a selected
later date.

       Purchase Payments are allocated to 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 the following Underlying Mutual Fund options:
    

                FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1993

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -American Century: Benham Short-Term Government                Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio* (additional
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -American Century: Income & Growth                                 Purchase Payments or exchanges may not be
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -American Century: Twentieth Century Growth                        made to this Fund on or after December 1, 1993).
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -American Century: Twentieth Century International             -Janus Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
    Growth                                                     -Janus Twenty Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra                     -Janus Worldwide Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Delchester Fund-Institutional Class                           -MFS(R) World Governments Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.                                    -Nationwide(R) Bond Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Dreyfus S & P 500 Index Fund                                  -Nationwide(R)Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                              -Nationwide(R) Growth Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                              -Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Federated Bond Fund                                           -Nationwide(R) U.S. Government Income Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Advisor Balanced Fund - Class T                      -Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Advisor Equity Income Fund - Class T                 -Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Advisor Growth Opportunities Fund - Class T          -Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Advisor High Yield Fund - Class T                    -Oppenheimer Global Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)                                    -Phoenix Balanced Fund Series
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                   -Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund                                      -Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Puritan Fund                                         -Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
          *The High Income Portfolio may invest in lower quality debt
                 securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.


                                       1

                                    1 of 104
<PAGE>   4


   
                 FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1993
    

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
- -American Century: Twentieth Century Growth                    -Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
- -American Century: Benham Short-Term Government                -MFS(R) World Governments Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
- -Fidelity Capital & Income Fund(1)                             -Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
1  Additional Purchase Payments or exchanges may not be made to this Fund on or
   after May 1, 1991. Not available for Contracts which were issued on or after
   May 1, 1987.

2  Additional Purchase Payments or exchanges may not be made to this Fund on or
   after December 1, 1993.

   
       This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know
about the Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts issued by Nationwide
Variable Account before investing. You should read it and keep it for future
reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 1997, 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 the number
listed above or writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609.
    
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 MAY 1, 1997, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 42 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1997.
    

                                       2

                                    4 of 104
<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 actually receiving annuity payments and upon whose
continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends.
This person must be age 78 or younger at the time of Contract issuance.
Although not the Owner of the Contract, the Annuitant may exercise rights of
ownership in the Contract if so authorized by the holder of the Contract (an
IRA custodian or Qualified Plan trustee(s)).

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

ANNUITIZATION DATE- The date on which annuity payments actually commence.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE- The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
commence. The Annuity Commencement Date is shown on the data page of the
Contract, and is subject to change by the Owner.

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

CONTINGENT DESIGNATED ANNUITANT- The Contingent Designated Annuitant may be the
recipient of certain rights or benefits under this Contract when the Annuitant
dies before the Annuitization Date. If a Contingent Designated Annuitant is
named on the application, all provisions of the Contract which are based on the
death of the Annuitant will be based on the death of the last survivor of the
Annuitant and the Contingent Designated Annuitant. The Owner's right to name a
Contingent Designated Annuitant may be restricted under the provisions of any
retirement or deferred compensation plan for which this Contract is issued.

CONTRACT- The Individual 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 is the person (a Qualified Plan
trustee(s), or an IRA custodian) who possesses all rights under the Contract.
In most cases, IRA custodians and Qualified Plan trustees will authorize the
exercise of ownership rights in the Contract by the Annuitant, including the
right to designate and change any designations of the Beneficiary, Contingent
Beneficiary, Annuity Payment Option, the Annuity Commencement Date and the
right to make exchanges and reallocations among the investment options
available under the Contract. The Contract Owner is the person named on the
application, unless changed.

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 the Contract remains in force commencing with the Date
of Issue.

DATE OF ISSUE- The date shown as the Date of Issue on the Contract data page of
the Contract.

DEATH BENEFIT- The benefit payable upon the death of the Designated 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 the Variable Account or any other segregated asset account of the
Company.

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


                                       3

                                    5 of 104
<PAGE>   6


HOME OFFICE- The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.
   
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT/IRA- A custodial account qualifying for favorable
tax treatment under Section 408 of the Code, and which may hold this Contract
as an investment asset. No Contracts described in this prospectus were or shall
be sold as Individual Retirement Annuities.
    
INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD- An Interest Rate Guarantee Period is the
interval of time during which an interest rate credited to the Fixed Account
under the Contract is guaranteed to remain the same. For new Purchase Payments
to 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 (but not more than 15 months) 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.
   
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT- A Contract not qualifying for favorable tax treatment
under Sections 401 (Qualified Plans), 408 (IRAs), or 403(b) (Tax Sheltered
Annuities) of the Code.
    
PLAN PARTICIPANT-A Plan Participant is a person for whom contributions are
being made to a Qualified Plan either through employer contributions or
employee salary reduction contributions.

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 CONTRACT- A Contract receiving favorable tax treatment under the
Code, including those described in Sections 401 and 403(a).

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

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

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND (FUND) - A registered management investment company in
which the assets of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account will be invested.

VALUATION DATE- Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's Home
Office are 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.
   
VARIABLE ACCOUNT- The Nationwide Variable Account, a separate investment
account of the Company to which Variable Account Purchase Payments are
allocated. The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which
invests in shares of a separate Underlying Mutual Fund.
    
VARIABLE ANNUITY- An annuity providing for payments which vary in amount with
the investment experience of the Variable Account.


                                       4

                                    6 of 104
<PAGE>   7
   
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS..................................................3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES...............................................6
SYNOPSIS..................................................................13
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION...........................................14
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.........................................18
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT......................................................18
         Underlying Mutual Fund Options...................................18
         Voting Rights....................................................19
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS.........19
         Mortality Risk Charge............................................19
         Expense Risk Charge..............................................19
         Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.................................19
         Elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge..................20
         Contract Maintenance and Administration Charge...................21
         Premium Taxes....................................................21
         Expenses of Variable Account.....................................21
         Investments of the Variable Account..............................21
         Right to Revoke..................................................22
         Transfers........................................................22
         Loan Privilege...................................................22
         Beneficiary Provisions...........................................23
         Ownership Provisions.............................................23
         Substitution of Securities.......................................24
         Inquiries........................................................24
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT...................................24
         Value of an Annuity Unit.........................................24
         Assumed Investment Rate..........................................24
         Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments.........................24
         Annuity Commencement Date........................................24
         Change in Annuity Commencement Date..............................24
         Change in Form of Annuity........................................25
         Annuity Payment Option...........................................25
         Death Benefit After the Annuitization Date.......................25
         Required Distributions for Qualified Plans.......................25
         Required Distributions for Individual Retirement Annuities and
              Individual Retirement Accounts..............................26
         Generation-Skipping Transfers....................................26
GENERAL INFORMATION.......................................................27
         Contract Owner Services..........................................27
         Statements and Reports...........................................27
         Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value...............28
         Value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit....................28
         Net Investment Factor............................................28
         Valuation of Assets..............................................29
         Determining the Contract Value...................................29
         Surrender (Redemption)...........................................29
         Surrenders Under a Qualified Plan................................29
         Taxes............................................................29
         Qualified Plans and Individual Retirement Accounts...............30
         Individual Retirement Accounts...................................30
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.........................................................30
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................31
APPENDIX A................................................................32
APPENDIX B................................................................34
</TABLE>
    


                                       5

                                    7 of 104
<PAGE>   8

                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES
               (FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1993)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
CONTRACT TRANSACTION EXPENSES
    Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge(1)...............................7%

MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGES(2)..............................$30

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge......................................1.25%
    Administration Charge..................................................0.05%
         Total Variable Account Annual Expenses............................1.30%
</TABLE>
   
    1  For Contracts issued on or after January 1, 1993 the maximum Contingent
       Deferred Sales Charge is 7%. Starting with the second year after a
       Purchase Payment has been made, 10% of that Purchase Payment may be
       withdrawn without imposition of a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The
       Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is waived: (a) for first year
       withdrawals of up to 10% of Purchase Payments for IRA rollover
       contracts: or (b) for any amount withdrawn from this Contract required
       to meet minimum Distribution requirements under the Code. Withdrawals
       may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms of a
       Qualified Plan. This free withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative and
       must be used in the year available. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
       is imposed only against Purchase Payments.
    
    2  The annual Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted on each Contract
       Anniversary and in any year in which the entire Contract Value is
       surrendered on the date of Surrender (see "Contract Maintenance and
       Administration Charges").


                                       6

                                    8 of 104
<PAGE>   9



                    UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(3)
               (FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1993)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Management        Other    12b-1    Total Portfolio
                                                                       Fees         Expenses    Fees       Expenses
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>                                                                <C>             <C>      <C>             <C>
    American Century: Benham Short-Term Government                     0.70%           0.00%    0.00%           0.70%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    American Century: Income & Growth                                  0.30%           0.34%    0.00%           0.64%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    American Century: Twentieth Century Growth                         1.00%           0.00%    0.00%           1.00%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    American Century: Twentieth Century International Growth           1.45%           0.00%    0.00%           1.45%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra                          1.00%           0.00%    0.00%           1.00%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Delchester Fund-Institutional Class                                0.57%           0.20%    0.00%           0.77%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.                                         0.65%           0.28%    0.00%           0.93%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dreyfus S & P 500 Index Fund                                       0.30%           0.25%    0.00%           0.55%
        (Formerly Peoples Index Fund(R), Inc.)
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                               0.75%           0.36%    0.00%           1.11%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                                   0.98%           0.21%    0.00%           1.19%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Federated Bond Fund                                                0.50%           0.59%    0.00%           1.09%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity Advisor Balanced Fund - Class T                           0.51%           0.31%     .50%           1.32%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity Advisor Equity Income Fund - Class T                      0.45%           0.26%    0.50%           1.21%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity Advisor Growth Opportunities Fund - Class T               0.61%           0.23%    0.50%           1.34%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity Advisor High Yield Fund - Class T                         0.60%           0.27%    0.25%           1.12%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity Asset Manager                                             0.68%           0.27%    0.00%           0.95%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                        0.45%           0.23%    0.00%           0.68%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund                                           0.47%           0.21%    0.00%           0.68%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity Puritan Fund                                              0.46%           0.28%    0.00%           0.74%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                                 0.59%           0.12%    0.00%           0.71%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Janus Fund                                                         0.65%           0.22%    0.00%           0.87%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Janus Twenty Fund                                                  0.66%           0.24%    0.00%           0.90%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Janus Worldwide Fund                                               0.67%           0.30%    0.00%           0.97%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    MFS(R)World Governments Fund                                       0.90%           0.36%    0.25%           1.51%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nationwide(R)Bond Fund                                             0.50%           0.20%    0.00%           0.70%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nationwide(R)Fund                                                  0.50%           0.11%    0.00%           0.61%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nationwide(R)Growth Fund                                           0.50%           0.14%    0.00%           0.64%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nationwide(R)Money Market                                          0.45%           0.15%    0.00%           0.60%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nationwide(R)U.S. Government Income Fund                           0.65%           0.21%    0.20%           1.06%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.                             0.70%           0.12%    0.00%           0.82%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Fund                      0.51%           0.19%    0.00%           0.70%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.                             0.74%           0.10%    0.00%           0.84%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Oppenheimer Global Fund                                            0.71%           0.28%    0.18%           1.17%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Phoenix Balanced Fund Series                                       0.51%           0.26%    0.25%           1.02%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.                                     0.80%           0.28%    0.00%           1.08%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Templeton Foreign Fund- Class I                                    0.61%           0.26%    0.25%           1.12%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund                                0.90%           0.37%    0.00%           1.27%
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


   
3    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. The information relating to the Underlying Mutual
     Fund expenses was provided by the Underlying Mutual Fund and was not
     independently verified by the Company. The following Underlying Mutual
     Funds are subject to fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements:
    


                                       7

                                    9 of 104
<PAGE>   10

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
                            FUND                                         EXPENSES WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT OR WAIVER
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Federated Bond Fund                                            The management fee has been reduced to reflect the
                                                               voluntary waiver of a portion of the management fee. The
                                                               adviser can terminate this voluntary waiver at any time at
                                                               its sole discretion. The maximum management fee is 0.75%.
                                                               The total operating expenses were 1.30% absent the
                                                               voluntary waiver of the portion of the management fee.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                    The Fund has entered into arrangements with its custodian and
                                                               transfer agent whereby interest earned on uninvested cash
                                                               balances is used to reduce custodian and transfer agent
                                                               expenses. Including these reductions, the total operating
                                                               expenses presented in the table would have been 0.68%.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund                                      The Fund has entered into arrangements with its custodian
                                                               and transfer agent whereby interest earned on uninvested
                                                               cash balances is used to reduce custodian and transfer
                                                               agent expenses. Including these reductions, the total
                                                               operating expenses presented in the table would have been
                                                               0.95%.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Puritan Fund                                          The Fund has entered into arrangements with its custodian
                                                               and transfer agent whereby interest earned on uninvested
                                                               cash balances is used to reduce custodian and transfer
                                                               agent expenses. Including these reductions, the total
                                                               operating expenses presented in the table would have been
                                                               0.69%.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund                                 The Fund will waive 0.05% of the total 0.50% management fee
                                                               until further notice.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund                            Absent the voluntary waiver of a portion of the fees payable
                                                               to the Funds' investment adviser, the Management Fees for
                                                               the Fund would have equaled 0.90%, and Total Fund Operating
                                                               Expenses for the Fund would have equaled 1.26%.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


                                       8

                                   10 of 104
<PAGE>   11



                                    EXAMPLE
               (FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1993)

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. The expense amounts presented are derived from a
formula which allows the $30 Contract Maintenance Charge to be expressed as a
percentage of the average Contract account size for existing Contracts. Since
the average Contract account size for Contracts issued under this prospectus is
greater than $1000, the expense effect of the Contract Maintenance Charge is
reduced accordingly.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR     IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR      IF YOU ANNUITIZE YOUR
                                 CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE    CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE    CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE
                                   APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD        APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD        APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS.  10 YRS.  1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS.  10 YRS.  1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS.  10 YRS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>     <C>
American Century: Benham         92    113     143     249     22     68     116     249            68     116     249
Short-Term Government                                                                         *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century: Income &       71    111     158     243     21     66     113     243      *     66     113     243
Growth
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century: Twentieth      75    122     177     281     25     77     132     281            77     132     281
Century Growth                                                                                *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century: Twentieth      80    136     200     327     30     91     155     327            91     155     327
Century International Growth                                                                  *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century: Twentieth      75    122     177     281     25     77     132     281            77     132     281
Century Ultra                                                                                 *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delchester Fund-Inst'l           73    115     165     257     23     70     120     257      *     70     120     257
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus A Bonds Plus             74    120     173     274     24     75     128     274      *     75     128     274
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus S & P 500 Index Fund     70    108     153     233     20     63     108     233      *     63     108     233
(Formerly Peoples Index Fund,
Inc.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Third Century        76    126     183     292     26     81     138     292      *     81     138     292
Fund, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen Income and Growth      77    128     187     301     27     83     142     301      *     83     142     301
Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federated Bond Fund              76    125     182     290     26     80     137     290      *     80     137     290
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor Balanced Fund*
Class T
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor Fund Equity     72    113     162     250     22     68     117     250            68     117     250
Income Fund - Class T                                                                         *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor Fund Growth     73    117     168     264     23     72     123     264            72     123     264
Opportunities Fund - Class T                                                                  *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor High Yield      74    118     170     267     24     73     125     267      *     73     125     267
Fund - Class T
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)       75    121     174     276     25     76     129     276      *     76     129     276
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund      72    112     160     247     22     67     115     247      *     67     115     247
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Magellan Fund           72    112     160     247     22     67     115     247      *     67     115     247
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Puritan Fund            72    114     163     254     22     69     118     254      *     69     118     254`
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income         72    113     162     250     22     68     117     250      *     68     117     250
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Fund                       74    118     170     267     24     73     125     267      *     73     125     267
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Twenty Fund                74    119     172     271     24     74     127     271      *     74     127     271
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Worldwide Fund             75    121     175     278     25     76     130     278      *     76     130     278
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS(R)World  Governments Fund    78    130     190     308     28     85     145     308      *     85     145     308
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Bond Fund           72    113     161     249     22     68     116     249      *     68     116     249
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Fund                71    110     156     240     21     65     111     240      *     65     111     240
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Growth Fund         71    111     158     243     21     66     113     243      *     66     113     243
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund   71    110     156     239     21     65     111     239      *     65     111     239
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)U.S. Government     74    118     170     266     24     73     125     266            73     125     266
Income Fund                                                                                   *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Guardian      73    116     167     262     23     71     122     262            71     122     262
Fund, Inc.                                                                                    *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Limited       72    113     161     249     22     68     116     249            68     116     249
Maturity Bond Fund                                                                            *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Partners      73    117     168     264     23     72     123     264            72     123     264
Fund, Inc.                                                                                    *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Global Fund          75    122     176     280     25     77     131     280      *     77     131     280
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phoenix Balanced Fund Series     73    115     165     257     23     70     120     257      *     70     120     257
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.   76    125     181     289     26     80     136     289      *     80     136     289
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Foreign Fund -         74    118     170     267     24     73     125     267      *     73     125     267
Class I
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth   78    131     191     309     28     86     146     309      *     86     146     309
Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
*The Contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit annuitizations during
 the first two Contract years.


                                       9

                                   11 of 104
<PAGE>   12


   
The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne 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 complete descriptions of the expenses of the Nationwide Variable Account,
see "Variable Account Charges, Purchase Payments, and Other Deductions." For
more 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").
    


                                       10

                                   12 of 104
<PAGE>   13


                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES
                (FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1993)


<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                                      <C>
         CONTRACT TRANSACTION EXPENSES
                  Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge(1).....................................5%

         MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGES(2).........................................$30

         VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
                  Mortality and Expense Risk Charge............................................1.30%
                           Total Variable Account Annual Expenses..............................1.30%
</TABLE>

                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(3)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                             Total
                                                            Management        Other       12b-1            Portfolio
                                                               Fees         Expenses       Fees             Expenses
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>            <C>          <C>                 <C>
American Century: Benham Short-Term Government                 0.70%          0.00%        0.00%               0.70%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century: Twentieth Century Growth                     1.00%          0.00%        0.00%               1.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                             0.59%          0.12%        0.00%               0.71%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Capital Income Fund                                   0.62%          0.27%        0.00%               0.89%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS(R)World Governments Fund                                   0.90%          0.36%        0.25%               1.51%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Bond Fund*                                        0.50%          0.01%        0.00%               0.51%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Fund*                                             0.50%          0.11%        0.00%               0.61%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Growth Fund*                                      0.50%          0.14%        0.00%               0.64%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Money Market                                      0.45%          0.15%        0.00%               0.60%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


   
      1  The Contract Owner may, after the first year from the date of any
         Purchase Payment, withdraw 5% of that Purchase Payment without
         imposition of a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.
    
      2  The annual Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted on each Contract
         Anniversary and in any year in which the entire Contract Value is
         surrendered on the date of Surrender (see "Contract Maintenance and
         Administration Charges").
   
      3  The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the Underlying
         Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against separate 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. The
         information relating to the Underlying Mutual Fund expenses was
         provided by the Underlying Mutual Fund and was not independently
         verified by the Company. The following Underlying Mutual Funds are
         subject to fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
                            FUND                                         EXPENSES WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT OR WAIVER
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund                                 The Fund will waive 0.05% of the total 0.50% management fee
                                                               until further notice.
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


                                       11

                                   13 of 104
<PAGE>   14

                                    EXAMPLE
                (FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1993)

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be
incurred under this Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment 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. The expense amounts presented are
derived from a formula which allows the $30 Contract Maintenance Charge to be
expressed as a percentage of the average contract account size for existing
Contracts. Since the average contract account size for Contracts issued under
this prospectus is greater than $1000, the expense effect of the Contract
Maintenance Charge is reduced accordingly.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR     IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR     IF YOU ANNUITIZE YOUR
                       CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE   CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE    CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE
                         APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD       APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD        APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS. 10 YRS.  1 YR. 3 YRS.  5 YRS. 10 YRS.  1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS.  10 YRS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>   <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>     <C>
American Century:       75    122    172     282     25     77     132     282     **     77     132     282
Twentieth Century
Growth.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century:       72    113    156     249     22     68     116     249     **     68     116     249
Benham Short-Term
Government
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Capital &      74    119    166     270     24     74     126     270     **     74     126     270
Income Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High       72    113    157     250     22     68     117     250     **     68     117     250
Income Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS(R)World             78    130    185     308     28     85     145     308     **     85     145     308
Governments Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Money      71    110    151     239     21     65     111     239     **     65     111     239
Market Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Bond Fund  72    113    156     249     22     68     116     249     **     68     116     249
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Fund       71    110    151     240     21     65     111     240     **     65     111     240
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Growth     71    111    153     243     21     66     113     243     **     66     113     243
Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
** 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 are to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne directly or indirectly. The expenses of the Nationwide Variable Account as
well as those of the Underlying Mutual Fund Company are reflected in the table.
For more complete descriptions of the expenses of the Nationwide Variable
Account, see "Variable Account Charges, Purchase Payments, and Other
Deductions." For more 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").
    


                                       12

                                   14 of 104
<PAGE>   15


                                    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 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. For Contracts issued before January 1,
1993 the Company will deduct a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge not to exceed
5% of the lesser of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 96 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").

       In addition, on each Contract Anniversary the Company will deduct an
annual Contract Maintenance Charge of $30 from the Contract Value of such
Contracts. The Company will also assess for Contracts issued on or after
January 1, 1993 an Administration Charge equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of
the daily net asset value of the Variable Account. These charges are to
reimburse the Company for administrative expenses related to the issuance and
maintenance of the Contracts. The Company does not expect to recover from these
charges an amount in excess of accumulated administrative expenses (see
"Contract Maintenance and Administration Charges").

       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% (0.50% for Contracts issued prior to January 1, 1993) of the daily net
asset value of the Variable Account as compensation for the Company's risk in
undertaking not to increase administrative charges on the Contracts regardless
of the actual administrative costs (see "Expense Risk Charge").

       The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under Contracts issued on
the life of any one Designated Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000 without the
prior consent of the Company (see "Allocations of Purchase Payments and
Contract Value").

       If the Contract Value at the Annuitization Date is less than $500, the
Contract Value may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments.
If any annuity payment would be less than $20, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in
payments of at least $20. In no event, however, will annuity payments be made
less frequently than annually (see "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments").
   
       Premium taxes payable to any governmental entity will be charged against
the Contracts. If any such premium taxes are payable by the Company at the time
Purchase Payments are made, an equal premium tax deduction may be made from the
Contract prior to the allocation of any Purchase Payment to any Underlying
Mutual Fund option (see "Premium Taxes").

       To be sure that the Contract Owner (or Annuitant if the Annuitant has
been authorized to exercise ownership rights under the Contract) is satisfied
with the Contract, the Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized) 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. All IRA refunds will be return of
Purchase Payments (see "Right To Revoke").
    


                                       30

                                   15 of 104
<PAGE>   16


                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
               Accumulation Unit Values for an Accumulation Unit
                       outstanding throughout the period
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           ACCUMULATION     ACCUMULATION         PERCENT         NUMBER OF
                            UNIT VALUE       UNIT VALUE         CHANGE IN       ACCUMULATION
                           AT BEGINNING        AT END         ACCUMULATION      UNITS AT END
          FUND              OF PERIOD         OF PERIOD        UNIT VALUE      OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>              <C>                  <C>             <C>             <C>
American Century: Benham     20.449954        21.012508            2.75%           157,941         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Government        18.748399        20.449954            9.08%           216,620         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(formerly Twentieth          19.087872        18.748399           -1.78%           183,649         1994
Century
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Governments             18.563845        19.087872            2.82%           182,484         1993
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term)                  18.018283        18.563845            3.03%           177,970         1992
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             16.352445        18.018283           10.19%           191,264         1991
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             15.400806        16.352445            6.18%           188,328         1990
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             14.188398        15.400806            8.55%           224,117         1989
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             13.608723        14.188398            4.26%           252,401         1988
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             13.278840        13.608723            2.48%           215,842         1987
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century:            45.274141        51.389039           13.51%           186,518         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twentieth Century Growth     38.113717        45.274141           18.79%           231,124         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(formerly Twentieth          39.197771        38.113717           -2.77%           324,141         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Century Growth)              38.275689        39.197771            2.41%           335,369         1993
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             40.518750        38.275689           -5.54%           404,811         1992
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             24.287059        40.518750           66.83%           410,440         1991
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             25.592676        24.287059           -5.10%           401,940         1990
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             18.114515        25.592676           41.28%           428,017         1989
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             17.866465        18.114515            1.39%           470,808         1988
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             16.040713        17.866465           11.38%           564,503         1987
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century:            11.748911        13.268469           12.93%            37,683         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twentieth Century            10.000000        11.748911           17.49%            25,477         1995
International Growth
(formerly Twentieth
Century International
Equity Fund)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century:            12.289075        13.807925           12.36%           530,842         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twentieth Century Ultra       9.043121        12.289075           35.89%           266,570         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(formerly Twentieth           9.505758         9.043121           -4.87%           116,020         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Century Ultra)               10.000000         9.505758           -4.94%             2,713         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delchester Fund Inst'l       12.257125        13.618147           11.10%            70,363         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.867271        12.257125           12.79%            65,214         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             11.511092        10.867271           -5.59%            43,997         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000        11.511092           15.11%            15,953         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus A Bonds Plus,        10.819193        10.958199            1.28%           169,248         1996
Inc.
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              9.110600        10.819193           18.75%            53,005         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         9.110600           -8.89%            15,283         1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus S & P 500 Index      14.505515        17.509385           20.71%           187,389         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund                         10.749166        14.505515           34.95%            33,323         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.819026        10.749166           -0.65%            12,668         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000        10.819026            8.19%               585         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Third            12.829548        15.742432           22.70%            21,194         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Century Fund, Inc.            9.570659        12.829548           34.05%            12,292         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.477293         9.570659           -8.65%             7,325         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000        10.477293            4.77%             2,583         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen Income and         12.594984        14.032960           11.42%            65,357         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Fund (formerly        10.301799        12.594984           22.26%            60,789         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen Total Return       11.153183        10.301799           -7.63%            51,305         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund)                        10.000000        11.153183           11.53%            32,321         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor Equity      10.213719        11.552736           13.11%            59,163         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Fund - Class T        10.000000        10.213719            2.14%             0             1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor Growth      10.325686        11.997760           16.19%           177,245         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opportunities Fund -         10.000000        10.325686            3.26%             0             1995
Class T
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


                                       14

                                   16 of 104
<PAGE>   17



                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
               Accumulation Unit Values for an Accumulation Unit
                       outstanding throughout the period.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           ACCUMULATION      ACCUMULATION        PERCENT         NUMBER OF
                            UNIT VALUE        UNIT VALUE        CHANGE IN       ACCUMULATION
                           AT BEGINNING         AT END        ACCUMULATION      UNITS AT END
          FUND               OF PERIOD        OF PERIOD        UNIT VALUE      OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>               <C>                <C>              <C>            <C>
Fidelity Advisor High        10.057673         11.241941          11.77%            70,939         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yield Fund - Class T         10.000000         10.057673           0.58%             0             1995

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor Income      10.177458         10.890814           7.01%             2,740         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
& Growth Fund - Class T      10.000000         10.177458           1.77%             0             1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Asset Manager       11.183603         12.442308          11.25%           244,667         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              9.589367         11.183603          16.63%           198,546         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.415849          9.589367          -7.93%           150,536         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         10.415849           4.16%             3,292         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity                     37.550944         41.287772           9.95%            29,770         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital & Income             32.589111         37.550944          15.23%            37,608         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund                         34.612981         32.589111          -5.85%            47,236         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             28.076548         34.612981          23.28%            59,521         1993
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             22.214568         28.076548          26.39%            67,342         1992
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             17.337275         22.214568          28.13%            73,366         1991
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             18.269034         17.337275          -5.10%           100,081         1990
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             19.118217         18.269034          -4.44%           181,935         1989
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             17.209582         19.118217          11.09%           209,084         1988
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             17.219486         17.209582          -0.06%           222,142         1987
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Equity-             46.285491         55.285184          19.44%           257,747         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Fund                  35.576037         46.285491          30.10%           263,736         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             35.955883         35.576037          -1.06%           306,544         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             30.029661         35.955883          19.73%           305,774         1993
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             26.531856         30.029661          13.18%           285,928         1992
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             20.772673         26.531856          27.72%           294,858         1991
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             24.479712         20.772673         -15.14%           330,860         1990
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             20.898784         24.479712          17.13%           408,022         1989
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             17.285651         20.898784          20.90%           399,082         1988
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             17.804841         17.285651          -2.92%           434,996         1987
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund     16.158074         17.810611          10.23%           656,562         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             11.964387         16.158074          35.05%           563,859         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             12.346838         11.964387          -3.10%           307,064         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         12.346838          23.47%            59,100         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Puritan Fund        14.410892         16.377974          13.65%           475,617         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             12.020413         14.410892          19.89%           301,466         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             11.972512         12.020413           0.40%           161,179         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         11.972512          19.73%            44,320         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP-                19.364421         21.793257          12.54%            12,382         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Income                  16.267014         19.364421          19.04%            22,970         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio                    16.739460         16.267014          -2.82%            34,151         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             14.073333         16.739460          18.94%            62,931         1993
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             11.587552         14.073333          21.45%            42,842         1992
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         11.587552          15.88%            10,365         1991
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Fund                   10.239338         12.087447          18.05%           133,123         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         10.239338           2.39%             0             1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Twenty Fund            11.699046         14.762398          26.18%           230,288         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              8.701036         11.699046          34.46%            96,594         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              9.451097          8.701036          -7.94%            56,135         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000          9.451097          -5.49%             1,020         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


                                       15

                                   17 of 104
<PAGE>   18



                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

               Accumulation Unit Values for an Accumulation Unit
                       outstanding throughout the period.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              ACCUMULATION     ACCUMULATION       PERCENT         NUMBER OF
                               UNIT VALUE       UNIT VALUE       CHANGE IN       ACCUMULATION
                              AT BEGINNING        AT END        ACCUMULATION     UNITS AT END
           FUND                OF PERIOD        OF PERIOD        UNIT VALUE     OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>              <C>                 <C>             <C>            <C>
MFS(R) World                    35.454983        36.879814           4.02%           28,013         1996
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Governments                     31.104159        35.454983          13.99%           34,015         1995
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund                            33.728667        31.104159          -7.78%           39,642         1994
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                28.864451        33.728667          16.85%           45,016         1993
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                28.856612        28.864451           0.03%           48,580         1992
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                25.777493        28.856612          11.94%           39,397         1991
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                22.152081        25.777493          16.37%           44,525         1990
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                20.902197        22.152081           5.98%           44,572         1989
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                20.287562        20.902197           3.03%           54,351         1988
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                16.504183        20.287562          22.92%           69,736         1987
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)                   37.782872        37.842928           0.16%           42,476         1996
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bond Fund                       30.832258        37.782872          22.54%           38,843         1995
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                33.991130        30.832258          -9.29%           35,282         1994
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                31.104546        33.991130           9.28%           35,392         1993
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                29.186916        31.104546           6.57%           21,409         1992
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                25.300143        29.186916          15.36%           18,724         1991
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                23.686756        25.300143           6.81%           16,600         1990
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                21.674206        23.686756           9.29%           20,519         1989
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                20.301575        21.674206           6.76%           21,508         1988
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                20.512400        20.301575          -1.03%           21,175         1987
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R) Fund              57.857937        70.764576          22.31%           34,681         1996
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                45.095466        57.857937          28.30%           30,473         1995
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                45.422888        45.095466          -0.72%           32,311         1994
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                43.104048        45.422888           5.38%           32,770         1993
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                42.418147        43.104048           1.62%           30,648         1992
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                33.001868        42.418147          28.53%           28,864         1991
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                33.337339        33.001868          -1.01%           27,869         1990
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                25.242361        33.337339          32.07%           26,210         1989
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                21.904484        25.242361          15.24%           34,078         1988
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                21.753896        21.904484           0.69%           29,853         1987
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)                   65.471148        75.405663          15.17%           48,441         1996
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Fund                     51.535806        65.471148          27.04%           48,841         1995
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                51.458079        51.535806           0.15%           48,009         1994
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                46.832151        51.458079           9.88%           48,190         1993
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                44.639577        46.832151           4.91%           48,853         1992
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                33.241418        44.639577          34.29%           42,168         1991
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                36.439953        33.241418          -8.78%           43,789         1990
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                32.118373        36.439953          13.46%           53,223         1989
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                26.557068        32.118373          20.94%           58,604         1988
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                26.282362        26.557068           1.05%           61,931         1987
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)                   18.898613        19.580907           3.61%          327,248         1996
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Fund               18.146709        18.898613           4.14%          424,693         1995
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                17.721943        18.146709           2.40%          326,464         1994
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                17.504831        17.721943           1.24%          294,859         1993
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                17.183173        17.504831           1.87%          303,845         1992
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                16.480790        17.183173           4.26%          450,748         1991
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                15.478296        16.480790           6.48%          548,549         1990
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                14.401492        15.478296           7.48%          568,349         1989
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                13.622887        14.401492           5.72%          731,284         1988
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                12.996777        13.622887           4.82%          798,771         1987
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


                                       16

                                   18 of 104
<PAGE>   19



                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
               Accumulation Unit Values for an Accumulation Unit
                       outstanding throughout the period.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           ACCUMULATION      ACCUMULATION        PERCENT         NUMBER OF
                            UNIT VALUE        UNIT VALUE        CHANGE IN       ACCUMULATION
                           AT BEGINNING         AT END        ACCUMULATION      UNITS AT END
          FUND               OF PERIOD        OF PERIOD        UNIT VALUE      OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                <C>                <C>               <C>           <C>
Nationwide(R)U.S.            10.124709         10.324818           1.98%             6,372         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government Income Fund       10.000000         10.124709           1.25%             0             1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman           12.571028         14.625126          16.34%           357,346         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian Fund                 9.640402         12.571028          30.40%           139,046         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000          9.640402          -3.60%            25,549         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman           10.735070         11.068501           3.11%            74,163         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limited Maturity Bond         9.833352         10.735070           9.17%            91,976         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund                          9.995028          9.833352          -1.62%            89,231         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000          9.995028          -0.05%               423         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman           14.924653         18.631249          24.84%           222,551         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Partners Fund                11.183371         14.924653          33.45%            73,504         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             11.548721         11.183371          -3.16%            38,329         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         11.548721          15.49%             9,926         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Global Fund      15.538850         18.022572          15.98%           228,413         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             13.503390         15.538850          15.07%           160,871         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             14.119303         13.503390          -4.36%            87,590         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         14.119303          41.19%             5,128         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phoenix Balanced Fund        11.373217         12.187868           7.16%            43,659         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series                        9.338434         11.373217          21.79%            23,786         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000          9.338434          -6.62%             9,028         1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Total Return          14.893186         16.766964          12.58%            63,801         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund, Inc.                   11.881033         14.893186          25.35%            41,291         1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             12.205201         11.881033          -2.66%            19,727         1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         12.205201          22.05%             3,939         1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Foreign Fund -     11.097523         12.923758          16.46%           266,447         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class I                      10.000000         11.097523          10.98%            69,083         1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Emerging      10.895016         11.814248           8.44%           250,912         1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Fund                  10.000000         10.895016           8.95%             0             1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

   
Unit value information is not provided for the American Century: Income &
Growth, the Federated Bond Fund and the Janus Worldwide Fund, as said
underlying Mutual Funds were added to the Variable Account effective October
31, 1996, and therefore have no unit value histories prior to that time.
    


                                       17

                                   19 of 104
<PAGE>   20


                       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 Office 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 Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating
services, among which are Moody's, Standard and 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 in sales literature from time to time.

                              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 option(s).
Currently (and at all times after January 1, 1993) the Contracts are issued to
IRA custodians for the benefit of IRA account holders.
    
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS
   
       Contract Owners (or Annuitants, if Annuitants have been authorized to
exercise ownership rights under the Contract) may choose from among a number of
different Underlying Mutual Fund options (see Appendix B which contains a
summary of investment objectives for each Underlying Mutual Fund option). More
detailed information may be found in the current prospectus for each Underlying
Mutual Fund option offered. Such a prospectus for the Underlying Mutual Fund
option(s) being considered must accompany this prospectus and should be read in
conjunction herewith. You can obtain a copy of each prospectus 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.

       Some of the Underlying Mutual Fund options may be available to
registered separate accounts offering variable annuity and variable life
products of other participating insurance companies, as well as to the Variable
Account and other separate accounts of the Company. Although the Company does
not anticipate any disadvantages to this, there is a possibility that a
material conflict may arise between the interest of the Variable Account and
one or more of the other separate accounts participating in the Underlying
Mutual Funds. A conflict may occur due to a change in law affecting the
operations of variable life and variable annuity separate accounts, differences
in the voting instructions of the Contract Owners and those of other companies,
or some other reason. In the event of conflict, the Company will take any steps
necessary to protect Contract Owners and 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.

       For Contracts issued after January 1, 1993, the Underlying Mutual Fund
options offered are also available to the general public. (Based on the
Company's marketing plan for the Contracts, the Company does not anticipate any
disadvantages to this.) There is, however, a possibility that a material
conflict may arise between those with interests in the Contracts, 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 Owners and others maintaining a voting interest in the Underlying Mutual
Funds, or some other reason. In the event of conflict, the Company will take
any steps necessary to protect those with interests in the Contracts.
    


                                       18

                                   20 of 104
<PAGE>   21


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. These shares will be voted in accordance with instruction received from
Contract Owners who have an interest in the Variable Account. If the Investment
Company Act of 1940 or any regulation thereunder should be amended or if the
present interpretation thereof should change, and as 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 number of shares held in the Variable Account which are attributable
to each Contract Owner is determined by dividing the Contract Owner's interest
in the Variable Account by the net asset value of the applicable shares of the
Underlying Mutual Funds. The number of shares which a Contract Owner has the
right to vote will be determined as of a date 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 a 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.
    
       In those cases in which the Annuitant has been authorized to exercise
ownership rights, the Company will accept voting instructions from the
Annuitant and provide all necessary information to the Annuitant as if he or
she were the Contract Owner.

       VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

       The Company assumes a "mortality risk" by virtue of annuity rates
incorporated into the Contract which cannot be changed regardless of the death
rates of persons receiving annuity payments or of the general population.

       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 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.

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 assesses an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal on an annual rate of 0.45%
(0.50% for Contracts issued prior to January 1, 1993) 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, if any part of the Contract Value of such Contracts
is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions (see "Elimination of
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section), deduct 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. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, 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 through these charges. Gross Distribution Allowances which
may be paid on the sale of these Contracts are not more than 5.25% of the
Purchase Payments.

       If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered, a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge will be deducted by the Company. For purposes of the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, surrenders under a Contract come first from
the Purchase Payments which have been on deposit under the Contract for the
longest time period. (For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated as a
withdrawal of earnings first.)


                                       19

                                   21 of 104
<PAGE>   22


       For Contracts issued on or after January 1, 1993, the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge will apply in the amounts set forth below. In no event
will any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge be made against any values which have
been held under the Contract for at least 84 months, or to commencement of an
annuity payout under Contracts which have been in effect for at least two years
or upon the death of the Annuitant.

<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>
   
       Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made
under the Contract, 10% of that Purchase Payment may be withdrawn each year
without imposition of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. This free
withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative and will not exceed 10% of the Purchase
Payment in any year. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is waived: (a) for
first year withdrawals of up to 10% of Purchase Payments for IRA rollover
contracts or (b) any amount withdrawn from this Contract required for this
Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code. Withdrawals
may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms of a Qualified
Plan. No sales charges are deducted on redemption proceeds that are transferred
to the Fixed Account option of this annuity. The Contract Owner may be subject
to a tax penalty if the Contract Owner takes withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2.

       For Contracts issued before January 1, 1993 a Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge will be deducted by the Company 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. In no event will any Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge be made against any values which have been held under the
Contract for at least 96 months. Certain partial surrenders of Contract Values
may be requested for which no Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be
assessed. For any Purchase Payments made, the Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if
applicable) may, after the first year from the date of each such Purchase
Payment, withdraw without a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, up to 5% of that
Purchase Payment for each year that the Purchase Payment has remained on
deposit (less the amount of such Purchase Payment previously surrendered free
of charge).
    
ELIMINATION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
   
       For Contracts sold pursuant to Qualified Plans established on or after
January 1, 1993, as described in Section 401 of the Code and SEP-IRA Contracts
sold on or after January 1, 1993, the Company will waive the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge when:

       A.  the Plan Participant experiences a case of hardship (as defined for
           purposes of Code Section 401(k));

       B.  the Plan Participant becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
           Section 72(m)(7));

       C.  the Plan Participant attains age 59 1/2 and has participated in
           the Contract for at least 5 years, as determined from the
           Contract Anniversary date;

       D.  the Plan Participant has participated in the Contract for at
           least 15 years as determined from the Contract Anniversary date;

       E.  the Plan Participant dies; or

       F.  the Plan Participant annuitizes after 2 years in the Contract.


       For IRAs the Company will waive the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
       when:

       A.  the Designated Annuitant dies; or

       B.  the Contract Owner annuitizes after 2 years in the Contract.
    


                                       20

                                   22 of 104
<PAGE>   23


       When a Contract described in this prospectus is exchanged for another
Contract issued by the Company or any of its affiliate insurance companies, 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.

       In no event will elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges be
permitted where such elimination will be unfairly discriminatory to any person,
or where it is prohibited by law.

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CHARGE
   
       Each year on the Contract Anniversary (and on the date of surrender in
any year in which the entire Contract Value is surrendered), the Company
deducts an annual Contract Maintenance Charge of $30 from the Contract Value to
reimburse it for the administrative expenses relating to the issuance and
maintenance of the Contract. For Contracts issued pursuant to Qualified Plans
described in Section 401 of the Code, established on or after January 1, 1993
and SEP-IRA Contracts established on or after January 1, 1993 and before August
1, 1994, the Contract Maintenance Charge varies from $30 to $0. Underwriting
considerations include the size of the group, the average participant account
balance transferred to the Company, if any, and administrative savings. For
Contracts issued to Qualified Plans described in Section 401 of the Code and
SEP-IRA Contracts established on or after August 1, 1994, the Contract
Maintenance Charge varies from $12 to $0. Variances are based on internal
underwriting guidelines. The Contract Maintenance Charge will be allocated
between the Fixed Account and Variable Account in the same percentages as the
purchase payment investment allocations are to the Fixed Account and Variable
Account. The Company also assess an Administration Charge equal on an annual
basis to 0.05% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account, for
Contracts issued on or after January 1, 1993. The deduction of the
Administration Charge is made from each sub-account in the same proportion that
the Contract Value in each sub-account bears to the total Contract Value in the
Variable Account. These charges are designed only to reimburse the Company for
administrative expenses, the Company does not expect to recover from these
charges any amount in excess of accumulated expenses. In any Contract Year when
a Contract is surrendered for its full value on other than the Contract
Anniversary, the Contract Maintenance Charge will be deducted at the time of
such surrender. The amount of the Contract Maintenance Charge may not be
increased by the Company. In no event will reduction or elimination of the
Contract Maintenance Charge be permitted where such reduction or elimination
will be unfairly discriminatory to any person, or where it is prohibited by
state law.
    
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. 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 a Contract Owner's Contract Value either:
(1) at the time the Contract is surrendered, (2) at Annuitization, or (3) in
those states which require, at the time Purchase Payments are made to the
Contract.

EXPENSES OF VARIABLE ACCOUNT

       The Variable Account is responsible for the following types of expenses:
(1) administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contract; (2) mortality risk charge associated with guaranteeing the annuity
purchase rates at issue for the life of the Contracts; and (3) expense risk
charge associated with guaranteeing that the Mortality Risk, Expense Risk,
Contract Maintenance and Administration Charges described in this prospectus
will not be changed regardless of actual expenses. If these charges are
insufficient to cover these expenses, the loss will be borne by the Company.
   
       For 1996, the Variable Account incurred total expenses equal to 1.56% of
its average net assets relating to the administrative, sales, mortality and
expense risk charges described above for all Contracts outstanding during that
year. Deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the Underlying
Mutual Funds are described in each Underlying Mutual Fund's prospectus.
    
INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
   
       At the time of purchase, Purchase Payments are allocated among one or
more of the Sub-Accounts which consist of shares in the Underlying Mutual
Funds.  Shares of the respective Underlying Mutual Fund option(s) are purchased
at net asset value for the respective Sub-Account(s) and converted into
Accumulation Units. The Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized)
designates the Underlying Mutual Fund(s) to which he or she desires to have
Purchase Payments allocated. The election as to allocation of Purchase Payments
or as to transfers of the Contract Value from one Sub-Account to another may be
changed pursuant to such terms and conditions applicable to such transactions
as may be imposed by each of the Underlying Mutual Fund options, in addition to
those set forth in the Contracts.
    


                                       21

                                   23 of 104
<PAGE>   24


RIGHT TO REVOKE

       The Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized) may revoke the
Contract at any time between the date of application 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 Contract Owner will be paid by the Company.

TRANSFERS

       A transfer of up to 100% of the Contract Value from the Variable Account
to the Fixed Account may be requested without penalty or adjustment. All
amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on deposit in the Fixed
Account until the expiration of the Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Transfers
from the Fixed Account may not be made prior to the end of the then current
Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The Interest Rate Guarantee Period for any
amount allocated to the Fixed Account expires on the final day of a calendar
quarter during which the one year anniversary of the allocation to the Fixed
Account occurs.  Transfers must also be made prior to the Annuitization Date.
For all transfers involving the Variable Account, the Contract Owner'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
restrict transfers from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account to 25% of the
Contract Value for any 12 month period.

       At the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period, a portion of the
value of the Fixed Account may be transferred to the Variable Account. The
amount 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. The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account will be
declared upon the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee
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. If a Dollar Cost
Averaging agreement with the Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging") has been
established, transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account will be
determined under the terms of that agreement.

       Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such
transfers, by telephone. This telephone exchange privilege is made available
automatically without the need of any affirmative election. 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 the
person authorized to make exchanges 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. Losses
incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in reliance on telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine shall not be borne by the
Company. The Company may withdraw the telephone exchange privilege upon 30 days
written notice to Contract Owners.

LOAN PRIVILEGE

       Loans are available only for Contracts issued on or before January 1,
1993.

       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Owner of a Qualified Contract may
receive a loan from their Contract Value, subject to the terms of the Contract,
the Plan, and the Code, which imposes restrictions on loans. Individual
Retirement Annuities, Individual Retirement Accounts and SEP-IRA accounts are
not eligible for loans.

       Loans from Qualified Contracts are available beginning 30 days after the
Date of Issue. The Contract Owner may borrow a minimum of $1,000. In non-ERISA
plans, for Contract Values up to $20,000, the maximum loan balance which may be
outstanding at any time is 80% of the Contract Value, but not more than
$10,000. If the Contract Value is $20,000 or more, the maximum loan balance
which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more
than $50,000. For ERISA plans, the maximum loan balance which may be
outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more than
$50,000. The $50,000 limit will be reduced by the highest loan balances owed
during the prior one-year period. Additional loans are subject to the contract
minimum amount. The aggregate of all loans may not exceed the Contract Value
limitations stated above.

       All loans are made from a collateral fixed account. An amount equal to
the principal amount of the loan will be transferred to the collateral fixed
account. Unless instructed to the contrary by the Contract Owner, the Company
will first transfer to the Fixed Account the Variable Account units from the
Contract Owner's investment options in


                                       22

                                   24 of 104
<PAGE>   25


proportion to the assets in each option until the required balance is reached
or all such variable units are exhausted. The remaining required collateral
will next be transferred from the Fixed Account. No withdrawal charges are
deducted at the time of the loan, or on the transfer from the Variable Account
to the Fixed Account.

       Until the loan has been repaid in full, that portion of the collateral
fixed account equal to the outstanding loan balance shall be credited with
interest at a rate 2.25% less than the loan interest rate fixed by the Company
for the term of the loan. However, the interest rate credited to the collateral
fixed account will never be less than (3.0%). Specific loan terms are disclosed
at the time of loan application or loan issuance.
   
       Loans must be repaid in substantially level payments, not less
frequently than quarterly, within five years. Loans used to purchase the
principal residence of the Contract Owner must be repaid within 15 years.
During the loan term, the outstanding balance of the loan will continue to earn
interest at an annual rate as specified in the loan agreement. Loan repayments
will consist of principal and interest in amounts set forth in the loan
agreement. Loan repayments will be allocated between the Fixed and Variable
Accounts in the same proportion as the current allocation at the time the
repayment is received.
    
       If the Contract is surrendered while the loan is outstanding, the
surrender value will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding plus
accrued interest. If the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies while the loan is
outstanding, the Death Benefit will be reduced by the amount of the loan
outstanding plus accrued interest. If annuity payments start while the loan is
outstanding, the Contract Value will be reduced by the amount of the
outstanding loan plus accrued interest. Until the loan is repaid, the Company
reserves the right to restrict any transfer of the Contract which would
otherwise qualify as a transfer as permitted in Section 1035 of the Code.

         If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to
accrue. A grace period may be available under the terms of the loan agreement.
If a loan payment is not made when due, or by the end of the applicable grace
period, then that payment, which may be a single periodic payment or payment of
the entire loan, will be treated as a deemed Distribution, as permitted by law,
may be taxable to the borrower, and may be subject to an early withdrawal tax
penalty. Interest which subsequently accrues on defaulted amounts may also be
treated as additional deemed Distributions each year. Any defaulted amounts,
plus accrued interest , will be deducted from the Contract when the Participant
becomes eligible for a distribution of at least that amount, and this amount
may again be treated as a Distribution where required by law. Additional loans
may not be available while a previous loan remains in default.

         Loans may also be subject to additional limitations or restrictions
under the terms of the employer's plan. Loans permitted under this Contract may
still be taxable in whole or part if the Participant has additional loans from
other plans or contracts. The Company will calculate the maximum nontaxable
loan based on the information provided by the Participant or the employer.

       Loan repayments must be identified as such or else they will be treated
as Purchase Payments, and will not be used to reduce the outstanding loan
principal or interest due. The Company reserves the right to modify the term or
procedures of the loan in the event of a change in the laws or regulations
relating to the treatment of loans. The Company also reserves the right to
assess a loan processing fee.

BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

       Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner (or
Annuitant, if so authorized) may change the Beneficiary from time to time
during the lifetime of the Annuitant, by written notice to the Company. The
change will, upon receipt by the Company at its Home Office, 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.

       Unless otherwise provided in the Contract or in an effective change of
Beneficiary designation, all rights and interests of any Beneficiary
predeceasing the Annuitant shall vest in the Contingent Beneficiary if
designated. If a Contingent Beneficiary is not designated or predeceases the
Beneficiary, all rights and interests of the Beneficiary will vest in the
Contract Owner or the Contract Owner's estate.

       The Beneficiary will be the designated person or persons who survive the
Annuitant, and if more than one survive, they will share equally unless
otherwise specified in the Beneficiary designation. In the event that the
Beneficiary dies before the Annuitant, the Contingent Beneficiary will become
the Beneficiary.

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

       Unless otherwise provided, the Contract Owner has all rights under the
Contract. Ownership rights may be exercised by the Annuitant if the Contract
Owner has authorized the Annuitant to exercise such rights. IF THE PURCHASER
NAMES SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIMSELF OR HERSELF AS OWNER, THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE
NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT. If the Annuitant does not survive the Contract
Owner or if the Annuitant and the Owner are the same person, Contract ownership
will be determined in accordance with the "Death Of Annuitant Prior To The
Annuitization Date" provision. After the Annuitization Date ownership will be
determined based on


                                       23

                                   25 of 104
<PAGE>   26


the Annuity Payment Option selected. Ownership rights under this Contract may
be restricted under the provisions of the retirement or deferred compensation
plan under which this Contract may be issued.

SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES
   
       If the shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options 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, the Company may
substitute shares of another Underlying Mutual Fund for 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 and the amount of the first such payment
shall be determined 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 was arbitrarily set initially at $10 when
the first Underlying Mutual Fund shares were 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
built into the Annuity Tables contained in the Contracts (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.

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
$500, 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 $20, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in
payments of at least $20. In no event will the Company make payments under an
annuity option less frequently than annually.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

       The Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized) selects an Annuity
Commencement Date at the time of application. Such date must be the first day
of a calendar month and must be at least 2 years after the Date of Issue. In
the event the Contract is issued subject to the terms of a Qualified Plan,
Annuitization may occur during the first 2 years subject to approval by the
Company.

CHANGE IN ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

       The Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized) may, upon prior
written notice to the Company, change the Annuity Commencement Date. The date
to which such a change may be made shall be the first day of a calendar month.


                                       24

                                   26 of 104
<PAGE>   27


       If requested in writing, and the Company approves the request, the
Annuity Commencement Date may be deferred. The amount of the Death Benefit will
be limited to the Contract Value if the Annuity Commencement Date is postponed
beyond the first day of the calendar month after the Annuitant's 75th birthday.

CHANGE IN FORM OF ANNUITY

       The Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized) 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 OPTION

       Any of the following Annuity Payment Option 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.

       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 an Annuitant is payee, any guaranteed annuity payments will be
              continued during the remainder of the selected period to the
              Beneficiary or the Beneficiary 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 a Beneficiary is 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 Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized) 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. Qualified Plan Contracts or Individual Retirement Annuities are
subject to the minimum Distribution requirements set forth in the Plan,
Contract, or the Code.

DEATH BENEFIT 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 elected.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS

       The entire interest of an Annuitant under a Qualified Contract will be
distributed in a manner consistent with the Minimum Distribution and Incidental
Benefit (MDIB) provisions of Section 401(a)(9) of the Code and regulations
thereunder, as applicable, and will be paid, notwithstanding anything else
contained herein, to the Owner/Annuitant under the Annuity Payments Options
selected, over a period not exceeding:

       A.     the life of the Owner/Annuitant or the lives of the
              Owner/Annuitant and the Owner/Annuitant's designated
              Beneficiary; or

       B.     a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the
              Owner/Annuitant or the life expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant
              and the Owner/Annuitant's designated Beneficiary.

       If the Owner/Annuitant's entire interest is to be distributed in equal
or substantially equal payments over a period described in A or B, such
payments will commence not later than the first day of April following the
calendar year in which the Owner/Annuitant attains age 70 1/2 (the Required
Beginning Date). In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in Code
Section 414(d)) or church plan (as defined in Code Section 401(a)(9)(C)), the
Required Beginning Date will be the later of the dates determined under the
preceding sentence or April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year
in which the Annuitant retires.


                                       25

                                   27 of 104
<PAGE>   28


       If the Owner/Annuitant dies prior to the commencement of his or her
Distribution, the interest in the Qualified Contract must be distributed by
December 31 of the calendar year during which the fifth anniversary of his or
her death occurs unless:

       In the case of a Qualified Contract, the Owner/Annuitant names 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
Owner/Annuitant dies.

       If the Owner/Annuitant dies after Distribution has commenced,
Distribution must continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used
prior to his or her death.

       Payments commencing on the Required Beginning Date will not be less than
the lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest of the
Owner/Annuitant by the life expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant, or the joint and
last survivor expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant and the Owner/Annuitant's
designated Beneficiary (whichever is applicable under the applicable Minimum
Distribution or MDIB provisions). Life expectancy and joint and last survivor
expectancy are computed by the use of return multiples contained in Section
1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES AND INDIVIDUAL
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

       Distributions from an Individual Retirement Annuity or Individual
Retirement Account must begin not later than April 1 of the calendar year
following the calendar year in which the Annuitant or Account Holder attains
age 70-1/2. Distribution may be accepted in a lump sum or in nearly equal
payments over: (a) the Owner/Annuitant's life or the lives of the
Owner/Annuitant and his or her spouse or Designated Beneficiary, or (b) a
period not extending beyond your life expectancy or the life expectancy of the
Owner/Annuitant and his or her spouse or designated Beneficiary.

       If the Owner/Annuitant dies prior to the commencement of Distributions,
the interest in the Qualified Contract must be distributed by December 31 of
the calendar year during which the fifth anniversary of your death occurs
unless:

(a)    The Owner/Annuitant has named his or her surviving spouse as the
       Beneficiary and such spouse elects to:

       (i)   treat the annuity as an Individual Retirement Annuity established
             for his or her benefit; or

       (ii)  receive Distribution of the account 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 you would have attained age 70-1/2; or

(b)    The Owner/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
       Owner/Annuitant dies.

       If the Owner/Annuitant dies after Distribution has commenced,
Distribution must continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used
prior to your 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) above.

       If the amounts Distributed to you do not satisfy the Distribution rules
mentioned above, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the amount that should have
been distributed for that year.

       A pro-rata portion of all Distributions 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 contributions exceed prior
non-taxable Distributions and total account balances at the time of the
Distribution. The Owner/Annuitant must annually report to the Internal Revenue
Service the amount of non-deductible contributions, the amount of any
Distribution, the amount by which non-deductible contributions for all years
exceed non-taxable Distributions for all years, and the total balance of all
Individual Retirement Annuities and Individual Retirement Accounts.

       Individual Retirement Annuity and Individual Retirement Account
Distributions will not receive the benefit of the tax treatment of a lump sum
Distribution from a Qualified Plan. If the Owner/Annuitant dies prior to the
time Distribution of his or her interest in the annuity is completed, the
balance will also be included in his or her gross estate.

GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFERS

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


                                       26

                                   28 of 104
<PAGE>   29


                              GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES
   
       ASSET REBALANCING - The Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized)
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.

       Contracts issued to a Qualified Plan as defined by the Code may have
superseding plan restrictions with regard to the frequency of Fund exchanges
and Underlying Mutual Fund options. The Contract Owner may want to contact a
financial adviser in order to discuss the use of Asset Rebalancing in his or
her contract.
    
       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Asset Rebalancing
upon 30 days written notice; such discontinuation will 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 Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so
authorized) may direct the Company to automatically transfer from the Money
Market 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
Contract Owner 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. To qualify for Dollar Cost Averaging there
must be a minimum total Contract Value of $15,000. Transfers for purposes of
Dollar Cost Averaging can only be made from the Money Market 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 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 Contract Owner (or Annuitant) in order to
begin transfers. Once elected, transfers from the Money Market Sub-Account or
the Fixed Account will be processed monthly until either the value in the Money
Market Sub-Account or the Fixed Account is completely depleted or the Contract
Owner 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; such discontinuation will not affect
Dollar Cost Averaging programs already commenced. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a processing fee for this service.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS

       A Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized) may elect in writing
on a form provided by the Company to take Systematic Withdrawals by
surrendering 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 Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account. A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
may also apply to Systematic Withdrawals in accordance with the considerations
set forth in the "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section. 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 recipient is under age 59 1/2. If directed by the Contract Owner, the
Company will withhold federal income taxes from each Systematic Withdrawal. The
Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized) may discontinue Systematic
Withdrawals at any time by notifying the Company in writing.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Systematic
Withdrawals upon 30 days written notice; such discontinuation will not affect
any Systematic Withdrawal programs already commenced. The Company also reserves
the right to assess a processing fee for this service.

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

       The Company will mail to the Contract Owner (or Annuitant if so
authorized to receive statements), at the last known address of record, any
statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation. The Company
should, therefore, be given prompt notice of any address change. The Company
will send a confirmation statement each time a transaction is made affecting
the 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, the Contract Owner (or Annuitant) may receive
confirmation of such transactions in their quarterly statements. The Contract
Owner should


                                       27

                                   29 of 104
<PAGE>   30


review the information in these statements carefully. All errors or
corrections must be reported to the Company immediately to assure proper
crediting to the Contract. The Company will assume all transactions are
accurately reported on quarterly statements or confirmation statements unless
the Company is otherwise notified within 30 days after receipt of the
statement. The Company will also send 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
Fund options by the Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized), and
converted into Accumulation Units.
    
       The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under Contracts issued on
the life of any one Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000 without prior consent
of the Company.

       THE PURCHASER IS CAUTIONED THAT INVESTMENT RETURN ON SMALL INITIAL AND
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS MAY BE LESS THAN CHARGES ASSESSED BY 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, and the
Company may 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 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. Thereafter,
subsequent Purchase Payments will be priced on the basis of the Accumulation
Unit Value next computed for the appropriate Sub-Account after the additional
Purchase Payment is received.

       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 of:
   
       (1)    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, plus or minus
    
       (2)    the per share charge or credit, if any, for any taxes reserved
              for in the immediately preceding Valuation Period (see "Charge
              For Tax Provisions").

(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 1.30% 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 (such as money market funds and certain bond
funds), 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


                                       28

                                   30 of 104
<PAGE>   31


   
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, and any charge or credit for tax reserves.
    

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
is 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. If 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 Contract Owner's (or 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 Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if so authorized)
deemed by the Company to be in good order, allow the surrender of a portion or
all of the Contract Value. "Proper written application" means that the
surrender must be requested in writing by the Contract Owner (or Annuitant, if
so authorized), satisfy all good order requirements, and the Company may
require that signature(s) be guaranteed by a member firm of the New York,
American, Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia, or Pacific Stock Exchange, or by a
commercial bank or a savings and loan, which is a member of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation. In some cases (for example, requests by a corporation,
partnership, agent or fiduciary) the Company will require additional
documentation of a customary nature.
   
       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 an interest is maintained, 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 Contract Owner's
(or 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") or the Company's Home Office 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 upon surrender may be more
or less than the total of Purchase Payments made, depending on the market value
of the Underlying Mutual Fund shares.
    

SURRENDERS UNDER A QUALIFIED PLAN

       The Contract surrender provisions may also be modified pursuant to the
plan terms and Code tax provisions when the Contract is issued to fund a
Qualified Plan.

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 of any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts.

       Section 72 of the Code  governs  taxation of annuities in general. That
section sets forth different rules for: (1) Qualified Contracts; or (2)
Individual Retirement Annuities and Individual Retirement Accounts.

       Distributions to Participants from Qualified Contracts are generally
taxed when received. A portion of each Distribution is excludable from income
based on the ratio between the after tax investment of the Owner/Annuitant in
the Contract and the value of the Contract at the time of the withdrawal or
Annuitization.


                                       29

                                   31 of 104
<PAGE>   32


       Distributions from Individual Retirement Annuities and Contracts owned
by Individual Retirement Accounts are also generally taxed when received. The
portion of each such payment which is excludable is based on the ratio between
the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments to all such Contracts
exceeds prior non-taxable Distributions from such Contracts, and the total
account balances in such Contracts, at the time of the Distribution. The Owner
of such Individual Retirement Annuities or the Annuitant under Contracts held
by Individual Retirement Accounts must annually report to the Internal Revenue
Service the amount of nondeductible Purchase Payments, the amount of any
Distribution, the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments for all years
exceed non-taxable Distributions for all years, and the total balance in all
Individual Retirement Annuities and Accounts.

QUALIFIED PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

   
        The Contracts may be used with Qualified Plans (Contracts issued on or
before January 1, 1993), Individual Retirement Accounts funded after January 1,
1993, and other plans receiving favorable tax treatment.) For information
regarding eligibility, limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments,
and tax consequences on Distribution from such plans, the purchasers of such
Contracts should seek competent advice. The terms of such plans may limit the
rights available under the Contracts.

        The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Qualified
Plans to other Qualified Plans or Individual Retirement Annuities.
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, and

       2. a required minimum Distribution

       Any Distribution eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax
withholding at a 20 percent rate unless the distribution is transferred
directly to an appropriate plan as described above.

       The Contract is available for Qualified Plans electing to comply with
section 404(c) of ERISA. It is the responsibility of the plan and its
fiduciaries to determine and satisfy section 404(c) requirements.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

   
       The Internal Revenue Service issued a ruling on September 25, 1981 that
Individual Retirement Annuities could not be established using variable annuity
contracts that allocated assets to separate accounts of life insurance
companies, if the separate account purchased shares of publicly available
Mutual Funds. The owner of such a contract is treated as the owner of the
Underlying Mutual Fund shares purchased and is taxed on any dividends accruing
or recognized gains.
    

       It is possible to establish an Individual Retirement Account funded with
such a variable annuity contract, by depositing the Funds in a trust or
custodial account which qualifies under Section 408 of the Code, and having the
trustee or custodian purchase the Contract. Such an Individual Retirement
Account is subject to rules which are comparable to those which apply to
Individual Retirement Annuities. The trustee or custodian is treated as the
owner of the Underlying Mutual Fund shares, and the individual establishing the
account is taxed in the manner described in "Required Distributions For
Individual Retirement Annuities And Individual Retirement Accounts."

                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   
         From time to time the Company is a party to litigation and arbitration
proceedings in the ordinary course of its business, none of which is expected
to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

         In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as
defendants in lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life
insurance pricing and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted
in substantial jury awards or settlements. In October 1996, a policyholder of
Nationwide Life filed a complaint in Alabama state court against Nationwide
Life and an agent of Nationwide Life (Wayne M. King v. Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and Danny Nix), related to the sale of a whole life policy on
a "vanishing premium" basis and seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive
damages. In February 1997, Nationwide Life was named as a defendant in a
lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court also related to the sale of whole life
policies on a "vanishing premium" basis (John H. Snyder v. Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. and Nationwide Life
Insurance Co.). The plaintiff in such lawsuit seeks to represent a national
class of Nationwide Life policyholders and claims unspecified compensatory and
punitive damages. This lawsuit is in an early stage and has not been certified
as a class action. Nationwide Life intends to defend these cases vigorously.
There can be no assurance that any future litigation relating to pricing and
sales practices will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
    


                                       30

                                   32 of 104
<PAGE>   33

   

       The General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., is not
engaged in any litigation of any material nature.
    

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                PAGE
<S>                                                                                             <C>
General Information and History..................................................................1
Services.........................................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.............................................................1
Underwriters.....................................................................................2
Calculation of Yield Quotations of Money Market Sub-Accounts.....................................2
Annuity Payments.................................................................................2
Financial Statements.............................................................................3
</TABLE>


                                       31

                                   33 of 104
<PAGE>   34



                                   APPENDIX A
   
       Purchase Payments and transfers allocated to the Fixed Account portion
of the Contract become part of the general account of the Company supporting
insurance and annuity obligations. Under 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 is 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 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 concerning 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 Nationwide Variable Account and any other segregated asset
account. Fixed Account Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed Account
by election of the Contract Owner 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 (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 CONTRACT OWNER 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 allocated to the Fixed Account may receive a different rate
of interest than money transferred from the Variable Account Sub-Accounts to
the Fixed Account and amounts maturing in the Fixed Account after 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 Contract Owner 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

       Contract Owners (or Annuitants, if so authorized) may at the maturity of
an Interest Rate Guarantee Period, transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed
Account from 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. Transfers must
be made within 45 days after the expiration date of the guarantee period.
Owners 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.


                                       32

                                   34 of 104
<PAGE>   35



                      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. 

ANNUITY TABLES AND ASSUMED INTEREST RATE

       The Annuity Tables contained in the Contracts are based on the 1971
Individual Annuity Mortality Table (set back one year) and an assumed interest
rate of 3.5%.


                                       33

                                   35 of 104
<PAGE>   36



                                   APPENDIX B

                              PARTICIPATING FUNDS

                         UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

          (AVAILABLE FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1993)

       For Contracts issued on or after January 1, 1993, Variable Account
       Purchase Payments may be allocated only to the Sub-Accounts which
       consist of shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options listed below:
   
       AMERICAN CENTURY: BENHAM SHORT-TERM GOVERNMENT
       (formerly 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.

       AMERICAN CENTURY: INCOME & GROWTH
       (formerly Benham Income & Growth Fund)
       Investment Objective: Seeks dividend growth, current income and capital
       appreciation by investing in common stocks. The Fund may buy securities
       convertible into common stock, such as convertible bonds, convertible
       preferred stocks or warrants. The Fund may also, for liquidity purposes,
       invest in high-quality money market instruments with remaining
       maturities of one year or less. The Fund may also enter into repurchase
       agreements, collateralized by U.S. government securities, with banks or
       broker-dealers deemed to present minimal credit risk.

       AMERICAN CENTURY: TWENTIETH CENTURY GROWTH
       (formerly 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.

       AMERICAN CENTURY: TWENTIETH CENTURY INTERNATIONAL GROWTH
       (formerly 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.

       AMERICAN CENTURY: TWENTIETH CENTURY ULTRA
       (formerly 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.
       
       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.


                                       34

                                   36 of 104
<PAGE>   37



       DREYFUS S & P 500 INDEX FUND
       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.

       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.

   
       EVERGREEN INCOME AND GROWTH FUND
       (formerly 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.

   
       FEDERATED BOND FUND
       Investment Objective: To provide as high a level of current income as is
       consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund invests primarily
       in a professionally managed, diversified portfolio of bonds. Under
       normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's net assets will be
       invested in investment grade securities, including repurchase agreements
       collateralized by investment grade securities. The Fund may invest in
       corporate debt obligations, U.S. Government obligations, municipal
       securities, asset-backed securities, adjustable rate mortgage
       securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and other securities
       which are deemed to be consistent with the Fund's investment objective.

       FIDELITY ADVISOR BALANCED FUND - CLASS T
    
       Investment Objective: Seeks income and growth potential by investing
       in securities including U.S. government and corporate bonds, and a
       diversified selection of common stocks.

   
       FIDELITY ADVISOR EQUITY INCOME FUND - CLASS T
    
       Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain reasonable income from a portfolio
       consisting primarily of income-producing equity securities, with a
       secondary emphasis on growth potential.

   
       FIDELITY ADVISOR GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND - CLASS T
    
       Investment Objective: Pursues capital growth that exceeds market
       performance through investments in growth, cyclical, and value stocks,
       and securities convertible to common stocks.

   
       FIDELITY ADVISOR HIGH YIELD FUND - CLASS T
    
       Investment Objective: A bond Fund designed to meet the needs of the
       long-term investor, seeking above-average monthly income and potential
       capital growth by investing in lower-rated, high-yielding, fixed income
       securities.

       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 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.


                                       35

                                   37 of 104
<PAGE>   38


       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.

       FIDELITY VIP HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO
       Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain a high level of current income by
       investing primarily in high-risk, lower rated, high-yielding,
       fixed-income securities, while also considering growth of capital. The
       Fund's manager will seek high current income normally by investing the
       Portfolio's assets as follows:

       *   at least 80% in income-producing debt securities and
           preferred stocks, including convertible securities; and

       *   up to 20% in common stocks and other equity securities when
           consistent with the Portfolio's primary objective or acquired as
           part of a unit combining fixed-income and equity securities.

       Higher yields are usually available on securities that are lower-rated
       or that are unrated. Lower-rated securities are usually defined as Ba or
       lower by Moody's; BB or lower by Standard & Poor's and may be deemed to
       be of a speculative nature. The Portfolio may also purchase
       lower-quality bonds such as those rated Ca3 by Moody's or C- by Standard
       & Poor's which provide poor protection for payment of principal and
       interest (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). For a further
       discussion of lower-rated securities, please see the "Risks of
       Lower-Rated Debt Securities" section of the Portfolio's prospectus.

       JANUS FUND
       Investment Objective: Seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
       primarily in common stocks of a large number of issuers of any size.
       Generally this Fund emphasizes issuers with larger market
       capitalizations.

       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.

   
       JANUS WORLDWIDE FUND
       Investment Objective: To seek long-term growth of capital in a manner
       consistent with the preservation of capital. The objective is pursued
       primarily through investments in common stocks of foreign and domestic
       issuers. The Fund may invest on a worldwide basis in companies and
       organizations of any size, regardless of country of organization or
       place of principal business activity. The Fund normally invests in
       issuers from at least five different countries.
    

       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.


                                       36

                                   38 of 104
<PAGE>   39


       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.

       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.

       NATIONWIDE(R) U.S. GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
       Investment Objective: Seeks to provide as high a level of current income
       as is consistent with the preservation of capital by investing in
       securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities.
       The average dollar-weighted maturity of the Fund will be maintained at
       between 3 and 10 years.

       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 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.


                                       37

                                   39 of 104
<PAGE>   40


       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 - CLASS I
       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.

       WARBURG PINCUS EMERGING GROWTH FUND
       Investment Objective: Seeks maximum capital appreciation by investing in
       equity securities of small- to medium-sized companies in the United
       States with emerging or renewed growth potential.


                                       38

                                   40 of 104
<PAGE>   41


                         UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS
    (AVAILABLE FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 25, 1982 AND BEFORE
                                JANUARY 1, 1993)

   
For Contracts issued on or after December 25, 1982, and before January 1, 1993
Variable Account Purchase Payments may be allocated only to the Sub-Accounts
which consist of shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options listed below:

AMERICAN CENTURY: BENHAM SHORT-TERM GOVERNMENT
(FORMERLY 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.

   
AMERICAN CENTURY: TWENTIETH CENTURY GROWTH
(FORMERLY TWENTIETH CENTURY GROWTH INVESTORS)
    
Investment Objective: To seek 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 it strategy, the Fund remains
essentially fully invested in stocks at all times.

FIDELITY CAPITAL & INCOME FUND
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide a combination of income and capital
growth by investing primarily in debt instruments and common and preferred
stocks, with a focus on lower-quality debt securities of companies with
uncertain financial positions.

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 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 VIP HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain a high level of current income by
investing primarily in high-risk, lower rated, high-yielding, fixed-income
securities, while also considering growth of capital. The Fund's manager will
seek high current income normally by investing the Portfolio's assets as
follows:

*       at least 80% in income-producing debt securities and preferred stocks,
        including convertible securities; and

*       up to 20% in common stocks and other equity securities when consistent
        with the Portfolio's primary objective or acquired as part of a unit
        combining fixed-income and equity securities. 

        Higher yields are usually available on securities that are lower-rated
        or that are unrated. Lower-rated securities are usually defined as Ba or
        lower by Moody's; BB or lower by Standard & Poor's and may be deemed to
        be of a speculative nature. The Portfolio may also purchase
        lower-quality bonds such as those rated Ca3 by Moody's or C- by Standard
        & Poor's which provide poor protection for payment of principal and
        interest (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). For a further
        discussion of lower-rated securities, please see the "Risks of
        Lower-Rated Debt Securities" section of the Portfolio's prospectus.

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) MONEY MARKET FUND
Investment Objective: 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.


                                       39

                                   41 of 104
<PAGE>   42



                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                  MAY 1, 1997

             INDIVIDUAL 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 May 1,
1997. The prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by
writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609, or calling 1-800-848-6631,
TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     PAGE
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
General Information and History........................................................................1
Services...............................................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered...................................................................1
Underwriters...........................................................................................2
Calculation of Yield Quotations of Money Market Sub-Accounts...........................................2
Annuity Payments.......................................................................................2
Financial Statements...................................................................................3
</TABLE>

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

   
       Nationwide Variable Account ("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 Financial Services, Inc. (NFS"),
a holding company. NFS has two classes of common stock outstanding with
different voting rights enabling Nationwide Corporation (the holder of all of
the outstanding Class B Common Stock) to control NFS. Nationwide Corporation is
a holding company as well. All of its common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company (95.3%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.7%),
the ultimate controlling persons of Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.
    

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
Contract Owner and the number and type of Contract issued to each such Contract
Owner 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 Fund options. The Company, or affiliates of the Company
may have entered into agreements with either the investment adviser or
distributor for several of the Underlying Mutual Funds. The agreements relate
to administrative services furnished by the Company or an affiliate of the
Company and provide for an annual fee based on the average aggregate net assets
of the Variable Account (and other separate accounts of the Company or life
insurance company subsidiaries of the Company) invested in particular
Underlying Mutual Funds. These fees in no way affect the net asset value of the
Underlying Mutual Funds or fees paid by the Contract Owner.
    

       The financial statements and schedules 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 Contract Owner may, on written request, transfer up to 100% of the
Contract Value from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account. However, the
Company reserves the right to restrict transfers from the Variable Account to
25% of Contract Value in any 12 month period. Such transfers must be made prior
to the earlier of the Annuitization Date or the death of the Designated
Annuitant. However, no such transfers will be permitted prior to the first
Contract Anniversary, or within 12 months of any prior transfer. Contract
Owners 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


                                       1

                                   42 of 104
<PAGE>   43


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; therefore the
Interest Rate Guarantee Period for deposits or transfers in the Fixed Account
may continue for up to three months after a one year period has expired.
Transfers under this provision must be made within 30 days after the expiration
date of the guarantee period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost
Averaging Agreement with the Company may transfer from the Fixed Account to the
Variable Account under the terms of that agreement.

UNDERWRITERS

       The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by
Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43216, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. During the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 no underwriting commissions were paid by
the Company to NAS.

CALCULATION OF YIELD QUOTATIONS OF MONEY MARKET SUB-ACCOUNTS

       Current yield quotations of the Nationwide Money Market Fund are based
on a seven calendar day historical yield, computed by determining the net
change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of a hypothetical
pre-existing account having a balance of one share at the beginning of the
period, dividing the net change in the account value by the value of the
account at the beginning of the base period to obtain a base period return and
multiplying the base period return by 365/7 (366/7 in a leap year). The
resulting yield figure is carried to at least the nearest hundredth of one
percent. For purposes of this calculation, the net change in account value
reflects the value of additional shares purchased with dividends from the
original share and any such additional shares. The Fund's effective yield
represents a compounding on an annualized basis of the current yield quotations
of the Fund.

       The Fund's yield will fluctuate daily. Actual yields will depend on
factors such as the type of instruments in the Fund's portfolio, portfolio
quality and average maturity, changes in interest rates, and the Fund's
expenses.

       Although the Fund determines its yield on the basis of a seven calendar
day period, it may use a different time span on occasion. The yield quotes may
reflect the expense limitation described under "Investment Manager and Other
Services" in the Fund prospectus.

       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 a shareholder's
investment in the Fund is not guaranteed or insured. Yields of other money
market Funds may not be comparable if a different base period or another method
of calculation is used.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

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


                                       2

                                   43 of 104
<PAGE>   44

<PAGE>   1



                         Independent Auditors' Report
                         ----------------------------

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

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide Variable Account as of December 31, 1996,
and the related statements of operations and changes in contract owners'
equity and schedules of changes in unit value for each of the years in the
three year period then ended. These financial statements and schedules of
changes in unit value are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedules of changes in unit value 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 and
schedules of changes in unit value 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, 1996, by correspondence
with 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 and schedules of changes in
unit value referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Nationwide Variable Account as of December 31, 1996,
and the results of its  operations and its changes in contract owners'
equity and the schedules of changes in unit value for each of the years in
the three year period then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

                                                     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
February 7, 1997



<PAGE>   2



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

                               DECEMBER 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets:
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
   Investments at market value:
      American Century: Benham Short-Term Government Fund (ACBenSTGvt)
         352,166 shares (cost $3,329,420)                                                                       $ 3,327,970

      American Century: Income & Growth Fund (ACIncGro)
         9,549 shares (cost $201,878)                                                                               192,507

      American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund (ACTCGro)
         443,122 shares (cost $9,134,062)                                                                         9,695,503

      American Century: Twentieth Century International Growth Fund (ACTCIntlGr)
         62,812 shares (cost $508,980)                                                                              499,981

      American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund (ACTCUltra)
         260,938 shares (cost $6,797,299)                                                                         7,329,751

      Delaware Group Delchester High-Yield Bond Fund, Inc. --
      Delchester Fund Institutional Class (DeHYBd)
         151,175 shares (cost $941,293)                                                                             958,452

      Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc. (DryABds)
         128,688 shares (cost $1,853,340)                                                                         1,854,392

      Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund (Dry500Ix)
         147,661 shares (cost $3,174,622)                                                                         3,281,018

      The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. (Dry3dCen)
         37,828 shares (cost $338,693)                                                                              333,646

      The Evergreen Total Return Fund -- Class Y (EvTotRet)
         42,997 shares (cost $839,111)                                                                              917,131

      Federated Investment Series Funds, Inc. -- Federated Bond Fund -- Class F (FedBdFd)
         10,243 shares (cost $100,765)                                                                               99,873

      Fidelity Advisor Equity-Income Fund -- Class T (FAEqInc)
         31,182 shares (cost $656,849)                                                                              683,504

      Fidelity Advisor Growth Opportunities Fund -- Class T (FAGrOpp)
         60,241 shares (cost $2,078,053)                                                                          2,126,506

      Fidelity Advisor High Yield Fund -- Class T (FAHiYld)
         65,372 shares (cost $791,211)                                                                              797,539

      Fidelity Advisor Income & Growth Fund -- Class T (FAIncGr)
         1,824 shares (cost $29,613)                                                                                 29,871

      Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) (FidAsMgr)
         184,830 shares (cost $2,829,942)                                                                         3,044,154

      Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (FidCapInc)
         132,273 shares (cost $1,191,344)                                                                         1,238,072

      Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FidEqInc)
         333,029 shares (cost $11,426,729)                                                                       14,263,635

      Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund (FidMgln)
         144,985 shares (cost $11,657,388)                                                                       11,693,067

      Fidelity Puritan(R) Fund (FidPurtn)
         451,817 shares (cost $7,460,394)                                                                         7,789,321

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
      <S>                                                                                                        <C>
      Fidelity VIP -- High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)
         21,554 shares (cost $242,137)                                                                              269,853

      Janus Fund (JanFund)
         65,811 shares (cost $1,679,627)                                                                          1,609,086

      Janus Twenty Fund (Jan20Fd)
         123,753 shares (cost $3,576,224)                                                                         3,399,499

      Janus Worldwide Fund (JanWrldwde)
         13,815 shares (cost $488,922)                                                                              465,425

      MFS(R) World Governments Fund -- Class A (MFSWdGvt)
         92,422 shares (cost $1,061,998)                                                                          1,044,368

      Nationwide(R) Bond Fund (NWBdFd)
         174,036 shares (cost $1,645,444)                                                                         1,616,791

      Nationwide(R) Fund (NWFund)
         123,198 shares (cost $2,028,689)                                                                         2,488,606

      Nationwide(R) Growth Fund (NWGroFd)
         276,926 shares (cost $3,089,203)                                                                         3,683,114

      Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)
         7,642,255 shares (cost $7,642,255)                                                                       7,642,255

      Nationwide(R) U.S. Government Income Fund (NWUSGvt)
         6,582 shares (cost $65,768)                                                                                 65,816

      Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund (NBGuard)
         203,903 shares (cost $4,851,586)                                                                         5,226,045

      Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Fund (NBLtdMat)
         82,284 shares (cost $820,121)                                                                              821,194

      Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund (NBPartFd)
         164,590 shares (cost $3,903,279)                                                                         4,146,017

      Oppenheimer Global Fund -- Class A (OppGlob)
         105,470 shares (cost $3,788,490)                                                                         4,116,503

      Phoenix Balanced Fund Series -- Class A (PhxBalFd)
         33,488 shares (cost $563,195)                                                                              532,116

      Strong Total Return Fund, Inc. (StTotRet)
         39,285 shares (cost $1,130,346)                                                                          1,069,724

      Templeton Foreign Fund -- Class I (TemForFd)
         332,378 shares (cost $3,231,735)                                                                         3,443,435

      Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund -- Common Shares (WPEmGro)
         89,232 shares (cost $2,900,286)                                                                          2,964,301
                                                                                                               ------------
            Total investments                                                                                   114,760,041

   Accounts receivable                                                                                               33,220
                                                                                                               ------------
            Total assets                                                                                        114,793,261

Accounts payable                                                                                                      4,844
                                                                                                               ------------
Contract owners' equity (note 4)                                                                               $114,788,417
                                                                                                               ============
</TABLE>  

See accompanying notes to financial statements.



<PAGE>   4


                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1996               1995               1994
                                                                          -----------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>                  <C>                <C>
Investment activity:
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends                                 $ 8,358,915          5,403,676          4,476,720
   Mortality, expense and administration charges (note 2)                  (1,250,216)          (828,380)          (666,881)
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------
      Net investment activity                                               7,108,699          4,575,296          3,809,839
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------

   Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold                                   32,882,395         19,494,999         19,343,653
   Cost of mutual fund shares sold                                        (30,480,861)       (19,182,917)       (18,215,058)
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------
      Realized gain (loss) on investments                                   2,401,534            312,082          1,128,595
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments                          2,414,112          6,984,871         (5,977,389)
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------
      Net gain (loss) on investments                                        4,815,646          7,296,953         (4,848,794)
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------
         Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
            equity resulting from operations                               11,924,345         11,872,249         (1,038,955)
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------

Equity transactions:
   Purchase payments received from contract owners                         36,936,853         21,817,759         16,078,025
   Redemptions                                                            (11,033,070)       (11,831,829)        (5,989,583)
   Annuity benefits                                                           (22,282)           (18,792)           (19,197)
   Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2)                                (82,641)           (70,366)           (68,239)
   Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)                                (162,303)           (43,999)           (50,816)
   Adjustments to maintain reserves                                             1,139              5,498              1,593
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------
         Net equity transactions                                           25,637,696          9,858,271          9,951,783
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------

Net change in contract owners' equity                                      37,562,041         21,730,520          8,912,828
Contract owners' equity beginning of period                                77,226,376         55,495,856         46,583,028
                                                                         ------------        -----------        -----------
Contract owners' equity end of period                                    $114,788,417         77,226,376         55,495,856
                                                                         ============        ===========        ===========

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.



<PAGE>   5



                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

         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.

         The Company offers Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts
         through the Account. As of December 25, 1982, only tax qualified
         contracts are issued. The primary distribution for the contract is
         through the Company for Individual Retirement Account rollovers;
         however, other distributors may be utiized.

     (b) The Contracts

         Only 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 charges.

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

         American Century: Benham Short-Term Government Fund (ACBenSTGvt)
            (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. -- U.S. Governments 
            Short-Term (TCUSGvt))

         American Century: Income & Growth Fund (ACIncGro)

         American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund (ACTCGro)
            (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. -- Growth Investors 
            (TCGroInv))

         American Century: Twentieth Century International Growth Fund  
            (ACTCIntlGr) (formerly Twentieth Century World Investors, Inc. -- 
            International Equity (TCIntlEq))

         American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund (ACTCUltra)
            (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. -- Ultra Investors 
            (TCUltra))

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

         Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc. (DryABds)

         Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund (Dry500Ix) (formerly Peoples Index Fund(R),
         Inc. (PeoIxFd))

         The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. (Dry3dCen)

         The Evergreen Total Return Fund -- Class Y (EvTotRet)

         Federated Investment Series Funds, Inc. -- Federated Bond Fund -- 
         Class F (FedBdFd)

         Fidelity Advisor Equity-Income Fund -- Class T (FAEqInc)

         Fidelity Advisor Growth Opportunities Fund -- Class T (FAGrOpp)

         Fidelity Advisor High Yield Fund - Class T (FAHiYld)

         Fidelity Advisor Income & Growth Fund -- Class T (FAIncGr)

         Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) (FidAsMgr)

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

         Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FidEqInc)

         Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund (FidMgln)



<PAGE>   6



         Fidelity Puritan(R) Fund (FidPurtn)

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

         Janus Fund (JanFund)

         Janus Twenty Fund (Jan20Fd)

         Janus Worldwide Fund (JanWrldwde)

         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)

         Nationwide(R) U.S. Government Income Fund (NWUSGvt)
            (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 -- Class A (OppGlob)

         Phoenix Balanced Fund Series -- Class A (PhxBalFd)

         Strong Total Return Fund, Inc. (StTotRet)

         Templeton Foreign Fund -- Class I (TemForFd)

         Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund -- Common Shares (WPEmGro)

         At December 31, 1996, contract owners have invested in all of the
         above funds. The contract owners' equity is affected by the
         investment results of each fund, equity transactions by contract
         owners 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 the underlying mutual funds is based on the
         closing net asset value per share at December 31, 1996. The cost of
         investments sold is determined on the 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.

     (e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

         The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
         accepted accounting principles may require management to make
         estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
         assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
         liabilities, if any, at the date of the financial statements and the
         reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
         Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     (f) Reclassifications

         Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to conform with
         the current year presentation.



<PAGE>   7



(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 contract 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 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 underlying mutual funds.)

         *    Contract charges
              (This amount reflects the decrease in the unit value due to the
              mortality risk charge, expense risk charge and 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.



<PAGE>   8



(4)  Components of Contract owners's equity

     The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at December 31,
     1996, 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:
         American Century: Benham Short-Term Government Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    157,941    $21.012508    $3,318,737

         American Century: Income & Growth Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     18,133     10.551440       191,329

         American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    186,518     51.389039     9,584,981

         American Century: Twentieth Century International
         Growth Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     37,683     13.268469       499,996

         American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    530,842     13.807925     7,329,827

         Delaware Group Delchester High-Yield Bond Fund, Inc. --
         Delchester Fund Institutional Class:
            Tax qualified                                                     70,363     13.618147       958,214

         Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.:
            Tax qualified                                                    169,248     10.958199     1,854,653

         Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    187,389     17.509385     3,281,066

         The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.:
            Tax qualified                                                     21,194     15.742432       333,645

         The Evergreen Total Return Fund -- Class Y:
            Tax qualified                                                     65,357     14.032960       917,152

         Federated Investment Series Funds, Inc. --
         Federated Bond Fund - Class F:
            Tax qualified                                                      9,873     10.117861        99,894

         Fidelity Advisor Equity-Income Fund -- Class T:
            Tax qualified                                                     59,163     11.552736       683,495

         Fidelity Advisor Growth Opportunities Fund -- Class T:
            Tax qualified                                                    177,245     11.997760     2,126,543

         Fidelity Advisor High Yield Fund -- Class T:
            Tax qualified                                                     70,939     11.241941       797,492

         Fidelity Advisor Income & Growth Fund -- Class T:
            Tax qualified                                                      2,740     10.890814        29,841

         Fidelity Asset Manager(TM):
            Tax qualified                                                    244,667     12.442308     3,044,222

         Fidelity Capital & Income Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     29,770     41.287772     1,229,137

         Fidelity Equity-Income Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    257,747     55.285184    14,249,590

         Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    656,562     17.810611    11,693,770

         Fidelity Puritan(R) Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    475,617     16.377974     7,789,643

</TABLE>



<PAGE>   9

<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                 <C>          <C>             <C>
         Fidelity VIP -- High Income Portfolio:
            Tax qualified                                                     12,382      21.793257         269,844

         Janus Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    133,123      12.087447       1,609,117

         Janus Twenty Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                    230,288      14.762398       3,399,603

         Janus Worldwide Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     45,099      10.317427         465,306

         MFS(R) World Governments Fund -- Class A:
            Tax qualified                                                     28,013      36.879814       1,033,114

         Nationwide(R) Bond Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     42,476      37.842928       1,607,416
            Non-tax qualified                                                    194      37.680696           7,310

         Nationwide(R) Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     34,681      70.764576       2,454,186
            Non-tax qualified                                                    314      73.708492          23,144

         Nationwide(R) Growth Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     48,441      75.405663       3,652,726
            Non-tax qualified                                                    230      79.618909          18,312

         Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund:
            Tax qualified -- Pre 12/25/82                                      49,431      24.656210       1,218,781
            Tax qualified                                                     327,248      19.580907       6,407,813
            Non-tax qualified                                                   1,317      24.812035          32,677

         Nationwide(R) U.S. Government Income Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                       6,372      10.324818          65,790

         Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     357,346      14.625126       5,226,230

         Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                      74,163      11.068501         820,873

         Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund:
            Tax qualified                                                     222,551      18.631249       4,146,403

         Oppenheimer Global Fund -- Class A:
            Tax qualified                                                     228,413      18.022572       4,116,590

         Phoenix Balanced Fund Series -- Class A:
            Tax qualified                                                      43,659      12.187868         532,110

         Strong Total Return Fund, Inc.:
            Tax qualified                                                      63,801      16.766964       1,069,749

         Templeton Foreign Fund -- Class I:
            Tax qualified                                                     266,447      12.923758       3,443,497

         Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund --
         Common Shares:
            Tax qualified                                                     250,912      11.814248       2,964,337
                                                                              =======      =========    
      Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:
            Tax qualified                                                                                    190,262
                                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                                        $114,788,417
                                                                                                        ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.



<PAGE>   10
                                                                      SCHEDULE I
                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                 TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               ACBenSTGvt     ACIncGro        ACTCGro      ACTCIntlGr     ACTCUltra     
                               -----------    --------       --------       ---------     ---------     
<S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>          
1996
  Beginning unit 
     value - Jan. 1            $20.449954     10.000000      45.274141     11.748911      12.289075       
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital 
   gains and 
   dividends                     1.108203       .745798        .989050      1.366595        .784229     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)         (.274998)     (.171142)      5.759350       .314097        .906054     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges               (.270651)     (.023216)      (.633502)     (.161134)      (.171433)    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - 
   Dec. 31                     $21.012508     10.551440      51.389039     13.268469      13.807925     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase 
    (decrease) in unit 
    value*(a)                           3%         6%(b)            14%           13%            12%    
====================================================================================================
1995
  Beginning unit 
    value - Jan. 1             $18.748399         **         38.113717       10.000000       9.043121      
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital 
    gains and 
    dividends                    1.086234                     6.277505        .010869        .581551     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)          .873119                     1.457594       1.867440       2.805900     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges               (.257798)                    (.574675)      (.129398)      (.141497)    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - 
    Dec. 31                    $20.449954                    45.274141      11.748911      12.289075     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase 
    (decrease) in unit 
    value*(a)                           9%                          19%         17%(b)           36%    
====================================================================================================
1994
  Beginning unit 
    value - Jan. 1              $19.087872         **         39.197771         **          9.505758    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital 
    gains and 
    dividends                      .888205                     5.656730                      .283163    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)          (.981660)                   (6.232359)                    (.626504)   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                (.246018)                    (.508425)                    (.119296)  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - 
    Dec. 31                     $18.748399                    38.113717                     9.043121    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase 
    (decrease) in unit 
    value*(a)                          (2)%                         (3)%                         (5)%  
=====================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 DeHYBd        DryABds       Dry500Ix       Dry3dCen      EvTotRet
                                --------      --------       --------       ---------     --------
<S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>          
1996
  Beginning unit 
     value - Jan. 1             12.257125     10.819193      14.505515     12.829548      12.594984   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital 
    gains and 
    dividends                    1.289054       .647812        .780714      2.175909        .700093
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)          .240682      (.368674)      2.430685       .924520        .909855
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges               (.168714)     (.140132)      (.207529)     (.187545)      (.171972)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - 
   Dec. 31                      13.618147     10.958199      17.509385     15.742432      14.032960
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase 
    (decrease) in unit 
    value*(a)                          11%            1%            21%            23%           11%
====================================================================================================
1995
  Beginning unit 
    value - Jan. 1              10.867271      9.110600      10.749166      9.570659      10.301799
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital 
    gains and 
    dividends                    1.215468       .658102        .397253       .897413        .668749
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)          .327407      1.181188       3.524795      2.507797       1.773798
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges               (.153021)     (.130697)      (.165699)     (.146321)      (.149362)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - 
    Dec. 31                     12.257125     10.819193      14.505515     12.829548      12.594984
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase 
    (decrease) in unit 
    value*(a)                          13%           19%            35%            34%           22%
====================================================================================================
1994
  Beginning unit 
    value - Jan. 1               11.511092     10.000000      10.819026     10.477293      11.153183
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital 
    gains and 
    dividends                     1.272604       .673864       1.169814      1.340681        .771284
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)         (1.770117)    (1.452714)     (1.099729)    (2.117415)     (1.484673)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                (.146308)     (.110550)      (.139945)     (.129900)      (.137995)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - 
    Dec. 31                      10.867271      9.110600      10.749166      9.570659      10.301799
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase 
    (decrease) in unit 
    value*(a)                         (6)%       (9)%(b)           (1)%          (9)%           (8)%
=====================================================================================================
</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 being utilized
          for the entire year indicated.

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



<PAGE>   11
                                                         SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED


                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                 TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 FedBdFd       FAEqInc        FAGrOpp        FAHiYld       FAIncGr
                               ----------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ----------     
<S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
1996
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            $10.000000     10.213719      10.325686     10.057673      10.177458
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                    .119423       .480953        .638324      1.033892        .403927
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)         .020151       .998707       1.176512       .290378        .443422
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges             (.021713)     (.140643)      (.142762)     (.140002)      (.133993)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   $10.117861     11.552736      11.997760     11.241941      10.890814
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                      1%(b)           13%            16%           12%             7%
=======================================================================================================
1995
   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)
=======================================================================================================
1994
   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)
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                FidAsMgr      FidCapInc      FidEqInc        FidMgIn      FidPurtn
                               ----------     ---------      ---------     ---------     ----------     
<S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
1996
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1             11.183603     37.550944      46.285491     16.158074      14.410892
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                    .974182      3.350435       3.536178      2.629260       1.859609
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)         .437258       .903646       6.122667     (.758693)        .307268
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges             (.152735)     (.517253)      (.659152)     (.218030)      (.199795)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                    12.442308     41.287772      55.285184     17.810611      16.377974
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                        11%           10%            19%           10%            14%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1             $9.589367     32.589111      35.576037     11.964387      12.020413
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                    .319835      3.427571       2.721500       .938243        .761762
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)        1.408821      2.006467       8.520244      3.445891       1.800691
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges             (.134420)     (.472205)       (.532290)    (.190447)      (.171974)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   $11.183603     37.550944      46.285491     16.158074      14.410892
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                        17%           15%            30%           35%            20%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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%
=======================================================================================================
</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 being utilized for the entire 
          year indicated.

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

<PAGE>   12

                                                         SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                 TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                FidVIPHI       JanFund        Jan20Fd      JanWrldwde     MFSWdGvt
                                ---------     --------       --------      ----------    ----------
<S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>   
1996
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            $19.364421     10.239338      11.699046     10.000000      35.454983
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                   1.765562      1.372042       2.474450       .631391        .996797
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)         .933745       .623531        .763449      (.292087)       .893467
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges             (.270471)     (.147464)      (.174547)      (.021877)     (.465433)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   $21.793257     12.087447      14.762398     10.317427      36.879814
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                        13%           18%            26%         3%(b)             4%
=======================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            $16.267014          **         8.701036          **        31.104159
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                   1.177771                     1.991385                     4.432437
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)        2.155057                     1.142737                      .359301
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges             (.235421)                    (.136112)                    (.440914)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   $19.364421                    11.699046                    35.454983
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                        19%                          34%                          14%
=======================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            $16.739460          **         9.451097          **        33.728667
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                   1.533862                      .025710                     1.658769
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)      (1.790091)                    (.657508)                   (3.874555)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges             (.216217)                    (.118263)                    (.408722)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   $16.267014                     8.701036                    31.104159
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                       (3)%                         (8)%                         (8)%
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            NWMyMkt 
                                 NWBdFd        NWFund         NWGroFd     Pre 12/25/82     NWMyMkt
                                ---------     --------       --------     ------------   ----------
<S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>   
1996
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            37.782872     57.857937      65.471148     23.797066      18.898613
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                  2.420301      5.294223       5.745821      1.177631        .935221
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)     (1.877444)      8.447372       5.102552       .000000        .000000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.482801)     (.834956)      (.913858)     (.318487)      (.252927)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   37.842928     70.764576      75.405663     24.656210      19.580907
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                        0%           22%            15%            4%             4%
=======================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            30.832258     45.095466      51.535806     22.850271      18.146709
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                  2.340919      3.894595       6.923629      1.251864        .994176
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)       5.062302      9.527720       7.791689       .000000        .000000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.452607)     (.659844)      (.779976)     (.305069)      (.242272)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   37.782872     57.857937      65.471148     23.797066      18.898613
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                       23%           28%            27%            4%             4%
=======================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            33.991130     45.422888      51.458079     22.315407      17.721943
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                  2.317590      4.420863       1.956402       .829315        .658609
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)     (5.061696)    (4.160340)     (1.208860)       .000000        .000000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.414766)     (.587945)      (.669815)     (.294451)      (.233843)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   30.832258     45.095466      51.535806     22.850271      18.146709
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                      (9)%          (1)%             0%            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 being utilized for the entire  
          year indicated.

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




<PAGE>   13

                                                          SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                 TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 NWUSGvt         NBGuard        NBLtdMat        NBPartFd        OppGlob
                                --------        --------        --------        --------       --------
<S>                             <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
1996
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            $10.124709       12.571028       10.735070       14.924653      15.538850
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                    .584669         .818924         .652728        1.883265        .840380
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)       (.252576)        1.409253       (.177361)        2.039177       1.862683
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges             (.131984)       (.174079)       (.141936)       (.215846)      (.219341)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   $10.324818       14.625126       11.068501       18.631249      18.022572
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                         2%             16%              3%             25%            16%
========================================================================================================== 
1995
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1                 **          $9.640402        9.833352       11.183371      13.503390
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                                    .546753         .635595        1.728556        .955752
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                        2.533695         .401069        2.184589       1.269343
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                             (.149822)       (.134946)       (.171863)      (.189635)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                                   $12.571028       10.735070       14.924653      15.538850      
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                                        30%              9%             33%            15%            
==========================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1                 **         $10.000000        9.995028       11.548721      14.119303
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                                    .249418         .555641         .945341       1.418589
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                       (.492915)       (.588488)      (1.162325)     (1.850696)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                             (.116101)       (.128829)       (.148366)      (.183806)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                                   $ 9.640402        9.833352       11.183371      13.503390       
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                                    (4)%(b)            (2)%            (3)%           (4)%        
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               PhxBalFd          StTotRet        TemForFd         WPEmGro
                               --------          --------        --------        --------               
<S>                             <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>            
1996
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            11.373217         14.893186      11.097523       10.895016
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                  1.602292          2.715211        .541519         .024787
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)      (.635106)         (.634729)       1.440934        1.044888
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.152535)         (.206704)      (.156218)       (.150443)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                   12.187868         16.766964      12.923758       11.814248
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                        7%               13%            16%              8%
==========================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1             9.338434         11.881033      10.000000             **
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                   .913359           .793239        .700873
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)       1.255938          2.394151        .523675
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.134514)         (.175237)      (.127025)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                    11.373217        14.893186      11.097523
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                        22%              25%         11%(b)
===========================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit
     value - Jan. 1            10.000000         12.205201          **                **
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and
     dividends                   .295350           .172665
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)      (.843207)         (.340340)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.113709)         (.156493)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                    9.338434         11.881033
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                   (7)%(b)              (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) This investment option was not being utilized for the entire  
          year indicated.

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



<PAGE>   14



                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                               NON-TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NWBdFd                NWFund               NWGroFd               NWMyMkt
                                               ----------             ---------            ---------             ---------
<S>                                            <C>                    <C>                 <C>                   <C>
1996
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1               $37.620900             60.264917            69.129314             23.947460
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends        2.409921              5.514472             6.066865              1.185080
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                      (1.869397)              8.798796             5.387662               .000000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                             (.480728)             (.869693)            (.964932)             (.320505)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                 $37.680696             73.708492            79.618909             24.812035
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                    0%                   22%                  15%                    4%
===========================================================================================================================

1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1               $30.700082             46.971513            54.415339             22.994681
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends        2.330893              4.056617             7.310483              1.259777
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                        5.040599              9.924079             8.227039               .000000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                             (.450674)             (.687292)            (.823547)             (.306998)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                 $37.620900             60.264917            69.129314             23.947460
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                   23%                   28%                  27%                    4%
===========================================================================================================================

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%
===========================================================================================================================

</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 note 3.



<PAGE>   45

<PAGE>   1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                          ----------------------------


The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries (collectively the Company) as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, 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, 1996.  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.

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, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. 

In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
January 31, 1997
<PAGE>   2





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

                           December 31, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

                                        Assets                                                1996               1995
                                        ------                                          -----------------   ----------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>                 <C>       
Investments (notes 5, 8 and 9): 
   Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
      Fixed maturity securities (cost $11,970,878 in 1996; $11,862,556 in 1995)             $12,304,639          12,485,564
      Equity securities (cost $43,890 in 1996; $23,617 in 1995)                                  59,131              29,953
   Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                         5,272,119           4,602,764
   Real estate, net                                                                             265,759             229,442
   Policy loans                                                                                 371,816             336,356
   Other long-term investments                                                                   28,668              61,989
   Short-term investments (note 13)                                                               4,789              32,792
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                             18,306,921          17,778,860
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Cash                                                                                             43,784               9,455
Accrued investment income                                                                       210,182             212,963
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                             1,366,509           1,020,356
Investment in subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations (notes 1 and 2)                485,707             506,677
Other assets (note 6)                                                                           426,441             388,214
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 8)                                                    26,926,702          18,591,108
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                            $47,766,246          38,507,633
                                                                                        =================   ================

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

Future policy benefits and claims (notes 6 and 8)                                           $17,179,060          16,358,614
Policyholders' dividend accumulations                                                           361,401             348,027
Other policyholder funds                                                                         60,073              65,297
Accrued federal income tax (note 7):
   Current                                                                                       30,170              35,301
   Deferred                                                                                     162,212             246,627
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                                192,382             281,928
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Dividend payable to shareholder (notes 1 and 2)                                                 485,707                   -
Other liabilities                                                                               423,047             234,147
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 8)                                            26,926,702          18,591,108
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                             45,628,372          35,879,121
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Commitments and contingencies (notes 6, 9 and 15)

Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4, 5, 12 and 13):
   Capital shares, $1 par value.  Authorized 5,000,000 shares, issued and
      outstanding 3,814,779 shares                                                                3,815               3,815
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                   527,874             657,118
   Retained earnings                                                                          1,432,593           1,583,275
   Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                       173,592             384,304
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                              2,137,874           2,628,512
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                            $47,766,246          38,507,633
                                                                                        =================   ================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   3


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        Consolidated Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   1996            1995            1994
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>             <C>    
Revenues (note 16):
   Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges       $   400,902        286,534         217,245
   Traditional life insurance premiums                                              198,642        199,106         176,658
   Net investment income (note 5)                                                 1,357,759      1,294,033       1,210,811
   Realized losses on investments  (note 5)                                            (326)        (1,724)        (16,527)
   Other income                                                                      35,861         20,702          11,312
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                  1,992,838      1,798,651       1,599,499
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
Benefits and expenses:
   Benefits and claims                                                            1,160,580      1,115,493         992,667
   Provision for policyholders' dividends on participating policies (note 12)        40,973         39,937          38,754
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                133,394         82,695          85,568
   Other operating expenses (note 13)                                               342,394        272,954         240,652
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                  1,677,341      1,511,079       1,357,641
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
      Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense           315,497        287,572         241,858
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------

Federal income tax expense (benefit) (note 7):
   Current                                                                          116,512         88,700          73,559
   Deferred                                                                          (5,623)        11,108           5,030
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                    110,889         99,808          78,589
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
      Income from continuing operations                                             204,608        187,764         163,269

Income from discontinued operations (less federal income tax expense of
   $4,453, $7,446 and $10,915 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively) (note 2)         11,324         24,714          20,459
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------

      Net income                                                                $   215,932        212,478         183,728
                                                                              ===============  ==============  =============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   4


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             Unrealized
                                                                                           gains (losses)
                                                             Additional                    on securities        Total
                                                 Capital      paid-in        Retained      available-for-   shareholder's
                                                  shares      capital        earnings        sale, net          equity
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>               <C>      
1994:
   Balance, beginning of year                       $3,815      406,089       1,194,519             6,745       1,611,168
   Capital contribution                                  -      200,000               -                 -         200,000
   Net income                                            -            -         183,728                 -         183,728
   Adjustment for change in accounting for
      certain investments in debt and equity
      securities, net (note 4)                           -            -               -           212,553         212,553
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -          (338,971)       (338,971)
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      606,089       1,378,247          (119,673)      1,868,478
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

1995:
   Balance, beginning of year                        3,815      606,089       1,378,247          (119,673)      1,868,478
   Capital contribution (note 13)                        -       51,029               -            (4,111)         46,918
   Dividends to shareholder                              -            -          (7,450)                -          (7,450)
   Net income                                            -            -         212,478                 -         212,478
   Unrealized gains on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -           508,088         508,088
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      657,118       1,583,275           384,304       2,628,512
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

1996:
   Balance, beginning of year                        3,815      657,118       1,583,275           384,304       2,628,512
   Capital contribution (note 13)                        -           25               5                 -              30
   Dividends to shareholder                              -     (129,269)       (366,619)          (39,819)       (535,707)
   Net income                                            -            -         215,932                 -         215,932
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -          (170,893)       (170,893)
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      527,874       1,432,593           173,592       2,137,874
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   5


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                       1996            1995            1994
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>             <C>    
  Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income                                                                    $    215,932        212,478         183,728
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
        activities:
           Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                         (422,572)      (321,327)       (242,431)
           Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                            133,394         82,695          85,568
           Amortization and depreciation                                                  6,962         10,234           3,603
           Realized (gains) losses on invested assets, net                                 (284)         3,250          16,094
           Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)                                  7,603        (30,673)          9,946
           Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income                               2,781        (16,999)        (12,808)
           (Increase) decrease in other assets                                          (38,876)        39,880        (102,676)
           Increase in policy liabilities                                               305,755        135,937         118,361
           Increase in policyholders' dividend accumulations                             13,374         12,639          15,298
           (Decrease) increase in accrued federal income tax payable                     (5,131)        30,836          (5,714)
           Increase in other liabilities                                                188,900         26,851             506
           Other, net                                                                   (61,679)         1,832         (29,595)
                                                                                 ---------------  --------------- ---------------
              Net cash provided by operating activities                                 346,159        187,633          39,880
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------

  Cash flows from investing activities:
     Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                          1,162,766        634,553         544,843
     Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                                299,558        107,345         228,308
     Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                     -        564,450         491,862
     Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                          309,050        207,832         190,574
     Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                   18,519         48,331          46,713
     Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets          22,795         53,587         120,506
     Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                                  (1,573,640)    (1,942,413)     (1,816,370)
     Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity acquired                              -       (593,636)       (410,379)
     Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                                    (972,776)      (796,026)       (471,570)
     Cost of real estate acquired                                                        (7,862)       (10,928)         (6,385)
     Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                             (57,740)       (75,910)        (65,302)
     Short-term investments, net                                                         28,003         77,837         (89,376)
     Purchase of affiliate (note 13)                                                          -              -        (155,000)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- ---------------
              Net cash used in investing activities                                    (771,327)    (1,724,978)     (1,391,576)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- ---------------

  Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from capital contributions                                                     30              -         200,000
     Dividends paid to shareholder                                                      (50,000)        (7,450)              -
     Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
        product account balances                                                      2,293,933      2,809,385       3,547,976
     Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
        product account balances                                                     (1,784,466)    (1,258,758)     (2,412,595)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- --------------
              Net cash provided by financing activities                                 459,497      1,543,177       1,335,381
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- --------------

  Net increase (decrease) in cash                                                        34,329          5,832         (16,315)

                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
  Cash, beginning of year                                                                 9,455          3,623          19,938
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
  Cash, end of year                                                               $      43,784          9,455           3,623
                                                                                 ================ =============== ===============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   6




               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)

(1)      Organization and Description of Business
         ----------------------------------------

         Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) is a wholly owned subsidiary
         of Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). Wholly owned subsidiaries
         of NLIC include Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (NLAIC),
         Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau and subsidiaries (ELICW),
         National Casualty Company (NCC), West Coast Life Insurance Company
         (WCLIC), Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. (formerly Nationwide
         Financial Services, Inc.), Nationwide Investment Services Corporation
         (formerly PEBSCO Securities Corporation) (NISC) and NWE, Inc. NLIC and
         its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "the Company."

         Nationwide Corp. formed Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS) in
         November 1996 as a holding company for NLIC and the other companies of
         the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer or distribute long-term
         savings and retirement products. On January 27, 1997, Nationwide Corp.
         contributed to NFS the common stock of NLIC and three marketing and
         distribution companies. NFS is planning an initial public offering of
         its Class A common stock during the first quarter of 1997.

         In anticipation of the restructuring described above, on September 24,
         1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend payable January 1,
         1997 to Nationwide Corp. consisting of the outstanding shares of common
         stock of certain subsidiaries (ELICW, NCC and WCLIC) that do not offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. In addition,
         during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
         of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to ELICW and another affiliate effective January 1, 1996. These
         subsidiaries and all accident and health and group life insurance
         business have been accounted for as discontinued operations for all
         periods presented. See notes 2 and 13.

         In addition, as part of the restructuring described above, NLIC intends
         to make an $850,000 distribution to NFS which will then make an
         equivalent distribution to Nationwide Corp.

         The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
         products to retail and institutional customers and is subject to
         competition from other financial services providers 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 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, new legal theories or
              insurance company insolvencies through guaranty fund assessments
              may create costs for the insurer beyond those currently 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 reinsurance and credit and collection
              policies and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.
<PAGE>   7



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              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)      Discontinued Operations
         -----------------------

         As discussed in note 1, NFS is a holding company for NLIC and certain
         other companies that offer or distribute long-term savings and
         retirement products. Prior to the contribution by Nationwide Corp. to
         NFS of the outstanding common stock of NLIC and other companies, NLIC
         effected certain transactions with respect to certain subsidiaries and
         lines of business that were unrelated to long-term savings and
         retirement products.

         On September 24, 1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend to
         Nationwide Corp. consisting of the outstanding shares of common stock
         of three subsidiaries: ELICW, NCC and WCLIC. ELICW writes group
         accident and health and group life insurance business and maintains it
         offices in Wausau, Wisconsin. NCC is a property and casualty company
         that serves as a fronting company for a property and casualty
         subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC), an affiliate.
         NCC maintains its offices in Scottsdale, Arizona. WCLIC writes high
         dollar term life insurance policies and is located in San Francisco,
         California. ELICW, NCC and WCLIC have been accounted for as
         discontinued operations for all periods presented. NLIC did not
         recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of these subsidiaries.

         A summary of the combined results of operations, including the results
         of the accident and health and group life insurance business ELICW
         assumed from NLIC in 1996, and assets and liabilities of ELICW, NCC and
         WCLIC as of and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is
         as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996           1995          1994
                                                                                ------------   -----------   -----------

               <S>                                                               <C>             <C>           <C>   
               Revenues                                                          $   668,870       422,149        84,226
               Net income                                                             11,324        26,456        11,753
               Assets, consisting primarily of investments                         3,029,293     2,967,326     2,537,692
               Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims     2,543,586     2,460,649     2,179,263
</TABLE>

         During 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
         of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to ELICW and NMIC, effective January 1, 1996. See note 13 for a
         complete discussion of the reinsurance agreements. NLIC has
         discontinued its accident and health and group life insurance business
         and in connection therewith has entered into reinsurance agreements to
         cede all existing and any future writings to other affiliated companies
         and will cease writing any new business prior to December 31, 1997.
         NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business is
         accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         NLIC did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of the accident
         and health and group life insurance business. The assets, liabilities,
         results of operations and activities of discontinued operations are
         distinguished physically, operationally and for financial reporting
         purposes from the remaining assets, liabilities, results of operations
         and activities of NLIC.
<PAGE>   8
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         A summary of the results of operations, net of amounts ceded to ELICW
         and NMIC in 1996, and assets and liabilities of NLIC's accident and
         health and group life insurance business as of and for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996           1995          1994
                                                                                ------------   -----------   -----------

<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>    
               Revenues                                                             $      -       354,788       362,476
               Net income (loss)                                                           -        (1,742)        8,706
               Assets, consisting primarily of investments                           259,185       239,426       234,082
               Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims       259,185       239,426       234,082
</TABLE>

(3)      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. Annual Statements for NLIC and its insurance
         subsidiaries, filed with the department of insurance of each insurance
         company's state of domicile, are prepared on the basis of accounting
         practices prescribed or permitted by each department. 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.

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

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

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

              The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NLIC
              and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries that are
              classified and reported as discontinued operations are not
              consolidated but rather are reported as "Investment in
              Subsidiaries Classified as Discontinued Operations" in the
              accompanying consolidated balance sheets and "Income for
              Discontinued Operations" in the accompanying consolidated
              statements of income. All significant intercompany balances and
              transactions have been eliminated.

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

              The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
              and equity securities as either held-to-maturity,
              available-for-sale or trading. 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. The Company has no fixed
              maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as
              of December 31, 1996 or 1995.
<PAGE>   9
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



              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. The measurement of impaired
              loans is 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 fair value of the collateral, if the
              loan is collateral dependent. Loans in foreclosure and loans
              considered to be impaired are placed on non-accrual status.
              Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans on real
              estate are included in interest income in the period received.

              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. Impairment
              losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
              indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
              flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the
              assets' carrying amount.

              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.

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

              INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS:
              Investment products consist primarily of individual and group
              variable and fixed annuities, annuities without life contingencies
              and guaranteed investment contracts. Universal life insurance
              products include universal life insurance, variable universal life
              insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies.
              Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance
              products consist of net investment income, asset fees, 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 interest credited to policy account balances and benefits
              and claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy
              account balances.

              TRADITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS: Traditional life insurance
              products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums
              and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance,
              limited-payment life insurance, term life insurance and certain
              annuities with life contingencies. Premiums for traditional life
              insurance products are recognized as revenue when due. 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.

              ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE PRODUCTS: 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. All accident and health insurance
              business is accounted for as discontinued operations. See note 2.

         (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
              investment products and universal life insurance 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, asset fees, 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. For traditional life products,
              these deferred policy 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. Deferred policy acquisition costs are adjusted to
              reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed
              maturity securities available-for-sale as described in note 3(b).
<PAGE>   10

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         (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.

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

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

              Future policy benefits for traditional life insurance 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 and claims for collectively renewable
              long-term disability policies and group long-term disability
              policies are the present value 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
              insurance policies are not discounted. All health insurance
              business is accounted for as discontinued operations. See note 2.

         (g)  Participating Business
              ----------------------

              Participating business represents approximately 52% in 1996 (54%
              in 1995 and 55% in 1994) of the Company's life insurance in force,
              78% in 1996 (79% in 1995 and 79% in 1994) of the number of life
              insurance policies in force, and 40% in 1996 (47% in 1995 and 51%
              in 1994) 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.

         (h)  Federal Income Tax
              ------------------

              The Company, with the exception of ELICW, files a consolidated
              federal income tax return with NMIC, the majority shareholder of
              Nationwide Corp. The members of the consolidated tax return group
              have a tax sharing arrangement which provides, in effect, for each
              member to bear essentially the same federal income tax liability
              as if separate tax returns were filed. Through 1994, ELICW filed a
              consolidated federal income tax return with Employers Insurance of
              Wausau A Mutual Company, an affiliate. Beginning in 1995, ELICW
              files a separate federal income tax return.

              The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting
              for income tax. Under this 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.
<PAGE>   11
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         (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. All of the Company's accident
              and health and group life insurance business is ceded to
              affiliates and is accounted for as discontinued operations. See
              notes 2 and 13.

         (j)  Reclassification
              ----------------

              Certain items in the 1995 and 1994 consolidated financial
              statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1996
              presentation.


(4)      Change in Accounting Principle
         ------------------------------

         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 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (SFAS)
         NO. 115 - ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY
         SECURITIES. As of January 1, 1994, the Company classified fixed
         maturity securities with amortized cost and fair value of $6,299,665
         and $6,721,714, 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>
<CAPTION>

             <S>                                                                     <C>    
             Excess of fair value over amortized cost of fixed maturity
                securities available-for-sale                                         $ 422,049
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                            (95,044)
             Deferred federal income tax                                               (114,452)
                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                      $ 212,553
                                                                                    ==============
</TABLE>


(5)      Investments
         -----------

         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
         available-for-sale were as follows as of December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Gross         Gross
                                                                    Amortized     unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
                                                                      cost           gains        losses       fair value
                                                                  ------------    ----------    -----------    -----------  
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>    
             1996:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                   U.S. government corporations and agencies       $   275,696         4,795        (1,340)        279,151
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions        6,242           450            (2)          6,690
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments         100,656         2,141          (857)        101,940
                 Corporate securities                                7,999,310       285,946       (33,686)      8,251,570
                 Mortgage-backed securities                          3,588,974        91,438       (15,124)      3,665,288
                                                                   ------------    ----------   ------------   ------------ 
                     Total fixed maturity securities                11,970,878       384,770       (51,009)     12,304,639
               Equity securities                                        43,890        15,571          (330)         59,131
                                                                   ------------    ----------   ------------   ------------ 
                                                                   $12,014,768       400,341       (51,339)     12,363,770
                                                                   ============    ==========   ============   ============ 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   12
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
         available-for-sale were as follows as of December 31, 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Gross         Gross
                                                                    Amortized     unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
                                                                      cost           gains        losses       fair value
                                                                   ------------    ----------   -----------  ---------------
<S>                                                                <C>                <C>              <C>         <C>    
             1995:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of 
                   U.S. government corporations and agencies       $   310,186        12,764           (1)         322,949
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions        8,655         1,205           (1)           9,859
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments         101,414         4,387          (66)         105,735
                 Corporate securities                                7,888,440       473,681      (25,742)       8,336,379
                 Mortgage-backed securities                          3,553,861       165,169       (8,388)       3,710,642
                                                                   ------------    ----------   -----------  ---------------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                11,862,556       657,206      (34,198)      12,485,564
               Equity securities                                        23,617         6,382          (46)          29,953
                                                                   ------------    ----------   -----------  ---------------
                                                                   $11,886,173       663,588      (34,244)      12,515,517
                                                                   ============    ==========   ===========  ===============
</TABLE>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1996, 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                                         $     440,235          444,214
                Due after one year through five years                               3,937,010        4,053,152
                Due after five years through ten years                              2,809,813        2,871,806
                Due after ten years                                                 1,194,846        1,270,179
                                                                                ---------------   --------------
                                                                                    8,381,904        8,639,351

             Mortgage-backed securities                                             3,588,974        3,665,288
                                                                                ---------------   --------------
                                                                                  $11,970,878       12,304,639
                                                                                ===============   ==============
</TABLE>


         The components of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale,
         net, were as follows as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   1996            1995
                                                                              ---------------  --------------

             <S>                                                                  <C>              <C>    
             Gross unrealized gains                                               $349,002         629,344
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                       (81,939)       (138,914)
             Deferred federal income tax                                           (93,471)       (171,649)
                                                                              ---------------  --------------
                                                                                   173,592         318,781

             Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net, of
                subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations (note 2)              -          65,523
                                                                              ---------------  --------------
                                                                                  $173,592         384,304
                                                                              ===============  ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   13
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
         securities available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities
         held-to-maturity follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          1996             1995            1994
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
             <S>                                                     <C>               <C>            <C>    
             Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturity securities                               $(289,247)         876,332       (675,373)
                Equity securities                                           8,905              (26)        (1,927)
             Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                         -           75,626       (398,183)
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
                                                                        $(280,342)         951,932     (1,075,483)
                                                                     ===============   =============  ==============
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1996,
         1995 and 1994 were $299,558, $107,345 and $228,308, respectively.
         During 1996, gross gains of $6,606 ($4,838 and $3,045 in 1995 and 1994,
         respectively) and gross losses of $6,925 ($2,147 and $21,280 in 1995
         and 1994, respectively) were realized on those sales.

         During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities
         classified as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $25,429 to
         available-for-sale securities due to evidence of a significant
         deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. The transfer of those
         fixed maturity securities resulted in a gross unrealized loss of
         $3,535.

         As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Special
         Report, A GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF STATEMENT 115 ON ACCOUNTING FOR
         CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES, issued in November
         1995 the Company transferred all of its fixed maturity securities
         previously classified as held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. As of
         December 14, 1995, the date of transfer, the fixed maturity securities
         had amortized cost of $3,320,093, resulting in a gross unrealized gain
         of $155,940.

         Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
         preceding December 31, 1996 amounted to $26,805 ($27,712 in 1995) and
         consisted of $248 ($6,982 in 1995) in fixed maturity securities,
         $20,633 ($14,740 in 1995) in real estate and $5,924 ($5,990 in 1995) in
         other long-term investments.

         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of
         $30,338 as of December 31, 1996 ($30,482 as of December 31, 1995) and
         valuation allowances of $15,219 as of December 31, 1996 ($25,819 as of
         December 31, 1995).

         The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
         be impaired (under SFAS NO. 114 - ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR
         IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN as amended by SFAS NO. 118 - ACCOUNTING BY
         CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN-INCOME RECOGNITION AND DISCLOSURE)
         as of December 31, 1996 was $51,765 ($44,409 as of December 31, 1995),
         which includes $41,663 ($23,975 as of December 31, 1995) of impaired
         mortgage loans on real estate for which the related valuation allowance
         was $8,485 ($5,276 as of December 31, 1995) and $10,102 ($20,434 as of
         December 31, 1995) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which
         there was no valuation allowance. During 1996, the average recorded
         investment in impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately
         $39,674 ($22,181 in 1995) and interest income recognized on those loans
         was $2,103 ($387 in 1995), which is equal to interest income recognized
         using a cash-basis method of income recognition.

         Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
         estate is summarized for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   1996           1995
                                                                               -------------  --------------

<S>                                                                                <C>             <C>   
             Allowance, beginning of year                                          $49,128         46,381
                  Additions charged to operations                                    4,497          7,433
                  Direct write-downs charged against the allowance                  (2,587)        (4,686)
                                                                               -------------  -------------  
             Allowance, end of year                                                $51,038         49,128
                                                                               =============  ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   14

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
         years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          1996             1995           1994
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  ------------
        <S>                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>          
             Gross investment income:
                 Securities available-for-sale:
                   Fixed maturity securities                          $   917,135          685,787        647,927
                   Equity securities                                        1,291            1,330            509
                 Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                     -          201,808        185,938
                 Mortgage loans on real estate                            432,815          395,478        372,734
                 Real estate                                               44,332           38,344         40,170
                 Short-term investments                                     4,155           10,576          6,141
                 Other                                                      3,998            7,239          2,121
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
                       Total investment income                          1,403,726        1,340,562      1,255,540
             Less investment expenses                                      45,967           46,529         44,729
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  ---------------  
                       Net investment income                           $1,357,759        1,294,033      1,210,811
                                                                     ===============   =============  ==============
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996          1995          1994
                                                                     ------------  ------------  ------------
        <S>                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>    
             Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturity securities                              $(3,462)        4,213        (7,296)
                Equity securities                                        3,143         3,386         1,422
             Mortgage loans on real estate                              (4,115)       (7,091)      (20,446)
             Real estate and other                                       4,108        (2,232)        9,793
                                                                     ------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                      $   (326)       (1,724)      (16,527)
                                                                     ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $6,161 and $5,592
         as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, 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 investment contracts
         represents approximately 87% and 87% of the total liability for future
         policy benefits as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
         average interest rate credited on investment product policies was
         approximately 6.3%, 6.6% and 6.5% for the years ended December 31,
         1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

         The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance
         policies has been established based upon the following assumptions:

              Interest rates:  Interest rates vary as follows:
              --------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                   Year of issue                Interest rates
                   -----------------   ----------------------------------------

                   <S>                <C>                
                   1996                6.6%, not graded
                   1984-1995           6.0% to 10.5%, not graded
                   1966-1983           6.0% to 8.1%, graded over 20 years to 4.0% to 6.6%
                   1965 and prior      generally lower than post 1965 issues

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   15
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              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 Company has entered into a reinsurance contract to cede a portion
         of its general account individual annuity business to The Franklin Life
         Insurance Company (Franklin). Total recoveries due from Franklin were
         $240,451 and $245,255 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
         The contract is immaterial to the Company's results of operations. The
         ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary
         obligation to the policyholder. Under the terms of the contract,
         Franklin has established a trust as collateral for the recoveries. The
         trust assets are invested in investment grade securities, the market
         value of which must at all times be greater than or equal to 102% of
         the reinsured reserves.

         The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain affiliates as
         described in note 13. All other reinsurance agreements are not material
         to either premiums or reinsurance recoverables.

(7)      Federal Income Tax
         -------------------

         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 1996
         and 1995 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              1996               1995
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
            <S>                                                         <C>                 <C>    
             Deferred tax assets:
                Future policy benefits                                        $175,571            149,192
                Liabilities in Separate Accounts                               188,426            129,120
                Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate                   23,366             25,165
                Other policyholder funds                                         7,407              7,424
                Other assets and other liabilities                              53,757             41,847
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Total gross deferred tax assets                              448,527            352,748
                  Less valuation allowances                                     (7,000)            (7,000)
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Net deferred tax assets                                      441,527            345,748
                                                                        =================   ===============

             Deferred tax liabilities:
                Deferred policy acquisition costs                              399,345            299,579
                Fixed maturity securities                                      133,210            227,345
                Deferred tax on realized investment gains                       37,597             40,634
                Equity securities and other long-term investments                8,210              3,780
                Other                                                           25,377             21,037
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Total gross deferred tax liabilities                         603,739            592,375
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                                                                              $162,212            246,627
                                                                        =================   ===============
</TABLE>

         In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
         considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
         total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nearly all future
         deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery
         of federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. There
         has been no change in the valuation allowance for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
<PAGE>   16

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                1996                    1995                    1994
                                                   ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------
                                                      Amount        %          Amount        %          Amount        %
                                                   ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------

             <S>                                      <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C> 
             Computed (expected) tax expense          $110,424     35.0        $100,650     35.0         $84,650     35.0
             Tax exempt interest and dividends
                received deduction                        (212)    (0.1)            (18)    (0.0)           (130)    (0.1)
             Other, net                                    677      0.3            (824)    (0.3)         (5,931)    (2.5)
                                                   ------------  --------   ------------- --------   ------------- --------
               Total (effective rate of each year)    $110,889     35.2       $  99,808     34.7         $78,589     32.5
                                                   ============  ========   ============= ========   ============= ========
</TABLE>

         Total federal  income tax paid was $115,839,  $51,840 and $83,239  
         during the years ended  December 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994, 
         respectively.


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

         SFAS 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. SFAS 107 defines the
         fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the
         financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction
         between willing parties. 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
         life insurance contracts is 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 consolidated balance sheets for these instruments
              approximates their fair value.

              FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY 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, which includes certain surrender
              charges.
<PAGE>   17
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              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 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 analyses. Interest rates used are similar to currently
              offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining
              for the contracts being valued.

              POLICY RESERVES ON LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS: Included are
              disclosures for individual life insurance, universal life
              insurance 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.

              COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT: Commitments to extend credit have
              nominal fair value because of the short-term nature of such
              commitments. See note 9.

           Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
           subject to SFAS 107 and policy reserves on life insurance contracts
           were as follows as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           1996                            1995
                                                             ------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                                                Carrying      Estimated          Carrying       Estimated
                                                                 amount       fair value          amount        fair value
                                                             ------------------------------   --------------- ---------------
               <S>                                             <C>             <C>               <C>             <C>       
               Assets
               ------
               Investments:
                  Securities available-for-sale:
                     Fixed maturity securities                 $12,304,639     12,304,639        12,485,564      12,485,564
                     Equity securities                              59,131         59,131            29,953          29,953
                  Mortgage loans on real estate, net             5,272,119      5,397,865         4,602,764       4,961,655
                  Policy loans                                     371,816        371,816           336,356         336,356
                  Short-term investments                             4,789          4,789            32,792          32,792
               Cash                                                 43,784         43,784             9,455           9,455
               Assets held in Separate Accounts                 26,926,702     26,926,702        18,591,108      18,591,108

               Liabilities
               -----------
               Investment contracts                             13,914,441     13,484,526        13,229,360      12,876,798
               Policy reserves on life insurance contracts       2,971,337      2,775,991         2,836,323       2,733,486
               Policyholders' dividend accumulations               361,401        361,401           348,027         348,027
               Other policyholder funds                             60,073         60,073            65,297          65,297
               Liabilities related to Separate Accounts         26,926,702     26,164,213        18,591,108      18,052,362
</TABLE>

(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.
<PAGE>   18
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         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 75% 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 $327,456 extending into
         1997 were outstanding as of December 31, 1996.

         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 21% (20% in 1995) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2%
         in 1995) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1996.

         The Company had a significant reinsurance recoverable balance from one
         reinsurer as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. See note 6.

         The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
         December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             Apartment
                                                Office       Warehouse         Retail         & other           Total
                                              ------------  -------------   -------------   -------------   --------------
              <S>                              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>                 
               1996:
                 East North Central             $139,518        119,069         549,064         215,038        1,022,689
                 East South Central               33,267         22,252         172,968          90,623          319,110
                 Mountain                         17,972         43,027         113,292          73,390          247,681
                 Middle Atlantic                 129,077         54,046         160,833          18,498          362,454
                 New England                      33,348         43,581         161,960               -          238,889
                 Pacific                         202,562        325,046         424,295         110,108        1,062,011
                 South Atlantic                  103,889        134,492         482,934         385,185        1,106,500
                 West North Central              126,467          2,441          75,180          40,529          244,617
                 West South Central              104,877        120,314         197,090         304,256          726,537
                                              -------------   -------------   -------------   --------------  ------------
                                                $890,977        864,268       2,337,616       1,237,627        5,330,488
                                              ============  =============   =============   =============
                    Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                            58,369
                                                                                                            --------------
                         Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                             $5,272,119
                                                                                                            ==============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 <S>                          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>    
               1995:
                 East North Central             $138,965        101,925         514,995         175,213          931,098
                 East South Central               21,329         13,053         180,858          82,383          297,623
                 Mountain                              -         17,219         138,220          45,274          200,713
                 Middle Atlantic                 116,187         64,813         158,252          10,793          350,045
                 New England                       9,559         39,525         148,449               1          197,534
                 Pacific                         183,206        233,186         374,915         105,419          896,726
                 South Atlantic                  106,246         73,541         446,800         278,265          904,852
                 West North Central              133,899         14,205          78,065          36,651          262,820
                 West South Central               69,140         92,594         190,299         267,268          619,301
                                              ------------  ------------    -------------   -------------   --------------
                                                $778,531        650,061       2,230,853       1,001,267        4,660,712
                                              ============  =============   =============   =============
                    Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                            57,948
                                                                                                            --------------
                         Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                             $4,602,764
                                                                                                            ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   19
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


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

         The Company is a participant, 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. Benefits are based upon the highest
         average annual salary of a specified number of 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.

         Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced
         benefits for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and
         elected early retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost
         of the enhanced benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property
         and casualty insurance company affiliates.

         Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
         Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual
         Insurance Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance
         Companies Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Retirement Plan. Immediately prior to the merger, the plans were
         amended to provide consistent benefits for service after January 1,
         1996. These amendments had no significant impact on the accumulated
         benefit obligation or projected benefit obligation as of December 31,
         1995.

         Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
         ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $7,381, $10,478 and
         $10,063, respectively.

         The Company's net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1996 and
         1995 was $1,075 and $1,392, respectively.

         The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Retirement Plan as a whole for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
         the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a
         whole for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996             1995              1994
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                    <C>                  <C>               <C>   
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)       $   75,466           64,524            64,740
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation             105,511           95,283            73,951
              Actual return on plan assets                             (210,583)        (249,294)          (21,495)
              Net amortization and deferral                             101,795          143,353           (62,150)
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                     $   72,189           53,866            55,046
                                                                   ===============  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>


         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996             1995              1994
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                           6.00%            7.50%             5.75%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels           4.25%            6.25%             4.50%
              Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets         6.75%            8.75%             7.00%
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   20
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
         Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
         follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                1996              1995
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
              <S>                                                          <C>               <C>      
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                 Vested                                                      $1,338,554         1,236,730
                 Nonvested                                                       11,149            26,503
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                                                                             $1,349,703         1,263,233
                                                                           ===============   ===============

              Net accrued pension expense:
                 Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to       
                    date                                                     $1,847,828         1,780,616
                 Plan assets at fair value                                    1,947,933         1,738,004
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                    Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit
                       obligation                                               100,105           (42,612)
                 Unrecognized prior service cost                                 37,870            42,845
                 Unrecognized net gains                                        (201,952)          (63,130)
                 Unrecognized net asset at transition                            37,158            41,305
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                                                                            $   (26,819)          (21,592)
                                                                           ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

         Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1996              1995
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                              <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                                   6.50%             6.00%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels                   4.75%             4.25%
</TABLE>

         Assets of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan are
         invested in group annuity contracts of NLIC and ELICW.

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

         In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
         with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
         defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
         health care benefits are contributory and generally 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
         health care benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain
         cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition,
         there are caps on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of
         the postretirement health care benefits. These caps can increase
         annually, but not more than three percent. The Company's policy is to
         fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the
         discretion of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in group
         annuity contracts of NLIC.

         The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation; however, certain affiliated
         companies elected to amortize their initial transition obligation over
         periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.

         The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
         1996 and 1995 was $34,884 and $33,537, respectively, and the net
         periodic postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1996, 1995 and 1994
         was $3,286, $3,132 and $4,284, respectively.
<PAGE>   21
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        1996          1995          1994
                                                                                     -----------   -----------   -----------

            <S>                                                                       <C>              <C>           <C>  
             Service cost (benefits attributed to employee service during the year)   $  6,541         6,235         8,586
             Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation             13,679        14,151        14,011
             Actual return on plan assets                                               (4,348)       (2,657)       (1,622)
             Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates              173         2,966           568
             Net amortization and deferral                                               1,830        (1,619)        1,622
                                                                                     -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                       $17,875        19,076        23,165
                                                                                     ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

         Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
         December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             1996              1995
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
             <S>                                                                          <C>                   <C>   
             Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
                Retirees                                                                  $   92,954            88,680
                Fully eligible, active plan participants                                      23,749            28,793
                Other active plan participants                                                83,986            90,375
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO)                      200,689           207,848
                Plan assets at fair value                                                     63,044            54,325
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                   Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation      (137,645)         (153,523)
                Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                               1,654             1,827
                Unrecognized net gains                                                       (23,225)           (1,038)
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                                                                                           $(159,216)         (152,734)
                                                                                        ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

         Actuarial  assumptions  used for the  measurement  of the APBO as of 
         December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the NPPBC for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 
         as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996          1996         1995         1995         1994
                                                      APBO         NPPBC         APBO        NPPBC         NPPBC
                                                   ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
             <S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>  

             Discount rate                            7.25%         6.65%        6.75%        8.00%        7.00%
             Long-term rate of return on plan
                 assets, net of tax                     -           4.80%         -           8.00%         N/A
             Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                 Initial rate                        11.00%        11.00%       11.00%       10.00%       12.00%
                 Ultimate rate                        6.00%         6.00%        6.00%        6.00%        6.00%
                 Uniform declining period           12 Years      12 Years     12 Years     12 Years     12 Years
</TABLE>


         The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts
         reported. For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in
         the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of
         December 31, 1996 by $701 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31,
         1996 by $83.

(12)     Shareholder's Equity, 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 company subsidiaries exceed the minimum risk-based capital
         requirements.
<PAGE>   22
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The statutory capital shares and surplus of NLIC as of December 31,
         1996, 1995 and 1994 was $1,000,647, $1,363,031 and $1,262,861,
         respectively. The statutory net income of NLIC for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $73,218, $86,529 and $76,532,
         respectively.

         NLIC is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may pay
         without prior approval by the Department of Insurance of the State of
         Ohio (the Department). NLIC's dividend of the outstanding shares of
         common stock of certain companies which was declared on September 24,
         1996 and the anticipated $850,000 dividend (as discussed in note 1) are
         deemed extraordinary under Ohio insurance laws. As a result of such
         dividends, any dividend paid by NLIC during the 12-month period
         immediately following the $850,000 dividend would also be an
         extraordinary dividend under Ohio insurance laws. Accordingly, no such
         dividend could be paid without prior regulatory approval.

         In addition, the payment of dividends by NLIC may also be subject to
         restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of New York that limit the
         amount of statutory profits on NLIC's participating policies (measured
         before dividends to policyholders) that can inure to the benefit of the
         Company and its stockholder.

         The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
         impair its ability to pay operating expenses and stockholder dividends
         in the future.

(13)     Transactions With Affiliates
         ----------------------------

         The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
         subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the
         Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $9,065,
         $8,986 and $8,133, respectively.

         Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its
         direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides
         certain operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
         advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
         subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to
         allocation among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts
         allocated to the Company were $101,584, $107,112, and $100,601 in 1996,
         1995 and 1994, respectively. The allocations are based on techniques
         and procedures in accordance with insurance regulatory guidelines.
         Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include individual
         employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies, salary expense,
         commissions expense and other methods agreed to by the participating
         companies that are within industry guidelines and practices. The
         Company believes these allocation methods are reasonable. In addition,
         the Company does not believe that expenses recognized under the
         intercompany agreements are materially different than expenses that
         would have been recognized had the Company operated on a stand alone
         basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under the cost sharing
         agreement were $15,111 and $1,186 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
         respectively.

         The Company also 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 1996 and
         1995 were not material. The Company believes that the terms of the
         repurchase agreements are materially consistent with what the Company
         could have obtained with unaffiliated parties.
<PAGE>   23

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         Intercompany reinsurance contracts exist between NLIC and, respectively
         NMIC and ELICW whereby all of NLIC's accident and health and group life
         insurance business is ceded on a modified coinsurance basis. NLIC
         entered into the reinsurance agreements during 1996 because the
         accident and health and group life insurance business was unrelated to
         NLIC's long-term savings and retirement products. Accordingly, the
         accident and health and group life insurance business has been
         accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         Under modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets are retained by
         the ceding company and investment earnings are paid to the reinsurer.
         Under the terms of NLIC's agreements, the investment risk associated
         with changes in interest rates is borne by NMIC or ELICW, as the case
         may be. Risk of asset default is retained by NLIC, although a fee is
         paid by NMIC or ELICW, as the case may be, to NLIC for the NLIC's
         retention of such risk. The agreements will remain in force until all
         policy obligations are settled. However, with respect to the agreement
         between NLIC and NMIC, either party may terminate the contract on
         January 1 of any year with prior notice. The ceding of risk does not
         discharge the original insurer from its primary obligation to the
         policyholder. NLIC believes that the terms of the modified coinsurance
         agreements are consistent in all material respects with what NLIC could
         have obtained with unaffiliated parties.

         Amounts ceded to ELICW in 1996 are included in ELICW's results of
         operations for 1996 which, combined with the results of WCLIC and NCC,
         are summarized in note 2. Amounts ceded to ELICW in 1996 include
         premiums of $224,224, net investment income and other revenue of
         $14,833, and benefits, claims and other expenses of $246,641. Amounts
         ceded to NMIC in 1996 include premiums of $97,331, net investment
         income of $10,890, and benefits, claims and other expenses of $100,476.

         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 $4,789 and $9,654 as of December 31,
         1996 and 1995, respectively, and are included in short-term investments
         on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         On April, 5 1996, Nationwide Corp. contributed all of the outstanding
         shares, with shareholder equity value of $30, of NISC to NLIC. NLIC
         contributed an additional $500 to NISC on August 30, 1996.

         On March 1, 1995, Nationwide Corp. contributed all of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of Farmland Life Insurance Company (Farmland) to
         NLIC. Farmland merged into WCLIC effective June 30, 1995. The
         contribution resulted in a direct increase to consolidated
         shareholder's equity of $46,918. As discussed in note 2, WCLIC is
         accounted for as discontinued operations.

         Effective December 31, 1994, NLIC purchased all of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of ELICW from Wausau Service Corporation (WSC)
         for $155,000. 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. 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. As discussed in note 2, ELICW is
         accounted for as discontinued operations.

         Certain annuity products are sold through three affiliated companies
         which are also subsidiaries of Nationwide Corp. Total commissions and
         fees paid to these affiliates for the years ended December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994 were $76,922, $57,280 and $50,168, respectively.

(14)     Bank Lines of Credit
         --------------------

         In August 1996, NLIC, along with NMIC, established a $600,000 revolving
         credit facility which provides for a $600,000 loan over a five year
         term on a fully revolving basis with a group of national financial
         institutions. The credit facility provides for several and not joint
         liability with respect to any amount drawn by either NLIC or NMIC. NLIC
         and NMIC pay facility and usage fees to the financial institutions to
         maintain the revolving credit facility. All previously existing line of
         credit agreements were canceled.
<PAGE>   24
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(15)     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.

(16)     Segment Information
         -------------------

         The Company has three primary segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed
         Annuities and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists
         of annuity contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to
         invest in mutual funds managed by the Company and independent
         investment managers, with the investment returns accumulating on a
         tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity
         contracts that generate a return for the customer at a specified
         interest rate, fixed for a prescribed period, with returns accumulating
         on a tax-deferred basis. The Life Insurance segment consists of
         insurance products that provide a death benefit and may also allow the
         customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. In addition, the
         Company reports corporate expenses and investments, and the related
         investment income supporting capital not specifically allocated to its
         product segments in a Corporate and Other segment. In addition, all
         realized gains and losses, investment management fees and other revenue
         earned from mutual funds, other than the portion allocated to the
         variable annuities and life insurance segments, are reported in the
         Corporate and Other segment.

         During 1996, the Company changed its reporting segments to better
         reflect the way the businesses are managed. Prior periods have been
         restated to reflect these changes.

         The following table summarizes the revenues and income from continuing
         operations before federal income tax expense for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and assets as of December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994, by business segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              1996              1995              1994
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
             <S>                                                        <C>                <C>               <C>    
              Revenues:
                   Variable Annuities                                      $    284,638          189,071           132,687
                   Fixed Annuities                                            1,092,566        1,051,970           939,868
                   Life Insurance                                               435,657          409,135           383,150
                   Corporate and Other                                          179,977          148,475           143,794
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           $  1,992,838        1,798,651         1,599,499
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============

              Income from continuing operations before federal income tax
                 expense:
                   Variable Annuities                                            90,244           50,837            24,574
                   Fixed Annuities                                              135,405          137,000           138,950
                   Life Insurance                                                67,242           67,590            53,046
                   Corporate and Other                                           22,606           32,145            25,288
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                          $     315,497          287,572           241,858
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============

              Assets:

                   Variable Annuities                                        25,069,725       17,333,039        11,146,465
                   Fixed Annuities                                           13,994,715       13,250,359        11,668,973
                   Life Insurance                                             3,353,286        3,027,420         2,752,283
                   Corporate and Other                                        5,348,520        4,896,815         3,678,303
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                            $47,766,246       38,507,633        29,246,024
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   25
<TABLE>


                                                                                                                 SCHEDULE I

                                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                 
                                               Consolidated Summary of Investments -
                                             Other Than Investments in Related Parties
                                                                 
                                                      As of December 31, 1996
                                                         ($000's omitted)
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
                           Column A                                 Column B         Column C          Column D
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
                                                                                                    Amount at which
                                                                                                     shown in the
                                                                                                     consolidated
                      Type of Investment                              Cost         Market value      balance sheet
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
<S>                                                             <C>                <C>               <C>      
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
   Bonds:
      U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities     $  3,757,887        3,834,762           3,834,762
      States, municipalities and political subdivisions                  6,242            6,690               6,690
      Foreign governments                                              100,656          101,940             101,940
      Public utilities                                               1,798,736        1,843,938           1,843,938
      All other corporate                                            6,307,357        6,517,309           6,517,309
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------
          Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale        11,970,878       12,304,639          12,304,639
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------

Equity securities available-for-sale:
   Common stocks:
      Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                           43,501           50,405              50,405
   Non-redeemable preferred stock                                          389            8,726               8,726
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------
          Total equity securities available-for-sale                    43,890           59,131              59,131
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------

Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                   5,327,317                            5,272,119 (1)
Real estate, net:
   Investment properties                                               253,383                              217,611 (1)
   Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                     57,933                               48,148 (1)
Policy loans                                                           371,816                              371,816
Other long-term investments                                             27,370                               28,668 (2)
Short-term investments                                                   4,789                                4,789
                                                                ---------------                      ----------------
          Total investments                                        $18,057,376                           18,306,921
                                                                ===============                      ================
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Difference from Column B is primarily due to valuation allowances due to
     impairments on mortgage loans on real estate and due to accumulated
     depreciation and valuation allowances due to impairments on real estate.
     See note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2) Difference from Column B is primarily due to operating gains of investments
    in limited partnerships.

</TABLE>






See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   26
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                               SCHEDULE III

                                    NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                            Supplemental Insurance Information

                                          As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                           and for each of the years then ended

                                                     ($000's omitted)

- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------   ------------------ ---------------
             Column A                  Column B          Column C            Column D           Column E          Column F
- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------   -----------------  ---------------
                                       Deferred       Future policy                            Other policy
                                        policy      benefits, losses,                           claims and         
                                     acquisition        claims and      Unearned premiums    benefits payable    Premium
             Segment                    costs         loss expenses            (1)                 (2)           revenue
- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------    ----------------  --------------

<C>                                 <C>             <C>                 <C>                    <C>                <C>    
1996: Variable Annuities               $   791,611                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      242,421          14,952,877                                    687          24,030
      Life Insurance                       414,417           1,995,802                                395,739         174,612
      Corporate and Other                  (81,940)            230,381                                 25,048               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                      $1,366,509          17,179,060                                421,474         198,642
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 

1995: Variable Annuities                   571,283                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      221,111          14,221,622                                    455          32,774
      Life Insurance                       366,876           1,898,641                                383,983         166,332
      Corporate and Other                 (138,914)            238,351                                 28,886               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                      $1,020,356          16,358,614                                413,324         199,106
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 

1994: Variable Annuities                   395,397                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      198,639          12,633,253                                    240          20,134
      Life Insurance                       327,079           1,806,762                                371,984         156,524
      Corporate and Other                   74,445             233,569                                 26,927               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                     $   995,560          14,673,584                                399,151         176,658
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------    ----------------  -------------- 
             Column A                  Column G          Column H            Column I           Column J          Column K
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------    ----------------  -------------- 
                                         Net                               Amortization           Other
                                      investment    Benefits, claims,      of deferred          operating        
                                        income          losses and            policy            expenses          Premiums
             Segment                     (3)       settlement expenses  acquisition costs          (3)            written
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------   -----------------  -------------- 

1996: Variable Annuities               $   (21,449)              4,624             57,412             132,357
      Fixed Annuities                    1,050,557             838,533             38,635              79,737
      Life Insurance                       174,002             211,386             37,347              78,965
      Corporate and Other                  154,649             106,037                  -              51,335
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,357,759           1,160,580            133,394             342,394
                                    ============== ===================  =================   ================= 

1995: Variable Annuities                   (17,640)              2,881             26,264             109,089
      Fixed Annuities                    1,002,718             804,980             29,499              80,260
      Life Insurance                       171,255             201,986             31,021              68,832
      Corporate and Other                  137,700             105,646             (4,089)             14,773
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,294,033           1,115,493             82,695             272,954
                                    ============== ===================  =================   =================  

1994: Variable Annuities                   (13,415)              2,277             22,135              83,701
      Fixed Annuities                      903,572             702,082             29,849              69,975
      Life Insurance                       166,329             191,006             29,495              69,861
      Corporate and Other                  154,325              97,302              4,089              17,115
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,210,811             992,667             85,568             240,652
                                    ============== ===================  =================   =================  
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Unearned premiums are included in Column C amounts.

(2)  Column E agrees to the sum of the Balance Sheet captions, Policyholders'
     dividend accumulations and Other policyholder funds.

(3)  Allocations of net investment income and certain general expenses are based
     on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating results
     would change by segment if different methods were applied.


</TABLE>

See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   27


                                                                    SCHEDULE IV

                              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                  Reinsurance

                                    As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                     and for each of the years then ended

                                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------   ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
           Column A                  Column B           Column C           Column D          Column E          Column F
- -------------------------------   ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
                                                                                                              Percentage
                                                        Ceded to         Assumed from                         of amount
                                   Gross amount      other companies   other companies      Net amount      assumed to net
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>               <C> 
1996:
Life insurance in force              $47,071,264          6,633,567            288,593        40,726,290           0.7%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        225,615             29,282              2,309           198,642           1.2%
   Accident and health insurance         291,871            305,789             13,918                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   517,486            335,071             16,227           198,642           8.2%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============


1995:
Life Insurance in force              $41,087,025          8,935,743            391,174        32,542,456           1.2%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        221,257             24,360              2,209           199,106           1.1%
   Accident and health insurance         298,058            313,036             14,978                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   519,315            337,396             17,187           199,106           8.6%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============


1994:
Life Insurance in force              $35,926,633          7,550,623            829,742        29,205,752           2.8%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        198,705             24,912              2,865           176,658           1.6%
   Accident and health insurance         303,435            321,696             18,261                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   502,140            346,608             21,126           176,658          12.0%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============
<FN>

- ----------
Note:  The life insurance caption represents principally premiums from
       traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and
       excludes deposits on invesment products and universal life insurance
       products.
</TABLE>


See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   28

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                                 SCHEDULE V

                                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                 
                                                 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                                                                 
                                           Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                                         ($000's omitted)

- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   -----------------------------   ------------ -------------
                    Column A                         Column B               Column C               Column D      Column E
- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   -----------------------------   ------------ -------------
                                                    Balance at     Charged to                                   Balance at
                                                   beginning of     costs and      Charged to     Deductions      end of
                  Description                         period        expenses     other accounts      (1)          period
- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>          <C>   
1996:
Valuation  allowances - mortgage loans on real
   estate                                              $49,128          4,497               -          2,587        51,038
Valuation allowances - real estate                      25,819        (10,600)              -              -        15,219
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $74,947         (6,103)              -          2,587        66,257
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============


1995:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities             -          8,908               -          8,908             -
Valuation  allowances  - mortgage  loans on real
   estate                                               46,381          7,433               -          4,686        49,128
Valuation allowances - real estate                      27,330         (1,511)              -              -        25,819
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $73,711         14,830               -         13,594        74,947
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============


1994:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities         4,800         (4,800)              -              -             -
Valuation  allowances  - mortgage  loans on real
   estate                                               42,150         20,445               -         16,214        46,381
Valuation allowances - real estate                      31,357         (4,027)              -              -        27,330
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $78,307         11,618               -         16,214        73,711
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation allowance.
</TABLE>



See accompanying independent auditors' report.

<PAGE>   46



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                        <C>
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

              (a) Financial Statements:

                  (1) Financial statements and schedule included
                      in Prospectus
                      (Part A):                                                   16
                      Condensed Financial Information.

                  (2) Financial statements and schedule included
                      in Part B:

                      Those financial statements and schedule required by Item
                      23 to be included in Part B have been incorporated therein
                      by reference to the Prospectus (Part A).                     44

              Nationwide Variable Account:
                      Independent Auditors' Report.                                45
   
                      Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract
                      Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1996.                      45

                      Statements of Operations and Changes in
                      Contract Owners' Equity for the years ended
                      December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.                            47
    
                      Notes to Financial Statements.                               48

                      Schedules of Changes in Unit Value.                          53

              Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
                      Independent Auditors' Report.                                58
   
                      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December
                      31, 1996 and 1995.                                           59

                      Consolidated Statements of Income for the
                      years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and                      60
                      1994.

                      Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's
                      Equity for the years ended December 31,
                      1996, 1995 and 1994.
                                                                                   61
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
                      the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
                      and 1994.                                                    62
    
                      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                  63

                      Schedule I - Consolidated Summary of Investments - 
                      Other Than Investments in Related Parties                   104

                      Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance
                      Information                                                 105

                      Schedule IV - Reinsurance                                   106

                      Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts              107

</TABLE>
                                   78 of 104
<PAGE>   47


Item 24.      (b) Exhibits

                      (1)    Resolution of the Depositor's Board of Directors
                             authorizing the establishment of the Registrant -
                             Filed previously with the Registration Statement,
                             and hereby incorporated by reference.

                      (2)    Not Applicable

                      (3)    Underwriting or Distribution of Contracts between
                             the Registrant and Principal Underwriter - Filed
                             previously with the Registration Statement, and
                             hereby incorporated by reference.

                      (4)    The form of the variable annuity contract - Filed
                             previously with the Registration Statement and
                             hereby incorporated by reference.

                      (5)    Variable Annuity Application - Filed
                             previously with the Registration
                             Statement, and hereby incorporated by reference.

                      (6)    Articles of Incorporation of Depositor -Filed
                             previously with the Registration Statement, and
                             hereby incorporated by reference.

                      (7)    Not Applicable

                      (8)    Not Applicable

                      (9)    Opinion of Counsel - Attached Hereto.

                      (10)   Not Applicable

                      (11)   Not Applicable

                      (12)   Not Applicable

                      (13)   Not Applicable


                                   79 of 104
<PAGE>   48


Item 25.      DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR
   
<TABLE>
                          NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
                          <S>                                            <C>

                          Lewis J. Alphin                                        Director
                          519 Bethel Church Road
                          Mount Olive, NC 28365

                          Keith W. Eckel
                          1647 Falls Road
                          Clarks Summit, PA 18411                                Director

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

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

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

                          Joseph J. Gasper                         President and Chief Operating Officer
                          One Nationwide Plaza                                 and Director
                          Columbus, OH 43215

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

                          Dimon Richard McFerson                   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                        Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
                          Columbus, OH 43215                                   and Director

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

                          C. Ray Noecker                                         Director
                          2770 Winchester Southern S.
                          Ashville, OH 43103

                          James F. Patterson                                     Director
                          8765 Mulberry Road
                          Chesterland, OH 44026
</TABLE>
    


                                   80 of 104
<PAGE>   49


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
                          <S>                                                   <C>
                          Arden L. Shisler                                       Director
                          1356 North Wenger 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

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

                          Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                       Executive Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                           Chief Investment Officer
                          Columbus, OH 43215

                          James E. Brock                                  Senior Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                            Life Company 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

                          Michael D. Bleiweiss                                Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                         Individual Annuity Operations
                          Columbus, OH 43215
</TABLE>
    


                                   81 of 104
<PAGE>   50


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR

                          <S>                                              <C>
                          Matthew S. Easley                                  Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                   Life Marketing and Administrative Service
                          Columbus, OH 43215

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

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

                          R. Dennis Noice                                     Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                               Retail Operations
                          Columbus, OH 43215

                          Joseph P. Rath                        Vice President - Associate General Counsel
                          One Nationwide Plaza
                          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


                                   82 of 104
<PAGE>   51


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NO. VOTING
                                                              SECURITIES
                                                             (SEE ATTACHED
                                              STATE          CHART) UNLESS
                                               OF              OTHERWISE               
               COMPANY                    ORGANIZATION         INDICATED                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                      <C>                                 <C>
Affiliate Agency, Inc.                      Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency

Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency

Allnations, Inc.                              Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance
                                                                             corporations worldwide

American Marine Underwriters, Inc.          Florida                          Underwriting Manager

Auto Direkt Insurance Company               Germany                          Insurance Company

The Beak and Wire Corporation                 Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture

California Cash Management Company         California                        Investment Securities Agent

Colonial County Mutual insurance             Texas                           Insurance Company
Company

Colonial Insurance Company of              California                        Insurance Company
California

Columbus Insurance Brokerage and            Germany                          Insurance Broker
Service GMBH

Companies Agency, Inc.                     Wisconsin                         Insurance Broker

Companies Agency Insurance Services        California                        Insurance  Broker
of California

Companies Agency of Alabama, Inc.           Alabama                          Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.              Idaho                           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 Massachusetts,       Massachusetts                       Insurance Broker
Inc.

Companies Agency of New York, Inc.          New York                         Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of Pennsylvania,         Pennsylvania                       Insurance Broker
Inc.

Companies Agency of Phoenix, Inc.           Arizona                          Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of Texas, Inc.              Texas                           Insurance Broker

Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,           Texas                           Insurance Broker
Inc.

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

Employers Insurance of Wausau              Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
A Mutual Company
</TABLE>


                                   83 of 104
<PAGE>   52


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

    F & B, Inc.                                   Iowa                           Insurance Agency

    Farmland Mutual Insurance Company             Iowa                           Insurance Company

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

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

    Financial Horizons Distributors             Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency

    Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.

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

*   Financial Horizons Investment Trust      Massachusetts                       Investment Company

    Financial Horizons Securities               Oklahoma                         Broker Dealer
    Corporation

    Gates, McDonald & Company                     Ohio                           Cost Control Business

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

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

    Gates, McDonald Health Plus, Inc.             Ohio                           Managed Care Organization

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

    Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                Ohio                           Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency

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

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

    Leben Direkt Insurance Company              Germany                          Life Insurance Company

    Lone Star General Agency, Inc.               Texas                           Insurance Agency

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

**  National Casualty Company                   Michigan                         Insurance Company

    National Casualty Company of             Great Britain                       Insurance Company
    America, Ltd.

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

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

    Nationwide Agency, Inc.                       Ohio                           Insurance Agency

    Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance             Iowa                           Insurance Company
    Company

**  Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust        Massachusetts                       Investment Company

    Nationwide Cash Management Company            Ohio                           Investment Securities Agent
</TABLE>
    


                                   84 of 104
<PAGE>   53

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NO. VOTING
                                                                  SECURITIES
                                                                 (SEE ATTACHED
                                                 STATE           CHART) UNLESS
                                                  OF               OTHERWISE                   
                   COMPANY                   ORGANIZATION          INDICATED                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                              <C>                            <C>
    Nationwide Communications, Inc.               Ohio                           Radio Broadcasting Business

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

    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 Development Company                Ohio                           Owns, leases and manages commercial real
                                                                                 estate

    Nationwide Financial Institution            Delaware                         Insurance Agency
    Distributors Agency, Inc.

    Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.         Delaware                         Holding Company

    Nationwide General Insurance Company          Ohio                           Insurance Company
    Nationwide HMO, Inc.                          Ohio                           Health Maintenance Organization

*   Nationwide Indemnity Company                  Ohio                           Reinsurance Company

    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise               Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
    Foundation

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

    Nationwide Investing Foundation             Michigan                         Investment Company

*   Nationwide Investing                     Massachusetts                       Investment Company
    Foundation II

    Nationwide Investment Services              Oklahoma                         Registered Broker-Dealer in Deferred
    Corporation                                                                  Compensation Market

    Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.           Ohio                           Stock Transfer Agent

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

**  Nationwide Life Insurance Company             Ohio                           Life Insurance Company

    Nationwide Lloyds                            Texas                           Texas Lloyds Company

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

    Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance              Ohio                           Insurance Company
    Company

    Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company           Ohio                           Insurance Company
    Nationwide Properties, Ltd.                   Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real estate and
                                                                                 real estate investments.

    Nationwide Property and Casualty              Ohio                           Insurance Company
    Insurance Company
</TABLE>


                                   85 of 104
<PAGE>   54


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NO. VOTING
                                                                  SECURITIES
                                                                 (SEE ATTACHED
                                                 STATE           CHART) UNLESS
                                                  OF               OTHERWISE                                     
                   COMPANY                   ORGANIZATION          INDICATED                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                          <C>                                 <C>
    Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd.             Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real estate and
                                                                                 real estate investments.

*   Nationwide Separate Account Trust        Massachusetts                       Investment Company

    NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,         Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
    Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Neckura General Insurance Company           Germany                          Insurance Company

    Neckura Holding Company                     Germany                          Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
                                                                                 Group

    Neckura Insurance Company                   Germany                          Insurance Company

    Neckura Life Insurance Company              Germany                          Life Insurance Company

    NWE, Inc.                                     Ohio                           Special Investments

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

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

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

    Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation      Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance organization

    Prevea Health Insurance Plan, Inc.         Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance organization

    Public Employees Benefit Services           Delaware                         Markets and Administrates Deferred
    Corporation                                                                  Compensation Plans for Public Employees

    Public Employees Benefit Services           Alabama                          Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
    Corporation of Alabama                                                       Plans for Public Employees
</TABLE>
    


                                   86 of 104
<PAGE>   55
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                               (left side)
<S>                               <C>                               <C>                                  <C>
- ------------------------
 NATIONWIDE INSURANCE 
 GOLF CHARITIES, INC. 
                      
      MEMBERSHIP      
      NONPROFIT       
     CORPORATION      
- ------------------------
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                        EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU     
                                                             A MUTUAL COMPANY             
                                                               (EMPLOYERS)                
                                                                                          ========================================
                                                   Contribution Note         Cost         
                                                   -----------------         ----         
                                                   Casualty                  $400,000,000 
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------         ---------------------------
    SAN DIEGO LOTUS                WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.               WAUSAU SERVICE                                        
     CORPORATION                      (U.K.) LIMITED                 CORPORATION (WSC)                 NATIONWIDE LLOYDS    
Common Stock: 748,212           Common Stock: 8,506,800         Common Stock: 1,000 Shares                                  
- ------------  Shares            ------------  Shares            ------------                                                
                                                                                          =========                         
              Cost                            Cost                            Cost                     A TEXAS LLOYDS     
              ----                            ----                            ----                                        
Employers-                      Employers-                      Employers-                                                
100%          $29,000,000       100%          $18,683,300       100%          $176,763,000                                
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------       ---------------------------
                                                                                                    
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                                                  
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------      ---------------------------
     WAUSAU BUSINESS               COMPANIES AGENCY              COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES                                  
    INSURANCE COMPANY              OF KENTUCKY, INC.                  CORPORATION                                      
Common Stock: 10,900,000       Common Stock: 1,000            Common Stock: 100 Shares                COMPANIES        
- ------------  Shares           ------------  Shares           ------------                            AGENCY OF        
                         ------                            ---                              ==        TEXAS, INC.      
              Cost                           Cost                           Cost                                       
              ----                           ----                           ----                                       
WSC-100%      $33,800,000      WSC-100%      $1,000           WSC-100%      $145,852                                   
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------      ---------------------------
                                                                                                  
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------      ---------------------------
   WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS             COMPANIES AGENCY                 WAUSAU GENERAL                                     
    INSURANCE COMPANY           OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.             INSURANCE COMPANY                                   
Common Stock: 8,750            Common Stock: 1,000            Common Stock: 200,000                COMPANIES ANNUITY   
- ------------  Shares           ------------  Shares           ------------  Shares                     AGENCY OF       
                         ------                            ---                              ====         TEXAS, INC.     
              Cost                           Cost                           Cost                                         
              ----                           ----                           ----                                         
WSC-100%      $69,560,006      WSC-100%      $1,000           WSC-100%      $39,000,000                                  
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------        ---------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------        ---------------------------
   GREATER LA CROSSE               COMPANIES AGENCY              WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL                AMERICAN MARINE     
   HEALTH PLANS, INC.              OF NEW YORK, INC.                 UNDERWRITERS                   UNDERWRITERS, INC.   
Common Stock: 3,000            Common Stock: 1,000            Common Stock: 1,000               Common Stock: 20         
- ------------  Shares           ------------  Shares           ------------  Shares              ------------  Shares     
                         ------                            ---                            ------                         
              Cost                           Cost                           Cost                              Cost       
              ----                           ----                           ----                              ----       
WSC-33.3%     $861,761         WSC-100%      $1,000           WSC-100%      $10,000             WSC-100%      $248,222   
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------        ---------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------        ---------------------------
    COMPANIES AGENCY               COMPANIES AGENCY                COMPANIES AGENCY                  COMPANIES AGENCY    
    OF ALABAMA, INC.             OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.            INSURANCE SERVICES                 OF ILLINOIS, INC.   
                                                                     OF CALIFORNIA                                       
Common Stock: 1,000            Common Stock: 1,000            Common Stock: 1,000               Common Stock: 250        
- ------------  Shares           ------------  Shares        ---------------  Shares        ------------------  Shares     
                         ------                                                                                          
              Cost                           Cost                           Cost                              Cost       
              ----                           ----                           ----                              ----       
WSC-100%      $100             WSC-100%      $100             WSC-100%      $1,000              WSC-100%      $2,500     
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------        ---------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ---------------------------      ---------------------------      ----------------------------        ---------------------------
    COMPANIES AGENCY              COMPANIES AGENCY                  PHYSICIANS PLUS                      COMPANIES       
     OF IDAHO, INC.                 OF PHOENIX, INC.                   INSURANCE                        AGENCY, INC.     
                                                                      CORPORATION                                        
Common Stock: 1,000            Common Stock: 1,000            Common Stock:    7,150            Common Stock: 100        
- ------------  Shares           ------------  Shares           ------------     Shares           ------------  Shares     
                         -------                            ---Preferred Stock: 11,540     ------                         
                                                               ---------------  Shares                                    
                                                                                                                          
              Cost                            Cost                             Cost                            Cost       
              ----                            ----                             ----                            ----       
WSC-100%      $1,000            WSC-100%      $1,000           WSC-33 1/3%     $6,215,459        WSC-100%      $10,000    
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------      ----------------------------        ---------------------------
                                                                                                       
                                                                   ----------------------------        ---------------------------
                                                                         PREVEA HEALTH                   PENSION ASSOCIATES   
                                                                     INSURANCE PLAN, INC.                  OF WAUSAU, INC.    
                                                                   Common Stock: 3,000 Shares        Common Stock: 1,000      
                                                                   ------------                      ------------  Shares     
                                                                ----                            -------                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                  Cost                 Companies        Cost    
                                                                                  ----                 Agency, Inc.     ----    
                                                                    WSC-33 1/3%   $500,000             (Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 
                                                                    ----------------------------         ---------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   56
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>         
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  
                                                                                  
                                  NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               
=======                           INSURANCE COMPANY                               ================================================
                                     (CASUALTY)                                   
                                                                                  
                                                                                  
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    
                                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------
                                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                
- --------------------------------               --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
      ALLNATIONS, INC.                             NATIONWIDE GENERAL                                NECKURA HOLDING       
Common Stock:    3,136 Shares                      INSURANCE COMPANY                                COMPANY (NECKURA)      
- ------------                                                                                                               
                 Cost                        Common Stock:    20,000                         Common Stock:    10,000       
                 ----                        ------------     Shares                         ------------     Shares       
Casualty-24.5%   $88,320                                      Cost                                            Cost         
Fire-24.5%       $88,463                                      ----                                            ----         
Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares            ----Casualty-100%    $5,944,422            ---------Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  
- ---------------                                                                                                           
                 Cost                                                                                                     
                 ----                                                                                                     
Casualty-7.7%    $100,000                                                                                                 
Fire-7.7%        $100,000                                                                                                 
- --------------------------------               --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
                                                                                            
- --------------------------------               --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
       FARMLAND MUTUAL                             NATIONWIDE PROPERTY                                 NECKURA            
      INSURANCE COMPANY                               AND CASUALTY                                 INSURANCE COMPANY      
Guaranty Fund                                       INSURANCE COMPANY                                                     
- ------------                  =========    ----Common Stock:    60,000                --------Common Stock:    6,000        
Certificate                                    ------------     Shares                        ------------     Shares       
- -----------      Cost                                           Cost                                           Cost         
                 ----                                           ----                          Neckura-         ----         
Casualty         $500,000                      Casualty-100%    $6,000,000                    100%             DM 6,000,000 
- --------------------------------                 --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
                                                                                             
- --------------------------------                 --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
        F & B, INC.                                  COLONIAL INSURANCE                                NECKURA LIFE         
                                                    COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA                            INSURANCE COMPANY      
Common Stock:    1 Share                                 (COLONIAL)                                                         
- ------------                               ----Common Stock:    1,750                 --------Common Stock:   4,000         
                 Cost                          ------------     Shares                        ------------    Shares        
                 ----                                           Cost                                          Cost          
Farmland                                                        ----                                          ----          
Mutual-100%      $10                           Casualty-100%    $11,750,000                   Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 
- --------------------------------                 --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
                                                                                                  
- --------------------------------                 --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
  NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS                               SCOTTSDALE                                    NECKURA GENERAL       
     INSURANCE COMPANY                               INSURANCE COMPANY                               INSURANCE COMPANY      
Common Stock:    1,000,000                                                                                                  
- ------------     Shares                        Common Stock:    30,136                        Common Stock:    1,500        
                 Cost         ------------------------------     Shares                --------------------     Shares       
                 ----                                            Cost                                           Cost         
Casualty-99.9%   $26,714,335                                     ----                                           ----         
Other Capital:                                  Casualty-100%    $150,000,000                  Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 
- -------------                                                                                                                
Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,567                                                                                                 
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
                                                                                                  
                                                  --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
                                                            SCOTTSDALE                                  COLUMBUS INSURANCE     
                                                          SURPLUS LINES                                BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   
                                                         INSURANCE COMPANY                                     GmbH            
                                                                                                 Common Stock:    1 Share      
                                                                                         --------------------                  
                                                          "NEWLY FORMED"                                          Cost         
                                                                                                                  ----         
                                                                                                 Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
                                                  --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
                                                                                                  
                                                  --------------------------------                 --------------------------------
                                                        NATIONAL PREMIUM &                                 LEBEN DIREKT        
                                                      BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION                             INSURANCE COMPANY     
                                                             COMPANY                                                           
                                                  Common Stock:    10,000                        Common Stock:    4,000 Shares 
                                                  ------------     Shares       ------------------------------                  
                                                                   Cost                                            Cost         
                                                                   ----                                            ----         
                                                  Scottsdale-100%  $10,000                        Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                                           SVM SALES                                        AUTO DIREKT         
                                                              GmbH                                       INSURANCE COMPANY      
                                                                                                                                
                                                  Common Stock:    50 Shares                      Common Stock:    1,500 Shares 
                                                  ------------                                    ------------                  
                                                                   Cost                                            Cost         
                                                                   ----                                            ----         
                                                  Neckura-100%     DM 50,000                      Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   57
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                              (right side)
<S>     <C>                                       <C>                                              <C>         
                                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                                            | NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
                                                                                                            | ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION|
                                                                                                            |                      |
                                                                                                            |      MEMBERSHIP      |
                                                                                                            |      NONPROFIT       |
                                                                                                            |     CORPORATION      |
                                                                                                            ------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                         FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY                            |
       |                                (FIRE)                                     |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       |
- ---------------                                                        --------------------------------------------------
              |                                                                                                         |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       |
  |                                          |                                                                  |       |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |     |         SCOTTSDALE           |     |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                |          NATIONWIDE            |
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |      COMMUNITY URBAN         |                |          CORPORATION           |
  |     |                              |     |    |       REDEVELOPMENT          |                |                                |
  |     |                              |     |    |        CORPORATION           |                |Common Stock:    Control:       |
  |     |Common Stock:    50,000       |     |    |Common Stock:    10 Shares    |                |------------     -------        |
  |-----|------------     Shares       |     |----|------------                  |                |$13,642,432      100%           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                |         Shares     Cost        |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                |         ------     ----        |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $8,800,000   |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,000       |                |Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |Fire        649,510   24,007,936|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |          (See Page 2)          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |         NATIONWIDE           |     |    |          INSURANCE           |                                                  
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |     INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |-----|Common Stock:    28,000       |     |----|Common Stock:    1,615        |                                                  
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |------------     Shares       |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $294,529,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,615,000   |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |          LONE STAR           |     |    |       NATIONWIDE CASH        |                                                  
  |     |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.     |     |    |      MANAGEMENT COMPANY      |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |Common Stock:    100 Shares   |                                                  
  ------|Common Stock:    1,000        |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |------------     Shares       |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |Casualty-90%     $9,000       |                                                  
        |Casualty-100%    $5,000,000   |     |    |NW Adv. Serv.     1,000       |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                      ||                     |                                                                                      
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
        |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL     |     |    |       CALIFORNIA CASH        |                                                  
        |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |          MANAGEMENT          |                                                  
        |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
        |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |Common Stock:    90 Shares    |                                                  
        |------------------            |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%    $9,000       |                                                  
        |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                                             |                                                      
                                             |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                             |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                  |           THE BEAK AND       |
                                             |    |     COMMUNICATIONS, INC.     |                  |         WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                             |    |Common Stock:    14,750       |                  |                              |
                                             |    |------------     Shares       |                  |Common Stock:    750 Shares   |
                                             -----|                 Cost         |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |Casualty-100%    $11,510,000  |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Other Capital:                |                  |NW Comm-100%     $531,000     |
                                                  |-------------                 |                  |                              |
                                                  |Casualty-Ptd.      1,000,000  |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------



Subsidiary Companies -- Solid Line
Contractual Association -- Double Lines

March 6, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   58
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (Left Side)
                                                NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)

                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |              EMPLOYERS INSURANCE               |
                                        |                  OF WAUSAU                     |==========================================
                                        |               A MUTUAL COMPANY                 |
                                         ------------------------------------------------



























<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             |                                  |                                   |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
               | NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |      |        NATIONWIDE         |      |   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL    |
               |     COMPANY (NW LIFE)     |      |    FINANCIAL SERVICES     |      | INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS  |
               |                           |      |      CAPITAL TRUST        |      |   AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)   |
               | Common Stock: 3,814,779   |      | Preferred Stock:          |      | Common Stock:     1,000   |
               | ------------  Shares      |      | ---------------           |      | ------------      Shares  |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                           |
               | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
                               |                                                                    ||  
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------        ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE LIFE AND    |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |      |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
| ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY |  |  |     ADVISORY SERVICES     |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|        (NW LIFE)          |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 68,000      |  |  | Common Stock: 7,676       |      | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|--| ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF OHIO, INC.      |
|               Cost        |  |  |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $58,070,003 |  |  | NW Life--100% $5,996,261  |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                              
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv.--100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $10,100      |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|   NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT   |  |  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |  ||  |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
|   SERVICES CORPORATION    |  |  |     INVESTMENT TRUST      |  ||  |      SECURITIES CORP.     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 5,000       |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF TEXAS, INC.     |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $529,728    |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
| NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|    COMPANY OF NEW YORK    |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock:             |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life--100%             |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| (Proposed)                |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |      |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------        --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                                                
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |  |  |                           |==||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Life--90%              |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Mutual--10%            |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
                               |                                 ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |            TRUST          |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |__|  |                           |__||                               
|                           |     |                           |                                   
|                           |     |                           |                                   
| NW Life--97.6%            |     |                           |                                   
| NW Mutual--2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                   
 ---------------------------       ---------------------------                                    
</TABLE>                           
<PAGE>   59
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|               INSURANCE COMPANY                |==========================================
                                        |                  (CASUALTY)                    |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
                                                                 |              ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |              |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                              |    NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW CORP)   |
                                              |   Common Stock:           Control     |
                                              |   ------------            -------     |
                                              |    13,642,432               100%      |
                                              |              Shares      Cost         |
                                              |             ------      ----          |
                                              | Casualty    12,992,922   $751,352,485 |
                                              | Fire           649,510     24,007,936 |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                                                |
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                                     |                                |                             |
 ---------------------------     --------------------------       -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |   |   MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.   |    |      WEST COAST LIFE        |    |    NATIONAL CASUALTY       |
|    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |   |                           |    |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |    |         COMPANY            |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |           (NC)             |
| Common Stock: Control     |   | Common Stock: 1           |    | Common Stock: 1,000,000     |    | Common Stock: 100          |
| ------------  -------     |   | ------------  Share       |    | ------------  Shares        |    | ------------  Shares       |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |                            |
|                           |   |               Cost        |    |               Cost          |    |                Cost        | 
| Class A     Public--100%  |   |               ----        |    |               ----          |    |                ----        |
| Class B     NW Corp--100% |   | NW Corp.--100% $1,339,218 |    | NW Corp.--100% $152,946,930 |    | NW Corp.--100% $73,442,439 |
 ---------------------------     ---------------------------      -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
             |                                                                                                     |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                   |
                             |                                                  |                                  |
                ---------------------------                       ---------------------------        ----------------------------
               | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT  |                     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER       |    |   NCC OF AMERICA, INC.     |
               |   SERVICES CORPORATION    |                     |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.   |    |         (INACTIVE)         |
               |         (PEBSCO)          |                     |             (NEA)           |    |                            |
               | Common Stock: 236,494     |==||                 | Common Stock: 500           |    |                            |
               | ------------  Shares      |  ||                 | ------------  Shares        |    |                            |
               |                           |  ||                 |                             |    |                            |
               | NFS--100%                 |  ||                 | NFS--100%                   |    | NFS--100%                  |
                ---------------------------   ||                  -----------------------------      ----------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||  
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  
               |          ALABAMA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |     OF ALABAMA, INC.      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 100,000     |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%      $5,000     |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 || 
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |         ARKANSAS          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF ARIZONA, INC      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 50,000      |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $1,000      |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |  PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS  |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |  ||
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |          MONTANA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF NEVADA, INC.      |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|       OF OHIO, INC.       |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |        NEW MEXICO         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF WYOMING, INC.     |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ----------------------------
               |                           |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                            |
               |                           |  ||  |    SERVICES INSURANCE     |  ||  |                            |
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |       AGENCY, INC.        |  ||  |      NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               |        TEXAS, INC.        |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |      INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|        OF TEXAS, INC.      |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               Cost        |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               ----        |      |                            |
               |                           |      | NEA--100%     $1,000      |      |                            |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ----------------------------

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   60
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|            FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY              |
                                        |                   (FIRE)                       |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------|   












- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              |                                |                              |
                ---------------------------         ------------------------------       ------------------------------
               |      GATES, MCDONALD        |     |   EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE   |     |    NATIONWIDE HMO, INC.      |
               |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |     |         (NW HMO)             |
               |                             |     |                              |     |                              |
               | Common Stock:   254         |     | Common Stock:   250,000      |     | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | NW CORP.--100%  $25,683,532 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $126,509,480 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $14,603,732  |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    ---------------------------     |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |       WAUSAU PREFERRED       |  |  |    NATIONWIDE MANAGEMENT     |
           |   |      OF NEW YORK, INC.      |  |  |      HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |  |  |         SYSTEMS, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   3           |  |  | Common Stock:   250,000      |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | GATES--100%     $106,947    |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $57,413,193  |  |  | Inc.--100%      $25,149      |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |     KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.    |  |  |          NATIONWIDE          |
           |   |         OF NEVADA           |  |  |                              |  |  |          AGENCY, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   40          |  |  | Common Stock:   1,000        |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |     |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |     |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |     |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | Gates--100%     $93,750     |     | ELIOPW--80%  $2,700,000      |  |  | Inc.--99%       $116,077     |
           |    -----------------------------       ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |
           |    -----------------------------     
           |   |      GATES, MCDONALD        |  
           |   |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |  
           |   |                             |  
           |   | Common Stock:   200         |       
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  
               |                             |  
               |                 Cost        |  
               |                 ----        |  
               | NW CORP.--100%  $2,000,000  |  
                -----------------------------   









                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    -- Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association -- Double Line

                                                                                Partnership Interest    -- Dotted Line



                                                                                                             March 6, 1997

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                                              
<PAGE>   61

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

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

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

     Scottsdale Indemnity Company                  Ohio                           Insurance Company

     Scottsdale Insurance Company                  Ohio                           Excess and surplus lines insurance company

     Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance          Arizona                          Excess and surplus lines insurance company
     Company

     SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance           Germany                          Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
     Group

     Wausau Business Insurance Company          Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

     Wausau General Insurance Company            Illinois                         Insurance Company

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

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

**   Wausau Preferred Health Insurance          Wisconsin                         Insurance and Reinsurance Company
     Company

     Wausau Service Corporation                 Wisconsin                         Holding Company

     Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company      Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

**   West Coast Life Insurance Company          California                        Life Insurance Company
</TABLE>
    


                                   87 of 104
<PAGE>   62



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 *  Nationwide Variable Account-8                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                Account

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

    Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
    Account-B                                                   Separate Account

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

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

 *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                Account
</TABLE>
    


                                   88 of 104
<PAGE>   63


Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS
   
              The number of Contract Owners as of February 28, 1997 was 2,534.
    
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.


                                   89 of 104
<PAGE>   64



Item 29.      PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

              (a)   Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") acts as
                    principal underwriter and general distributor for the
                    Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide DC
                    Variable Account, Nationwide DCVA-II, Nationwide
                    Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-5,
                    Nationwide Variable Account-6, Nationwide Variable
                    Account-8, Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide
                    VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C,
                    Nationwide VL Separate Account-A, Nationwide VL
                    Separate Account-B, 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. NAS also acts as principal underwriter
                    for the Nationwide Investing Foundation, Nationwide
                    Separate Account Trust, Financial Horizons Investment
                    Trust, and Nationwide Investing Foundation II, and
                    Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust, which are open-end
                    management investment companies.


                                   90 of 104
<PAGE>   65



              (b)   NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                    DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       POSITIONS AND OFFICES
         NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                                        WITH UNDERWRITER
<S>                                                         <C>
Joseph J. Gasper                                                       President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

Dimon Richard McFerson                                         Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza                                                        Chairman and
Columbus, OH 43215                                             Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                                                                 Insurance Enterprise and Director

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

Robert A. Oakley                                             Executive Vice President - Chief Financial
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH 43215
</TABLE>


                                   91 of 104
<PAGE>   66

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                         <C>
Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                                     Executive Vice President - Chief Investment
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH 43215

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

James F. Laird, Jr.                                                   Vice President - General
One Nationwide Plaza                                                Manager and Acting Treasurer
Columbus, OH 43215

Edwin P. McCausland                                                       Vice President -
One Nationwide Plaza                                                  Fixed Income Securities
Columbus, OH 43215

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

Joseph P. Rath                                                      Vice President - Compliance
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

William G. Goslee                                                          Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

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

Rae M. Pollina                                                               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
         Advisory
         Services,
           Inc.
</TABLE>


                                   92 of 104
<PAGE>   67



Item 30.      LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

              Robert O. Cline
              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 the fees and charges
              deducted under the Contract in the aggregate are reasonable in
              relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be
              incurred, and the risks assumed by the Company. 

              The Registrant hereby represents that any Contract offered by the
              prospectus and which is issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the
              Code 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).


                                   93 of 104
<PAGE>   68



                                   PROSPECTUS

   
                                  MAY 1, 1997
    

                                   NATIONWIDE
                                VARIABLE ACCOUNT


                              INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED
                           VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS


                                   OFFERED BY


                                   NATIONWIDE
                             LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                                   94 of 104
<PAGE>   69



                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                   ISSUED THROUGH NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
       (SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 1, 1997 TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997)

THIS SUPPLEMENT IS FOR USE ONLY WITH CONTRACTS ISSUED TO INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT
ACCOUNTS THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 408(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (THE
"CODE") AND WHICH ALSO SATISFY THE DEFINITION OF SIMPLE RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS IN
SECTION 408(p) OF THE CODE (AS ENACTED IN SECTION 1421 OF THE SMALL BUSINESS
JOB PROTECTION ACT OF 1996).

1. The section entitled "GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS" in the prospectus is
amended by adding the following:

SIMPLE IRA - An Individual Retirement Account as defined by Section 408(a) or
and Individual Retirement Annuity as defined by Section 408(b) of the Code, to
which the only contributions that can be made are contributions under a SIMPLE
Plan and rollovers or transfers from another SIMPLE IRA.

SIMPLE PLAN - The Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small
Employers. This plan is a written arrangement established under Section 408(p)
of the Code which provides a simplified tax-favored retirement plan for Small
Employers. In a SIMPLE Plan, each employee may choose whether to have the Small
Employer make payments as contributions under the SIMPLE Plan or to receive
these payments directly in cash. A Small Employer that chooses to establish a
SIMPLE Plan must make either matching contributions or non-elective
contributions. All contributions under a SIMPLE Plan are made to SIMPLE IRAs.

SMALL EMPLOYER - An employer that had no more than 100 employees who earned
$5,000 or more in compensation during the preceding calendar year.

TWO-YEAR PERIOD - The Two-Year Period begins on the first day in which
contributions made by a Small Employer are deposited into the individual
employee's SIMPLE IRA.

2. The section entitled "SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES" in the prospectus is
amended by adding the following footnote:

3        The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is waived for those Contracts
         issued under a SIMPLE IRA Plan. Withdrawals may be made from the
         Contract at any time without the imposition of any Contingent Deferred
         Sales Charge. Any additional references throughout the prospectus to
         the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge do not apply to Contracts issued
         under SIMPLE IRA Plans, as required by Federal tax law, such charges
         do not apply to Contracts issued under SIMPLE IRA Plans.


                                   95 of 104
<PAGE>   70

3.  The "EXAMPLE" Chart in the prospectus is amended with respect to Contracts
    issued as SIMPLE IRAs as follows:

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be
incurred under this Contract assuming a $1,000 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 OF   CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE
                         APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD      THE APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD     APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS.  10 YRS.  1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS.  10 YRS. 1 YR.  3 YRS. 5 YRS. 10 YRS.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>     <C>   <C>      <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>
American Century:       22     68     117     250     22     68     117     250     *      68    117     250
Benham Short-Term
Government
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century:       22     67     115     247     22     67     115     247     *      67    115     247
Income & Growth
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century:       25     77     132     282     25     77     132     282     *      77    132     282
Twentieth Century
Growth
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century:       33    102     172     359     33    102     172     359     *     102    172     359
Twentieth Century
International Growth
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century:       25     77     132     282     25     77     132     282     *      77    132     282
Twentieth Century
Ultra
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delchester              23     72     123     264     23     72     123     264     *      72    123     264
Fund-Inst'l
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus A Bonds Plus    25     77     132     281     25     77     132     281     *      77    132     281
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus S & P 500       20     63     109     234     20     63     109     234     *      63    109     234
Index Fund (Formerly
Peoples Index Fund,
Inc.)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Third       26     81     139     294     26     81     139     294     *      81    139     294
Century Fund, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federated Bond Fund     26     80     137     291     26     80     137     291     *      80    137     291
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen Total         27     83     142     302     27     83     142     302     *      83    142     302
Return Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor        30     92     157     330     30     92     157     330     *      92    157     330
Fund Equity Income
Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor        31     96     163     342     31     96     163     342     *      96    163     342
Fund Growth
Opportunities Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor        27     82     140     298     27     82     140     298     *      82    140     298
High Yield Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Advisor        30     92     157     330     30     92     157     330     *      92    157     330
Balanced Fund -
Class T
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Asset          25     77     131     279     25     77     131     279     *      77    131     279
Manger(TM)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity                22     67     116     248     22     67     116     248     *      67    116     248
Equity-Income
Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Magellan       25     77     131     279     25     77     131     279     *      77    131     279
Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Puritan Fund   23     70     120     258     23     70     120     258     *      70    120     258
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High       22     68     117     251     22     68     117     251     *      68    117     251
Income Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Fund              24     75     128     273     24     75     128     273     *      75    128     273
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Twenty Fund       25     78     133     284     25     78     133     284     *      78    133     284
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Worldwide Fund    28     85     145     307     28     85     145     307     *      85    145     307
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS(R)World             32     97     164     344     32     97     164     344     *      97    164     344
Governments Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Bond Fund  22     68     117     251     22     68     117     251     *      68    117     251
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Fund       21     66     113     243     21     66     113     243     *      66    113     243
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Growth     22     67     114     246     22     67     114     246     *      67    114     246
Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)Money      21     65     112     242     21     65     112     242     *      65    112     242
Market Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide(R)U.S.       26     80     137     290     26     80     137     290     *      80    137     290
Government Income
Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman      24     73     125     266     24     73     125     266     *      73    125     266
Guardian Fund, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman      22     68     117     250     22     68     117     250     *      68    117     250
Limited Maturity
Bond Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman      24     73     126     268     24     73     126     268     *      73    126     268
Partners Fund, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Global      27     84     143     303     27     84     143     303     *      84    143     303
Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phoenix Balanced        25     78     133     284     25     78     133     284     *      78    133     284
Fund Series
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Total Return     27     82     140     297     27     82     140     297     *      82    140     297
Fund, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Foreign       27     82     140     298     27     82     140     298     *      82    140     298
Fund - Class I
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus          28     86     146     309     28     86     146     309     *      86    146     309
Emerging Growth Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
     *The Contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit annuitizations
                      during the first two Contract Years.


                                   96 of 104
<PAGE>   71



The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses both direct and
indirect. The expenses of the Variable Account as well as those of the
Underlying Mutual Funds are reflected in the Example chart above. For more
complete descriptions of the expenses of the Variable Account, see "Variable
Account Charges, Purchase Payments, and Other Deductions." For more 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 chart
shown above (see "Premium Taxes").

4. A new provision entitled "TAXATION OF SIMPLE IRA PLANS" is added to the
prospectus after the provision entitled "QUALIFIED PLANS, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT
ANNUITIES, AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS". The new provision reads as
follows:

TAXATION OF SIMPLE IRA PLANS

Generally, distributions from a SIMPLE IRA are taxed in the same manner as an
IRA described under Sections 408(a) and 408(b) of the Code (see "Qualified
Plans, Individual Retirement Annuities And Individual Retirement Accounts").
However, any payment or distribution received from a SIMPLE IRA during the
Two-Year Period beginning on the date on which the individual first
participated in any SIMPLE Plan maintained by the individual's employer, will
be taxed according to Section 72(t)(6) of the Code.

A SIMPLE IRA may receive contributions under a qualified salary reduction
arrangement only. Therefore, a SIMPLE IRA cannot receive rollover distributions
from non-SIMPLE IRA individual retirement accounts or individual retirement
annuities; stock bonus, pension, or profit sharing plans; Section 403(b) plans;
or any source, other than another SIMPLE IRA.

Distributions from SIMPLE IRAs generally are includible in income similar to
the manner in which Distributions from IRAs are included in income. Section
72(t)(6) of the Code provides that the rate of additional penalty tax is
increased from 10% to 25% for withdrawals taken prior to age 59 1/2 during the
Two-Year Period.  If, however, one of the exceptions to the application of the
tax under Section 72(t) applies (for example, those amounts paid after age 59
1/2, after death, or as part of a series of substantially equal payments), the
exception also applies to distributions within the Two-Year Period and the 25%
additional penalty tax rate does not apply.


                                   97 of 104
<PAGE>   72



Distributions from a SIMPLE IRA during the Two-Year Period generally qualify as
rollover contributions (and thus are not includible in gross income) only if
the distributions are paid into another SIMPLE IRA and satisfy all other
requirements as specified in Section 408(d)(3) of the Code for treatment as
rollover contributions.

Any amount in a SIMPLE IRA can be transferred to another SIMPLE IRA in a
tax-free trustee-to-trustee transfer during the Two-Year Period. If however,
during the Two-Year Period, an amount is paid from a SIMPLE IRA directly to the
trustee of an IRA that is not a SIMPLE IRA, the payment will be treated as a
distribution from the SIMPLE IRA and as a contribution to another IRA, and thus
will not qualify as a rollover contribution. After the expiration of the
Two-Year Period, any amount in a SIMPLE IRA can be transferred in a tax-free
trustee-to-trustee transfer to another IRA that was not established as a SIMPLE
IRA.

For information regarding eligibility to establish or participate in a SIMPLE
IRA Plan, limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments, and tax
consequences of Distributions from SIMPLE IRA Plans, the purchasers of such
Contracts should seek competent advice. The terms of such Plans may limit the
rights available under the Contract.

Any Distribution from a SIMPLE IRA that is eligible for rollover treatment will
be subject to federal tax withholding at the statutory rate (currently 20%)
unless the Distribution is made directly to an appropriate Plan as described
above.


                                   98 of 104
<PAGE>   73



 ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT
                                   SCHEDULES

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

The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the
Company) dated January 31, 1997 included the related financial statement
schedules as of December 31, 1996, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996, included in the registration statement. These
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.

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
April 24, 1997


                                   99 of 104
<PAGE>   74



                                   SIGNATURES

     As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT certifies that it meets
the requirements of Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 for
effectiveness of the Post-Effective Amendment and has caused this
Post-Effective Amendment to be signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus,
and State of Ohio, on this 24th day of April, 1997.

                                         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 Post-Effective Amendment has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 24th
day of April, 1997.

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


KEITH W. ECKEL                                           Director
- ------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel


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


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


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


JOSEPH J. GASPER                                President/Chief Operating Officer and Director
- ------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper


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

                                                     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer -
DIMON RICHARD MCFERSON                            Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
- ------------------------------------------
Dimon 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 /s/ JOSEPH P. RATH
- ------------------------------------------                                       ------------------------------------------
James F. Patterson                                                                               Joseph P. Rath
                                                                                                 Attorney-in-Fact

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>



                                   104 of 104
<PAGE>   75
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned as
directors and/or officers of NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, and NATIONWIDE
LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, both Ohio corporations, which have filed or
will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, various Registration Statements and
amendments thereto for the registration under said Act of Individual Deferred
Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with MFS Variable Account, Nationwide
Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-3,
Nationwide Variable Account-4, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
Variable Account-6, Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable Account, Nationwide
Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide VA
Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate
Account-C and Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q; and the registration of fixed
interest rate options subject to a market value adjustment offered under some or
all of the aforementioned individual Variable Annuity Contracts in connection
with Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account and Nationwide Multiple
Maturity Separate Account-A, and the registration of Group Flexible Fund
Retirement Contracts in connection with Nationwide DC Variable Account,
Nationwide DCVA-II, and NACo Variable Account; and the registration of Group
Common Stock Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with Separate Account No.
1; and the registration of variable life insurance policies in connection with
Nationwide VLI Separate Account, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide
VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VL Separate Account-A and Nationwide VL
Separate Account-B, hereby constitutes and appoints Dimon Richard McFerson,
Joseph J. Gasper, W. Sidney Druen, and Joseph P. Rath, and each of them with
power to act without the others, his/her attorney, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for and in his/her name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to approve, and sign such Registration Statements and
any and all amendments thereto, with power to affix the corporate seal of said
corporation thereto and to attest said seal and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting unto said attorneys, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and
thing requisite to all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming that which said attorneys, or any of
them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This instrument may
be executed in one or more counterparts.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have herewith set their names and
seals as of this 2nd day of April, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                 <C>
/s/ Lewis J. Alphin                                                 /s/ David O. Miller
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin, Director                                           David O. Miller, Director

/s/ Keith W. Eckel                                                  /s/ C. Ray Noecker
- -------------------------------------------------                   -------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel, Director                                            C. Ray Noecker, Director

/s/ Willard J. Engel                                                /s/ Robert A. Oakley
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel, Director                                          Robert A. Oakley, Executive Vice President and Chief
                                                                    Financial Officer

/s/ Fred C. Finney                                                  /s/ James F. Patterson
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney, Director                                            James F. Patterson, Director

/s/ Charles L. Fuellgraf                                            /s/ Arden L. Shisler
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr., Director                                 Arden L. Shisler, Director

/s/ Joseph J. Gasper                                                /s/ Robert L. Stewart
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper, President and Chief Operating Officer             Robert L. Stewart, Director
and Director

/s/ Henry S. Holloway                                               /s/ Nancy C. Thomas
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway, Chairman of the Board, Director                  Nancy C. Thomas, Director

/s/ Dimon Richard McFerson                                          /s/ Harold W. Weihl
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Dimon Richard McFerson, Chairman and Chief Executive                Harold W. Weihl, Director
Officer-Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
</TABLE>




© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission