NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT 2
485BPOS, 1997-04-22
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<PAGE>   1

                                                       Registration No. 33-16999
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

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

   
                         Post-Effective Amendment No. 14
                                   TO FORM S-6
    

              FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OF
         SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2

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

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
                              (Exact Name of Trust)


                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              One Nationwide Plaza
                              Columbus, Ohio 43216
              (Exact Name and Address of Depositor and Registrant)

                               Gordon E. McCutchan
                                    Secretary
                              One Nationwide Plaza
                              Columbus, Ohio 43216
                     (Name and address of Agent for Service)

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

This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in respect to
the Prospectus and the Financial Statements.

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

   
[ ] 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)(1) of Rule 485 
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485

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. On behalf of its separate account registrants, the Company
has filed its 24f-2 Notices for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, on
February 25, 1997.
    

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


                                    1 of 107
<PAGE>   2

                        CROSS REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED
                                 BY FORM N-8B-2

N-8B-2 Item                                    Caption in Prospectus
- -----------                                    ---------------------

 1.........................................Nationwide Life Insurance Company
                                           The Variable Account
 2.........................................Nationwide Life Insurance Company
 3.........................................Custodian of Assets
 4.........................................Distribution of The Policies
 5.........................................The Variable Account
 6.........................................Not Applicable
 7.........................................Not Applicable
 8.........................................Not Applicable
 9.........................................Legal Proceedings
10.........................................Information About The Policies; How
                                           The Cash Value Varies; Right to
                                           Exchange for a Fixed Benefit Policy;
                                           Reinstatement; Other Policy
                                           Provisions
11.........................................Investments of The Variable Account
12.........................................The Variable Account
13.........................................Policy Charges
                                           Reinstatement
14.........................................Underwriting and Issuance - Premium
                                           Payments
                                           Minimum Requirements for Issuance
                                           of a Policy
15.........................................Investments of the Variable Account;
                                           Premium Payments
16.........................................Underwriting and Issuance -
                                           Allocation of Cash Value
17.........................................Surrendering The Policy for Cash
18.........................................Reinvestment
19.........................................Not Applicable
20.........................................Not Applicable
21.........................................Policy Loans
22.........................................Not Applicable
23.........................................Not Applicable
24.........................................Not Applicable
25.........................................Nationwide Life Insurance Company
26.........................................Not Applicable
27.........................................Nationwide Life Insurance Company
28.........................................Company Management
29.........................................Company Management
30.........................................Not Applicable
31.........................................Not Applicable
32.........................................Not Applicable
33.........................................Not Applicable
34.........................................Not Applicable
35.........................................Nationwide Life Insurance Company
36.........................................Not Applicable
37.........................................Not Applicable
38.........................................Distribution of The Policies
39.........................................Distribution of The Policies
40.........................................Not Applicable
41(a)......................................Distribution of The Policies
42.........................................Not Applicable


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
   
N-8B-2 Item                                    Caption in Prospectus
- -----------                                    ---------------------

43.........................................Not Applicable
44.........................................How The Cash Value Varies
45.........................................Not Applicable
46.........................................How The Cash Value Varies
47.........................................Not Applicable
48.........................................Custodian of Assets
49.........................................Not Applicable
50.........................................Not Applicable
51.........................................Summary of The Policies; Information
                                           About The Policies
52.........................................Substitution of Securities
53.........................................Taxation of The Company
54.........................................Not Applicable
55.........................................Not Applicable
56.........................................Not Applicable
57.........................................Not Applicable
58.........................................Not Applicable
59.........................................Financial Statements
    

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                   Home Office
                                 P.O. Box 182150
                              One Nationwide Plaza
                            Columbus, Ohio 43218-2150
                       (800) 547-7548, TDD (800) 238-3035

            MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES*
                   ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                  THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

The Life Insurance Policies offered by this prospectus are variable life
insurance policies (collectively referred to as the "Policies"). The Policies
are designed to provide life insurance coverage on the Insured named in the
Policy. The Policies may also provide a Cash Surrender Value if the Policy is
terminated during the lifetime of the Insured. The Death Benefit and Cash Value
of the Policies may vary to reflect the experience of the Nationwide VLI
Separate Account-2 (the "Variable Account") or the Fixed Account to which Cash
Values are allocated.

The Policies described in this prospectus may meet the definition of "modified
endowment contracts" under Section 7702A of the Internal Revenue Code (the
"Code"). The Code provides for taxation of surrenders, partial surrenders,
loans, collateral assignments and other pre-death distributions from modified
endowment contracts in the same way annuities are taxed. Any distribution is
taxable to the extent the Cash Value of the Policy exceeds, at the time of the
distribution, the premiums paid into the Policy. The Code also provides for a
10% tax penalty on the taxable portion of such distributions. That penalty is
applicable unless the distribution is 1) paid after the Policy Owner is 59 1/2
or disabled; or 2) the distribution is part of an annuity to the Policy Owner as
defined in the Code (see "Tax Matters").

It may not be advantageous to replace existing insurance with Policies described
in this prospectus. It may also be disadvantageous to purchase a policy to
obtain additional insurance protection if the purchaser already owns another
variable life insurance policy. The policies may not be advantageous for persons
who may wish to make policy loans or withdrawals prior to attaining age 59 1/2
(see "Tax Matters").

*The contract is titled a "Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy" in
Texas.

   
The Policy Owner may allocate premiums and Cash Value to one or more of the
sub-accounts of the Variable Account and the Fixed Account. The assets of each
sub-account will be used to purchase, at net asset value, shares of a designated
Underlying Mutual Fund in the following series of the Underlying Mutual Fund
options:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                       <C>
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.:               Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust:       
      - American Century VP Balanced                            -Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio              
      - American Century VP Capital Appreciation                -Growth Portfolio                             
      - American Century VP International                       -Partners Portfolio                           
      - American Century VP Value                         Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds:                 
Dreyfus                                                         -Bond Fund                                    
      -Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund                 -Global Securities Fund                       
      -Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                                 -Multiple Strategies Fund                     
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund                          Strong Special Fund II, Inc.                        
      -Growth & Income Portfolio**                              -Special Fund II                              
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund:                Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.:              
      -Equity-Income Portfolio                                  -Discovery Fund II, Inc.                      
      -Growth Portfolio                                         -International Stock Fund II                  
      -High Income Portfolio**                            Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust:                  
      -Overseas Portfolio                                       -Worldwide Bond Fund                          
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II:                   -Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund              
      -Asset Manager Portfolio                                  -Worldwide Hard Assets Fund                   
      -Contrafund Portfolio                               Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust:  
Nationwide Separate Account Trust:                              -American Capital Real Estate Securities Fund 
      -Capital Appreciation Fund                          Warburg Pincus Trust                                
      -Government Bond Fund                                     -International Equity Portfolio               
      -Money Market Fund                                        -Post-Venture Capital Portfolio               
      -Small Company Fund                                       -Small Company Growth Portfolio               
      -Total Return Fund
</TABLE>                                                    
    


                                       1
<PAGE>   5

   
** The Growth & Income Portfolio and the High Income Portfolio may invest in
lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
    

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.

THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. A PROSPECTUS
FOR THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTION(S) BEING CONSIDERED MUST ACCOMPANY THIS
PROSPECTUS AND SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION HEREWITH. 

INVESTMENTS IN THESE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, AND ARE NOT
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, THE ADVISER OF ANY OF THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS
IDENTIFIED ABOVE, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, OR ANY BANK OR BANK AFFILIATE.
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY. ANY
INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT INVOLVES CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISK WHICH MAY INCLUDE
THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.

NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (THE "COMPANY") GUARANTEES THAT THE DEATH
BENEFIT FOR A POLICY WILL NEVER BE LESS THAN THE SPECIFIED AMOUNT STATED ON THE
POLICY DATA PAGES AS LONG AS THE POLICY IS IN FORCE. THERE IS NO GUARANTEED CASH
SURRENDER VALUE. IF THE CASH SURRENDER VALUE IS INSUFFICIENT TO COVER THE
CHARGES UNDER THE POLICY, THE POLICY WILL LAPSE.

THIS PROSPECTUS GENERALLY DESCRIBES ONLY THAT PORTION OF THE CASH VALUE
ALLOCATED TO THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT. FOR A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE FIXED ACCOUNT
OPTION, SEE "THE FIXED ACCOUNT OPTION."

   
                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1997.
    


                                       2
<PAGE>   6

                                GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Attained Age- The Insured's age on the Policy Date, plus the number of full
years since the Policy Date.

   
Accumulation Unit- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Cash
Value of the Variable Account.
    

Beneficiary- The person to whom the proceeds due on the Insured's death are
paid.

Cash Value- The sum of the value of Policy assets in the Variable Account, Fixed
Account and any associated value in the Policy Loan Account.

Cash Surrender Value- The Policy's Cash Value, less any indebtedness under the
Policy, less any Surrender Charge.

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

Company- Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

Death Proceeds- Amount of money payable to the Beneficiary if the Insured dies
while the Policy is in force.

Fixed Account- An investment option which is funded by the General Account of
the Company.

General Account- All assets of the Company other than those of the Variable
Account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by
the Company.

Guideline Single Premium- The amount of single premium calculated in accordance
with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. It represents the single
premium required to mature the Policy under guaranteed mortality and expense
charges, and an interest rate of 6%.

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

Insured- The person whose life is covered by the Policy, and who is named on the
Policy Data Page. Maturity Date- The Policy Anniversary on or following the
Insured's 95th birthday.

Monthly Anniversary Day- The same day as the Policy Date for each succeeding
month.

Net Asset Value- The worth of one share at the end of a market day or at the
close of the New York Stock Exchange. Net Asset Value is computed by adding the
value of all portfolio holdings plus other assets, deducting liabilities and
then dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.

Policy Anniversary- An anniversary of the Policy Date.

Policy Charges- All deductions made from the value of the Variable Account, or
the Policy Cash Value.

Policy Date- The date the provisions of the Policy take effect, as shown on the
Policy Owner's Policy Data Page.

Policy Loan Account- The portion of the Cash Value which results from Policy
Loans.

   
Policy Owner- The person designated in the Policy application as the Owner. In
the State of New York, the variable life insurance policies offered by the
Company are offered as "Certificates" for "Certificate Owners" under a group
contract rather than individual Policies. The provisions of both these
Certificates and the Policies are essentially the same and references to the
provisions of Policies and rights of Policy Owners in this prospectus include
Certificates and Certificate Owners. 
    

Policy Year- Each year commencing with the Policy Date and each Policy Date
anniversary thereafter.

Specified Amount- A dollar amount used to determine the Death Benefit under a
Policy. It is shown on the Policy Data Page. 

Surrender Charge- An amount deducted from the Cash Value if the Policy is
surrendered.

   
Underlying Mutual Funds- The Underlying mutual funds which correspond to the
sub-accounts of the Variable Account.
    

Valuation Date- Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's Home
Office is open for business or any other day during which there is sufficient
degree of trading that the current net asset value of the Accumulated Units
might be materially affected. 

Valuation Period- A period commencing with the close of business on the New York
Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding
Valuation Date. 


                                       3
<PAGE>   7

   
Variable Account- A separate investment account of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company. Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2.
    


                                       4
<PAGE>   8

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
GLOSSARY OF TERMS..............................................................3
SUMMARY OF THE POLICIES........................................................8
      Variable Life Insurance..................................................8
      The Variable Account and its Sub-Accounts................................8
      The Fixed Account........................................................8
      Deductions and Charges...................................................8
      Premiums................................................................11
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.............................................11
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT..........................................................11
      Investments of the Variable Account.....................................12
      American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.,
          a member of American Century(SM) Investments........................12
      Dreyfus.................................................................13
      Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund........................................14
      Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund...............................14
      Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II............................15
      Nationwide Separate Account Trust.......................................15
      Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust............................16
      Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds......................................16
      Strong Special Fund II, Inc.............................................17
      Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc....................................17
      Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (Formerly Van Eck            
          Investment Trust) ..................................................17
      Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust.......................18
      Warburg Pincus Trust....................................................18
      Reinvestment............................................................19
      Transfers...............................................................19
      Dollar Cost Averaging...................................................20
      Substitution of Securities..............................................20
      Voting Rights...........................................................20
INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES................................................21
      Underwriting and Issuance...............................................21
      -Minimum Requirements for Issuance of a Policy..........................21
      -Premium Payments.......................................................21
      -Allocation of Cash Value...............................................21
      -Short-Term Right to Cancel Policy......................................22
POLICY CHARGES................................................................22
      Deductions from Premiums................................................22
      Deductions from Cash Value..............................................22
      -Charges on Surrender...................................................22
      -Annual Administrative Charge...........................................23
      -Cost of Insurance Charge...............................................23
      Deductions from the Sub-Accounts........................................23
      -Mortality and Expense Risk Charge......................................23
      -Administrative Expense Charge..........................................24
      -Premium Tax Recovery Charge............................................24
      -Income Tax Charge......................................................24
HOW THE CASH VALUE VARIES.....................................................24
      How the Investment Experience is Determined.............................24
      Net Investment Factor...................................................24
      Valuation of Assets.....................................................25
      Determining the Cash Value..............................................25
      Valuation Periods and Valuation Dates...................................25
SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH..............................................25
      Right to Surrender......................................................25
      Cash Surrender Value....................................................26
      Partial Surrenders......................................................26
    

                                       5
<PAGE>   9

   
      Maturity Proceeds.......................................................26
      Income Tax Withholding..................................................26
POLICY LOANS..................................................................26
      Taking a Policy Loan....................................................26
      Effect on Investment Performance........................................27
      Interest................................................................27
      Effect on Death Benefit and Cash Value..................................27
      Repayment...............................................................27
HOW THE DEATH BENEFIT VARIES..................................................27
      -Calculation of the Death Benefit.......................................27
      -Proceeds Payable on Death..............................................29
RIGHT TO EXCHANGE FOR A FIXED BENEFIT POLICY..................................29
CHANGES OF INVESTMENT POLICY..................................................29
GRACE PERIOD..................................................................29
REINSTATEMENT.................................................................29
THE FIXED ACCOUNT OPTION......................................................30
CHANGES IN EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE........................................30
      Changes in the Specified Amount.........................................30
      Changes in the Death Benefit Option.....................................30
OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS.......................................................31
      Policy Owner............................................................31
      Beneficiary.............................................................31
      Assignment..............................................................31
      Incontestability........................................................31
      Error in Age or Sex.....................................................31
      Suicide.................................................................31
      Nonparticipating Policies...............................................31
      Riders..................................................................32
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS..........................................................32
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES..................................................32
CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS...........................................................32
TAX MATTERS...................................................................32
      Policy Proceeds.........................................................32
      -Federal Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes..................33
      -Non-Resident Aliens....................................................34
      Taxation of the Company.................................................34
      -Tax Changes............................................................34
THE COMPANY...................................................................35
COMPANY MANAGEMENT............................................................35
     Directors of the Company.................................................36
     Executive Officers of the Company........................................36
OTHER CONTRACTS ISSUED BY THE COMPANY.........................................37
STATE REGULATION..............................................................37
REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS......................................................37
ADVERTISING...................................................................37
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................................38
EXPERTS.......................................................................38
REGISTRATION STATEMENT........................................................38
LEGAL OPINIONS................................................................38
APPENDIX 1....................................................................39
APPENDIX 2....................................................................40
APPENDIX 3....................................................................51
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..........................................................56
    

THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.


                                       6
<PAGE>   10

THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POLICIES IS TO PROVIDE LIFE INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR
THE BENEFICIARY NAMED IN THE POLICY. NO CLAIM IS MADE THAT THE POLICIES ARE IN
ANY WAY SIMILAR OR COMPARABLE TO A SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN OF A MUTUAL FUND.


                                       7
<PAGE>   11

                             SUMMARY OF THE POLICIES

Variable Life Insurance

The variable life insurance Policies offered by Nationwide Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") are similar in many ways to fixed-benefit whole life
insurance. As with fixed-benefit whole life insurance, the Owner of the Policy
pays a premium for life insurance coverage on the person insured. Also like
fixed-benefit whole life insurance, the Policies may provide for a Cash
Surrender Value which is payable if the Policy is terminated during the
Insured's lifetime. (As with fixed-benefit whole life insurance, the Cash
Surrender Value during the early Policy years may be substantially lower than
the premiums paid.)

However, the Policies differ from fixed-benefit whole life insurance in several
respects. Unlike fixed-benefit whole life insurance, the Death Benefit and Cash
Value of the Policies may increase or decrease to reflect the investment
performance of the Variable Account sub-accounts or the Fixed Account to which
Cash Values are allocated (see "How the Death Benefit Varies"). There is no
guaranteed Cash Surrender Value (see "How the Cash Value Varies"). If the Cash
Surrender Value is insufficient to pay Policy Charges, the Policy will lapse.

The Variable Account and its Sub-Accounts

   
The Company places the Policy's Cash Value in the Nationwide VLI Separate
Account-2 (the "Variable Account") at the time the Policy is issued. The Policy
Owner selects the sub-accounts of the Variable Account or the Fixed Account into
which the Cash Value will be allocated (see "Allocation of Cash Value"). When
the Policy is issued, the Cash Value will be allocated to the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund sub-account (for any Cash Value
allocated to a sub-account on the application) or the Fixed Account until the
expiration of the period in which the Policy Owner may exercise his or her
short-term right to cancel the Policy. Assets of each sub-account are invested
at net asset value in shares of a corresponding Underlying Mutual Fund option.
For a description of the Underlying Mutual Fund options and their investment
objectives, see "Investments of the Variable Account."
    

The Fixed Account

The Fixed Account is funded by the assets of the Company's General Account. Cash
Values allocated to the Fixed Account are credited with interest daily at a rate
declared by the Company. The interest rate declared is at the Company's sole
discretion, but may never be less than an effective annual rate of 4%.

Deductions and Charges

The Company deducts certain charges from the assets of the Variable Account and
the Cash Value of the Policy. These charges are made for administrative and
sales expenses, state premium taxes, providing life insurance protection and
assuming the mortality and expense risks.

The Company deducts a charge for the cost of insurance from the Policy's Cash
Value on the Policy Date and each Monthly Anniversary Day. The Company deducts
an annual policy administrative charge from the Policy's Cash Value at the
beginning of each Policy Year after the first. The current annual charge is $90
($65 in New York) for total premium payments less than $25,000 and $50 for total
premium payments greater than or equal to $25,000. This charge is guaranteed
never to exceed $135 ($120 in New York) for total premium payments less than
$25,000 and $75 for total premium payments greater than or equal to $25,000. The
Company also deducts on a daily basis from the assets of the Variable Account a
charge to provide for mortality and expense risks, administrative charges and
premium tax recovery. These current charges are equal on an annual basis to
1.30% of the Variable Account assets for the first 10 Policy Years and 1.00%
thereafter and are guaranteed never to exceed 1.60% and 1.30% respectively. For
Policies which are surrendered, the Company may deduct a Surrender Charge. The
Surrender Charge associated with each premium payment will not exceed 8.5% of
the premium payment, and will be applied for nine years after the effective date
of the premium payment. The Surrender Charge is designed to recover certain
expenses incurred by the Company related to the sale of the Policies.


                                       8
<PAGE>   12

   
Underlying Mutual Fund shares are purchased at net asset value, which reflects
the deduction of investment management fees and certain other expenses. The
management fees are charged by each Underlying Mutual Fund's investment adviser
for managing the Underlying Mutual Fund and selecting its portfolio of
securities. Other Underlying Mutual Fund expenses can include such items as
interest expense on loans and contracts with transfer agents, custodians, and
other companies that provide services to the Underlying Mutual Fund. The
management fees and other expenses for each Underlying Mutual Fund for its most
recently completed fiscal year, expressed as a percentage of the Underlying
Mutual Fund's average assets, are as follows:

                     Underlying Mutual Fund Annual Expenses

                          (After Expense Reimbursement)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 --------------------------------------
                                                                                 Management     Other       Total
                                                                                    Fees      Expenses     Expenses
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>  
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.-American Century VP Balanced                1.00%       0.00%       1.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.-American Century VP Capital                 1.00%       0.00%       1.00%
Appreciation
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.-American Century VP International           1.50%       0.00%       1.50%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.-American Century VP Value                   1.00%       0.00%       1.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund                                               0.72%       0.24%       0.96%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                                                               0.25%       0.05%       0.30%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund- Growth & Income Portfolio.                           0.75%       0.08%       0.83%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity-Income Portfolio                                              0.51%       0.07%       0.58%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Growth Portfolio                                                     0.61%       0.08%       0.69%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-High Income Portfolio                                                0.59%       0.12%       0.71%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio                                                   0.76%       0.17%       0.93%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II-Asset Manager Portfolio                                           0.64%       0.10%       0.74%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II-Contrafund Portfolio                                              0.61%       0.13%       0.74%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management                                                 0.83%       0.09%       0.92%
Trust-Growth Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management                                                 0.65%       0.13%       0.78%
Trust-Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management                                                 0.84%       0.11%       0.95%
Trust-Partners Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Capital Appreciation Fund                                                         0.50%       0.02%       0.52%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond Fund                                                              0.50%       0.01%       0.51%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                                                                 0.50%       0.03%       0.53%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Small Company Fund                                                                1.00%       0.10%       1.10%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                                                                 0.50%       0.02%       0.52%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Fund-Bond Fund                                            0.74%       0.04%       0.78%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Fund-Global Securities Fund                               0.73%       0.08%       0.81%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Fund-Multiple Strategies                                  0.73%       0.04%       0.77%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund II, Inc.                                                           1.00%       0.17%       1.17%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. - Discovery Fund II, Inc.                        1.00%       0.22%       1.22%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. - International Stock Fund II                    1.00%       0.59%       1.59%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-Worldwide Bond Fund                                  1.00%       0.08%       1.08%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund                      1.00%       0.00%       1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-Worldwide Hard Assets Fund                           1.00%       0.08%       1.08%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust -                                    0.83%       0.27%       1.10%
American Capital Real Estate Securities Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-International Equity Portfolio                                    0.96%       0.40%       1.36%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-Post-Venture Capital Portfolio                                    0.62%       0.78%       1.40%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-Small Company Growth Portfolio                                    0.90%       0.26%       1.16%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the Underlying Mutual Fund
level and are not direct charges against the Variable Account or reductions in
Cash Value. 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 Variable Account's unit value. The management fees
and other expenses are more fully described in the prospectuses for each
individual Underlying Mutual Fund. None of the above Underlying Mutual Funds are
subject to 12b-1 fees.
    


                                       9
<PAGE>   13

   
The following Underlying Mutual Funds are subject to fee waivers or expense
reimbursement arrangements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               FUND                                      EXPENSES WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT OR WAIVER
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>
American Century Variable        Absent a waiver of fees by the Portfolio's investment adviser and co-administrator, 
Portfolios, Inc. - American      Management Fees for the Portfolio would equal 1.25%; Other Expenses would equal
Century VP Value                 .81%; Total Portfolio Operating Expenses would have been 2.06%.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund         In the event that aggregate expenses of the Fund exceed .40 of 1% of the value of the 
                                 Fund's average net assets for the fiscal year, the Fund may deduct from the payment 
                                 to be made to Dreyfus, or Dreyfus will bear, such excess expense. In addition, the 
                                 Fund may waive receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily assume certain expenses of the 
                                 Fund, which would have the effect of lowering the overall expense ratio of the Fund.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially Responsible     In the event that aggregate expenses of the Fund exceed .40 of 1% of the value of the 
Growth Fund                      Fund's average net assets for the fiscal year, the Fund may deduct from the payment 
                                 to be made to Dreyfus, or Dreyfus will bear, such excess expense. In addition, the 
                                 Fund may waive receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily assume certain expenses of the 
                                 Fund, which would have the effect of lowering the overall expense ratio of the Fund.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund - Equity-      The Adviser has voluntarily agreed subject to revision or termination to reimburse a 
Income Portfolio                 fund if, and to the extent that, its aggregate operating expenses, including
                                 management fees, exceed a specified annual rate for the fund. The expense cap is:
                                 1.50% imposed on October 9, 1986. Since the expense ratio is significantly below the
                                 expense cap there is no reimbursement and none anticipated during the current year.
                                 Since there is no reimbursement the discontinuance of the arrangement has no effect 
                                 on total fund operating expenses.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund - Growth       The Fund may, from time to time, agree to reimburse a fund for management fees and 
Portfolio                        other expenses above a specified limit. The Fund retains the ability to be repaid if
                                 expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
                                 Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated at any time, can decrease the
                                 Fund's expense and boost its performance.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund - High-        The Fund may, from time to time, agree to reimburse a fund for management fees and 
Income Portfolio                 other expenses above a specified limit. The Fund retains the ability to be repaid if
                                 expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
                                 Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated at any time, can decrease 
                                 the Fund's expense and boost its performance.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance      The Adviser has voluntarily agreed subject to revision or termination to reimburse a 
Products Fund - Overseas         fund if, and to the extent that, its aggregate operating expenses, including
Portfolio                        management fees, exceed a specified annual rate for the fund. The expense cap is:
                                 1.50% imposed on January 28, 1986. Since the expense ratio is significantly below 
                                 the expense cap there is no reimbursement and none anticipated during the current 
                                 year. Since there is no reimbursement the discontinuance of the arrangement has no 
                                 effect on total fund operating expenses.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II - Asset     The Fund may, from time to time, agree to reimburse a fund for management fees and 
Manager Portfolio                other expenses above a specified limit. The Fund retains the ability to be repaid if
                                 expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
                                 Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated at any time, can decrease 
                                 the Fund's expense and boost its performance.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II -           The Fund may, from time to time, agree to reimburse a fund for management fees and 
Contrafund Portfolio             other expenses above a specified limit. The Fund retains the ability to be repaid if
                                 expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
                                 Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated at any time, can decrease 
                                 the Fund's expense and boost its performance.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger&Berman  Advisers       The Fund manager will limit expenses by reimbursing the Portfolio for its operating
Management Trust - Growth        expenses and its pro rata share of operating expenses, that exceed 1% of the Fund's
Portfolio                        average daily net asset value.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger&Berman Advisers        The Fund manager will limit expenses by reimbursing the Portfolio for its operating
Management Trust - Limited       expenses and its pro rata share of operating expenses, that exceed 1% of the Fund's
Maturity Bond Portfolio          average daily net asset value.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger&Berman Advisers        The Fund manager will limit expenses by reimbursing the Portfolio for its operating
Management Trust - Partners      expenses and its pro rata share of operating  expenses, that exceed 1% of the Fund's
Portfolio                        average daily net asset value.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital      The Trust reimburses the Adviser for the cost of the Fund's accounting services. 
Life Investment Trust -          Further, the Adviser and the Subadviser may, from time to time, agree to waive their 
American Capital Real Estate     respective investment advisory fees or any portion thereof or elect to reimburse the
Securities Fund                  Fund for ordinary business expenses in excess of an agreed upon amount.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


                                                          10
<PAGE>   14

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               FUND                                      EXPENSES WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT OR WAIVER
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>
Warburg Pincus Trust -           The Management Fees, Other Expenses and Total Portfolio Operating Expenses are 
International Equity Portfolio   net of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Without such waivers or  
                                 reimbursements, Management Fees would have equaled 1.00%, Other Expenses 
                                 would have equaled 1.21% and total Portfolio Operating Expenses would have equaled 
                                 2.21%. The Fund's investment adviser had undertaken to reduce or otherwise limit 
                                 Total Portfolio Operating Expenses; there is no assurance that these undertakings will 
                                 continue.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust - Small     The Management Fees, Other Expenses and Total Portfolio Operating Expenses are 
Company Growth Portfolio         net of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Without such waivers or 
                                 reimbursements, Management Fees would have equaled .90%, Other Expenses would 
                                 have equaled .60% and total Portfolio Operating Expenses would have equaled 1.50%. 
                                 The Fund's investment adviser had undertaken to reduce or otherwise limit Total 
                                 Portfolio Operating Expenses; there is no assurance that these undertakings will 
                                 continue.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The information relating to the Underlying Mutual Fund expenses was provided by
the Underlying Mutual Fund and was not independently verified by the Company.
    

Premiums

The minimum premium for which a Policy may be issued is $10,000. A Policy may be
issued to an insured up to age 80.

For a limited time, the Policy Owner has a right to cancel the Policy and
receive a full refund of premiums paid (see "Short-Term Right to Cancel
Policy").

                        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 of companies which includes Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company, Nationwide Indemnity Company, Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Nationwide Property and Casualty
Company, National Casualty Company, West Coast Life Insurance Company,
Scottsdale Indemnity Company and Nationwide General Insurance Company and their
affiliated companies. The Company's Home Office is at One Nationwide Plaza,
Columbus, Ohio 43216.
    

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 (for additional information, see "The
Company").

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
The Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 (the "Variable Account"), was established
by a resolution of the Company's Board of Directors, on May 7,1987, 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.
Nationwide Life Insurance Company, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio, 43216,
serves as Trustee for the Trust. Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., One
Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio, 43216, serves a principal underwriter for the
Trust. 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 the liabilities arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct. The Company does not guarantee the investment
performance of the Variable Account. The Death Benefit and Cash Value under the
Policy may vary with the investment performance of the investments in the
Variable Account (see "How the Death Benefit Varies" and "How the Cash Value
Varies").

   
Premium payments and Cash Value are allocated within the Variable Account among
one or more sub-accounts. The assets of each sub-account are used to purchase
shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options designated by the Policy Owner.
Thus, the investment performance of a Policy depends upon the investment
performance of the Underlying Mutual Fund options designated by the Policy
Owner.
    


                                       11
<PAGE>   15

Investments of the Variable Account

   
At the time of application, the Policy Owner elects to have the Cash Value
allocated among one or more of the Variable Account sub-accounts and the Fixed
Account (see "Allocation of Cash Value"). When the policy is issued, the
Policy's Cash Value not allocated to the Fixed Account is placed in the
Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market sub-account (for any Cash Value
allocated to a Sub-Account on the application) or Fixed Account until expiration
of the period in which the Policy Owner may exercise his or her short-term right
to cancel the Policy. At the expiration of the period in which the Policy Owner
may exercise his or her short-term right to cancel the Policy, shares of the
Underlying Mutual Funds specified by the Policy Owner are purchased at net asset
value for the respective sub-account(s). Such election is subject to any minimum
premium limitations which may be imposed by the Underlying Mutual Fund
option(s). In addition, no less than 5% of premium may be allocated to any one
sub-account or the Fixed Account. The Policy Owner may change the allocation of
Cash Value or may transfer Cash Value from one sub-account to another, subject
to such terms and conditions as may be imposed by each Underlying Mutual Fund
option and as set forth in this prospectus (see "Transfers", "Allocation of Cash
Value" and "Short-Term Right to Cancel Policy").
    

Additional Premium payments, upon acceptance, will be allocated to the
Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund unless the Policy Owner
specifies otherwise (see "Premium Payments").

   
Each of the Underlying Mutual Fund options is a series of registered investment
companies which receive investment advice from a registered investment advisers:

  1)    American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc., managed by American Century
        Investment Management, Inc., an affiliate of American Century Companies;
    

  2)    Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, managed by Wells Fargo Nikko Investment
        Advisors;

  3)    Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc., managed by the Dreyfus
        Corporation;

   
  4)    Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund, managed by the Dreyfus Corporation;
    

  5)    Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund, managed by Fidelity
        Management & Research Company;

  6)    Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II, managed by Fidelity
        Management & Research Company;

   
  7)    The Nationwide Separate Account Trust, managed by Nationwide Advisory
        Services, Inc.;
    

  8)    Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust, managed by Neuberger &
        Berman Management Incorporated;

  9)    Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds, managed by Oppenheimer Management
        Corporation;

  10)   Strong Special Fund II, Inc., managed by Strong Capital Management,
        Inc.;

  11)   Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., managed by Strong Capital
        Management, Inc.;

  12)   Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (Formerly Van Eck Investment Trust),
        managed by Van Eck Associates Corporation;

   
  13)   Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust managed by Van Kampen
        American Capital Asset Management, Inc.; and
    

  14)   Warburg Pincus Trust, managed by Warburg Pincus Counsellors, Inc.

   
A summary of investment objectives is contained in the description of each
Underlying Mutual Fund below. These Underlying Mutual Fund options are available
only to serve as the underlying investment for variable annuity and variable
life contracts issued through separate accounts of life insurance companies
which may or may not be affiliated, also known as "mixed and shared funding."
There are certain risks associated with mixed and shared funding, which is
disclosed in the Underlying Mutual Funds' prospectuses. A full description of
the Underlying Mutual Funds, their investment policies and restrictions, risks
and charges are contained in the prospectuses of the respective Underlying
Mutual Funds. A prospectus for the Underlying Mutual Fund option(s) being
considered must accompany this prospectus and should be read in conjunction
herewith.

American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc., member of American Century(SM)
Investments

American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (formerly known as TCI Portfolios,
Inc., was organized as a Maryland corporation in 1987. It is a diversified,
open-end management company, designed only to provide investment vehicles for
variable annuity and variable life insurance products of insurance companies. A
member of the 
    


                                       12
<PAGE>   16

   
American Century(SM) Investments, American Century Variable Portfolios is
managed by American Century Investment Management, Inc.

- -    American Century VP Balanced
    

     Investment Objective: Capital growth and current income. The Fund will seek
     to achieve its objective by maintaining approximately 60% of the assets of
     the Fund in common stocks (including securities convertible into common
     stocks and other equity equivalents) that are considered by management to
     have better-than-average prospects for appreciation and approximately 40%
     in fixed income securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will
     achieve its investment objective.

   
- -    American Century VP Capital Appreciation
    

     Investment Objective: Capital growth. The Fund will seek to achieve its
     objective by investing in common stocks (including securities convertible
     into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that meet certain
     fundamental and technical standards of selection and have, in the opinion
     of the Fund's investment manager, better than average potential for
     appreciation. The Fund tries to stay fully invested in such securities,
     regardless of the movement of stock prices generally.

     The Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents temporarily or when it is
     unable to find common stocks meeting its criteria of selection. It may
     purchase securities only of companies that have a record of at least three
     years continuous operation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will
     achieve its investment objective.

   
- -    American Century VP International
    

     Investment Objective: To seek capital growth. The Fund will seek to achieve
     its investment objective by investing primarily in securities of foreign
     companies that meet certain fundamental and technical standards of
     selection and, in the opinion of the investment manager, have potential for
     appreciation. Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of
     its assets in common stocks or other equity securities of issuers from at
     least three countries outside the United States. Securities of United
     States issuers may be included in the portfolio from time to time. Although
     the primary investment of the Fund will be common stocks (defined to
     include depository receipts for common stocks), the Fund may also invest in
     other types of securities consistent with the Fund's objective. When the
     manager believes that the total return potential of other securities equals
     or exceeds the potential return of common stocks, the Fund may invest up to
     35% of its assets in such other securities. There can be no assurance that
     the Fund will achieve its objectives.

   
     (Although the Statement of Additional Information concerning American
     Century Variable Portfolios, Inc., refers to redemptions of securities in
     kind under certain conditions, all surrendering or redeeming Contract
     Owners will receive cash from the Company.)

- -    American Century VP Value

     Investment Objective: The investment objective of the Fund is long-term
     capital growth; income is a secondary objective. Under normal market
     conditions, the Fund expects to invest at least 80% of the value of its
     total asset in equity securities, including common and preferred stock,
     convertible preferred stock and convertible debt obligations. The equity
     securities in which the Fund will invest will be primarily securities of
     well-established companies with intermediate-to-large market
     capitalizations that are believed by management to be undervalued at the
     time of purchase.
    

Dreyfus

- -    The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.

   
     The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. is an open-end,
     diversified, management investment company. It was incorporated under
     Maryland law on July 20, 1992, and commenced operations on October 7, 1993.
     The Dreyfus Corporation serves as the Fund's investment advisor. NCN
     Capital Management Group, Inc. serves as the Fund's sub-investment adviser
     and provides day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio.
    

     Investment Objective: The Fund's primary goal is 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.


                                       13
<PAGE>   17

- -    Dreyfus Stock Index Fund

     The Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. is an open-end, non-diversified,
     management investment company. It was incorporated under Maryland law on
     January 24, 1989, and commenced operations on September 29, 1989. Wells
     Fargo Nikko Investment Advisors serves as the Fund's index fund manager. As
     of May 1, 1994, the Dreyfus Life and Annuity Index Fund began doing
     business as the Dreyfus Stock Index Fund.

     Investment Objective: 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 is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with Standard
     & Poor's Corporation.

   
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund

     Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund (the "Fund") is an open-end, management
investment company. It was organized as an unincorporated business trust under
the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on October 29,1986 and commenced
operations August 31, 1990. The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the
Fund's manager. Dreyfus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A., which
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation.

     Growth and Income Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To provide long-term capital growth, current income
     and growth of income, consistent with reasonable investment risk. The
     Portfolio invests in equity securities, debt securities and money market
     instruments of domestic and foreign issuers. The proportion of the
     Portfolio's assets invested in each type of security will vary from time to
     time in accordance with Dreyfus' assessment of economic conditions and
     investment opportunities. In purchasing equity securities, Dreyfus will
     invest in common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into
     common stocks, particularly those which offer opportunities for capital
     appreciation and growth of earnings, while paying current dividends. The
     Portfolio will generally invest in investment-grade debt obligations,
     except that it may invest up to 35% of the value of its net assets in
     convertible debt securities rated not lower than Caa by Moody's Investor
     Service, Inc. or CCC by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Fitch Investors
     Service, L.P. or Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co., or if unrated, deemed to
     be of comparable quality by Dreyfus. These securities are considered to
     have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to
     pay interest and repay principal and are considered to be of poor standing.
     See "Investment Considerations and Risks-Lower Rated Securities" in the
     Portfolio's prospectuses.
    

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund

The Fund is an open-end, diversified, management investment company organized as
a Massachusetts business trust on November 13, 1981. The Fund's shares are
purchased by insurance companies to fund benefits under variable insurance and
annuity policies. Fidelity Management & Research Company ('FMR') is the Fund's
manager.

- -    High Income Portfolio

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

     -    at least 65% in income-producing debt securities and preferred stocks,
          including convertible securities, zero coupon securities, and
          mortgage-backed and asset-based securities;

     -    up to 20% in common stocks and other equity securities when consistent
          with the Fund'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 Fund 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 Fund's prospectus.


                                       14
<PAGE>   18

- -    Equity-Income Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To seek reasonable income by investing primarily in
     income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities FMR also
     will consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's goal
     is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the securities
     comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.

- -    Growth Portfolio

   
     Investment Objective: Seeks to achieve capital appreciation. This Portfolio
     will invest in the securities of both well-known and established companies,
     and smaller, less well-known companies which may have a narrow product line
     or whose securities are thinly traded. These latter securities will often
     involve greater risk than may be found in the ordinary investment security.
     FMR's analysis and expertise plays an integral role in the selection of
     securities and, therefore, the performance of the Portfolio. Many
     securities which FMR believes would have the greatest potential may be
     regarded as speculative, and investment in the Portfolio may involve
     greater risk than is inherent in other Underlying mutual funds. It is also
     important to point out that the Portfolio makes most sense for you if you
     can afford to ride out changes in the stock market, because it invests
     primarily in common stocks. FMR also can make temporary investments in
     securities such as investment-grade bonds, high-quality preferred stocks
     and short-term notes, for defensive purposes when it believes market
     conditions warrant.
    

- -    Overseas Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To seek long term growth of capital primarily through
     investments in foreign securities. The Overseas Portfolio provides a means
     for investors to diversify their own portfolios by participating in
     companies and economies outside of the United States.

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II

The Fund is an open-end, diversified, management investment company organized as
a Massachusetts business trust on March 21, 1988. The Fund's shares are
purchased by insurance companies to fund benefits under variable insurance and
annuity policies. FMR is the Fund's manager.

- -    Asset Manager Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To seek to obtain high total return with reduced risk
     over the long-term by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign
     stocks, bonds and short-term fixed income instruments.

- -    Contrafund Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To seek capital appreciation by investing primarily
     in companies that the Fund manager believes to be undervalued due to an
     overly pessimistic appraisal by the public. This strategy can lead to
     investments in domestic or foreign companies, small and large, many of
     which may not be well known. The Fund primarily invests in common stock and
     securities convertible into common stock, but it has the flexibility to
     invest in any type of security that may produce capital appreciation.

Nationwide Separate Account Trust

   
Nationwide Separate Account Trust (the "Trust") is a diversified open-end
management investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. The Trust
offers shares in the five separate Mutual Funds listed below, each with its own
investment objectives. Currently, shares of the Trust will be sold only to life
insurance company separate accounts to fund benefits under variable life
insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance
companies. The assets of the Trust are managed by Nationwide Advisory Services,
Inc., One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
    

- -    Capital Appreciation Fund

     Investment Objective: The Fund is designed for investors who are interested
     in long-term growth. The Fund seeks to meet its objective primarily through
     a diversified portfolio of the common stock of companies which the
     investment manager determines have a better-than-average potential for
     sustained capital growth over the long term.

- -    Government Bond Fund

     Investment Objective: To provide as high a level of income as is consistent
     with capital preservation through investing primarily in bonds and
     securities issued or backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
     instrumentalities.


                                       15
<PAGE>   19

- -    Money Market Fund

     Investment Objective: To seek as high a level of current income as is
     considered consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by
     investing primarily in money market instruments.

- -    Small Company Fund

   
     Investment Objective: The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by
     investing primarily in equity securities of domestic and foreign companies
     with market capitalizations of less then $1 billion at the time of
     purchase. Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), the Fund's adviser,
     has contracted with a group of sub-advisers, each of which will manage a
     portion of the Fund's portfolio. These sub-advisers are the Dreyfus
     Corporation, Neuberger & Berman, L.P., Pictet International Management
     Limited, Van Eck Associates Corporation, Strong Capital Management, Inc.
     and Warburg, Pincus Counsellors, Inc. The sub-advisers were chosen because
     they utilize a number of different investment styles when investing in
     small company stocks. By utilizing a number of investment styles, NAS hopes
     to increase prospects for investment return and to reduce market risk and
     volatility.
    

- -    Total Return Fund

     Investment Objective: To obtain a reasonable long-term total return (i.e.,
     earnings growth plus potential dividend yield) on invested capital from a
     flexible combination of current return and capital gains through
     investments in common stocks, convertible issues, money market instruments
     and bonds, with a primary emphasis on common stocks.

Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust

Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust is an open-end diversified
management investment company established as a Massachusetts business trust on
December 14, 1983. Shares of the Trust are offered in connection with certain
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued through
life insurance company separate accounts and are also offered directly to
qualified pension and retirement plans outside of the separate account context.
The investment adviser is Neuberger & Berman Management Incorporated.

- -    Growth Portfolio

     Investment Objective: The Portfolio seeks capital growth through
     investments in common stocks of companies that the investment adviser
     believes will have above average earnings or otherwise provide investors
     with above average potential for capital appreciation. To maximize this
     potential, the investment adviser may also utilize, from time to time,
     securities convertible into common stocks, warrants and options to purchase
     such stocks.

- -    Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To provide the high level of current income,
     consistent with low risk to principal and liquidity. As a secondary
     objective, it also seeks to enhance its total return through capital
     appreciation when market factors, such as falling interest rates and rising
     bond prices, indicate that capital appreciation may be available without
     significant risk to principal. It seeks to achieve its objectives through
     investments in a diversified portfolio of limited maturity debt securities.
     The Portfolio invests in securities which are at least investment grade and
     does not invest in junk bonds.

- -    Partners Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To seek capital growth. This portfolio will seek to
     achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of
     established companies. Its investment program seeks securities believed to
     be undervalued based on fundamentals such as low price-to-earnings ratios,
     consistent cash flows, and support from asset values. The objective of the
     Partners Portfolio is not fundamental and can be changed by the Trustees of
     the Trust without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive
     at least 30 days prior notice thereof. There is no assurance the investment
     objective will be met.

Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds

The Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds is an open-ended, diversified management
investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust in 1984. Shares
of the Funds are sold only to provide benefits under variable life insurance
policies and variable annuity contracts. Oppenheimer Management Corporation is
the Funds' investment advisor.


                                       16
<PAGE>   20

- -    Bond Fund

     Investment Objective: Primarily to seek a high level of current income from
     investment in high yield fixed-income securities rated "Baa" or better by
     Moody's or "BBB" or better by Standard & Poor's. Secondarily, the Fund
     seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary objective.

- -    Global Securities Fund

     Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital appreciation by investing a
     substantial portion of assets in securities of foreign issuers,
     "growth-type" companies, cyclical industries and special situations which
     are considered to have appreciation possibilities. Current income is not an
     objective. These securities may be considered to be speculative.

- -    Multiple Strategies Fund

     Investment Objective: To seek a total investment return (which includes
     current income and capital appreciation in the value of its shares) from
     investments in common stocks and other equity securities, bonds and other
     debt securities, and "money market" securities.

Strong Special Fund II, Inc.

     The Strong Special Fund II, Inc. is a diversified, open-end management
company commonly called a mutual fund. The Special Fund II, Inc. was
incorporated in Wisconsin and may only be purchased by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies. Strong Capital Management Inc. (the "Advisor")
is the investment advisor for the Fund.

     Investment Objective: To seek capital appreciation through investments in a
     diversified portfolio of equity securities.

Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.

     Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. ("Corporation") is an open-end
management investment company commonly referred to as a mutual fund.
Incorporated in the State of Wisconsin, the Corporation has been authorized to
issue shares of common stock and series and classes of series of common stock.
The International Stock Fund II and The Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc. ("Funds")
are offered by the Corporation to insurance company separate accounts for the
purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
policies. Strong Capital Management, Inc. is the investment advisor to the
Funds.

- -    Discovery Fund II, Inc.

     Investment Objective: To seek maximum capital appreciation through
     investments in a diversified portfolio of securities. The Fund normally
     emphasizes investment in equity securities and may invest up to 100% of its
     total assets in equity securities including common stocks, preferred stocks
     and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks. Although the
     Fund normally emphasizes investment in equity securities, the Fund has the
     flexibility to invest in any type of security that the Advisor believes has
     the potential for capital appreciation including up to 100% of its total
     assets in debt obligations, including intermediate to long-term corporate
     or U.S. government debt securities.

- -    International Stock Fund II

     Investment Objective: To seek capital growth by investing primarily in the
     equity securities of issuers located outside the United States.

Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (Formerly Van Eck Investment Trust)

Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust is an open-end management investment company
organized as a "business trust" under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on January 7, 1987. Shares of the Trust are offered only to
separate accounts of various insurance companies to fund benefits of variable
insurance and annuity policies. The assets of the Trust are managed by Van Eck
Associates Corporation.

- -    Worldwide Bond Fund (Formerly Global Bond Fund)

     Investment Objective: To seek high total return through a flexible policy
     of investing globally, primarily in debt securities. The Fund does not
     invest in junk bonds.

   
- -    Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund

     Investment Objective: Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
     primarily in equity securities in emerging markets around the world. The
     Fund specifically emphasizes investment in countries that, 
    


                                       17
<PAGE>   21

   
     compared to the world's major economies, exhibit relatively low gross
     national product per capita, as well as the potential for rapid economic
     growth. Peregrine Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited serves as
     sub-investment adviser to this Fund.

- -    Worldwide Hard Assets Fund (formerly Gold and Natural Resources Fund)

     Investment Description: To seek long-term capital appreciation by investing
     globally, primarily in "Hard Assets Securities." Hard assets are tangible,
     finite assets, asuch as real estate, energy, timber, and industrial and
     precious metals. Income is a secondary consideration.
    

Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust

     The American Capital Life Investment Trust is an open-end diversified
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
June 3, 1985. The Trust offers shares in separate funds which are sold only to
insurance companies to provide funding for variable life insurance policies and
variable annuity contracts. Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc.
serves as the Fund's investment adviser.

- -    American Capital Real Estate Securities Fund

     Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital growth by investing in a
     portfolio of securities of companies operating in the real estate industry
     ("Real Estate Securities"). Current income is a secondary consideration.
     Real Estate Securities include equity securities, including common stocks
     and convertible securities, as well as non-convertible preferred stocks and
     debt securities of real estate industry companies. A "real estate industry
     company" is a company that derives at least 50% of its assets (marked to
     market), gross income or net profits from the ownership, construction,
     management or sale of residential, commercial or industrial real estate.
     Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets
     will be invested in Real Estate Securities, primarily equity securities of
     real estate investment trusts. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total
     assets in securities issued by foreign issuers, some or all of which may
     also be Real Estate Securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund
     will achieve its investment objective.

Warburg Pincus Trust

The Warburg Pincus Trust ("Trust") is an open-end management investment company
organized in March 1995 as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. The Trust offers its shares to insurance companies for
allocation to separate accounts for the purpose of funding variable annuity and
variable life contracts. Trust portfolios are managed by Warburg, Pincus
Counsellors, Inc. ("Counsellors.")

- -    International Equity Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital appreciation by investing
     primarily in a broadly diversified portfolio of equity securities of
     companies, wherever organized, that in the judgment of "Counsellors" have
     their principal business activities and interests outside the United
     States. The Portfolio will ordinarily invest substantially all of its
     assets, but no less than 65% of its total assets, in common stocks,
     warrants and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks.
     The Portfolio intends to invest principally in the securities of
     financially strong companies with opportunities for growth within growing
     international economies and markets through increased earning power and
     improved utilization or recognition of assets.

   
- -    Post-Venture Capital Portfolio

     Investment Objective: The Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital by
     investing primarily in equity securities of issuers in their post-venture
     capital stage of development and pursues an aggressive investment strategy.
     Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will invest at least 65% of
     its total assets in equity securities of "post-venture capital companies."
     A post-venture capital company is one that has received venture capital
     financing either (a) during the early stages of the company's existence or
     the early stages of the development of a new product or service or (b) as
     part of a restructuring or recapitalization of the company. The Portfolio
     may invest up to 10% of its assets in venture capital and other investment
     funds.
    

- -    Small Company Growth Portfolio

     Investment Objective: To seek capital growth by investing in a portfolio of
     equity securities of small-sized domestic companies. The Portfolio
     ordinarily will invest at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks or
     warrants of small-sized companies (i.e., companies having stock market
     capitalizations of between $25 million and $1 billion at the time of
     purchase) that represent attractive opportunities for capital growth. The
     Portfolio intends to invest primarily in companies whose securities are
     traded on domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. The
     Portfolio's investments will be made on the basis of their equity
     characteristics and securities ratings generally will not be a factor in
     the selection process.


                                       18
<PAGE>   22

Reinvestment

   
The Underlying Mutual Funds described above have as a policy the distribution of
dividends in the form of additional shares (or fractions thereof) of the Mutual
Funds. The distribution of additional shares will not affect the number of
Accumulation Units attributable to a particular Policy (see "Allocation of Cash
Value").
    

Transfers

   
The Policy Owner may transfer Cash Value among the sub-accounts of the Variable
Account and the Fixed Account. A transfer will take effect on the date of
receipt of written notice at the Company's Home Office. Transfer requests must
be in a written form acceptable to the Company.

The Policy Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the Cash Value from the
Variable Account to the Fixed Account. The Policy Owner's Cash 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 to the Fixed Account to 25% of the Cash Value.
    

The Policy Owner may annually transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed
Account to the Variable Account and a portion of the Variable Account to the
Fixed Account, without penalty or adjustment. The Company reserves the right to
limit the amount of Cash Value transferred out of the Fixed Account each Policy
Year. Transfers from the Fixed Account must be made within 30 days after the
termination date of the interest rate guarantee period.

Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such transfers,
by telephone. The Company will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures may include
any or all of the following, or such other procedures as the Company may, from
time to time, deem reasonable: requesting identifying information, such as name,
contract number, Social Security Number, and/or personal identification number;
tape recording all telephone transactions; and providing written confirmation
thereof to both the Policy Owner and any agent of record at the last address of
record. Although failure to follow reasonable procedures may result in the
Company's liability for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
transfers, the Company will not be liable for following instructions
communicated by telephone which it reasonably believes to be genuine. Any losses
incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in reliance on telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine shall be borne by the Contract
Owner. The Company may withdraw the telephone exchange privilege upon 30 days
written notice to Policy Owners.

Policy Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging Agreement with the
Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging" below) may transfer from the Fixed Account
to the Variable Account under the terms of that agreement.

   
Policies described in this prospectus may in some cases be sold to individuals
who independently utilize the services of a firm or individual engaged in market
timing. Generally, such firms or individuals obtain authorization from multiple
Policy Owners to make transfers and exchanges among the Sub-Accounts (the
Underlying Mutual Funds) on the basis of perceived market trends. Because of the
unusually large transfers of funds associated with some of these transactions,
the ability of the Company or Underlying Mutual Funds to process such
transactions may be compromised, and the execution of such transactions may
possibly disadvantage or work to the detriment of other Policy Owners not
utilizing market timing services.
    

Accordingly, the right to exchange Cash Surrender Values among the Sub-Accounts
may be subject to modification if such rights are exercised by a market timing
firm or any other third party authorized to initiate transfer or exchange
transactions on behalf of multiple Policy Owners. THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL
POLICY OWNERS TO EXCHANGE CASH SURRENDER VALUES, WHEN INSTRUCTIONS ARE SUBMITTED
DIRECTLY BY THE POLICY OWNER, OR BY THE POLICY OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE OF RECORD
AS AUTHORIZED BY THE EXECUTION OF A VALID NATIONWIDE LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
FORM, WILL NOT BE MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. In modifying such rights, the Company
may, among other things, not accept (1) the transfer or exchange instructions of
any agent acting under a power of attorney on behalf of more than one Policy
Owner, or (2) the transfer or exchange instructions of individual policy owners
who have executed pre-authorized transfer or exchange forms which are submitted
by market timing firms or other third parties on behalf of more than one Policy
Owner at the same time. The Company will not impose any such restrictions or
otherwise modify exchange rights unless such action is reasonably intended to
prevent the use of such rights in a manner that will disadvantage or potentially
impair the contract rights of other Policy Owners.


                                       19
<PAGE>   23

Dollar Cost Averaging

   
The Policy Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer from the Money
Market sub-account, Fixed Account, or the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio
sub-account to any other sub-account within the Variable Account on a monthly
basis or as frequently as otherwise authorized by the Company. This service is
intended to allow the Policy 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 Cash Value, less policy indebtedness,
of $15,000. Transfers for purposes of dollar cost averaging can only be made
from the Money Market sub-account, Fixed Account, or the Limited Maturity Bond
Portfolio sub-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 Policy Owner in order to begin
transfers. Once elected, transfers from the Money Market sub-account, Fixed
Account, or the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio sub-account will be processed
monthly until either the value in the Money Market sub-account, Fixed Account,
or the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio sub-account is completely depleted or the
Policy 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 to Policy Owners however, any such discontinuation
would not affect dollar cost averaging programs already commenced. The Company
also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this service.
    

Substitution of Securities

   
If 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 Funds should become inappropriate in view of the purposes of the Policy,
the Company may substitute shares of another Underlying Mutual Fund for shares
already purchased or to be purchased in the future by premium payments under the
Policy. 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 and any state insurance department may impose.
    

Voting Rights

Voting rights under the Policies apply with respect to Cash Value allocated to
the sub-accounts of the Variable Account.

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

The Policy Owner shall have the voting interest under a Policy. The number of
shares in each sub-account for which the Policy Owner may give voting
instructions is determined by dividing any portion of the Policy's Cash Value
derived from participation in that Underlying Mutual Fund by the net asset value
of one share of that Underlying Mutual Fund.

The number of shares which a person has a right to vote will be determined as of
a date chosen by the Company, but not more than 90 days prior to the meeting of
the Underlying Mutual Fund. Voting instructions will be solicited by written
communication 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.

Each person having a voting interest in the Variable Account will receive
periodic reports relating to investments of the Variable Account, the Underlying
Mutual Fund(s') proxy material and a form with which to give such voting
instructions.

Notwithstanding contrary Policy Owner voting instructions, the Company may vote
Underlying Mutual Fund shares in any manner necessary to enable the Underlying
Mutual Fund to (1) make or refrain from making any 
    


                                       20
<PAGE>   24

   
change in the investments or investment policies for any of the Underlying
Mutual Funds, if required by an insurance regulatory authority; (2) refrain from
making any change in the investment policies or any investment adviser or
principal underwriter of any portfolio which may be initiated by Policy Owners
or the Underlying Mutual Fund's Board of Directors, provided the Company's
disapproval of the change is reasonable and, in the case of a change in the
investment policies or investment adviser, based on a good faith determination
that such change would be contrary to state law or otherwise inappropriate in
light of the portfolio's objective and purposes; or (3) enter into or refrain
from entering into any advisory agreement or underwriting contract, if required
by any insurance regulatory authority.
    

                         INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES

Underwriting and Issuance

- -Minimum Requirements for Issuance of a Policy

The minimum amount of initial premium that will be accepted by the Company is
$10,000. Policies may be issued to Insureds issue ages 80 or younger. Before
issuing any Policy, the Company requires evidence of insurability satisfactory
to it, which may include a medical examination.

- -Premium Payments

   
The initial premium for a Policy is payable in full at the Company's Home
Office. The minimum amount of initial premium required is $10,000 for issue ages
75 or younger and $50,000 for issue ages 76 through 80. The Specified Amount is
determined by treating the initial premium as equal to 100% of the Guideline
Single Premium. Upon payment of an initial premium, temporary insurance may be
provided, subject to a maximum amount. The effective date of permanent insurance
coverage is dependent upon completion of all underwriting requirements, payment
of the initial premium, and delivery of the Policy while the insured is still
living.
    

The Policy Owner may make additional premium payments. The Policy is primarily
intended to be a single premium with a limited ability to make additional
payments. Subsequent premium payments under the Policy are permitted under the
following circumstances:

     1.   an additional premium payment is required to keep the Policy in force
          (see "Grace Period"); or

     2.   except in Virginia, additional premium payments of at least $1,000 may
          be made at any time provided the premium limits prescribed by the
          Internal Revenue Service to qualify the Policy as a life insurance
          contract are not violated.

Payment of additional premiums if accepted, may increase the Specified Amount of
insurance. However, the Company reserves the right to require satisfactory
evidence of insurability before accepting any additional premium payment which
results in an increase in the net amount at risk. The Company may also require
that any existing Policy indebtedness is repaid prior to accepting any
additional premium payments.

The Company will not accept a subsequent premium payment which would result in
total premiums paid exceeding the premium limitations prescribed by the Internal
Revenue Service to qualify the Policy as a life insurance contract.

- -Allocation of Cash Value

   
At the time a Policy is issued, its Cash Value will be based on the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund sub-account value or the Fixed Account
as if the Policy had been issued and the premium invested on the date the
premium was received in good order by the Company. When the Policy is issued,
the Cash Value will be allocated to the Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money
Market Fund sub-account (for any Cash Value allocated to a Sub-Account on the
application) or the Fixed Account until the expiration of the period in which
the Policy Owner may exercise his or her short-term right to cancel the Policy.
Cash Value not designated for the Fixed Account will be placed in the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Sub-Account. At the expiration of the period
in which the Policy Owner may exercise his or her short term right to cancel the
Policy, shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds specified by the Policy Owner are
purchased at net asset value for the respective sub-account(s). The Policy Owner
may change the allocation of Cash Value or may transfer Cash Value from one
sub-account to another, subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed
by each Underlying Mutual Fund and as set forth in the prospectus. Cash Value
allocated to the Fixed Account at the time of application may not be transferred
prior to the first Policy Anniversary (see "Transfers" and "Investments of the
Variable Account").
    


                                       21
<PAGE>   25

The designation of investment allocations will be made by the prospective Policy
Owner at the time of application for a Policy. The Policy Owner may change the
way in which future premiums are allocated by giving written notice to the
Company. All percentage allocations must be in whole numbers, and must be at
least 5%. The sum of allocations must equal 100%.

- -Short-Term Right to Cancel Policy

   
A Policy may be returned for cancellation and a full refund of premium within 10
days after the Policy is received, within 45 days after the application for
insurance is signed, or within 10 days after the Company mails or delivers a
Notice of Right of Withdrawal, whichever is latest. The Policy can be mailed or
delivered to the registered representative who sold it, or the Company.
Immediately after such mailing or delivery, the Policy will be deemed void from
the beginning. The Company will refund the total premiums paid within seven days
after it receives the Policy. The scope of this right may vary by state. The
policy provision approved or used by a particular state will be disclosed in any
policy issued.
    

                                 POLICY CHARGES

Deductions from Premiums

No deduction is made from any premium at the time of payment. 100% of each
premium payment is applied to the Cash Value.

Deductions from Cash Value

The Company may deduct certain charges from the Policy's Cash Value. While the
Company reserves the right to change current charges, it has no present intent
to do so. These are comprised of the following items:

- -Charges on Surrender

No charges are deducted from any premium payment. The Company incurs certain
expenses related to the sale of the Policies. These expenses include commissions
paid to sales personnel, the cost of sales literature and other promotional
activity. To recover these expenses, the Company imposes a Surrender Charge. The
Surrender Charge may be insufficient to recover all these expenses. Unrecovered
expenses are borne by the Company's general assets which may include profits, if
any, from Mortality and Expense Risk Charges. 

The initial premium payment and any subsequent premium payment which results in
an increased net amount at risk will have a Surrender Charge associated with it,
that will be less than or equal to 8.5% of such premium payment, as set forth in
the following chart. The Surrender Charge applies for nine years after the
effective date of each premium payment. Certain surrenders may result in adverse
tax consequences (see "Tax Matters").

   Completed Year(s)      Charges on       Completed Year(s)      Charges on
         Since          Surrender as a           Since          Surrender as a
    Premium Payment    % Premium Payment    Premium Payment    % Premium Payment

           0                 8.5%                  5                 7.0%
           1                 8.5%                  6                 6.0%
           2                 8.0%                  7                 5.0%
           3                 8.0%                  8                 4.0%
           4                 7.5%                  9                 0.0%

In no event will the surrender charge deducted on surrender exceed 8.5% of the
total premiums paid.

   
The amount of the Surrender Charge may be eliminated when the Policies are
issued to an officer, director, former director, partner, employee, or retired
employee of the Company; an employee of the General distributor of the Policies,
Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.; or an employee of an affiliate of the
Company or the General Distributor; or, a duly appointed representative of the
Company who receives no commission as a result of the purchase.
    

Elimination of the Surrender Charge will be permitted by the Company only in
those situations where the Company does not incur sales or administrative
expenses normally associated with sales of a Policy. In no event will reduction
of the Surrender Charge be permitted where such reduction will be unfairly
discriminatory to any person.


                                       22
<PAGE>   26

- -Annual Administrative Charge

The Company deducts an annual administrative charge at the beginning of each
Policy Year after the first. It will be charged proportionately to the Cash
Values in each Variable sub-account and the Fixed Account. The amount of this
annual charge is determined by the total net premium payments (premium payments
less any previous partial surrenders) as follows:

  Total Net Premium Payments          Current               Guaranteed Maximum
  Greater than     But Less     Annual Administrative     Annual Administrative
  or Equal to        than              Charge                     Charge
  -----------        ----              ------                     ------
    $10,000        $25,000      $90      Non-New York     $135     Non-New York
                                $65       in New York     $120      in New York
    $25,000                     $50       All States       $75      All States

- -Cost of Insurance Charge

A monthly deduction for the Cost of insurance is charged proportionately against
the Cash Value in each sub-account and the Fixed Account on the Policy Date and
each Monthly Anniversary Day. The Company will determine the Monthly Cost of
Insurance charge by multiplying the Applicable Cost of Insurance rate by the net
amount at risk. The net amount at risk is equal to the Death Benefit minus the
Cash Value.

   
Current cost of insurance charges will not exceed the cost based on the
guaranteed cost of insurance rate and the Policy's net amount at risk.
Guaranteed cost of insurance rates for Standard Simplified issues are based on
the 1980 Commissioner's Extended Term Mortality Table, Age Last Birthday (1980
CET). Guaranteed cost of insurance rates for Standard Preferred issues are based
on the 1980 Commissioner's Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, Age Last Birthday
(1980 CSO). Guaranteed cost of insurance rates for substandard issues are based
on appropriate percentage multiples of the 1980 CSO. These mortality tables are
sex distinct. In addition, separate mortality tables will be used for standard
and non-tobacco.
    

For Policies issued in Texas, guaranteed cost of insurance rates for Standard
Simplified issues ("Special Class-Simplified" in Texas) are based on 130% of the
1980 Commissioner's Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, Age Last Birthday (1980
CSO).

The rate class of an Insured may affect the cost of insurance rate. The Company
currently places an Insured into both standard rate classes and substandard
classes that involve a higher mortality risk. In an otherwise identical Policy,
an Insured in the standard rate class will have a lower cost of insurance than
an Insured in a rate class with higher mortality risks. The Company may also
issue certain Policies on a "Simplified Issue" basis to certain categories of
individuals. Due to the underwriting criteria established for Policies issued on
a Simplified Issue basis, actual rates for healthy individuals will be higher
than the current cost of insurance rates being charged under otherwise identical
Policies that are issued on a Preferred basis.

Deductions from the Sub-Accounts

The Company will deduct, on a daily basis, certain charges from the assets of
the Variable Account. On an annual basis, these charges are equivalent to:

                                          Policy Years         Policy Years
                                              1-10                  11+
                                              ----                  ---
          Current                             1.30%                1.00%
          Guaranteed Maximum                  1.60%                1.30%

While the Company reserves the right to change current charges, it has no
present intent to do so.

These charges consist of the following items:

- -Mortality and Expense Risk Charge

The Company assumes certain risks for guaranteeing mortality and expense
charges. The mortality risk assumed under the Policies is that the Insured may
not live as long as expected. The expense risk assumed is that the actual
expenses incurred in issuing and administering the Policies may be greater than
expected. In addition, the Company assumes risks associated with the nonrecovery
of policy issue, underwriting, and other administrative expenses due to Policies
which lapse or are surrendered during the first ten years following each premium
payment.


                                       23
<PAGE>   27

To compensate the Company for assuming these risks associated with the Policies,
the Company deducts a daily charge from the assets of the sub-accounts of the
Variable Account. This charge currently is equivalent to an effective annual
rate of 0.75%. To the extent that future levels of mortality and expenses are
less than or equal to those expected, the Company may realize a profit from
these charges. This charge is guaranteed not to exceed 0.90%.

- -Administrative Expense Charge

The Company deducts a daily Administrative Expense Charge to reimburse it for
expenses related to issuance and maintenance of the Policies including
underwriting, establishing policy records, accounting and record keeping, and
periodic reporting to Policy Owners. This charge is designed only to reimburse
the Company for its actual administrative expenses. In the aggregate, the
Company expects that the charges for administrative costs will be approximately
equal to the related expenses.

This charge is deducted daily from the assets of the sub-accounts of the
Variable Account. This charge currently is equivalent to an annual effective
rate of 0.25%. This charge is guaranteed not to exceed 0.40%.

- -Premium Tax Recovery Charge

Premium taxes are not deducted at the time a premium is paid. The Company pays
any state premium taxes attributable to a particular Policy when incurred by the
Company. The Company expects to pay an average state premium tax rate of
approximately 2.5% of premiums for all states, although such tax rates generally
can range from 0% to 4%. To reimburse the Company for the payment of state
premium taxes associated with the Policies, during the first ten Policy Years
the Company deducts a daily charge from the assets of the sub-accounts. This
charge is computed on a daily basis, and is equivalent to an annual effective
rate of 0.30% of the assets of the Variable Account during the first ten Policy
Years, and 0% thereafter. This charge may be more or less than the amount
actually assessed by the state in which a particular Policy Owner lives. The
Company does not expect to make a profit from this charge.

- -Income Tax Charge

The Company does not currently assess any charge for income taxes incurred by
the Company as a result of the operations of the sub-accounts of the Variable
Account (see "Taxation of the Company"). The Company reserves the right to
assess a charge for such taxes against the Variable Account if the Company
determines that such taxes will be incurred.

                            HOW THE CASH VALUE VARIES

On any date during the Policy Year, the Cash Value equals the Cash Value on the
preceding Valuation Date, plus any premium applied since the previous Valuation
Date, plus or minus any investment results, and less any Policy Charges.

There is no guaranteed Cash Value. The Cash Value will vary with the investment
experience of the Variable Account and/or the daily crediting of interest in the
Fixed Account and Policy Loan Account depending on the allocation of Cash Value
by the Policy Owner.

How the Investment Experience is Determined

The Cash Value in each sub-account is converted to Accumulation Units of that
sub-account. The conversion is accomplished by dividing the amount of Cash Value
allocated to a sub-account by the value of an Accumulation Unit for the
sub-account of the Valuation Period during which the allocation occurs.

The value of an 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:


                                       24
<PAGE>   28

   
     (1)  the net asset value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund option
          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 option 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 and Expense Risk Charge,
     Administration Expense Charge and Premium Tax Recovery Charge deducted from
     the Variable Account. Such factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.30% for
     the first ten years and 1.00% thereafter of the daily net asset value of
     the Variable Account.

   
For Underlying Mutual Fund options that credit dividends on a daily basis and
pay such dividends once a month, the Net Investment Factor allows for the
monthly reinvestment of these daily dividends.

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

The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units attributable to
the Policy and amounts credited to the Fixed Account is the Cash Value. The
number of Accumulation Units credited per each sub-account are determined by
dividing the net amount allocated to the sub-account by the Accumulation Unit
Value for the sub-account for the Valuation Period during which the premium is
received by the Company. In the event part or all of the Cash Value is
surrendered or charges or deductions are made against the Cash 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 Policy Owner's interest in the Variable Account and the
Fixed Account bears to the total Cash Value.

The Cash Value in the Fixed Account and the Policy Loan Account is credited with
interest daily at an effective annual rate which the Company periodically
declares. The annual effective rate will never be less than 4%. Upon request,
the Company will inform the Policy Owner of the then applicable rates for each
account.

Valuation Periods and Valuation Dates

   
A Valuation Period is the period commencing at the close of business on the New
York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding
Valuation Date. A Valuation Date is each day that the New York Stock Exchange
and the Company's Home Office is open for business or any other day during which
there is sufficient degree of trading that the current net asset value of the
Accumulation Units might be materially affected.
    

                        SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH

Right to Surrender

The Policy Owner may surrender the Policy in full at any time while the Insured
is living and receive its Cash Surrender Value. The cancellation will be
effective as of the date the Company receives a proper written request for
cancellation and the Policy. Such written request must be signed and, where
permitted, the signature guaranteed by a member firm of the New York, American,
Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia or Pacific Stock Exchange, or by a Commercial Bank
or Savings and Loan, which is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation. In some cases, the Company may require additional documentation of
a customary nature.


                                       25
<PAGE>   29

Cash Surrender Value

The Cash Surrender Value increases or decreases daily to reflect the investment
experience of the Variable Account and the daily crediting of interest in the
Fixed Account and the Policy Loan Account. The Cash Surrender Value equals the
Policy's Cash Value, next computed after the date the Company receives a proper
written request for surrender of the Policy, minus any charges, indebtedness or
other deductions due on that date, which may also include a Surrender Charge.

Partial Surrenders

After the Policy has been in force for 5 Policy Years, the Policy Owner may
request a partial surrender. Partial surrenders will be permitted only if they
satisfy the following requirements:

     1.   The maximum partial surrender in any Policy Year is limited to 10% of
          the total premium payments;

     2.   Partial surrenders must not result in a reduction of the Cash
          Surrender Value below $10,000; and

     3.   After the partial surrender, the Policy continues to qualify as life
          insurance.

When a partial surrender is made, the Cash Value is reduced by the amount of the
partial surrender. Under Death Benefit Option 1, the Specified Amount is reduced
by the amount of the partial surrender, unless the death benefit is based on the
applicable percentage of cash value. In such a case, a partial surrender will
decrease the Specified Amount by the amount by which the partial surrender
exceeds the difference between the death benefit and Specified Amount. Partial
surrender amounts must be first deducted from the values in the Variable
sub-accounts. Partial surrenders will be deducted from the Fixed Account only to
the extent that insufficient values are available in the Variable sub-accounts.

Surrender Charges will be waived for any partial surrenders which satisfy the
above conditions. Certain partial surrenders may result in currently taxable
income and tax penalties (see "Tax Matters").

Maturity Proceeds

The Maturity Date is the Policy Anniversary on or next following the Insured's
95th birthday. The maturity proceeds will be payable to the Policy Owner on the
Maturity Date provided the Policy is still in force. The Maturity Proceeds will
be equal to the amount of the Policy's Cash Value, less any indebtedness.

Income Tax Withholding

Federal law requires the Company to withhold income tax from any portion of
surrender proceeds that is subject to tax, unless the Policy Owner advises the
Company, in writing, of his or her request not to withhold.

If the Policy Owner requests that the Company not withhold taxes, or if the
taxes withheld are insufficient, the Policy Owner may be liable for payment of
an estimated tax. The Policy Owner should consult his or her tax advisor. 

In certain employer-sponsored life insurance arrangements, including equity
split dollar arrangements, Participants may be required to report for income tax
purposes, one or more of the following: (1) the value each year of the life
insurance protection provided; (2) an amount equal to any employer-paid
premiums; or (3) some or all of the amount by which the current value of the
contract exceeds the employer's interest in the contract. Participants should
consult with the sponsor or the administrator of the Plan, and/or with their
personal tax or legal advisers, to determine the tax consequences, if any, of
their employer-sponsored life insurance arrangements.

                                  POLICY LOANS

Taking a Policy Loan

The Policy Owner may take a loan using the Policy as security. During the first
year, maximum Policy indebtedness is limited to 50% of the Cash Surrender Value
less interest due on the next Policy Anniversary. After the first Policy Year,
the maximum Policy indebtedness is limited to 90% of the Cash Surrender Value
less interest due on the next Policy Anniversary. The Company will not grant a
loan for an amount less than $1,000 ($200 in Connecticut, $500 in New York).
Should the Death Benefit become payable, the Policy be surrendered, or the
Policy mature while a loan is outstanding, the amount of Policy indebtedness
will be deducted from the Death Benefit, Cash Surrender Value or the Maturity
Value, respectively.


                                       26
<PAGE>   30

Maximum Policy indebtedness, in Texas, is limited to 90% of the Cash Surrender
Value in the sub-accounts and 100% of the Cash Surrender Value in the Fixed
Account less interest due on the next Policy Anniversary.

Any request for a Policy loan must be in written form satisfactory to the
Company. The request must be signed and, where permitted, the signature
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. Certain
Policy loans may result in currently taxable income and tax penalties (see "Tax
Matters").

Effect on Investment Performance

When a loan is made, an amount equal to the amount of the loan is transferred
from the Variable Account to the Policy Loan Account. If the assets relating to
a Policy are held in more than one sub-account, withdrawals from sub-accounts
will be made in proportion to the assets in each variable sub-account at the
time of the loan. Policy Loans will be transferred from the Fixed Account only
when insufficient amounts are available in the variable sub-accounts. The amount
taken out of the Variable Account will not be affected by the Variable Account's
investment experience while the loan is outstanding.

Interest

Amounts transferred to the Policy Loan Account will earn interest daily from the
date of transfer.

   
Policy Loans will be currently credited interest daily at an annual effective
rate of 5.0%. This rate is guaranteed never to be lower than 4%. The Company may
change the current interest crediting rate on Policy Loans at any time at its
sole discretion. This earned interest is transferred from the Policy Loan
Account to a Variable Account or the Fixed Account on each Policy Anniversary.
It will be allocated according to the Underlying Mutual Fund Allocation Factors
in effect at the time of the transfer.
    

The loan interest rate is 6% per year for all Policy Loans. Interest is charged
daily and is payable at the end of each Policy year. Unpaid interest will be
added to the existing policy indebtedness as of the due date and will be charged
interest at the same rate as the rest of the indebtedness.

Whenever the total loan indebtedness plus accrued interest exceeds the Cash
Value less any Surrender Charges, the Company will send a notice to the Policy
Owner and the assignee, if any. The Policy will terminate without value 61 days
after the mailing of the notice unless a sufficient repayment is made during
that period. A repayment is sufficient if it is large enough to reduce the total
loan indebtedness plus accrued interest to an amount equal to the total Cash
Value less any Surrender Charges plus an amount sufficient to continue the
Policy in force for 3 months.

Effect on Death Benefit and Cash Value

A Policy loan, whether or not repaid, will have a permanent effect on the Death
Benefit and Cash Value because the investment results of the Variable Account or
the Fixed Account will apply only to the non-loaned portion of the Cash Value.
The longer the loan is outstanding, the greater the effect is likely to be.
Depending on the investment results of the Variable Account or the Fixed Account
while the loan is outstanding, the effect could be favorable or unfavorable.

Repayment

All or part of a loan may be repaid at any time while the Policy is in force
during the insured's lifetime. Any payment intended as a loan repayment, rather
than a premium payment, must be identified as such. Loan repayments will be
credited to the variable sub-accounts and the Fixed Account in proportion to the
Policy Owner's Premium allocation in effect at the time of the repayment. Each
repayment may not be less than $1,000 ($50 in Connecticut and New York). The
Company reserves the right to require that any loan repayments resulting from
Policy Loans transferred from the Fixed Account must be first allocated to the
Fixed Account.

                          HOW THE DEATH BENEFIT VARIES

- -Calculation of the Death Benefit

At issue, the Specified Amount is determined by treating the initial premium as
equal to 100% of the Guideline Single Premium. Additional premium payments, if
accepted, may increase the Specified Amount. Guideline Single Premiums vary by
attained age, sex, smoking classification, underwriting classification and total
premium payments. The following table illustrates representative initial
Specified Amounts, under Death Benefit Option 1, for non-tobacco.


                                       27
<PAGE>   31

     Issue                                        $50,000 Single Premium

              $25,000 Single Premium
      Age        Male          Female              Male         Female
      ---        ----          ------              ----         ------
       35      $179,733       $208,354           $364,774      $423,008
       40       143,373        166,704            290,792       338,264
       45       114,856        134,300            232,769       272,332
       50        92,583        108,739            187,452       220,323
       55        75,306         88,601            152,298       179,349
       60        62,112         72,636            125,453       146,866
       65        52,094         59,930            105,070       121,014

Generally, for a given premium payment, the initial Specified Amount is greater
for non-tobacco than standard and females than males. The Specified Amount is
shown in the Policy.

While the Policy is in force, the Death Benefit will never be less than the
Specified Amount. The Death Benefit may vary with the Cash Value of the Policy,
which depends on investment performance.

The Policy Owner may choose one of two Death Benefit Options. Under Option 1,
the Death Benefit will be the greater of the Specified Amount or the Applicable
Percentage of Cash Value. Under Option 1, the amount of the Death Benefit will
ordinarily not change for several years to reflect the investment performance
and may not change at all. If investment performance is favorable the amount of
Death Benefit may increase. To see how and when investment performance will
begin to affect Death Benefits, please see the illustrations. Under Option 2,
the Death Benefit will be the greater of the Specified Amount plus the Cash
Value, or the Applicable Percentage of Cash Value and will vary directly with
the investment performance.

Policy Owners who are satisfied with the amount of their current insurance
coverage and prefer to have favorable investment performance and any future
premium payments reflected in increased Policy Cash Values should choose Death
Benefit Option 1. Policy Owners who prefer to have favorable investment
performance and any future premium payments increase Death Benefits should
choose Death Benefit Option 2.

The monthly Cost of Insurance for Option 1 will always be less than or equal to
the monthly Cost of Insurance for the same amount of Specified Amount under
Option 2 (see "Cost of Insurance Charge").

     The term "applicable percentage" means:

     1.   250% when the Insured is Attained Age 40 or less at the beginning of a
          Policy Year, and

     2.   when the Insured is Attained Age 40, the percentage shown in the
          "Applicable Percentage of Cash Value Table" following.

                    APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE OF CASH VALUE TABLE

    Attained    Percentage    Attained    Percentage    Attained    Percentage
      Age      of Cash Value    Age      of Cash Value    Age      of Cash Value
      ---      -------------    ---      -------------    ---      -------------
      0-40         250%          60          130%          80          105%
        41         243%          61          128%          81          105%
        42         236%          62          126%          82          105%
        43         229%          63          124%          83          105%
        44         222%          64          122%          84          105%

        45         215%          65          120%          85          105%
        46         209%          66          119%          86          105%
        47         203%          67          118%          87          105%
        48         197%          68          117%          88          105%
        49         191%          69          116%          89          105%

        50         185%          70          115%          90          105%
        51         178%          71          113%          91          104%
        52         171%          72          111%          92          103%

        53         164%          73          109%          93          102%
        54         157%          74          107%          94          101%


                                       28
<PAGE>   32

        55         150%          75          105%          95          100%
        56         146%          76          105%
        57         142%          77          105%
        58         138%          78          105%
        59         134%          79          105%

- -Proceeds Payable on Death

The actual Death Proceeds payable on the Insured's death will be the Death
Benefit as described above, less any outstanding Policy loans and less any
unpaid Policy Charges. Under certain circumstances, the Proceeds may be adjusted
(see "Incontestability", "Error in Age or Sex", and "Suicide").

                  RIGHT TO EXCHANGE FOR A FIXED BENEFIT POLICY

The Policy Owner may exchange the Policy for a modified single premium life
insurance policy offered by the Company on the Policy Date. If not available,
the new policy may be a flexible premium adjustable life insurance policy
offered by the Company on the Policy Date. The benefits for the new policy will
not vary with the investment experience of a separate account. The exchange must
be elected within 24 months from the Policy Date. No evidence of insurability
will be required.

The Policy Owner and Beneficiary under the new Policy will be the same as those
under the exchanged Policy on the effective date of the exchange. The new Policy
will have a death benefit on the exchange date not more than the death benefit
of the original Policy immediately prior to the exchange date. The new Policy
will have the same policy date and issue age as the original Policy. The initial
Specified Amount and any increases in Specified Amount will have the same rate
class as those of the original Policy. Any indebtedness may be transferred to
the new policy.

The exchange may be subject to an equitable adjustment in rates and values to
reflect variances, if any, in the rates and values between the two Policies.
After adjustment, if any excess is owed the Policy Owner, the Company will pay
the excess to the Policy Owner in cash. The exchange may be subject to federal
income tax withholding (see "Income Tax Withholding").

                          CHANGES OF INVESTMENT POLICY

The Company may materially change the Investment Policy of the Variable Account.
The Company must inform the Policy Owner and obtain all necessary regulatory
approvals. Any change must be submitted to the various state insurance
departments which may disapprove it if deemed detrimental to the interests of
the policy holders or if it renders the Company's operations hazardous to the
public. If a Policy Owner objects, the Policy may be converted to a
substantially comparable Nationwide General Account Life Insurance Policy on the
life of the insured. The Policy Owner has the later of 60 days (6 months in
Pennsylvania) from the date of the Investment Policy change or 60 days (6 months
in Pennsylvania) from being informed of such change to make this conversion. The
Company will not require Evidence of Insurability for this conversion.

The new policy will not be affected by the investment experience of any separate
account. The New Policy will be for an amount of insurance not exceeding the
Death Benefit of the Policy converted on the date of such conversion.

                                  GRACE PERIOD

If the Cash Surrender Value in the Policy is insufficient to pay the Cost of
Insurance Charges, Policy loan interest, or other charges which become due but
are unpaid, a grace period of 61 days will be allowed for payment of sufficient
premium to continue the Policy in force. The Company will notify the Policy
Owner of the amount required to continue the Policy in force. If the required
amount is not received within 61 days of the notice, the Policy will terminate
without value. If the Insured dies during the Grace Period, the Company will pay
the Death Proceeds.

                                  REINSTATEMENT

If the Grace Period ends and the Policy Owner has neither paid the required
premium nor surrendered the Policy for its Cash Surrender Value, the Policy
Owner may reinstate the Policy by:

1.   submitting a written request at any time within 3 years after the end of
     the Grace Period and prior to the Maturity Date:

2.   providing evidence of insurability satisfactory to the Company;

3.   paying sufficient premium to cover all policy charges that were due and
     unpaid during the Grace Period;

   
4.   paying sufficient premium to keep the Policy in force for 3 months from the
     date of reinstatement; and -
    


                                       29
<PAGE>   33

5.   paying or reinstating any indebtedness against the Policy which existed at
     the end of the Grace Period.

   
The effective date of a reinstated Policy will be the Monthly Anniversary Day on
or next following the date the application for reinstatement is approved by us.
If your Policy is reinstated, the Cash Value on the date of reinstatement, but
prior to applying any premiums or loan repayments received, will be set equal to
the appropriate Surrender Charge. Such Surrender Charge will be based on the
length of time from the date of premium payments to the effective date of the
reinstatement. Unless the Policy Owner has provided otherwise, the allocation of
the amount of the Surrender Charge, additional premium payments, and any loan
repayments will be based on the Underlying Mutual Fund Allocation factors in
effect at the start of the Grace Period.
    

                            THE FIXED ACCOUNT OPTION

   
Under exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in Nationwide's General
Account have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
General Account has not been registered as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Accordingly, neither the General Account nor any
interests therein are subject to the provisions of these Acts, and Nationwide
has been advised that the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has
not reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus relating to the Fixed-Account
option. Disclosures regarding the General Account may, however, be subject to
certain generally applicable provisions of the federal securities laws
concerning the accuracy and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.
    

As explained earlier, a Policy Owner may elect to allocate or transfer all or
part of the Cash Value to the Fixed Account and the amount allocated or
transferred becomes part of Nationwide's general assets (General Account).
Nationwide's General Account consists of all assets of the Company other than
those in the Variable Account and in other separate accounts that have been or
may be established by the Company. Subject to applicable law, the Company has
sole discretion over the investment of the assets of the General Account, and
Policy Owners do not share in the investment experience of those assets. The
Company guarantees that the part of the Cash Value invested under the
Fixed-Account option will accrue interest daily at an effective annual rate that
the Company declares periodically. The Fixed Account crediting rate will not be
less than an effective annual rate of 4%. Upon request and in the annual
statement the Company will inform a Policy Owner of the then applicable rate.
The Company is not obligated to credit interest at a higher rate.

                     CHANGES IN EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE

   
After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may request certain changes in the
insurance coverage under the Policy. Any request must be in writing and received
at the Company's Home Office. No change will take effect unless the Cash
Surrender Value, after the change, is sufficient to keep the Policy in force for
at least 3 months.
    

Changes in the Specified Amount

Payment of additional premiums or changes in the Death Benefit Option may
require an increase to the Specified Amount (the minimum increase in the
Specified Amount permitted by the Company is $10,000). An approved increase will
have an effective date of the Monthly Anniversary Day on or next following the
date we approve the supplemental application. The Company reserves the right to
limit such increases to one per Policy Year, and to require satisfactory
evidence of insurability for any increase in the Specified Amount. In addition,
the rate class, rate class multiple and rate type for the increase in Specified
Amount must be identical to those on the Policy Date. The Specified Amount
cannot be decreased if, after the decrease, the policy would fail to satisfy the
definition of Life Insurance under Section 7702 of the Code.

Changes in the Death Benefit Option

The Policy Owner may change the Death Benefit Option under the Policy. If the
change is from Option 1 to Option 2, the Specified Amount will be decreased by
the amount of the Cash Value. If the change is from Option 2 to Option 1, the
Specified Amount will be increased by the amount of the Cash Value. Evidence of
insurability is not required for a change from Option 2 to Option 1. The Company
reserves the right to require evidence of insurability for a change from Option
1 to Option 2. The effective date of the change will be the Monthly Anniversary
Day on or next following the date the Company approves the request for change.
Only one change of option is permitted per Policy Year. A change in Death
Benefit Option will not be permitted if it results in the total premiums paid
exceeding the then current maximum premium limitations prescribed by the
Internal Revenue Service to qualify the Policy as a life insurance contract.


                                       30
<PAGE>   34

                             OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS

Policy Owner

While the Insured is living, all rights in this Policy are vested in the Policy
Owner named in the application or as subsequently changed, subject to
assignment, if any.

   
The Policy Owner may name a Contingent Policy Owner or a new Policy Owner while
the Insured is living. Any change must be in a written form satisfactory to the
Company and recorded at the Company's Home Office. Once recorded, the change
will be effective when signed. The change will not affect any payment made or
action taken by the Company before it was recorded. The Company may require that
the Policy be submitted for endorsement before making a change.
    

If the Policy Owner is other than the Insured and names no Contingent Policy
Owner, and dies before the Insured, the Policy Owner's rights in this Policy
belong to the Policy Owner's estate.

Beneficiary

The Beneficiary(ies) shall be as named in the application or as subsequently
changed, subject to assignment, if any.

   
The Policy Owner may name a new Beneficiary while the Insured is living. Any
change must be in a written form satisfactory to the Company and recorded at the
Company's Home Office. Once recorded, the change will be effective when signed.
The change will not affect any payment made or action taken by the Company
before it was recorded.
    

If any Beneficiary predeceases the Insured, that Beneficiary's interest passes
to any surviving beneficiary, unless otherwise provided. Multiple beneficiaries
will be paid in equal shares, unless otherwise provided. If no named Beneficiary
survives the Insureds, the proceeds shall be paid to the Policy Owner or the
Policy Owner's estate.

Assignment

   
While the Insured is living, the Policy Owner may assign his or her rights in
the Policy. The assignment must be in writing, signed by the Policy Owner and
recorded by the Company at its Home Office. The Company is not responsible for
any assignment not submitted for recording, nor is the Company responsible for
the sufficiency or validity of any assignment.
    

The assignment will be subject to any Indebtedness owed to the Company before it
was recorded.

Incontestability

The Company will not contest a Death Benefit based on representations in any
written application when such benefit has been in force, during the lifetime of
the Insured, for two years.

Error in Age or Sex

If the Insured's age, sex or both, as stated in the application, are incorrect,
the affected benefits will be adjusted to reflect the correct age or sex.

Suicide

If the Insured dies by suicide within two years from the Policy Date, the
Company will pay no more than the sum of the premiums, less any unpaid loan. If
the Insured dies by suicide within two years from the date an application is
accepted for an increase in the Specified Amount, the Company will pay no more
than the amount paid for such additional benefit.

Nonparticipating Policies

The Policies are nonparticipating. This means that they do not participate in
any dividend distribution of the Company's surplus.


                                       31
<PAGE>   35

   
Riders

A rider may be added as an addition to the Policy. Riders currently include:

     1.   Accelerated Death Benefit Rider; and

     2.   Maturity Extension Endorsement.

Rider availability varies by state.
    

                              LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

   
On July 6, 1983, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Arizona Governing Committee v.
Norris that certain annuity benefits provided by employers' retirement and
fringe benefit programs may not vary between men and women on the basis of sex.
This decision applies only to benefits derived from premiums made on or after
August 1, 1983. The Policies offered by this prospectus are based upon actuarial
tables which distinguish between men and women and thus the Policies provide
different benefits to men and women of the same age. Accordingly, employers and
employee organizations should consider, in consultation with legal counsel, the
impact of Norris on any employment related insurance or benefit program before
purchasing this Policy.
    

                          DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES

   
The Policies will be sold by licensed insurance agents in those states where the
Policies may lawfully be 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
Policies will be distributed by the General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc.

NAS acts as 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 is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

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.
    

Gross commissions paid by the Company on the sale of these Policies plus fees
for marketing services provided by the General Distributor are not more than
7.50% of the premiums paid.

                               CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS

The Company serves as the Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account.

                                   TAX MATTERS

Policy Proceeds

Section 7702 of the Code provides that if certain tests are met, a Policy will
be treated as a life insurance Policy for federal tax purposes. The Company will
monitor compliance with these tests. The Policy should thus receive the same
Federal income tax treatment as fixed benefit life insurance. As a result, the
life insurance proceeds payable under a Policy are excludable from gross income
of the beneficiary under Section 101 of the Code. 

The Policies described in this prospectus, meet the definition of "modified
endowment contracts" under Section 7702A of the Code. The Code defines modified
endowment contracts as those Policies issued or materially changed after June
21, 1988 on which the total premiums paid during the first seven years exceed
the amount that would have been paid if the Policy provided for paid up benefits
after seven level annual premiums. The Policies offered in this prospectus
typically fall within this definition. The Code provides for taxation of
surrenders, partial surrenders, loans, collateral assignments and other
pre-death distributions from modified


                                       32
<PAGE>   36

   
endowment contracts (other than certain Distributions made under a Policy on the
life of a "terminally ill individual" or "chronically ill individuals") are
subject to federal income taxes in a manner similar to the way annuities are
taxed. Any distribution is taxable to the extent the Cash Value of the Policy
exceeds, at the time of the distribution, the premiums paid into the Policy. The
Code generally provides for a 10% tax penalty on the taxable portion of such
distributions. That penalty is applicable unless the distribution is 1) paid
after the Policy Owner is 59 1/2 or disabled; or 2) the distribution is part of
an annuity to the Policy Owner as defined in the Code. Under certain
circumstances, certain distributions made under a Policy on the life of a
"terminally ill individual" or a "chronically ill individual," as those terms
are defined in the Code, are excludible from gross income.
    

Even though exchanges under Section 1035 of the Code qualify as material
changes, certain exchanges of pre-June 22, 1988 Policies may retain their
non-modified endowment status. Therefore, the Policies offered by this
prospectus may or may not be issued as modified endowment contracts. The Company
will monitor premiums paid and will notify the Policy Owner when the Policy's
non-modified endowment status is in jeopardy. If a Policy is not a modified
endowment contract, a cash distribution during the first fifteen years after a
Policy is issued which causes a reduction in death benefits may still become
fully or partially taxable to the Owner pursuant to Section 7702(f)(7) of the
Code. The Policy Owner should carefully consider this potential effect and seek
further information before initiating any changes in the terms of the Policy.
Under certain conditions, a Policy may become a modified endowment as a result
of certain material changes or a reduction in benefits as defined by Section
7702A(c) of the Code.

   
In addition to meeting the tests required under Sections 7702, Section 817(h) of
the Code requires that the investments of separate accounts such as the Variable
Account be adequately diversified. Regulations under 817 (h) provide that a
variable life Policy that fails to satisfy the diversification standards will
not be treated as life insurance unless such failure was inadvertent, is
corrected, and the Policy Owner or the Company pays an amount to the Internal
Revenue Service. The amount will be based on the tax that would have been paid
by the Policy Owner if the income, for the period the Policy was not
diversified, had been received by the Policy Owner. If the failure to diversify
is not corrected in this manner, the Policy Owner will be deemed the owner of
the underlying securities and taxed on the earnings of his or her account.

Representatives of the Internal Revenue Service have suggested, from time to
time, that the number of Underlying Mutual Funds available or the number of
transfer opportunities available under a variable product may be relevant in
determining whether the product qualifies for the desired tax treatment. No
formal guidance has been issued in this area. Should the Secretary of the
Treasury issue additional rules or regulations limiting the number of Underlying
Mutual Funds, transfers between Underlying Mutual Funds, exchanges of Underlying
Mutual Funds or changes in investment objectives of Underlying Mutual Funds such
that the Policy would no longer qualify as life insurance under Section 7702 of
the Code, the Company will take whatever steps are available to remain in
compliance.
    

A total surrender or cancellation of the Policy by lapse may have adverse tax
consequences depending on the circumstances. If the amount received by the
Policy Owner plus total Policy Indebtedness exceeds the premiums paid into the
Policy, the excess generally will be treated as taxable income, regardless of
whether or not the Policy is a modified endowment contract.

   
- - Federal Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes

The federal estate tax is integrated with the federal gift tax under a unified
tax rate schedule. In general, an estate of less than $600,000 (inclusive of
certain predeath gifts) will not incur a federal estate tax liability. In
addition, an unlimited marital deduction may be available for federal estate tax
purposes, for certain amounts that pass to the surviving spouse.

When the Insured dies, the death benefit will generally be included in the
lnsured's federal gross estate if: (1) the proceeds were payable to or for the
benefit of the Insured's estate; or (2) the Insured held any "incident of
ownership" in the Policy at death or at any time within three years of death. An
incident of ownership is, in general, any right that may be exercised by the
Policy, such as the right to borrow on the Policy, or the right to name a new
Beneficiary.

If the Policy Owner (whether or not he or she is the Insured) transfers
ownership of the Policy to another person, such transfer may be subject to a
federal gift tax. In addition, if such Policy Owner transfers the Policy to
someone two or more generations younger than the Policy Owner, the transfer may
be subject to the federal generation-skipping transfer tax ("GSTT"), the taxable
amount being the value of the policy.
    


                                       33
<PAGE>   37

   
Similarly, if the Beneficiary is two or more generations younger than the
Insured, the payment of the Death Proceeds at the death of the Insured may be
subject to the GSTT. Pursuant to regulations recently promulgated by the U.S.
Treasury Department, the Company may be required to withhold a portion of the
Death Proceeds and pay them directly to the Internal Revenue Service as the GSTT
liability.

The GSTT provisions generally apply to the same transfers that are subject to
estate or gift taxes.

The tax rate is a flat rate equal to the maximum estate tax rate (currently
55%), and there is a provision for an aggregate $1 million exemption. Due to the
complexity of these rules, the Policy Owner should consult with counsel and
other competent advisors regarding these taxes,

- - Non-Resident Aliens

Distributions to nonresident aliens ("NRAs") are generally subject to federal
income tax and tax withholding, at a statutory rate of 30% of the amount of
income that is distributed. The Company is required to withhold such amount from
the Distribution and remit it to the Internal Revenue Service. Distributions to
certain NRAs may be subject to lower, or in certain instances zero, tax and
withholding rates, if the United States has entered into an applicable treaty.
However, in order to obtain the benefits of such treaty provisions, the NRA must
give to the Company sufficient proof of his or her residency and citizenship in
the form and manner prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, for
any Distribution made after December 31, 1997, the NRA must obtain an individual
Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service, and furnish
that number to the Company prior to the Distribution. If the Company does not
have the proper proof of citizenship or residency and (for Distributions after
December 31, 1997) a proper individual Taxpayer Identification Number prior to
any Distribution, the Company will be required to withhold 30% of the income,
regardless of any treaty provision.

A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient sufficiently
establishes to the Company that such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and that such
payment is includable in the recipient's gross income for United States federal
income tax purposes, Any such distributions may be subject to back-up
withholding at the statutory rate (currently 31%) if not taxpayer identification
number, or an incorrect taxpayer identification number, is provided.

State and local estate, inheritance, income and other tax consequences of
ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the circumstances of each
Policy Owner or Beneficiary.
    

Taxation of the Company

The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. Since the
Variable Account is not a separate entity from the Company and its operations
form a part of the Company, it will not be taxed separately as a "regulated
investment company" under Sub-chapter M of the Code. Investment income and
realized capital gains on the assets of the Variable Account are reinvested and
taken into account in determining the value of Accumulation Units. As a result,
such investment income and realized capital gains are automatically applied to
increase reserves under the Policies.

The Company does not initially expect to incur any Federal income tax liability
that would be chargeable to the Variable Account. Based upon these expectations,
no charge is currently being made against the Variable Account for federal
income taxes. If, however, the Company determines that on a separate company
basis such taxes may be incurred, it reserves the right to assess a charge for
such taxes against the Variable Account.

The Company may also incur state and local taxes (in addition to premium taxes)
in several states. At present, these taxes are not significant. If they
increase, however, charges for such taxes may be made.

   
Tax Changes

The foregoing discussion, which is based on the Company's understanding of
federal tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the Internal Revenue
Service, is general and is not intended as tax advice.

In the recent past, the Code has been subjected to numerous amendments and
changes, and it is reasonable to believe that it will continue to be revised.
The United States Congress has, in the past, considered numerous legislative
proposals that, if enacted, could change the tax treatment of the Policies. It
is reasonable to believe that such proposals, and other proposals will be
considered in the future, and some may be enacted into law. In addition, the
U.S. Treasury Department may amend existing regulations, issue new regulations,
or adopt new interpretations of existing law that may be at variance with its
current positions on these matters. In addition, current state law (which is not
discussed herein), and future amendments to state law, may affect the tax
consequences of the Policy.
    


                                       34
<PAGE>   38

   
If the Policy Owner, Insured, or Beneficiary or other person receiving any
benefit or interest in or from the Policy is not both a resident and citizen of
the United States, there may be a tax imposed by a foreign country, in addition
to any tax imposed by the United States. The foreign law (including regulations,
rulings, and case law) may change and impose additional taxes on the Policy, the
Death Benefit, or other Distributions and/or ownership of the Policy, or a
treaty may be amended and all or part of the favorable treatment may be
eliminated.

Any or all of the foregoing may change from time to time without any notice, and
the tax consequences arising out of a Policy may be changed retroactively. There
is no way of predicting if when, and to what extent any such change may take
place. No representation is made as to the likelihood of the continuation of
these current laws, interpretations, and policies.

THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL EXPLANATION AS TO CERTAIN TAX MATTERS PERTAINING TO
INSURANCE POLICIES. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE, AND SHOULD NOT
TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR INDEPENDENT LEGAL, TAX AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
    

                                   THE COMPANY

The life insurance business, which includes product lines in health insurance
and annuities, is the only business in which the Company is engaged.

The Company markets its Policies through independent insurance brokers, general
agents, and registered representatives of registered NASD broker/dealer firms.

   
The Company serves as depositor for the 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 Variable Account-8, MFS
Variable Account, Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide VLI
Separate Account, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate
Account-3, NACo Variable Account, Nationwide DC Variable Account and Nationwide
DCVA-II, each of which is a registered investment company, and each of which is
a separate investment account of the Company.
    

The Company, in common with other insurance companies, is subject to regulation
and supervision by the regulatory authorities of the states in which it is
licensed to do business. A license from the state insurance department is a
prerequisite to the transaction of insurance business in that state. In general,
all states have statutory administrative powers. Such regulation relates, among
other things, to licensing of insurers and their agents, the approval of policy
forms, the methods of computing reserves, the form and content of statutory
financial statements, the amount of policyholders' and stockholders' dividends,
and the type of distribution of investments permitted.

The Company operates in the highly competitive field of life insurance. There
are approximately 2,300 stock, mutual and other types of insurers in the life
insurance business in the United States, and a large number of them compete with
the registrant in the sale of insurance policies.

As is customary in insurance company groups, employees are shared with the other
insurance companies in the group. In addition to its direct salaried employees,
the Company shares employees with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and
Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

   
The Company does not presently own or lease any materially important physical
properties when its property holdings are viewed in relation to its total
assets. The Company shares Home Office, other facilities and equipment with
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
    

                               COMPANY MANAGEMENT

Nationwide Life Insurance Company, together with Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company, Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Nationwide Indemnity Company,
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Nationwide Property and Casualty
Insurance Company, National Casualty Company, West Coast Life Insurance Company,
Scottsdale Indemnity Company and Nationwide General Insurance Company and their
affiliated companies comprise the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. 

   
The companies comprising the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise have substantially
common boards of directors and officers. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. is
the sole shareholder of Nationwide Life.
    


                                       35
<PAGE>   39

Directors of the Company

   
                               Director
                 Name           Since   Principal Occupation
                 ----           -----   --------------------
Lewis J. Alphin                  1993   Farm Owner and Operator (1)
Keith W. Eckel                   1996   Partner, Fred W. Eckel Sons; President, 
                                        Eckel Farms, Inc. (1)
Willard J. Engel                 1994   General Manager Lyon County Co-Operative
                                        Oil Company (1)
Fred C. Finney                   1992   Owner and Operator, Moreland Fruit Farm;
                                        Operator, Melrose Orchard (1)
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr. * +    1969   Chief Executive Officer, Fuellgraf 
                                        Electric Company. (1)
Joseph J. Gasper*+               1996   President and Chief Operating Officer, 
                                        Nationwide Life Insurance Company and
                                        Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance 
                                        Company. (2)
Henry S. Holloway *+             1986   Farm Owner and Operator (1)
Dimon Richard McFerson *+        1988   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 
                                        Nationwide Insurance Enterprise (2)
David O. Miller *+               1985   President, Owen Potato Farm, Inc.; 
                                        Partner, M&M Enterprises (1)
C. Ray Noecker                   1994   Owner and Operator, Noecker Farms (1)
James F. Patterson +             1989   Vice President, Pattersons, Inc. ;  
                                        President, Patterson Farms, Inc. (1)
Arden L. Shisler *+              1984   President and Chief Executive Officer, 
                                        K&B Transport, Inc. (1)
Robert L. Stewart                1989   Owner and Operator, Sunnydale Farms and 
                                        Mining (1)
Nancy C. Thomas *                1986   Farm Owner and Operator. (1)
Harold W. Weihl                  1990   Farm Owner and Operator, Weihl Farms (1)
    

*Member, Executive                      +Member, Investment Committee
Committee

1)   Principal occupation for last five years.

2)   Prior to assuming this current position, Messrs. McFerson and Gasper held
     other executive management positions with the companies.

Each of the directors is a director of the other major insurance affiliates of
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, except Mr. Gasper who is a director only of
the Company and Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Messrs. McFerson and Gasper
are directors of Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

   
Messrs. Holloway, McFerson, Miller, Patterson, Shisler and Fuellgraf are
directors of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. Messrs. Fuellgraf, McFerson,
Ms. Thomas and Mr. Weihl are trustees of Nationwide Investing Foundation, a
registered investment company. Mr. McFerson is trustee of Nationwide Separate
Account Trust, Financial Horizons Investment Trust, Nationwide Investing
Foundation II and Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust, registered investment
companies. Mr. Engel is a director of Western Cooperative Transport.
    

Executive Officers of the Company

Name                            Office Held
- ----                            -----------

Dimon Richard McFerson          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-Nationwide 
                                Insurance Enterprise

Joseph J. Gasper                President and Chief Operating Officer

Gordon E. McCutchan             Executive Vice President, Law and Corporate 
                                Services and Secretary

Robert A. Oakley                Executive Vice President-Chief Financial Officer

Robert J. Woodward, Jr.         Executive Vice President-Chief Investment 
                                Officer


                                       36
<PAGE>   40

James E. Brock                  Senior Vice President - Life Company Operations

W. Sidney Druen                 Senior Vice President and General Counsel and 
                                Assistant Secretary

Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.         Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary

Richard A. Karas                Senior Vice President - Sales and Financial 
                                Services

   
Mark R. Thresher                Vice President - Controller

Duane M. Campbell               Vice President - Treasurer

Mr. Gasper is also President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company. Mr. Galloway is also an officer of Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company. Each of the
other officers listed above is also an officer of each of the companies
comprising the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Each of the executive officers
listed above has been associated with the registrant in an executive capacity
for more than the past five years, except Mr. Thresher, who joined the
Registrant in 1996. From 1988-1996, Mr. Thresher served as a partner in the
accounting firm KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and lead partner for Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise from 1993-1996.
    

                      OTHER CONTRACTS ISSUED BY THE COMPANY

The Company does presently and will, from time to time, offer variable contracts
and policies with benefits which vary in accordance with the investment
experience of a separate account of the Company.

                                STATE REGULATION

The Company is subject to the laws of Ohio governing insurance companies and to
regulation by the Ohio Insurance Department. An annual statement in a prescribed
form is filed with the Insurance Department each year covering the operation of
the Company for the preceding year and its financial condition as of the end of
such year. Regulation by the Insurance Department includes periodic examination
to determine the Company's contract liabilities and reserves so that the
Insurance Department may certify the items are correct. The Company's books and
accounts are subject to review by the Insurance Department at all times and a
full examination of its operations is conducted periodically by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners. Such regulation does not, however,
involve any supervision of management or investment practices or policies. In
addition, the Company is subject to regulation under the insurance laws of other
jurisdictions in which it may operate.

                            REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS

The Company will mail to the Policy Owner, at the last known address of record,
an annual statement showing the amount of the current Death Benefit, the Cash
Value, and Cash Surrender Value, premiums paid and monthly charges deducted
since the last report, the amounts invested in the Fixed Account and in the
Variable Account and in each sub-account of the Variable Account, and any Policy
debt, as well as interest on the debt for the preceding year.

Policy Owners will also be sent annual and semi-annual reports containing
financial statements for the Variable Account as required by the 1940 Act.

In addition, Policy Owners will receive statements of significant transactions,
such as change in Specified Amount, change in Death Benefit Option, changes in
future premium allocation, transfers among sub-accounts, premium payments,
loans, increase in loan principal, loan repayments, unpaid loan interest added
to principal, reinstatement and termination.

                                   ADVERTISING

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


                                       37
<PAGE>   41

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

                                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.

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

                                     EXPERTS

The financial statements and schedules have been included herein in reliance
upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT

A Registration Statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the
Policies offered hereby. This prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the Registration Statement and amendments thereto and exhibits
filed as a part thereof, to all of which reference is hereby made for further
information concerning the Variable Account, the Company, and the Policies
offered hereby. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the content of
Policies and other legal instruments are summaries. For a complete statement of
the terms thereof, reference is made to such instruments as filed.

                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

Legal matters in connection with the Policies described herein are being passed
upon by Druen, Rath & Dietrich, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216. All
the members of such firm are employed by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company.


                                       38
<PAGE>   42

                                   APPENDIX 1

                        ILLUSTRATIONS OF WHEN ADDITIONAL
                         PREMIUM PAYMENTS ARE PERMITTED

Example 1: A male non-tobacco, age 35, purchases a Policy with an initial
premium of $25,000 and selects Death Benefit Option 1. The initial premium is
treated as 100% of the Guideline Single Premium which results in a Specified
Amount of $179,733. In the 12th and subsequent policy years, annual premiums of
$2,177 may be paid without violating the premium limitations prescribed by the
Internal Revenue Service to qualify the Policy as a life insurance contract.
Additional premiums which increase the Specified Amount may be made at any time,
subject to the $1,000 minimum. The Company reserves the right to require
satisfactory evidence of insurability with any premium payment which increases
the net amount at risk. In addition, premium payments may be made at any time if
they are required to continue the Policy in force.

Example 2: A male non-tobacco, age 55, purchases a Policy with an initial
premium of $100,000 and selects Death Benefit Option 1. The initial premium is
treated as 100% of the Guideline Single Premium which results in a Specified
Amount of $306,283. In the 11th and subsequent policy years, annual premiums of
$9,591 may be paid without violating the premium limitations prescribed by the
Internal Revenue Service to qualify the Policy as a life insurance contract.
Additional premiums which increase the Specified Amount may be made at any time,
subject to the $1,000 minimum. The Company reserves the right to require
satisfactory evidence of insurability with any premium payment which increases
the net amount at risk. In addition, premium payments may be made at any time if
they are required to continue the Policy in force.


                                       39
<PAGE>   43

                                   APPENDIX 2

                          ILLUSTRATIONS OF CASH VALUES,
                             CASH SURRENDER VALUES,
                               AND DEATH BENEFITS

The illustrations in this prospectus have been prepared to help show how values
under the Policies change with investment performance. The illustrations
illustrate how Cash Values, Cash Surrender Values and Death Benefits under a
Policy would vary over time if the hypothetical gross investment rates of return
were a uniform annual effective rate of either 0%, 6% or 12%. If the
hypothetical gross investment rate of return averages 0%, 6% or 12% over a
period of years, but fluctuates above or below those averages for individual
years, the Cash Values, Cash Surrender Values and Death Benefits may be
different. For hypothetical returns of 0% and 6%, the illustrations also
illustrate when the Policies would go into default, at which time additional
premium payments would be required to continue the Policy in force. The
illustrations also assume there is no Policy Indebtedness, no additional premium
payments are made, no Cash Values are allocated to the Fixed Account, and there
are no changes in the Specified Amount or Death Benefit option.

   
The amounts shown for the Cash Value, Cash Surrender Value and Death Benefit as
of each Policy Anniversary reflect the fact that the net investment return on
the assets held in the sub-accounts is lower than the gross return. This is due
to the daily charges made against the assets of the sub-accounts for assuming
mortality and expense risks, recovering premium taxes and providing for
administrative expenses. On a current basis, these charges are equivalent to an
annual effective rate of 1.30% in the first 10 policy years and 1.00%
thereafter. On a guaranteed basis, these charges are equivalent to a maximum
annual effective rate of 1.60% in the first 10 policy years and 1.30%
thereafter. In addition, the net investment returns also reflect the deduction
of Underlying Mutual Fund investment advisory fees and other expenses which are
equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.90%. This effective rate is based on
the average of the fund expenses for the preceding year for all mutual fund
options available under the policy as of March 31, 1997.

Taking account of the current charges for mortality and expense risks,
recovering premium taxes and providing for administrative and Underlying Mutual
Fund expenses, gross annual rates of return of 0%, 6% and 12% correspond to net
investment experience at constant annual rates of -2.20, 3.80% and 9.80%,
respectively, in policy years one through ten, and -1.90%, 4.10% and 10.10%
thereafter. Taking account of guaranteed charges, gross annual rates of return
of 0%, 6% and 12% correspond to net investment experience at constant annual
rates of -2.50%, 3.50% and 9.50%, respectively, in policy years one through ten,
and -2.20%, 3.80% and 9.80% thereafter.
    

The illustrations also reflect the fact that the Company makes monthly charges
for providing insurance protection. Current values reflect current cost of
insurance charges and guaranteed values reflect the maximum cost of insurance
charges guaranteed in the Policy. The values shown are for policies which are
issued as standard. Policies issued on a substandard basis would result in lower
Cash Values and Death Benefits than those illustrated. Death Benefit Option 1
has been assumed in all the illustrations.

In addition, the illustrations reflect the fact that the Company deducts an
annual administrative charge at the beginning of each Policy Year after the
first. The illustrations also reflect the fact that no charges for federal or
state income taxes are currently made against the Variable Account. If such a
charge is made in the future, it will require a higher gross investment return
than illustrated in order to produce the net after-tax returns shown in the
illustrations.

Upon request, the Company will furnish a comparable illustration based on the
proposed Insured's age, sex, smoking classification, rating classification and
premium payment requested.


                                       40
<PAGE>   44

                $10,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $43,190 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: SIMPLIFIED ISSUE: AGE 45

                                    NEW YORK
                                 CURRENT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     0% Hypothetical                   6% Hypothetical                    12% Hypothetical
                                Gross Investment Return           Gross Investment Return             Gross Investment Return
                                -----------------------           -----------------------             -----------------------
              Premiums
             Paid Plus                   Cash                               Cash                                  Cash
   Policy     Interest        Cash       Surr        Death       Cash       Surr        Death        Cash         Surr        Death
     Year        at 5%       Value      Value      Benefit      Value      Value      Benefit       Value        Value      Benefit
     ----        -----       -----      -----      -------      -----      -----      -------       -----        -----      -------
<S>             <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>   
        1       10,500       9,648      8,798       43,190     10,231      9,381       43,190      10,815        9,965       43,190
        2       11,025       9,227      8,377       43,190     10,394      9,544       43,190      11,630       10,780       43,190
        3       11,576       8,803      8,003       43,190     10,553      9,753       43,190      12,516       11,716       43,190
        4       12,155       8,372      7,572       43,190     10,705      9,905       43,190      13,480       12,680       43,190
        5       12,763       7,935      7,185       43,190     10,851     10,101       43,190      14,529       13,779       43,190
        6       13,401       7,489      6,789       43,190     10,988     10,288       43,190      15,671       14,971       43,190
        7       14,071       7,032      6,432       43,190     11,113     10,513       43,190      16,916       16,316       43,190
        8       14,775       6,560      6,060       43,190     11,225     10,725       43,190      18,272       17,772       43,190
        9       15,513       6,069      5,669       43,190     11,319     10,919       43,190      19,751       19,351       43,190
       10       16,289       5,557      5,557       43,190     11,392     11,392       43,190      21,366       21,366       43,190
       11       17,103       5,035      5,035       43,190     11,475     11,475       43,190      23,201       23,201       43,190
       12       17,959       4,490      4,490       43,190     11,538     11,538       43,190      25,222       25,222       43,190
       13       18,856       3,919      3,919       43,190     11,580     11,580       43,190      27,452       27,452       43,190
       14       19,799       3,321      3,321       43,190     11,596     11,596       43,190      29,917       29,917       43,190
       15       20,789       2,690      2,690       43,190     11,584     11,584       43,190      32,646       32,646       43,746
       16       21,829       2,023      2,023       43,190     11,539     11,539       43,190      35,659       35,659       46,357
       17       22,920       1,314      1,314       43,190     11,456     11,456       43,190      38,958       38,958       49,866
       18       24,066         557        557       43,190     11,329     11,329       43,190      42,567       42,567       53,634
       19       25,270           0          0            0     11,150     11,150       43,190      46,516       46,516       57,680
       20       26,533           0          0            0     10,912     10,912       43,190      50,841       50,841       62,026
       21       27,860           0          0            0     10,609     10,609       43,190      55,577       55,577       66,693
       22       29,253           0          0            0     10,207     10,207       43,190      60,747       60,747       72,289
       23       30,715           0          0            0      9,693      9,693       43,190      66,389       66,389       78,339
       24       32,251           0          0            0      9,046      9,046       43,190      72,545       72,545       84,878
       25       33,864           0          0            0      8,243      8,243       43,190      79,262       79,262       91,944
       26       35,557           0          0            0      7,251      7,251       43,190      86,588       86,588       99,576
       27       37,335           0          0            0      6,029      6,029       43,190      94,613       94,613      106,912
       28       39,201           0          0            0      4,521      4,521       43,190     103,414      103,414      114,790
       29       41,161           0          0            0      2,661      2,661       43,190     113,085      113,085      123,263
       30       43,219           0          0            0        370        370       43,190     123,736      123,736      132,398
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  CURRENT VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN ANNUAL $50
     ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       41
<PAGE>   45

                $10,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $43,190 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: SIMPLIFIED ISSUE: AGE 45

                                    NEW YORK
                                GUARANTEED VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    0% Hypothetical                     6% Hypothetical                    12% Hypothetical
                               Gross Investment Return             Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return
                               -----------------------             -----------------------            -----------------------
              Premiums
             Paid Plus                 Cash                               Cash                                 Cash
   Policy     Interest      Cash       Surr        Death       Cash       Surr        Death       Cash         Surr          Death
     Year        at 5%     Value      Value      Benefit      Value      Value      Benefit      Value        Value        Benefit
     ----        -----     -----      -----      -------      -----      -----      -------      -----        -----        -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1       10,500     9,607      8,757       43,190     10,188      9,338       43,190      10,770        9,920       43,190
        2       11,025     9,091      8,241       43,190     10,247      9,397       43,190      11,472       10,622       43,190
        3       11,576     8,573      7,773       43,190     10,295      9,495       43,190      12,229       11,429       43,190
        4       12,155     8,050      7,250       43,190     10,330      9,530       43,190      13,046       12,246       43,190
        5       12,763     7,520      6,770       43,190     10,351      9,601       43,190      13,930       13,180       43,190
        6       13,401     6,981      6,281       43,190     10,355      9,655       43,190      14,885       14,185       43,190
        7       14,071     6,429      5,829       43,190     10,338      9,738       43,190      15,917       15,317       43,190
        8       14,775     5,861      5,361       43,190     10,297      9,797       43,190      17,033       16,533       43,190
        9       15,513     5,273      4,873       43,190     10,226      9,826       43,190      18,240       17,840       43,190
       10       16,289     4,659      4,659       43,190     10,122     10,122       43,190      19,547       19,547       43,190
       11       17,103     4,028      4,028       43,190     10,009     10,009       43,190      21,028       21,028       43,190
       12       17,959     3,360      3,360       43,190      9,853      9,853       43,190      22,642       22,642       43,190
       13       18,856     2,653      2,653       43,190      9,650      9,650       43,190      24,408       24,408       43,190
       14       19,799     1,899      1,899       43,190      9,390      9,390       43,190      26,343       26,343       43,190
       15       20,789     1,089      1,089       43,190      9,066      9,066       43,190      28,469       28,469       43,190
       16       21,829       216        216       43,190      8,667      8,667       43,190      30,813       30,813       43,190
       17       22,920         0          0            0      8,181      8,181       43,190      33,404       33,404       43,190
       18       24,066         0          0            0      7,590      7,590       43,190      36,263       36,263       45,692
       19       25,270         0          0            0      6,876      6,876       43,190      39,380       39,380       48,831
       20       26,533         0          0            0      6,017      6,017       43,190      42,770       42,770       52,180
       21       27,860         0          0            0      4,988      4,988       43,190      46,462       46,462       55,754
       22       29,253         0          0            0      3,762      3,762       43,190      50,467       50,467       60,056
       23       30,715         0          0            0      2,307      2,307       43,190      54,814       54,814       64,680
       24       32,251         0          0            0        582        582       43,190      59,530       59,530       69,650
       25       33,864         0          0            0          0          0            0      64,645       64,645       74,988
       26       35,557         0          0            0          0          0            0      70,193       70,193       80,722
       27       37,335         0          0            0          0          0            0      76,248       76,248       86,161
       28       39,201         0          0            0          0          0            0      82,870       82,870       91,985
       29       41,161         0          0            0          0          0            0      90,128       90,128       98,240
       30       43,219         0          0            0          0          0            0      98,112       98,112      104,979
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT GUARANTEED COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN
     ANNUAL $135 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       42
<PAGE>   46

                $10,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $41,661 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: SIMPLIFIED ISSUE: AGE 45

                                  NON-NEW YORK
                                 CURRENT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  0% Hypothetical                    6% Hypothetical                    12% Hypothetical
                             Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return
                             -----------------------            -----------------------            -----------------------
              Premiums
             Paid Plus                 Cash                               Cash                                 Cash
   Policy     Interest      Cash       Surr        Death       Cash       Surr        Death       Cash         Surr          Death
     Year        at 5%     Value      Value      Benefit      Value      Value      Benefit      Value        Value        Benefit
     ----        -----     -----      -----      -------      -----      -----      -------      -----        -----        -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1       10,500     9,662      8,812       41,661     10,246      9,396       41,661       10,831        9,981      41,661
        2       11,025     9,233      8,383       41,661     10,400      9,550       41,661       11,636       10,786      41,661
        3       11,576     8,801      8,001       41,661     10,550      9,750       41,661       12,513       11,713      41,661
        4       12,155     8,367      7,567       41,661     10,697      9,897       41,661       13,469       12,669      41,661
        5       12,763     7,928      7,178       41,661     10,838     10,088       41,661       14,510       13,760      41,661
        6       13,401     7,482      6,782       41,661     10,973     10,273       41,661       15,646       14,946      41,661
        7       14,071     7,028      6,428       41,661     11,098     10,498       41,661       16,885       16,285      41,661
        8       14,775     6,564      6,064       41,661     11,213     10,713       41,661       18,238       17,738      41,661
        9       15,513     6,085      5,685       41,661     11,314     10,914       41,661       19,715       19,315      41,661
       10       16,289     5,589      5,589       41,661     11,399     11,399       41,661       21,330       21,330      41,661
       11       17,103     5,089      5,089       41,661     11,500     11,500       41,661       23,168       23,168      41,661
       12       17,959     4,569      4,569       41,661     11,584     11,584       41,661       25,192       25,192      41,661
       13       18,856     4,028      4,028       41,661     11,650     11,650       41,661       27,425       27,425      41,661
       14       19,799     3,462      3,462       41,661     11,696     11,696       41,661       29,893       29,893      41,661
       15       20,789     2,869      2,869       41,661     11,717     11,717       41,661       32,620       32,620      43,711
       16       21,829     2,243      2,243       41,661     11,712     11,712       41,661       35,618       35,618      46,303
       17       22,920     1,582      1,582       41,661     11,675     11,675       41,661       38,899       38,899      49,790
       18       24,066       877        877       41,661     11,600     11,600       41,661       42,489       42,489      53,537
       19       25,270       124        124       41,661     11,481     11,481       41,661       46,420       46,420      57,561
       20       26,533       (*)        (*)          (*)     11,313     11,313       41,661       50,725       50,725      61,884
       21       27,860       (*)        (*)          (*)     11,088     11,088       41,661       55,440       55,440      66,528
       22       29,253       (*)        (*)          (*)     10,780     10,780       41,661       60,589       60,589      72,101
       23       30,715       (*)        (*)          (*)     10,377     10,377       41,661       66,211       66,211      78,129
       24       32,251       (*)        (*)          (*)      9,863      9,863       41,661       72,349       72,349      84,648
       25       33,864       (*)        (*)          (*)      9,218      9,218       41,661       79,049       79,049      91,696
       26       35,557       (*)        (*)          (*)      8,415      8,415       41,661       86,360       86,360      99,314
       27       37,335       (*)        (*)          (*)      7,420      7,420       41,661       94,370       94,370     106,638
       28       39,201       (*)        (*)          (*)      6,187      6,187       41,661      103,157      103,157     114,504
       29       41,161       (*)        (*)          (*)      4,662      4,662       41,661      112,811      112,811     122,964
       30       43,219       (*)        (*)          (*)      2,782      2,782       41,661      123,442      123,442     132,083
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  CURRENT VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN ANNUAL $50
     ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       43
<PAGE>   47

                $10,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $41,661 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: SIMPLIFIED ISSUE: AGE 45

                                  NON-NEW YORK
                                GUARANTEED VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  0% Hypothetical                    6% Hypothetical                      12% Hypothetical
                             Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return              Gross Investment Return
                             -----------------------            -----------------------              -----------------------
                Premiums
             Paid Plus                 Cash                               Cash                                 Cash
   Policy     Interest     Cash        Surr        Death       Cash       Surr        Death        Cash        Surr          Death
     Year        at 5%    Value       Value      Benefit      Value      Value      Benefit       Value       Value        Benefit
     ----        -----    -----       -----      -------      -----      -----      -------       -----       -----        -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1       10,500     9,613      8,763       41,661     10,195      9,345       41,661      10,778        9,928       41,661
        2       11,025     9,091      8,241       41,661     10,246      9,396       41,661      11,471       10,621       41,661
        3       11,576     8,566      7,766       41,661     10,287      9,487       41,661      12,220       11,420       41,661
        4       12,155     8,036      7,236       41,661     10,315      9,515       41,661      13,029       12,229       41,661
        5       12,763     7,501      6,751       41,661     10,329      9,579       41,661      13,904       13,154       41,661
        6       13,401     6,958      6,258       41,661     10,327      9,627       41,661      14,851       14,151       41,661
        7       14,071     6,403      5,803       41,661     10,305      9,705       41,661      15,875       15,275       41,661
        8       14,775     5,833      5,333       41,661     10,259      9,759       41,661      16,984       16,484       41,661
        9       15,513     5,243      4,843       41,661     10,185      9,785       41,661      18,183       17,783       41,661
       10       16,289     4,630      4,630       41,661     10,079     10,079       41,661      19,484       19,484       41,661
       11       17,103     4,001      4,001       41,661      9,965      9,965       41,661      20,958       20,958       41,661
       12       17,959     3,337      3,337       41,661      9,810      9,810       41,661      22,567       22,567       41,661
       13       18,856     2,634      2,634       41,661      9,608      9,608       41,661      24,329       24,329       41,661
       14       19,799     1,887      1,887       41,661      9,354      9,354       41,661      26,262       26,262       41,661
       15       20,789     1,087      1,087       41,661      9,037      9,037       41,661      28,388       28,388       41,661
       16       21,829       225        225       41,661      8,648      8,648       41,661      30,734       30,734       41,661
       17       22,920       (*)        (*)          (*)      8,175      8,175       41,661      33,328       33,328       42,660
       18       24,066       (*)        (*)          (*)      7,601      7,601       41,661      36,171       36,171       45,575
       19       25,270       (*)        (*)          (*)      6,909      6,909       41,661      39,262       39,262       48,685
       20       26,533       (*)        (*)          (*)      6,077      6,077       41,661      42,626       42,626       52,004
       21       27,860       (*)        (*)          (*)      5,083      5,083       41,661      46,288       46,288       55,546
       22       29,253       (*)        (*)          (*)      3,899      3,899       41,661      50,262       50,262       59,812
       23       30,715       (*)        (*)          (*)      2,495      2,495       41,661      54,574       54,574       64,398
       24       32,251       (*)        (*)          (*)        832        832       41,661      59,252       59,252       69,325
       25       33,864       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)      64,327       64,327       74,620
       26       35,557       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)      69,831       69,831       80,305
       27       37,335       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)      75,838       75,838       85,697
       28       39,201       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)      82,407       82,407       91,472
       29       41,161       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)      89,608       89,608       97,672
       30       43,219       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)      97,528       97,528      104,355
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT GUARANTEED COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN
     ANNUAL $135 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       44
<PAGE>   48

               $25,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $114,856 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: SIMPLIFIED ISSUE: AGE 45

                                 CURRENT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   0% Hypothetical                    6% Hypothetical                     12% Hypothetical
                              Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return             Gross Investment Return
                              -----------------------            -----------------------             -----------------------
               Premiums
              Paid Plus                 Cash                              Cash                                  Cash
   Policy      Interest      Cash       Surr        Death      Cash       Surr         Death        Cash        Surr         Death
     Year         at 5%     Value      Value      Benefit     Value      Value       Benefit       Value       Value       Benefit
     ----         -----     -----      -----      -------     -----      -----       -------       -----       -----       -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1        26,250    24,150     22,025      114,856    25,610     23,485       114,856      27,070       24,945      114,856
        2        27,563    23,244     21,119      114,856    26,170     24,045       114,856      29,269       27,144      114,856
        3        28,941    22,329     20,329      114,856    26,728     24,728       114,856      31,663       29,663      114,856
        4        30,388    21,403     19,403      114,856    27,283     25,283       114,856      34,271       32,271      114,856
        5        31,907    20,464     18,589      114,856    27,833     25,958       114,856      37,114       35,239      114,856
        6        33,502    19,507     17,757      114,856    28,373     26,623       114,856      40,215       38,465      114,856
        7        35,178    18,527     17,027      114,856    28,899     27,399       114,856      43,599       42,099      114,856
        8        36,936    17,517     16,267      114,856    29,407     28,157       114,856      47,291       46,041      114,856
        9        38,783    16,471     15,471      114,856    29,889     28,889       114,856      51,323       50,323      114,856
       10        40,722    15,381     15,381      114,856    30,340     30,340       114,856      55,730       55,730      114,856
       11        42,758    14,286     14,286      114,856    30,846     30,846       114,856      60,734       60,734      114,856
       12        44,896    13,139     13,139      114,856    31,322     31,322       114,856      66,242       66,242      114,856
       13        47,141    11,938     11,938      114,856    31,766     31,766       114,856      72,314       72,314      114,856
       14        49,498    10,678     10,678      114,856    32,172     32,172       114,856      79,018       79,018      114,856
       15        51,973     9,347      9,347      114,856    32,533     32,533       114,856      86,430       86,430      115,816
       16        54,572     7,937      7,937      114,856    32,839     32,839       114,856      94,608       94,608      122,990
       17        57,300     6,438      6,438      114,856    33,084     33,084       114,856     103,567      103,567      132,566
       18        60,165     4,835      4,835      114,856    33,252     33,252       114,856     113,376      113,376      142,854
       19        63,174     3,110      3,110      114,856    33,331     33,331       114,856     124,117      124,117      153,905
       20        66,332     1,250      1,250      114,856    33,307     33,307       114,856     135,882      135,882      165,776
       21        69,649       (*)        (*)          (*)    33,167     33,167       114,856     148,773      148,773      178,528
       22        73,132       (*)        (*)          (*)    32,852     32,852       114,856     162,859      162,859      193,803
       23        76,788       (*)        (*)          (*)    32,335     32,335       114,856     178,249      178,249      210,334
       24        80,627       (*)        (*)          (*)    31,582     31,582       114,856     195,061      195,061      228,222
       25        84,659       (*)        (*)          (*)    30,553     30,553       114,856     213,424      213,424      247,572
       26        88,892       (*)        (*)          (*)    29,190     29,190       114,856     233,477      233,477      268,499
       27        93,336       (*)        (*)          (*)    27,420     27,420       114,856     255,453      255,453      288,662
       28        98,003       (*)        (*)          (*)    25,149     25,149       114,856     279,563      279,563      310,315
       29       102,903       (*)        (*)          (*)    22,267     22,267       114,856     306,052      306,052      333,597
       30       108,049       (*)        (*)          (*)    18,645     18,645       114,856     335,215      335,215      358,680
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  CURRENT VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN ANNUAL $50
     ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       45
<PAGE>   49

               $25,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $114,856 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: SIMPLIFIED ISSUE: AGE 45

                                GUARANTEED VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  0% Hypothetical                     6% Hypothetical                      12% Hypothetical
                             Gross Investment Return             Gross Investment Return              Gross Investment Return
                             -----------------------             -----------------------              -----------------------
               Premiums
              Paid Plus                Cash                               Cash                                  Cash
   Policy      Interest     Cash       Surr        Death       Cash       Surr        Death         Cash        Surr        Death
     Year         at 5%    Value      Value      Benefit      Value      Value      Benefit        Value       Value      Benefit
     ----         -----    -----      -----      -------      -----      -----      -------        -----       -----      -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1        26,250    23,986     21,861      114,856    25,439     23,314       114,856      26,893       24,768     114,856
        2        27,563    22,886     20,761      114,856    25,785     23,660       114,856      28,855       26,730     114,856
        3        28,941    21,772     19,772      114,856    26,108     24,108       114,856      30,974       28,974     114,856
        4        30,388    20,639     18,639      114,856    26,405     24,405       114,856      33,264       31,264     114,856
        5        31,907    19,484     17,609      114,856    26,671     24,796       114,856      35,740       33,865     114,856
        6        33,502    18,299     16,549      114,856    26,900     25,150       114,856      38,418       36,668     114,856
        7        35,178    17,077     15,577      114,856    27,084     25,584       114,856      41,314       39,814     114,856
        8        36,936    15,808     14,558      114,856    27,211     25,961       114,856      44,449       43,199     114,856
        9        38,783    14,478     13,478      114,856    27,271     26,271       114,856      47,841       46,841     114,856
       10        40,722    13,080     13,080      114,856    27,252     27,252       114,856      51,518       51,518     114,856
       11        42,758    11,635     11,635      114,856    27,224     27,224       114,856      55,675       55,675     114,856
       12        44,896    10,093     10,093      114,856    27,095     27,095       114,856      60,212       60,212     114,856
       13        47,141     8,443      8,443      114,856    26,855     26,855       114,856      65,178       65,178     114,856
       14        49,498     6,670      6,670      114,856    26,485     26,485       114,856      70,627       70,627     114,856
       15        51,973     4,750      4,750      114,856    25,961     25,961       114,856      76,618       76,618     114,856
       16        54,572     2,661      2,661      114,856    25,260     25,260       114,856      83,226       83,226     114,856
       17        57,300       376        376      114,856    24,351     24,351       114,856      90,539       90,539     115,890
       18        60,165       (*)        (*)          (*)    23,193     23,193       114,856      98,577       98,577     124,207
       19        63,174       (*)        (*)          (*)    21,739     21,739       114,856     107,322      107,322     133,080
       20        66,332       (*)        (*)          (*)    19,937     19,937       114,856     116,838      116,838     142,542
       21        69,649       (*)        (*)          (*)    17,729     17,729       114,856     127,197      127,197     152,637
       22        73,132       (*)        (*)          (*)    15,048     15,048       114,856     138,440      138,440     164,743
       23        76,788       (*)        (*)          (*)    11,819     11,819       114,856     150,639      150,639     177,754
       24        80,627       (*)        (*)          (*)     7,945      7,945       114,856     163,876      163,876     191,735
       25        84,659       (*)        (*)          (*)     3,298      3,298       114,856     178,237      178,237     206,755
       26        88,892       (*)        (*)          (*)       (*)        (*)           (*)     193,811      193,811     222,883
       27        93,336       (*)        (*)          (*)       (*)        (*)           (*)     210,810      210,810     238,215
       28        98,003       (*)        (*)          (*)       (*)        (*)           (*)     229,396      229,396     254,630
       29       102,903       (*)        (*)          (*)       (*)        (*)           (*)     249,769      249,769     272,248
       30       108,049       (*)        (*)          (*)       (*)        (*)           (*)     272,174      272,174     291,226
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT GUARANTEED COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN
     ANNUAL $135 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       46
<PAGE>   50

               $100,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $306,283 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55

                                 CURRENT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    0% Hypothetical                    6% Hypothetical                    12% Hypothetical
                               Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return
                               -----------------------            -----------------------            -----------------------
               Premiums
              Paid Plus                Cash                               Cash                                    Cash
   Policy      Interest      Cash      Surr         Death      Cash       Surr        Death         Cash          Surr        Death
     Year         at 5%     Value     Value       Benefit     Value      Value      Benefit        Value         Value      Benefit
     ----         -----     -----     -----       -------     -----      -----      -------        -----         -----      -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1       105,000    96,739     88,239      306,283    102,589     94,089      306,283       108,440       99,940     306,283
        2       110,250    93,383     84,883      306,283    105,137     96,637      306,283       117,585      109,085     306,283
        3       115,763    89,974     81,974      306,283    107,694     99,694      306,283       127,568      119,568     306,283
        4       121,551    86,501     78,501      306,283    110,252    102,252      306,283       138,476      130,476     306,283
        5       127,628    82,946     75,446      306,283    112,803    105,303      306,283       150,407      142,907     306,283
        6       134,010    79,293     72,293      306,283    115,336    108,336      306,283       163,474      156,474     306,283
        7       140,710    75,523     69,523      306,283    117,841    111,841      306,283       177,802      171,802     306,283
        8       147,746    71,608     66,608      306,283    120,302    115,302      306,283       193,535      188,535     306,283
        9       155,133    67,519     63,519      306,283    122,700    118,700      306,283       210,839      206,839     306,283
       10       162,889    63,229     63,229      306,283    125,021    125,021      306,283       229,907      229,907     306,283
       11       171,034    58,892     58,892      306,283    127,633    127,633      306,283       251,719      251,719     306,283
       12       179,586    54,277     54,277      306,283    130,163    130,163      306,283       275,838      275,838     328,247
       13       188,565    49,358     49,358      306,283    132,599    132,599      306,283       302,264      302,264     356,672
       14       197,993    44,099     44,099      306,283    134,926    134,926      306,283       331,200      331,200     387,504
       15       207,893    38,450     38,450      306,283    137,120    137,120      306,283       362,883      362,883     420,944
       16       218,287    32,346     32,346      306,283    139,149    139,149      306,283       397,573      397,573     457,209
       17       229,202    25,701     25,701      306,283    140,972    140,972      306,283       435,649      435,649     492,283
       18       240,662    18,410     18,410      306,283    142,534    142,534      306,283       477,469      477,469     529,991
       19       252,695    10,359     10,359      306,283    143,780    143,780      306,283       523,444      523,444     570,554
       20       265,330     1,439      1,439      306,283    144,661    144,661      306,283       574,048      574,048     614,231
       21       278,596       (*)        (*)          (*)    145,132    145,132      306,283       629,829      629,829     661,320
       22       292,526       (*)        (*)          (*)    144,926    144,926      306,283       690,887      690,887     725,432
       23       307,152       (*)        (*)          (*)    143,931    143,931      306,283       757,697      757,697     795,582
       24       322,510       (*)        (*)          (*)    142,010    142,010      306,283       830,766      830,766     872,304
       25       338,635       (*)        (*)          (*)    138,970    138,970      306,283       910,637      910,637     956,169
       26       355,567       (*)        (*)          (*)    134,551    134,551      306,283       997,885      997,885   1,047,779
       27       373,346       (*)        (*)          (*)    128,402    128,402      306,283     1,093,114    1,093,114   1,147,770
       28       392,013       (*)        (*)          (*)    120,049    120,049      306,283     1,196,957    1,196,957   1,256,805
       29       411,614       (*)        (*)          (*)    108,884    108,884      306,283     1,310,077    1,310,077   1,375,581
       30       432,194       (*)        (*)          (*)     94,130     94,130      306,283     1,433,178    1,433,178   1,504,837
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  CURRENT VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN ANNUAL $50
     ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       47
<PAGE>   51

               $100,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $306,283 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55

                                GUARANTEED VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   0% Hypothetical                    6% Hypothetical                      12% Hypothetical
                              Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return              Gross Investment Return
                              -----------------------            -----------------------              -----------------------
               Premiums
              Paid Plus                 Cash                              Cash                                    Cash
   Policy      Interest      Cash       Surr        Death      Cash       Surr         Death         Cash         Surr        Death
     Year         at 5%     Value      Value      Benefit     Value      Value       Benefit        Value        Value      Benefit
     ----         -----     -----      -----      -------     -----      -----       -------        -----        -----      -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1       105,000    95,852     87,352      306,283    101,673     93,173      306,283       107,496       98,996     306,283
        2       110,250    91,521     83,021      306,283    103,163     94,663      306,283       115,497      106,997     306,283
        3       115,763    87,064     79,064      306,283    104,532     96,532      306,283       124,141      116,141     306,283
        4       121,551    82,453     74,453      306,283    105,756     97,756      306,283       133,492      125,492     306,283
        5       127,628    77,655     70,155      306,283    106,805     99,305      306,283       143,622      136,122     306,283
        6       134,010    72,629     65,629      306,283    107,648    100,648      306,283       154,616      147,616     306,283
        7       140,710    67,333     61,333      306,283    108,247    102,247      306,283       166,572      160,572     306,283
        8       147,746    61,704     56,704      306,283    108,548    103,548      306,283       179,600      174,600     306,283
        9       155,133    55,671     51,671      306,283    108,493    104,493      306,283       193,836      189,836     306,283
       10       162,889    49,165     49,165      306,283    108,021    108,021      306,283       209,448      209,448     306,283
       11       171,034    42,244     42,244      306,283    107,394    107,394      306,283       227,322      227,322     306,283
       12       179,586    34,672     34,672      306,283    106,231    106,231      306,283       247,172      247,172     306,283
       13       188,565    26,361     26,361      306,283    104,455    104,455      306,283       269,279      269,279     317,749
       14       197,993    17,197     17,197      306,283    101,967    101,967      306,283       293,468      293,468     343,358
       15       207,893     7,028      7,028      306,283     98,637     98,637      306,283       319,774      319,774     370,937
       16       218,287       (*)        (*)          (*)     94,291     94,291      306,283       348,374      348,374     400,630
       17       229,202       (*)        (*)          (*)     88,701     88,701      306,283       379,619      379,619     428,970
       18       240,662       (*)        (*)          (*)     81,573     81,573      306,283       413,798      413,798     459,316
       19       252,695       (*)        (*)          (*)     72,547     72,547      306,283       451,258      451,258     491,871
       20       265,330       (*)        (*)          (*)     61,209     61,209      306,283       492,415      492,415     526,884
       21       278,596       (*)        (*)          (*)     47,072     47,072      306,283       537,777      537,777     564,666
       22       292,526       (*)        (*)          (*)     29,542     29,542      306,283       587,126      587,126     616,482
       23       307,152       (*)        (*)          (*)      7,877      7,877      306,283       640,781      640,781     672,820
       24       322,510       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)       699,082      699,082     734,036
       25       338,635       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)       762,382      762,382     800,501
       26       355,567       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)       831,040      831,040     872,592
       27       373,346       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)       905,421      905,421     950,692
       28       392,013       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)       985,884      985,884   1,035,178
       29       411,614       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)     1,072,794    1,072,794   1,126,434
       30       432,194       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)     1,166,530    1,166,530   1,224,857
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT GUARANTEED COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN
     ANNUAL $135 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       48
<PAGE>   52

               $100,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $211,021 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 65

                                 CURRENT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    0% Hypothetical                    6% Hypothetical                    12% Hypothetical
                               Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return            Gross Investment Return
                               -----------------------            -----------------------            -----------------------
               Premiums
              Paid Plus                 Cash                               Cash                                 Cash
   Policy      Interest      Cash       Surr        Death       Cash       Surr        Death        Cash        Surr          Death
     Year         at 5%     Value      Value      Benefit      Value      Value      Benefit       Value       Value        Benefit
     ----         -----     -----      -----      -------      -----      -----      -------       -----       -----        -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1       105,000    96,411     87,911      211,021    102,271     93,771      211,021       108,132       99,632     211,021
        2       110,250    92,664     84,164      211,021    104,469     95,969      211,021       116,975      108,475     211,021
        3       115,763    88,792     80,792      211,021    106,641     98,641      211,021       126,678      118,678     211,021
        4       121,551    84,775     76,775      211,021    108,780    100,780      211,021       137,358      129,358     211,021
        5       127,628    80,584     73,084      211,021    110,878    103,378      211,021       149,147      141,647     211,021
        6       134,010    76,184     69,184      211,021    112,920    105,920      211,021       162,201      155,201     211,021
        7       140,710    71,529     65,529      211,021    114,888    108,888      211,021       176,706      170,706     211,021
        8       147,746    66,561     61,561      211,021    116,756    111,756      211,021       192,884      187,884     214,101
        9       155,133    61,220     57,220      211,021    118,501    114,501      211,021       210,796      206,796     229,767
       10       162,889    55,443     55,443      211,021    120,105    120,105      211,021       230,457      230,457     246,589
       11       171,034    49,332     49,332      211,021    121,925    121,925      211,021       252,818      252,818     265,459
       12       179,586    42,435     42,435      211,021    123,489    123,489      211,021       277,294      277,294     291,159
       13       188,565    34,621     34,621      211,021    124,760    124,760      211,021       304,076      304,076     319,280
       14       197,993    25,730     25,730      211,021    125,694    125,694      211,021       333,367      333,367     350,036
       15       207,893    15,545     15,545      211,021    126,223    126,223      211,021       365,385      365,385     383,654
       16       218,287     3,772      3,772      211,021    126,257    126,257      211,021       400,359      400,359     420,377
       17       229,202       (*)        (*)          (*)    125,669    125,669      211,021       438,533      438,533     460,460
       18       240,662       (*)        (*)          (*)    124,291    124,291      211,021       480,160      480,160     504,168
       19       252,695       (*)        (*)          (*)    121,913    121,913      211,021       525,506      525,506     551,781
       20       265,330       (*)        (*)          (*)    118,269    118,269      211,021       574,852      574,852     603,594
       21       278,596       (*)        (*)          (*)    113,027    113,027      211,021       628,499      628,499     659,924
       22       292,526       (*)        (*)          (*)    105,596    105,596      211,021       686,715      686,715     721,051
       23       307,152       (*)        (*)          (*)     95,309     95,309      211,021       749,817      749,817     787,307
       24       322,510       (*)        (*)          (*)     81,237     81,237      211,021       818,129      818,129     859,036
       25       338,635       (*)        (*)          (*)     62,036     62,036      211,021       891,982      891,982     936,581
       26       355,567       (*)        (*)          (*)     35,735     35,735      211,021       971,700      971,700   1,020,285
       27       373,346       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)     1,059,640    1,059,640   1,102,026
       28       392,013       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)     1,157,081    1,157,081   1,191,794
       29       411,614       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)     1,265,587    1,265,587   1,290,898
       30       432,194       (*)        (*)          (*)        (*)        (*)          (*)     1,387,129    1,387,129   1,401,000
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  CURRENT VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN ANNUAL $50
     ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.



                                       49
<PAGE>   53

               $100,000 INITIAL PREMIUM: $211,021 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 65

                                GUARANTEED VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   0% Hypothetical                   6% Hypothetical                     12% Hypothetical
                              Gross Investment Return           Gross Investment Return             Gross Investment Return
                              -----------------------           -----------------------             -----------------------
               Premiums
              Paid Plus                Cash                               Cash                                   Cash
   Policy      Interest      Cash      Surr        Death       Cash       Surr        Death         Cash          Surr        Death
     Year         at 5%     Value     Value      Benefit      Value      Value      Benefit        Value         Value      Benefit
     ----         -----     -----     -----      -------      -----      -----      -------        -----         -----      -------
<S>             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>   
        1       105,000    95,034     86,534      211,021    100,868    92,368       211,021       106,704       98,204     211,021
        2       110,250    89,719     81,219      211,021    101,432    92,932       211,021       113,852      105,352     211,021
        3       115,763    84,082     76,082      211,021    101,737    93,737       211,021       121,598      113,598     211,021
        4       121,551    78,062     70,062      211,021    101,741    93,741       211,021       130,038      122,038     211,021
        5       127,628    71,581     64,081      211,021    101,390    93,890       211,021       139,285      131,785     211,021
        6       134,010    64,533     57,533      211,021    100,607    93,607       211,021       149,475      142,475     211,021
        7       140,710    56,782     50,782      211,021     99,297    93,297       211,021       160,780      154,780     211,021
        8       147,746    48,149     43,149      211,021     97,330    92,330       211,021       173,422      168,422     211,021
        9       155,133    38,424     34,424      211,021     94,556    90,556       211,021       187,699      183,699     211,021
       10       162,889    27,369     27,369      211,021     90,802    90,802       211,021       203,946      203,946
       11       171,034    14,785     14,785      211,021     86,146    86,146       211,021       222,686      222,686     233,820
       12       179,586       260        260      211,021     80,087    80,087       211,021       243,073      243,073     255,226
       13       188,565         0          0            0     72,333    72,333       211,021       265,238      265,238     278,500
       14       197,993         0          0            0     62,500    62,500       211,021       289,323      289,323     303,789
       15       207,893         0          0            0     50,057    50,057       211,021       315,472      315,472     331,246
       16       218,287         0          0            0     34,257    34,257       211,021       343,835      343,835     361,027
       17       229,202         0          0            0     14,056    14,056       211,021       374,561      374,561     393,289
       18       240,662         0          0            0          0         0             0       407,800      407,800     428,190
       19       252,695         0          0            0          0         0             0       443,702      443,702     465,887
       20       265,330         0          0            0          0         0             0       482,423      482,423     506,544
       21       278,596         0          0            0          0         0             0       524,126      524,126     550,332
       22       292,526         0          0            0          0         0             0       568,982      568,982     597,431
       23       307,152         0          0            0          0         0             0       617,167      617,167     648,026
       24       322,510         0          0            0          0         0             0       668,864      668,864     702,308
       25       338,635         0          0            0          0         0             0       724,248      724,248     760,460
       26       355,567         0          0            0          0         0             0       783,477      783,477     822,651
       27       373,346         0          0            0          0         0             0       849,021      849,021     882,982
       28       392,013         0          0            0          0         0             0       921,956      921,956     949,615
       29       411,614         0          0            0          0         0             0     1,003,596    1,003,596   1,023,667
       30       432,194         0          0            0          0         0             0     1,095,621    1,095,621   1,106,577
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)  NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)  GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT GUARANTEED COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND AN
     ANNUAL $135 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE.

(3)  NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
     RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

(*)  UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       50
<PAGE>   54

                                   APPENDIX 3

   
The following performance tables display historical investment results of the
Underlying Mutual Fund sub-accounts of the Variable Account. This information
may be useful in helping potential investors in deciding which Underlying Mutual
Fund sub-accounts to choose and in assessing the competence of the Underlying
Mutual Funds' investment advisers. The performance figures shown should be
considered in light of the investment objectives and policies, characteristics
and quality of the underlying portfolios of the Underlying Mutual Funds, and the
market conditions during the periods of time quoted. The performance figures
should not be considered as estimates or predictions of future performance.
Investment return and the principal value of the Underlying Mutual Fund
sub-accounts are not guaranteed and will fluctuate so that a Policy Owner's
units, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
    


                                       51
<PAGE>   55

                             FUND PERFORMANCE TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        ============================================================================================================
                                             Annual Percentage Change                   Non annualized Percentage Change            
====================================================================================================================================
                        Fund         Unit                                  1 mo      1 Yr      2 Yrs    3 Yrs.    5 yrs.   Inception
Underlying Mutual Fund  Inception   Values   1994      1995      1996       to        to        to        to        to         to   
                        Date**                                           12/31/96  12/31/96  12/31/96  12/31/96  12/31/96   12/31/96
====================================================================================================================================
   
<S>                     <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>   
American Century VP     05/01/91     14.3    -0.68     19.56     10.75     -2.57     10.75     32.42     31.51     29.62      61.3  
Balanced
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP     11/20/87    16.16    -2.44     29.41     -5.56     -3.23     -5.56     22.21     19.22      26.4    126.25  
Capital Appreciation
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP     05/01/94    11.75      N/A     10.77     12.92      1.94     12.92     25.08       N/A       N/A      17.8  
International
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP     05/01/96    10.14      N/A       N/A       N/A      0.61       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A     11.32  
Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable        05/02/94     9.99      N/A     59.87     18.08      -2.2     18.08     88.78       N/A       N/A     83.25  
Investment Fund
Growth & Income Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially        10/06/93    17.04     0.19     32.83     19.66     -3.55     19.66     58.94     59.23       N/A     70.42  
Responsible Growth
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index     09/29/89    16.47    -0.42     35.02     20.95     -2.15     20.95      63.3     62.62     85.51     130.6  
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II    09/06/89    20.05     -7.3     15.45     13.12     -1.57     13.12     30.59     21.06     59.71    104.27  
- -Asset Manager
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II    01/03/95    13.26      N/A       N/A     19.73     -0.71     19.73       N/A       N/A       N/A     65.03  
- -Contrafund Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -     10/09/86    24.42     5.69     33.35      12.8     -1.75      12.8     50.42     58.98    114.13    217.54  
Equity-Income
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -     10/09/86    23.77    -1.31     33.62     13.22     -3.19     13.22     51.28      49.3     89.79    259.72  
Growth Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -     09/19/85     25.2    -2.81     19.05     12.55      1.26     12.55     33.99     30.22     88.11    207.53  
High Income Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -     01/28/87    14.16     0.41      8.26     11.75      0.42     11.75     20.98     21.48     45.01     86.63  
Overseas Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital            04/15/92    17.98    -2.18     27.69      24.5      0.13      24.5     58.98     55.52       N/A     76.32  
Appreciation Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond    11/08/82    16.45    -4.48     17.22      2.14     -1.24      2.14     19.73     14.37     31.61    202.54  
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund  11/10/81    12.48     2.54      4.29      3.74      0.31      3.74      8.19     10.93     14.82    130.02  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Small Company      10/23/95    13.83      N/A       N/A     21.23      1.06     21.23       N/A       N/A       N/A     38.33  
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund  11/08/82    23.04    -0.23     27.43     20.26      0.03     20.26     53.25      52.9     78.72    526.54  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman      09/10/84    17.52    -6.21     30.03      7.72     -0.69      7.72     40.07     31.37      49.7    275.91  
Advisers Management
Trust -Growth
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman      09/10/84    14.09    -1.44      9.51      2.95     -0.18      2.95     12.74     11.11     21.38    127.25  
Advisers Management
Trust -Bond Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman      03/22/94    17.26      N/A     34.71     27.89      0.07     27.89     72.28       N/A       N/A     66.63  
Advisers Management
Trust -Partners
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable    04/30/85    16.61     -3.2     15.49      3.44     -1.03      3.44     19.46     15.63     35.61    155.68  
Account Fund - Bond
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable    11/12/90    13.27    -6.94      0.92     16.27      0.68     16.27     17.34       9.2     68.31     72.14  
Account Fund - Global
Securities
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable    02/09/87     18.7    -3.21      19.8        14     -0.62        14     36.56     32.18     62.73    158.51  
Account Fund -
Multiple  Strategies
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable         05/08/92    16.13    -6.61     33.52      -0.5     -0.48      -0.5     32.85     24.07       N/A     61.34  
Insurance Funds, Inc. 
- -Discovery Fund II,
Inc. 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable         10/20/95    11.14      N/A       N/A      8.95     -0.91      8.95       N/A       N/A       N/A     11.52  
Insurance Funds, Inc. 
- -International Stock
Fund II
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund     05/08/92    21.08     2.26      24.2     16.62     -0.37     16.62     44.83     48.11       N/A    110.77  
II, Inc. 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide       09/01/89    16.58    -6.02      9.56     16.53      0.85     16.53     27.68     19.99     84.78     62.49  
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide  Emerging
Markets Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide       09/01/89    14.34    -2.59     15.79      1.19     -1.01      1.19     17.17     14.14     13.48     46.05  
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide       12/27/95    10.07      N/A       N/A     25.09      0.94     25.09       N/A       N/A       N/A     23.83  
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide Hard
Assets Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American     07/03/95    14.93      N/A       N/A     38.71     10.94     38.71       N/A       N/A       N/A     49.33  
Capital Life
Investment Trust -
American Capital Real
Estate Securities Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus          06/30/95    11.57      N/A       N/A      8.56      0.09      8.56       N/A       N/A       N/A     15.74  
Trust-International
Equity Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus          11/18/96    10.16      N/A       N/A       N/A     -0.12       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A     -2.55  
Trust-Post Venture
Capital Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus          06/30/95    13.98      N/A       N/A     12.43      2.18     12.43       N/A       N/A       N/A     39.76  
Trust-Small Company
Growth Portfolio
====================================================================================================================================
    
</TABLE>


   
                        ============================
                        Annualized Percentage Change
====================================================
                         3 Yrs.    5 yrs.  Inception
Underlying Mutual Fund     to        to        to
                        12/31/96  12/31/96  12/31/96
====================================================
American Century VP       9.56      5.33      8.81
Balanced
- ----------------------------------------------------
American Century VP       6.04       4.8      9.37
Capital Appreciation
- ----------------------------------------------------
American Century VP        N/A       N/A      6.34
International
- ----------------------------------------------------
American Century VP        N/A       N/A       N/A
Value
- ----------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable           N/A       N/A     25.56
Investment Fund
Growth & Income Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially         16.77       N/A     17.92
Responsible Growth
Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index      17.59     13.16     12.21
Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II      6.58      9.82     10.25
- -Asset Manager
Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II       N/A       N/A      28.6
- -Contrafund Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -      16.71     16.45     11.96
Equity-Income
Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -      14.29     13.67     13.34
Growth Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -        9.2     13.47     10.47
High Income Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -        6.7      7.72      6.49
Overseas Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital             15.86       N/A      12.8
Appreciation Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond      4.58      5.65      8.14
Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund    3.52       2.8      5.66
- ----------------------------------------------------
NSAT Small Company         N/A       N/A      31.4
Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund    15.2     12.31     13.85
- ----------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman        9.52       8.4     11.36
Advisers Management
Trust -Growth
Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman        3.58      3.95       6.9
Advisers Management
Trust -Bond Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman         N/A       N/A     20.21
Advisers Management
Trust -Partners
Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable      4.96      6.28      8.38
Account Fund - Bond
Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable      2.98     10.97      9.26
Account Fund - Global
Securities
- ----------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable      9.75     10.23     10.08
Account Fund -
Multiple  Strategies
- ----------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable           7.45       N/A     10.85
Insurance Funds, Inc. 
- -Discovery Fund II,
Inc. 
- ----------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable            N/A       N/A      9.54
Insurance Funds, Inc. 
- -International Stock
Fund II
- ----------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund      13.99       N/A     17.41
II, Inc. 
- ----------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide         6.26     13.07      6.85
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide  Emerging
Markets Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide         4.51      2.56       5.3
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide Bond Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide          N/A       N/A     23.55
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide Hard
Assets Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American        N/A       N/A     30.84
Capital Life
Investment Trust -
American Capital Real
Estate Securities Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus             N/A       N/A     10.29
Trust-International
Equity Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus             N/A       N/A       N/A
Trust-Post Venture
Capital Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus             N/A       N/A     25.15
Trust-Small Company
Growth Portfolio
====================================================
    


                                       52
<PAGE>   56

   
The preceding table displays three types of total return. Simply stated, total
return shows the percent change in unit values, with dividends and capital gains
reinvested, after the deduction of a 1.30% asset charge (and the deduction of
applicable investment advisory fees and other expenses of the Underlying Mutual
Funds). The total return figures shown in the Annual Percentage Change and
Annualized Percentage Change columns represent annualized figures, i.e., they
show the rate of growth that would have produced the corresponding cumulative
return had performance been constant over the entire period quoted. The
Non-Annualized Percentage Change total return figures are not annual return
figures but instead represent the total percentage change in unit value over the
stated periods without annualization. THE TOTAL RETURN FIGURES DO NOT TAKE INTO
ACCOUNT THE SEVERAL OTHER POLICY CHARGES WHICH ARE DESCRIBED IN THE "POLICY
CHARGES" SECTION. THESE OTHER CHARGES INCLUDE DEDUCTIONS FROM PREMIUMS, COST OF
INSURANCE CHARGES, SURRENDER CHARGES AND A MONTHLY ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE.

The Underlying Mutual Fund Inception Date is the date the Underlying Mutual Fund
first became effective, which is not necessarily the same date the Underlying
Mutual Fund was first made available through the Variable Account. For those
Underlying Mutual Funds which have not been offered as sub-accounts through the
Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the total return figures will
show the investment performance such Underlying Mutual Funds would have achieved
(reduced by the 1.30% asset charge and Fund investment advisory fees and
expenses) had they been offered as sub-accounts through the Variable Account for
the period quoted. Certain Underlying Mutual Funds are not as old as some of the
periods quoted, therefore, total return figures may not be available for all of
the periods shown.
    


                                       53
<PAGE>   57

                          CASH VALUE PERFORMANCE TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                           ========================================================================================
                                          1 Year to           2 Years to         3 Years to         5 Years to     
                                          12/31/96             12/31/96           12/31/96           12/31/96      
===================================================================================================================
                             Fund                Cash                Cash                Cash                Cash  
Underlying Mutual Fund     Inception   Accum     Surr.     Accum     Surr.     Accum     Surr.     Accum     Surr. 
                            Date**     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value 
===================================================================================================================
<S>                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>     
American Century VP        05/01/91  $ 54,658  $ 50,408  $ 64,623  $ 60,373  $ 63,056  $ 59,056  $ 59,420  $ 55,670
Balanced
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP        11/20/87  $ 46,568  $ 42,318  $ 59,736  $ 55,486  $ 57,206  $ 53,206  $ 58,395  $ 54,645
Capital Appreciation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP        05/01/94  $ 55,732  $ 51,482  $ 60,890  $ 56,640        NA        NA        NA        NA
International
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP Value  05/01/94        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable           05/02/94  $ 58,347  $ 54,097  $ 92,846  $ 88,596        NA        NA        NA        NA
Investment Fund
Growth & Income Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially           10/06/93  $ 59,098  $ 54,848  $ 77,816  $ 73,566  $ 76,654  $ 72,654        NA        NA
Responsible Growth Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund   09/29/89  $ 59,728  $ 55,478  $ 79,982  $ 75,732  $ 78,281  $ 74,281  $ 86,703  $ 82,953
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II       09/06/89  $ 55,832  $ 51,582  $ 63,666  $ 59,416  $ 57,768  $ 53,768  $ 74,834  $ 71,084
- -Asset Manager Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II       01/03/95  $ 59,117  $ 54,867        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
- -Contrafund Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -        10/09/86  $ 55,675  $ 51,425  $ 73,614  $ 69,364  $ 76,677  $ 72,677  $101,563  $ 97,813
Equity-Income Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -        10/09/86  $ 55,904  $ 51,654  $ 76,507  $ 72,257  $ 74,149  $ 70,149  $ 92,174  $ 88,424
Growth Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund - High   09/19/85  $ 55,565  $ 51,315  $ 65,419  $ 61,169  $ 62,402  $ 58,402  $ 89,224  $ 85,474
Income Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -        01/28/87  $ 55,157  $ 50,907  $ 58,875  $ 54,625  $ 58,133  $ 54,133  $ 67,399  $ 63,649
Overseas Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital               04/15/92  $ 61,499  $ 57,249  $ 77,603  $ 73,353  $ 74,531  $ 70,531        NA        NA
Appreciation Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond Fund  11/08/82  $ 50,362  $ 46,112  $ 59,075  $ 54,825  $ 55,305  $ 51,305  $ 61,842  $ 58,092
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund     11/10/81  $ 51,179  $ 46,929  $ 52,413  $ 48,163  $ 52,860  $ 48,860  $ 52,653  $ 48,903
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Small Company Fund    10/23/95  $ 59,902  $ 55,652        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund     11/08/82  $ 59,383  $ 55,133  $ 74,893  $ 70,643  $ 73,455  $ 69,455  $ 83,535  $ 79,785
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman         09/10/84  $ 53,154  $ 48,904  $ 68,535  $ 64,285  $ 62,984  $ 58,984  $ 69,644  $ 65,894
Advisers Management
Trust -Growth Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman         09/10/84  $ 50,775  $ 46,525  $ 54,856  $ 50,606  $ 53,072  $ 49,072  $ 56,072  $ 52,322
Advisers Management
Trust -Bond Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman         03/22/94  $ 63,183  $ 58,933  $ 84,414  $ 80,164        NA        NA        NA        NA
Advisers Management
Trust -Partners Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable       04/30/85  $ 51,009  $ 46,759  $ 58,208  $ 53,958  $ 55,270  $ 51,270  $ 63,066  $ 59,316
Account Fund - Bond Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable       11/12/90  $ 57,407  $ 53,157  $ 57,023  $ 52,773  $ 51,951  $ 47,951  $ 79,155  $ 75,405
Account Fund - Global
Securities
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable       02/09/87  $ 56,275  $ 52,025  $ 66,682  $ 62,432  $ 63,332  $ 59,332  $ 76,143  $ 72,393
Account Fund - Multiple
Strategies
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable            05/08/92  $ 49,040  $ 44,790  $ 64,929  $ 60,679  $ 59,384  $ 55,384        NA        NA
Insurance Funds, Inc. 
- -Discovery Fund II, Inc. 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable            10/20/95  $ 53,797  $ 49,547        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
Insurance Funds, Inc. 
- -International Stock
Fund II
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund II,    05/08/92  $ 57,573  $ 53,323  $ 70,763  $ 66,513  $ 71,223  $ 67,223        NA        NA
Inc. 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide          09/01/89  $ 57,581  $ 53,331  $ 62,210  $ 57,960  $ 57,275  $ 53,275  $ 87,255  $ 83,505
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide  Emerging
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
</TABLE>


   
                           ======================================
                              10 Years to        Inception to 
                               12/31/96            12/31/96
=================================================================
                                       Cash                Cash
Underlying Mutual Fund       Accum     Surr.     Accum     Surr.
                             Value     Value     Value     Value
=================================================================
American Century VP              NA        NA  $ 74,673  $ 71,173
Balanced
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP              NA        NA  $102,271  $102,271
Capital Appreciation
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP              NA        NA  $ 56,516  $ 52,516
International
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP Value        NA        NA  $ 55,165  $ 50,915
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable                 NA        NA  $ 89,069  $ 85,069
Investment Fund
Growth & Income Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially                 NA        NA  $ 81,943  $ 77,943
Responsible Growth Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund         NA        NA  $104,768  $102,268
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II             NA        NA  $ 93,347  $ 90,847
- -Asset Manager Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II             NA        NA  $ 80,875  $ 76,625
- -Contrafund Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -        $141,964  $141,964  $140,829  $140,829
Equity-Income Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -        $169,144  $169,144  $162,707  $162,707
Growth Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund - High   $108,810  $108,810  $135,060  $135,060
Income Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -              NA        NA  $ 79,118  $ 79,118
Overseas Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital                     NA        NA  $ 82,394  $ 78,644
Appreciation Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond Fund  $ 86,333  $ 86,333  $129,204  $129,204
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund     $ 64,711  $ 64,711  $ 92,972  $ 92,972
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Small Company Fund          NA        NA  $ 68,202  $ 63,952
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund     $127,358  $127,358  $287,487  $287,487
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman         $115,896  $115,896  $170,971  $170,971
Advisers Management
Trust -Growth Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman         $ 71,419  $ 71,419  $ 97,924  $ 97,924
Advisers Management
Trust -Bond Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman               NA        NA  $ 80,362  $ 76,362
Advisers Management
Trust -Partners Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable       $ 88,916  $ 88,916  $112,121  $112,121
Account Fund - Bond Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable             NA        NA  $ 79,021  $ 76,021
Account Fund - Global
Securities
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable             NA        NA  $115,391  $115,391
Account Fund - Multiple
Strategies
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable                  NA        NA  $ 76,065  $ 72,315
Insurance Funds, Inc. 
- -Discovery Fund II, Inc. 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable                  NA        NA  $ 54,833  $ 50,583
Insurance Funds, Inc. 
- -International Stock
Fund II
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund II,          NA        NA  $100,525  $ 96,775
Inc. 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide                NA        NA  $ 71,287  $ 68,787
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide  Emerging
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
    


                                       54
<PAGE>   58

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                           ========================================================================================
                                          1 Year to           2 Years to         3 Years to         5 Years to     
                                          12/31/96             12/31/96           12/31/96           12/31/96      
===================================================================================================================
                             Fund                Cash                Cash                Cash                Cash  
Underlying Mutual Fund     Inception   Accum     Surr.     Accum     Surr.     Accum     Surr.     Accum     Surr. 
                            Date**     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value 
===================================================================================================================
<S>                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>     
Markets Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide          09/01/89  $ 49,891  $ 45,641  $ 57,111  $ 52,861  $ 54,572  $ 50,572  $ 51,940  $ 48,190
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide Bond Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide          12/27/95  $ 61,825  $ 57,575        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide Hard Assets
Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American        12/27/95  $ 68,503  $ 64,253        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
Capital Life Investment
Trust - American Capital
Real Estate Securities
Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus             06/30/95  $ 53,587  $ 49,337        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
Trust-International
Equity Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus             11/18/96        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
Trust-Post Venture
Capital Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus             06/30/95  $ 55,521  $ 51,271        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA        NA
Trust-Small Company
Growth Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
</TABLE>


   
                           =====================================
                             10 Years to        Inception to 
                              12/31/96            12/31/96
================================================================
                                      Cash                Cash
Underlying Mutual Fund      Accum     Surr.     Accum     Surr.
                            Value     Value     Value     Value
================================================================
Markets Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide               NA        NA  $ 65,263  $ 62,763
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide Bond Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide               NA        NA  $ 61,067  $ 56,817
Insurance Trust
- -Worldwide Hard Assets
Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American             NA        NA  $ 73,247  $ 68,997
Capital Life Investment
Trust - American Capital
Real Estate Securities
Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus                  NA        NA  $ 56,738  $ 52,488
Trust-International
Equity Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus                  NA        NA  $ 48,555  $ 44,305
Trust-Post Venture
Capital Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus                  NA        NA  $ 68,754  $ 64,504
Trust-Small Company
Growth Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

The PRECEDING CASH VALUE PERFORMANCE table shows the effect of the performance
quoted on accumulated values and cash surrender values, based on a hypothetical
annual premium of $50,000 for a 50 year-old male, non-tobacco simplified, with a
level death benefit and an initial specified amount of $187,451.64. The cash
surrender value figures reflect the deduction of all applicable Policy Charges,
including a 1.30% asset charge, applicable cost of insurance charges, surrender
charges, and an annual administrative charge (and the deduction of applicable
investment advisory fees and other expenses of the Underlying Mutual Funds). See
the "Policy Charges" section for more information about these charges. The cost
of insurance charges may be higher or lower for purchasers who do not meet the
profile of the hypothetical purchaser. Illustrations reflecting a potential
purchaser's specific characteristics are available from the Company upon
request.

**The Underlying Mutual Fund Inception Date is the date the Underlying Mutual
Fund first became effective, which is not necessarily the same date the
Underlying Mutual Fund was first made available through the Variable Account.
For those Underlying Mutual Funds which have not been offered as sub-accounts
through the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the cash values will
show the investment performance such Underlying Mutual Funds would have achieved
(reduced by any applicable Variable Account and Policy Charges, and Underlying
Mutual Fund investment advisory fees and expenses) had they been offered as
sub-accounts through the Variable Account for the period quoted. Certain
Underlying Mutual Funds are not as old as some of the periods quoted, therefore,
the cash values may not be available for all of the periods shown.
    


                                       55
<PAGE>   59

<PAGE>   1



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

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and 
   Contract Owners of Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2:

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 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 include 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 VLI Separate Account-2 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 VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                                DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                            <C>        
ASSETS:

   Investments at market value:

      The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)
         146,819 shares (cost $3,024,270) .................................    $ 2,949,585
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
         763,499 shares (cost $14,597,832) ................................     15,483,766
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
         2,131,003 shares (cost $38,585,366) ..............................     44,815,000
      Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidVIPGr)
         1,730,628 shares (cost $51,294,462) ..............................     53,891,755
      Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)
         1,362,065 shares (cost $16,148,006) ..............................     17,053,049
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)
         859,910 shares (cost $14,604,187) ................................     16,200,703
      Fidelity VIP II - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidVIPAM)
         1,317,970 shares (cost $19,127,367) ..............................     22,313,225
      Fidelity VIP II - Contrafund Portfolio (FidVIPCon)
         824,740 shares (cost $12,402,278) ................................     13,657,697
      Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
         505,369 shares (cost $7,950,583) .................................      8,227,404
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
         605,008 shares (cost $6,588,470) .................................      6,679,290
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         34,777,014 shares (cost $34,777,014) .............................     34,777,014
      Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund (NSATSmCo)
         425,548 shares (cost $5,751,682) .................................      5,910,856
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         3,193,395 shares (cost $37,809,735) ..............................     42,376,355
      Neuberger &Berman - Growth Portfolio (NBAMTGro)
         493,535 shares (cost $12,574,511) ................................     12,723,337
      Neuberger &Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBAMTLMat)
         197,236 shares (cost $2,784,764) .................................      2,771,172
      Neuberger &Berman - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)
         646,222 shares (cost $9,535,912) .................................     10,649,743
      Oppenheimer - Bond Fund (OppBdFd)
         513,225 shares (cost $5,888,181) .................................      5,968,803
      Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund (OppGlSec)
         561,069 shares (cost $8,710,530) .................................      9,914,098
      Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund (OppMult)
         509,706 shares (cost $7,225,046) .................................      7,966,703
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                             <C>       
      Strong Special Fund II, Inc. (StSpec2)
         893,185 shares (cost $14,371,245) ................................     17,184,873
      Strong VIF - Strong Discovery Fund II (StDisc2)
         624,950 shares (cost $7,308,503) .................................      6,749,458
      Strong VIF - Strong International Stock Fund II (StIntStk2)
         162,907 shares (cost $1,831,224) .................................      1,829,443
      TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced (TCIBal)
         351,201 shares (cost $2,386,878) .................................      2,648,056
      TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)
         1,169,740 shares (cost $12,750,085) ..............................     11,978,141
      TCI Portfolios - TCI International (TCIInt)
         576,818 shares (cost $3,278,870) .................................      3,437,835
      TCI Portfolios - TCI Value (TCIValue)
         1,637 shares (cost $9,188) .......................................          9,133
      Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund (VEGoldNR)
         377,518 shares (cost $6,100,328) .................................      6,312,096
      Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund (VEWrldBd)
         202,885 shares (cost $2,232,824) .................................      2,252,023
      Van Eck - Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund (VEWrldEMkt)
         257 shares (cost $3,213) .........................................          3,213
      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate Securities Fund (VKACRES
         216,078 shares (cost $2,880,829) .................................      3,193,630
      Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio (WPIntEq)
         730,797 shares (cost $8,366,199) .................................      8,389,554
      Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio (WPSmCoGr)
         514,119 shares (cost $7,238,771) .................................      7,326,189
                                                                             -------------
            Total investments .............................................    405,643,199
   Accounts receivable ....................................................      3,525,975
                                                                             -------------
            Total assets ..................................................    409,169,174
                                                                             -------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY (NOTE 7) ..........................................  $ 409,169,174
                                                                             =============

</TABLE>






See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
         STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

                                                                           1996              1995              1994
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>               <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 16,972,691        6,764,208         3,376,057 
   Mortality and expense charges (note 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (2,983,466)      (1,747,342)         (879,737)
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------
      Net investment activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      13,989,225        5,016,866         2,496,320 
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------

   Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold  . . . . . . . . . . . . .     275,979,207      163,574,836       184,340,809 
   Cost of mutual fund shares sold  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    (266,008,543)    (154,208,870)     (184,441,475)
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------
      Realized gain (loss) on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . .       9,970,664        9,365,966          (100,666)
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments  . . . . . . . .      12,175,328       17,134,325        (3,604,010)
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------
      Net gain (loss) on investments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      22,145,992       26,500,291        (3,704,676)
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------
         Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
            equity resulting from operations  . . . . . . . . . . .      36,135,217       31,517,157        (1,208,356)
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchase payments received from contract owners  . . . . . . . .     174,104,282      106,694,208        77,172,455 
   Surrenders (note 2d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (6,124,049)      (4,970,867)       (1,308,994)
   Death benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (730,700)        (143,265)          (15,398)
   Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5)  . . . . . . . . . . .      (6,468,023)      (2,529,830)       (2,980,396)
   Deductions for surrender charges (note 2d) . . . . . . . . . . .        (721,263)        (364,725)         (116,899)
   Redemptions to pay cost of insurance charges 
      and administrative charges (notes 2b and 2c)  . . . . . . . .     (24,075,896)     (14,110,656)       (5,382,393)
   Deductions for asset charges (note 3)  . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (20,037)          -                 -
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------
         Net increase (decrease) in equity transactions . . . . . .     135,964,314       84,574,865        67,368,375 
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------


NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     172,099,531      116,092,022        66,160,019 
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD . . . . . . . . . . . .     237,069,643      120,977,621        54,817,602 
                                                                       ------------      -----------       -----------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 409,169,174      237,069,643       120,977,621 
                                                                      =============      ===========       =========== 



See accompanying notes to financial statements.


</TABLE>

<PAGE>   5


                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

     The Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 (the Account) was established
pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company (the Company) on May 7, 1987. The Account has been registered as a unit
investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

     The Company offers Modified Single Premium and Flexible Premium Variable
Life Insurance Policies through the Account. The primary distribution for the
contracts is through the brokerage community; however, other distributors may be
utilized.

   (b) The Contracts

     Prior to December 31, 1990, only contracts without a front-end sales
charge, but with a contingent deferred sales charge and certain other fees, were
offered for purchase. Beginning December 31, 1990, contracts with a front-end
sales charge, a contingent deferred sales charge and certain other fees, are
offered for purchase. See note 2 for a discussion of policy charges, and note 3
for asset charges.

     Contract owners may invest in the following:

      The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)

      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)

      Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Growth and Income Portfolio (DryGroInc)

      Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund 
      (Fidelity VIP);
         Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
         Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidVIPGr)
         Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI) 
         Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)

      Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II (Fidelity 
      VIP-II);
         Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidVIPAM)
         Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio (FidVIPCon)

      Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT) (managed 
      for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);
         Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp) 
         Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd) 
         Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt) 
         Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund (NSATSmCo)
         Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)

      Portfolios of the Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust 
      (Neuberger & Berman); 
         Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio (NBAMTGro) 
         Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBAMTLMat) 
         Neuberger & Berman - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)

      Funds of the Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds (Oppenheimer);
         Oppenheimer - Bond Fund (OppBdFd)
         Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund (OppGlSec)
         Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund (OppMult)
                                                          
  
<PAGE>   6

        Strong Special Fund II, Inc. (StSpec2)

        Funds of the Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. (Strong VIF);
           Strong VIF - Strong Discovery Fund II (StDisc2)
           Strong VIF - Strong International Stock Fund II (StIntStk2)

        Portfolios of the TCI Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Portfolios);
           TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced (TCIBal)
           TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)
           TCI Portfolios - TCI International (TCIInt)
           TCI Portfolios - TCI Value (TCIValue)

        Funds of the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (Van Eck);
           Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund (VEGoldNR)
           Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund (VEWrldBd) (formerly Van Eck - Global 
            Bond Fund (VEGlobBd))
           Van Eck - Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund (VEWrldEMkt)

        Fund of the Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust 
         (Van Kampen American Capital);
           Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate Securities Fund 
            (VKACRESec)

        Portfolios of the Warburg Pincus Trust (Warburg Pincus);
           Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio (WPIntEq)
           Warburg Pincus - Post Venture Capital Portfolio (WPPVenCap)
           Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio (WPSmCoGr)

      At December 31, 1996, contract owners have invested in all of the above
funds (except Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Growth and Income Portfolio and
Warburg Pincus - Post Venture Capital Portfolio.) The contract owners' equity is
affected by the investment results of each fund, equity transactions by contract
owners and certain contract expenses (see notes 2 and 3). 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. Fund purchases and sales are
accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). The
cost of investments sold is determined on a specific identification basis, and
dividends (which include capital gain distributions) are accrued as of 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 provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code.

      Fund purchases and sales are accounted for on the trade date (date the
order to buy or sell is executed). The cost of investments sold is determined on
a specific identification basis, and dividends (which include capital gain
distributions) are accrued as of the ex-dividend date.

   (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) POLICY CHARGES

   (a) Deductions from Premiums

      On multiple payment contracts and flexible premium contracts, the Company
deducts a charge for state premium taxes equal to 2.5% of all premiums received
to cover the payment of these premium taxes. The Company also deducts a sales
load from each premium payment received not to exceed 3.5% of each premium
payment.

      On last survivor flexible premium contracts, the Company deducts a charge
for state premium taxes equal to 3.5% of all premiums received to cover the
payment of these premium taxes. The Company also deducts a sales load from each
premium payment received not to exceed 5% of each premium payment during the
first ten years and 1.5% of each premium payment thereafter.

      The Company may at its sole discretion reduce this sales loading.

   (b) Cost of Insurance

      A cost of insurance charge is assessed monthly against each contract by
liquidating units. The amount of the charge is based upon age, sex, rate class
and net amount at risk (death benefit less total contract value).

      For last survivor flexible premium contracts, the monthly cost of
insurance is determined in a manner that reflects the anticipated mortality of
the two insureds and the fact that the death benefit is not payable until the
death of the second insured to die.

   (c) Administrative Charges

      An administrative charge is assessed against each contract to recover
policy maintenance, accounting, record keeping and other administrative expenses
and is assessed against each contract by liquidating units.

      For single premium contracts, the Company deducts an annual administrative
charge which is determined as follows:

      Contracts issued prior to April 16, 1990:

         Purchase payments totalling less than $25,000 - $10/month
         Purchase payments totalling $25,000 or more - none

      Contracts issued on or after April 16, 1990:

         Purchase payments totalling less than $25,000 - $90/year ($65/year in
         New York)
         Purchase payments totalling $25,000 or more - $50/year

      For multiple payment contracts, the Company currently deducts a monthly
administrative charge of $5 (may deduct up to $7.50, maximum).

      For flexible premium contracts, the Company currently deducts a monthly
administrative charge of $25 during the first policy year and $5 per month
thereafter (may deduct up to $7.50, maximum). Additionally, the Company deducts
an increase charge of $2.04 per year per $1,000 applied to any increase in the
specified amount during the first 12 months after the increase becomes
effective.

      For modified single premium contracts, the monthly charge is equal to an
annual rate of .30% multiplied by the policy's cash value. For policy years 11
and later, this monthly charge is reduced to an annual rate of 0.15% of the
policy's cash value. The monthly charge is subject to a $10 minimum.

      For last survivor flexible premium contracts, the Company deducts a
monthly administrative charge equal to the sum of the policy charge and the
basic coverage charge. For policy years one through ten the policy charge is
$10. Additionally, there is a $0.04 per $1000 basic coverage charge (not less
than $20 or more than $80 per policy). For policy years eleven and after, the
policy charge is $5. Additionally, there is a $0.02 per $1000 basic coverage
charge (not less than $10 or more than $40 per policy). Additionally, the
Company deducts a monthly increase charge of $2.40 per $1000 applied to any
increase in the specified amount during the first 12 months after the increase
becomes effective. The charge may be raised to $3.60 per $1000 of increase per
year at the Company's discretion.

                                                           
<PAGE>   8

   (d) Surrender Charges

      Policy surrenders result in a redemption of the contract value from the
Account and payment of the surrender proceeds to the contract owner or designee.
The surrender proceeds consist of the contract value, less any outstanding
policy loans, and less a surrender charge, if applicable. The charge is
determined according to contract type.

      For single premium contracts, the charge is determined based upon a
specified percentage of the original purchase payment. For single premium
contracts issued prior to April 16, 1990, the charge is 8% in the first year and
declines to 0% after the ninth year. For single premium contracts issued on or
after April 16, 1990, the charge is 8.5% in the first year, and declines to 0%
after the ninth year.

      For multiple payment contracts and flexible premium contracts, the amount
charged is based upon a specified percentage of the initial surrender charge,
which varies by issue age, sex and rate class. The charge is 100% of the initial
surrender charge in the first year, declining to 0% after the ninth year.

      For modified single premium contracts, the amount charged is based on the
original purchase payment. The charge is 10% in the first year, declining to 0%
in the ninth year.

      For last survivor flexible premium contracts, the charge is 100% of the
initial surrender charge, declining to 0% in the fourteenth year if the average
issue age is 74 or less. The charge is 100% of the initial surrender charge,
declining to 0% in the ninth year if the average issue age is 75 or greater. For
last survivor flexible payment contracts, the initial surrender charge is
comprised of two components, an underwriting surrender charge and a sales
surrender charge.

      The Company may waive the surrender charge for certain contracts in which
the sales expenses normally associated with the distribution of a contract are
not incurred.

(3) ASSET CHARGES

      For single premium contracts, the Company deducts a charge from the
contract to cover mortality and expense risk charges related to operations, and
to recover policy maintenance and premium tax charges. For contracts issued
prior to April 16, 1990, the charge is equal to an annual rate of .95% during
the first ten policy years, and .50% thereafter. A reduction of charges on these
contracts is possible in policy years six through ten for those contracts
achieving certain investment performance criteria. For single premium contracts
issued on or after April 16, 1990, the charge is equal to an annual rate of
1.30% during the first ten policy years, and 1.00% thereafter.

      For multiple payment contracts and flexible premium contracts, the Company
deducts a charge equal to an annual rate of .80%, with certain exceptions, to
cover mortality and expense risk charges related to operations. The above
charges are assessed through the daily unit value calculation.

      For modified single premium contracts, the Company deducts an annual rate
of .90% charged against the cash value of the contacts. This charge is assessed
monthly against each contract by liquidating units.

      For last survivor flexible premium contracts, the Company deducts an
annual rate of .80% in policy years one through ten. This charge is assessed
monthly by liquidating units. In policy years eleven and greater, the Company
deducts an annual rate of .80% if the cash value of the contract is less than
$100,000. If the cash value is greater than or equal to $100,000, the Company
reduces the annual asset fee rate to .30%.

(4) DEATH BENEFITS

      Death benefits result in a redemption of the contract value from the
Account and payment of the death benefit proceeds, less any outstanding policy
loans (and policy charges), to the legal beneficiary. For last survivor flexible
premium contracts, the proceeds are payable on the death of the last surviving
insured. The excess of the death benefit proceeds over the contract value on the
date of death is paid by the Company's general account.

                                                           
                                                            
<PAGE>   9

(5) POLICY LOANS (NET OF REPAYMENTS)

      Contract provisions allow contract owners to borrow up to 90% (50% during
first year of single and modified single premium contracts) of a policy's cash
surrender value. For single premium contracts issued prior to April 16, 1990,
6.5% interest is due and payable annually in advance. For single premium
contracts issued on or after April 16, 1990, multiple payment, flexible premium,
modified single and last survivor flexible premium contracts, 6% interest is due
and payable in advance on the policy anniversary when there is a loan
outstanding on the policy.

      At the time the loan is granted, the amount of the loan is transferred
from the Account to the Company's general account as collateral for the
outstanding loan. Collateral amounts in the general account are credited with
the stated rate of interest in effect at the time the loan is made, subject to a
guaranteed minimum rate. Loan repayments result in a transfer of collateral,
including interest, back to the Account.

(6) SCHEDULE I

      Schedule I presents the components of the change in the unit values, which
are the basis for determining contract owners' equity. This schedule is
presented for each series, as applicable, 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.)

            -  Asset charges
               (This amount reflects the decrease in the unit value due to the 
               charges discussed in note 3.)

            -  Ending unit value - Dec. 31

            -  Percentage increase (decrease) in unit value.


<PAGE>   10


(7) COMPONENTS OF CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

    The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at December 31, 1996,
for each series, in both the accumulation and payout phases.

Contract owners' equity represented by:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              UNITS       UNIT VALUE
                                                                              -----       ----------
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>               <C>
Single Premium contracts issued prior to April 16, 1990:
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio ........................         8,709       $29.854628       $260,004
      Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio ...............................         5,280        34.379126        181,522
      Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio ..........................         3,462        24.493313         84,796
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio .............................         5,297        19.654083        104,108
      Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio .....................         1,158        20.525705         23,769
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund .........................         2,831        19.842234         56,173
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ............................        28,405        14.875178        422,529
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ............................         1,189        26.717684         31,767
      Neuberger &Berman - Growth Portfolio ..........................         5,398        24.838185        134,077
      Neuberger &Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio ...........         5,192        16.433880         85,325
      Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund ..........................         1,616        13.422186         21,690
      Strong Special Fund II, Inc. ..................................           406        21.426416          8,699
      TCI Portfolios - TCIGrowth ....................................         8,408        24.053649        202,243
      Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund .....................         4,593        15.014547         68,962
      Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund .................................            23        14.682655            338
      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate Securities Fund .         5,134        15.011508         77,069
      Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio ...............         1,802        11.634515         20,965

Single Premium contracts issued on or after April 16, 1990:
      The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. ............        16,672        17.041821        284,121
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund ......................................       166,883        16.474993      2,749,396
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio ........................       556,249        24.419978     13,583,588
      Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio ...............................       436,608        23.774932     10,380,326
      Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio ..........................       160,710        25.198564      4,049,661
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio .............................       349,868        14.155666      4,952,615
      Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio .....................       328,224        20.046209      6,579,647
      Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio ........................       253,591        13.256842      3,361,816
      Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund ....................        69,468        17.984058      1,249,317
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund .........................       215,649        16.449774      3,547,377
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ............................     1,264,987        12.479104     15,785,904
      Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund ...........................        84,265        13.833221      1,165,656
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ............................       145,392        23.035683      3,349,204
      Neuberger &Berman - Growth Portfolio ..........................       171,390        17.521012      3,002,926
      Neuberger &Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio ...........        72,295        14.088625      1,018,537
      Neuberger &Berman - Partners Portfolio ........................       166,759        17.259712      2,878,212
      Oppenheimer - Bond Fund .......................................       107,202        16.608318      1,780,445
      Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund ..........................       112,397        13.270426      1,491,556
      Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund ........................       137,052        18.701076      2,563,020
      Strong Special Fund II, Inc. ..................................       145,314        21.077454      3,062,849
      Strong VIF - Strong Discovery Fund II .........................        96,856        16.133543      1,562,630
      Strong VIF - Strong International Stock Fund II ...............        51,959        11.141803        578,917
      TCI Portfolios - TCIBalanced ..................................        38,880        14.303509        556,120
      TCI Portfolios - TCIGrowth ....................................       187,431        16.163625      3,029,564
      TCI Portfolios - TCIInternational .............................       140,670        11.748051      1,652,598
      Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund .....................       179,378        16.582948      2,974,616
      Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund .................................        51,233        14.339608        734,661
      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate Securities Fund .        77,060        14.933196      1,150,752
      Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio ...............       229,373        11.573771      2,654,711
      Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio ...............       101,386        13.975650      1,416,935

Multiple Payment contracts and Flexible Premium contracts:
      The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. ............       149,312        17.319589      2,586,022
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund ......................................       743,163        16.744674     12,444,022
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio ........................     1,203,661        25.185570     30,314,888
      Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio ...............................     1,774,112        24.186560     42,909,666
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   11
<TABLE>

<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>              <C>       
      Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio ..........................       519,177        23.588786        12,246,755
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio .............................       723,688        15.324813        11,090,383
      Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio .....................       858,375        18.169993        15,596,668
      Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio ........................       741,153        13.356323         9,899,079
      Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund ....................       373,658        18.410667         6,879,293
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund .........................       196,023        15.383251         3,015,471
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ............................     1,548,800        12.214743        18,918,194
      Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund ...........................       325,390        13.915643         4,528,011
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ............................     1,740,045        21.988773        38,261,455
      Neuberger &Berman - Growth Portfolio ..........................       542,729        17.282005         9,379,445
      Neuberger &Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio ...........       117,219        13.551318         1,588,472
      Neuberger &Berman - Partners Portfolio ........................       434,744        17.469360         7,594,699
      Oppenheimer - Bond Fund .......................................       260,488        15.764821         4,106,547
      Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund ..........................       616,399        13.487753         8,313,837
      Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund ........................       287,199        18.446363         5,297,777
      Strong VIF - Strong Discovery Fund II .........................       305,653        16.514861         5,047,817
      Strong VIF - Strong International Stock Fund II ...............       103,783        11.208230         1,163,224
      Strong Special Fund II, Inc. ..................................       649,651        21.575419        14,016,493
      TCI Portfolios - TCIBalanced ..................................       137,856        14.642920         2,018,614
      TCI Portfolios - TCIGrowth ....................................       564,722        15.327392         8,655,715
      TCI Portfolios - TCIInternational .............................       145,930        11.890858         1,735,233
      TCI Portfolios - TCI Value ....................................           900        10.143687             9,129
      Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund .....................       174,641        18.284590         3,193,239
      Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund .................................       110,868        13.479157         1,494,407
      Van Eck - Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund .....................           319        10.078948             3,215
      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate Securities Fund .       120,572        15.045195         1,814,029
      Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio ...............       469,367        11.660648         5,473,123
      Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio ...............       402,279        14.080553         5,664,311

Modified Single Premium and Last Survivor Flexible Premium contracts:
      The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. ............         7,118        11.180091            79,580
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund ......................................        25,438        11.459856           291,516
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio ........................        61,195        10.790149           660,303
      Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio ...............................        40,595        10.446167           424,062
      Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio ..........................        62,142        10.830462           673,027
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio .............................         5,158        10.668178            55,026
      Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio .....................        10,453        11.022140           115,214
      Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio ........................        35,353        11.249999           397,721
      Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund ....................         8,542        11.610340            99,176
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund .........................         5,711        10.679205            60,989
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ............................       304,482        10.339005         3,148,041
      Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund ...........................        20,576        10.524418           216,550
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ............................        64,330        11.444877           736,249
      Neuberger &Berman - Growth Portfolio ..........................        21,053         9.869834           207,790
      Neuberger &Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio ...........         7,552        10.477247            79,124
      Neuberger &Berman - Partners Portfolio ........................        15,462        11.476324           177,447
      Oppenheimer - Bond Fund .......................................         7,727        10.644626            82,251
      Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund ..........................         8,064        10.833847            87,364
      Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund ........................         9,746        10.937578           106,598
      Strong Special Fund II, Inc. ..................................         9,106        10.766829            98,043
      Strong VIF - Strong Discovery Fund II .........................        14,115         9.884557           139,521
      Strong VIF - Strong International Stock Fund II ...............         8,692        10.054422            87,393
      TCI Portfolios - TCIBalanced ..................................         6,725        10.931147            73,512
      TCI Portfolios - TCIGrowth ....................................         9,987         9.118427            91,066
      TCI Portfolios - TCIInternational .............................         4,661        10.773558            50,216
      Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund .....................         7,974        10.056004            80,187
      Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund .................................         2,209        10.516764            23,232
      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate Securities Fund .        11,112        13.673840           151,944
      Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio ...............        24,290         9.935018           241,322
      Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio ...............        24,804         9.827590           243,764
                                                                             ------         --------      ------------
                                                                                                          $409,169,174
                                                                                                          ============
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   12

                                                                      SCHEDULE I

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
                 SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED PRIOR TO APRIL 16, 1990

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             FIDVIPEI           FIDVIPGR          FIDVIPHI          FIDVIPOV           FIDVIPAM    
                                             --------           --------          --------          --------           --------    
1996**
<S>                                         <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1            $26.373971         30.259267         21.685282         17.526172         18.081878
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                            1.217030          2.174262          1.977825           .431349          1.189904
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                     2.528645          2.256603          1.050520          1.872575          1.435663
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.265018)         (.311006)         (.220314)         (.176013)         (.181740)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $29.854628         34.379126         24.493313         19.654083         20.525705
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)            
     in unit value*                                13%               14%               13%               12%               14%
================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1            $19.708533         22.566466         18.151674         16.131866         15.607540
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                  
     and dividends                            1.542607           .124738          1.314664           .123427           .327932
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                     5.341041          7.828480          2.410020          1.428229          2.304058
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.218210)         (.260417)         (.191076)         (.157350)          (.157652)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $26.373971         30.259267         21.685282         17.526172         18.081878
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)            
     in unit value*                                34%               34%               19%                9%               16%
================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1            $18.583057         22.785679         18.612185         16.009316         16.778042
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                  
     and dividends                            1.395798          1.371061          1.706032           .082663           .815806
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                     (.087894)        (1.381165)        (1.991707)          .196908         (1.832732)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.182428)         (.209109)         (.174836)         (.157021)         (.153576)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $19.708533         22.566466         18.151674         16.131866         15.607540
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)           
     in unit value*                                 6%               (1)%              (2)%               1%               (7)%
================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             NSATGVTBD         NSATMYMKT         NSATTOTRE
                                             ---------         ---------         ---------
1996
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1             19.357639         14.287454         22.138653 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                            1.200383           .727569          1.479674 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                     (.533024)          .000000          3.328301 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.182764)         (.139845)         (.228944)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31               19.842234         14.875178         26.717684 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                   3%              4%               21% 
============================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1             16.457035         13.652006         17.312690 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                            1.167149           .768745          1.720678 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                     1.903991           .000000          3.293404 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.170536)         (.133297)         (.188119)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31               19.357639         14.287454         22.138653 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                18%                5%               28% 
============================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            17.168348         13.267517         17.291720 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                           1.079469           .512535           .875020 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                   (1.633239)          .000000          (.688478)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                             (.157543)         (.128046)         (.165572)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31              16.457035         13.652006         17.312690 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                              (4)%                3%                0% 
============================================================================================

<FN>
  * An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as asset charges do not
include the policy charges discussed in note 2.
 **  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   13

                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
            SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED PRIOR TO APRIL 16, 1990

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             NBAMTGRO          NBAMTLDMAT         OPPGLSEC           STSPEC2            
                                             --------          ----------         --------           -------            
1996***
<S>                                        <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>               
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1            $22.976381         15.906671         11.503363         18.309087         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                  
     and dividends                            2.084651          1.338753           .000000           .861320         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                      .004126          (.659070)         2.036434          2.443023         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.226973)         (.152474)         (.117611)         (.187014)        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $24.838185         16.433880         13.422186         21.426416         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)            
     unit value* (a)                                8%                3%               17%               17%         
=================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1            $17.608267         14.475203         11.358489         14.690448         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                  
     and dividends                             .623265           .804090           .298934           .761035         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                     4.945641           .771696          (.045712)         3.013032         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.200792)         (.144318)         (.108348)         (.155428)        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $22.976381         15.906671         11.503363         18.309087         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)            
     in unit value* (a)                            30%               10%                1%               25%        
=================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1            $18.709214         14.635617         12.162716         14.315226         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                  
     and dividends                            2.255334           .618309           .214436           .411358         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                    (3.185612)         (.641424)         (.903773)          .103258         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.170669)         (.137299)         (.114890)         (.139394)        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $17.608267         14.475203         11.358489          14.690448        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)           
     in unit value* (a)                           (6)%               (1)%              (7)%               3%         
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                TCIGRO          VEGOLDNR          VEWRLDBD         VKACRESEC         WPINTEQ
                                                ------          --------          --------         ---------         --------
1996***
<S>                                        <C>               <C>               <C>                <C>             <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1             25.381408         12.839256         14.458585          10.784280       10.679811
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                
     and dividends                            2.847171           .272272           .394300            .288822         .226874
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                    (3.934619)         2.040791          (.034088)          4.051625         .835595
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.240311)         (.137772)         (.136142)          (.113219)       (.107765)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31               24.053649         15.014547         14.682655          15.011508       11.634515
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)          
     unit value* (a)                              (5)%               17%                2%                39%              9%
=============================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1             19.544976         11.677805         12.443161          10.000000              **
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                
     and dividends                             .022491           .115292          1.008475            .092106
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                     6.032555          1.160549          1.138120            .740132
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.218614)         (.114390)         (.131171)          (.047958)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31               25.381408         12.839256         14.458585          10.784280
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)          
     in unit value* (a)                            30%               10%               16%              8%(B)
=============================================================================================================================
1994
                                           
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1             19.964524         12.382561         12.729709                **               **
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                
     and dividends                             .002137           .062321           .051271
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                     (.236035)         (.652194)         (.220753)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                              (.185650)         (.114883)         (.117066)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31               19.544976         11.677805         12.443161
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)          
     in unit value* (a)                           (2)%              (6)%              (2)%
=============================================================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)  Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)  This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
 **  This investment option was not being utilized or was not available.
***  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   14

                                                          SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
           SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 16, 1990

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            DRYSRGRO     DRYSTKIX     FIDVIPEI     FIDVIPGR     FIDVIPHI   
                                            --------     --------     --------     --------     --------   
1996***
<S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1         $14.242220    13.621789    21.648958    20.999607    22.388295    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                          .735836      .587431      .998669     1.508424     2.041281    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                  2.266937     2.459672     2.069513     1.561724     1.079684    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                           (.203172)    (.193899)    (.297162)    (.294823)    (.310696)   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31           $17.041821    16.474993    24.419978    23.774932    25.198564    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                          20%          21%          13%          13%          13%   
============================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1         $10.722275    10.088849    16.234159    15.715602    18.805616    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                          .392053      .361339     1.269479      .086841     1.361583    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                  3.289798     3.326196     4.390826     5.444880     2.491513    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                           (.161906)    (.154595)    (.245506)    (.247716)    (.270417)   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31           $14.242220    13.621789    21.648958    20.999607    22.388295    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                          33%          35%          33%          34%          19%   
============================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1         $10.702403    10.131165    15.360584    15.923752    19.350153    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                          .276372      .283260     1.152726      .957853     1.773098    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                  (.117327)    (.195255)    (.073161)    (.966373)   (2.069306)   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                           (.139173)    (.130321)    (.205990)    (.199630)    (.248329)   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31           $10.722275    10.088849    16.234159    15.715602    18.805616    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                           0%           0%           6%         (1)%         (3)%   
============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           FIDVIPOV     FIDVIPAM    FIDVIPCON    NSATCAPAP    NSATGVTBD
                                           --------     --------    ---------    ---------    ---------
1996***
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1          12.667544    17.721708    11.071965    14.444672    16.104612 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                          .311669     1.165823      .104326      .749268      .996469 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                  1.350232     1.401973     2.236026     2.998693     (.443598)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                           (.173779)    (.243295)    (.155475)    (.208575)    (.207709)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            14.155666    20.046209    13.256842    17.984058    16.449774 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                          12%          13%          20%          25%           2%
============================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1          11.700527    15.350115    10.000000    11.312336    13.739287 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                          .089493      .322418      .142783      .642275      .972265 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                  1.033414     2.260958      .998389     2.653961     1.587542 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                           (.155890)    (.211783)    (.069207)    (.163900)    (.194482)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            12.667544    17.721708    11.071965    14.444672    16.104612 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                          8%          15%       11%(B)          28%          17%
============================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1          11.652241    16.559029       **        11.563943    14.383265 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains 
     and dividends                          .060146      .804872                   .182742      .902346 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                   .144272    (1.806726)                 (.286826)   (1.366016)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                           (.156132)    (.207060)                 (.147523)    (.180308)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            11.700527    15.350115                 11.312336    13.739287 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                          0%         (7)%                      (2)%         (4)%
============================================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)  Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)  This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
 **  This investment option was not being utilized or was not available.
***  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   15

                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
           SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 16, 1990

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           NSATMYMKT        NSATSMCO          NSATTOTRE        NBAMTGRO       NBAMTLMAT   
                                           ---------        --------          ---------        --------       ---------   
1996***
<S>                                      <C>              <C>                <C>             <C>             <C>
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1          $12.028786       11.410311          19.154939       16.264834       13.684722      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                           .611421         .133295           1.276326        1.474851        1.151075      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                    .000000        2.456523           2.875006         .000818        (.567983)     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                            (.161103)       (.166908)          (.270588)       (.219491)       (.179189)    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            $12.479104       13.833221          23.035683       17.521012       14.088625      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)          
     in unit value* (a)                           4%             21%                20%              8%               3%       
====================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1          $11.534440       10.000000          15.031721       12.508337       12.496729      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                
     and dividends                           .648458         .017459           1.489410         .442496         .693794      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                    .000000        1.418328           2.856936        3.508824         .664378      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                            (.154112)       (.025476)          (.223128)       (.194823)       (.170179)     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            $12.028786       11.410311          19.154939       16.264834       13.684722      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)          
     in unit value* (a)                           4%           14%(b)               27%             30%             10%            
====================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1          $11.249231              **          15.066007       13.336899       12.679406      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                
     and dividends                           .433762                            .760244        1.607088         .535454      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                    .000000                           (.597472)      (2.269450)       (.555628)      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                            (.148553)                          (.197058)       (.166200)       (.162503)     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            $11.534440                          15.031721       12.508337       12.496729     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)         
     in unit value* (a)                           3%                                 0%            (6)%              (1)%
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          NBAMTPART         OPPBDFD        OPPGLSEC         OPPMULT       STDISC2        STINTSTK2
                                          ---------         -------        --------         -------       -------        ---------
1996***
<S>                                      <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1          13.495873       16.056725       11.413379       16.404926       16.214896      10.226632
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                          .549661        1.030165         .000000        1.247087        3.300617        .050938
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                  3.411340        (.269155)       2.016448        1.276232       (3.177170)      1.007488
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                           (.197162)       (.209417)       (.159401)       (.227169)       (.204800)      (.143255)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            17.259712       16.608318       13.270426       18.701076       16.133543      11.141803
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)         
     in unit value* (a)                         28%              3%             16%             14%             (1)%            9%
====================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1          10.018146       13.903136       11.309050       13.693997       12.144445      10.000000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains               
     and dividends                          .081860         .956955         .297396        1.103154         .211667        .041085
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                  3.550382        1.391543        (.045694)       1.805769        4.042004        .209467
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                           (.154515)       (.194909)       (.147373)       (.197994)       (.183220)      (.023920)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            13.495873       16.056725       11.413379       16.404926       16.214896      10.226632
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)         
     in unit value* (a)                         35%             15%              1%            20%              34%           2%(b)
====================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan  1          10.000000       14.362878       12.152136       14.148115       13.003547             **
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains               
     and dividends                          .000000         .809172         .214078         .720350         .971167
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                   .072562       (1.086058)       (.900362)       (.993926)      (1.670283)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                            .054416        (.182856)       (.156802)       (.180542)       (.159986)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            10.018146       13.903136       11.309050       13.693997       12.144445
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)         
     in unit value* (a)                       0%(b)            (3)%            (7)%            (3)%            (7)%
====================================================================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)   Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)   This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
 **  This investment option was not being utilized or was not available.
***  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   16


                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
           SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 16, 1990

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          STSPEC2           TCIBAL          TCIGRO          TCIINT        VEGOLDNR      
                                          -------           ------          ------          ------        --------      
1996***
<S>                                   <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       $18.074367        12.914886       17.116040       10.403803       14.230388      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                        .849403          .609960        1.918348         .247063         .301335      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                2.405871          .954721       (2.649394)       1.239275        2.259820      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                         (.252187)        (.176058)       (.221369)       (.142090)       (.208595)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         $21.077454        14.303509       16.163625       11.748051       16.582948      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                       17%              11%            (6)%             13%             17%     
==================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       $14.552799        10.801955       13.226279        9.392654       12.988341      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                         .753037          .305779         .015219         .000000         .127947      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                2.978850         1.961461        4.076606        1.136602        1.287916      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                         (.210319)        (.154309)       (.202064)       (.125453)       (.173816)     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         $18.074367        12.914886       17.116040       10.403803       14.230388      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                       24%              20%             29%             11%             10%      
==================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       $14.230663        10.876445       13.557427       10.000000       13.820369       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                        .407898          .260556         .001450         .000000         .069418       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                 .103521         (.194370)       (.160376)       (.554327)       (.726294)      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                         (.189283)        (.140676)       (.172222)       (.053019)       (.175152)      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         $14.552799        10.801955       13.226279        9.392654       12.988341       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                        2%             (1)%            (2)%         (6)%(b)            (6)%       
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       VEWRLDBD       VKACRESEC         WPLNTEQ          WPSMCOGR
                                       --------       ---------         -------          --------
1996***
<S>                                  <C>             <C>             <C>               <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      14.170551       10.765797       10.661502         12.430586 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                      .385883         .287384         .225731           .000000 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              (.034573)       4.034391         .833478          1.720228 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                       (.182253)       (.154376)       (.146940)         (.175164)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        14.339608       14.933196       11.573771         13.975650 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                      1%             39%              9%               12%
=================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $ 12.237880       10.000000       10.000000         10.000000 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                       .990055         .091962         .077347           .000000 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              1.118852         .739397         .650501          2.501606 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                       (.176236)       (.065562)       (.066346)         (.071020)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $ 14.170551       10.765797       10.661502         12.430586 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                     16%           8%(b)           7%(b)            24%(b)
=================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $ 12.563474             **              **               **      
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                      .050533 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              (.218292)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                       (.157835)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $ 12.237880 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                    (3)%
=================================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)  Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)  This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
 **  This investment option was not being utilized or was not available.
***  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   17

                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
            MULTIPLE PAYMENT CONTRACTS AND FLEXIBLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     DRYSRGRO       DRYSTKIX       FIDVIPEI      FIDVIPGR       FIDVIPHI      
                                     --------       --------       --------      --------       --------      
1996***        
<S>                               <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>           
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $14.401809      13.775382      22.215745     21.256059      20.852993     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .747630        .596225       1.025291      1.527554       1.902180     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            2.296912       2.494042       2.132663      1.587071       1.012148     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.126762)      (.120975)      (.188129)     (.184124)      (.178535)    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $17.319589      16.744674      25.185570     24.186560      23.588786     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   20%            22%            13%           14%            13%     
========================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $10.788547      10.151919      16.576413     15.828463      17.428943     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .396430        .364933       1.297971       .087506       1.262495     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            3.317353       3.354508       4.496038      5.494030       2.316172     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.100521)      (.095978)      (.154677)     (.153940)      (.154617)    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $14.401809      13.775382      22.215745     21.256059      20.852993     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   33%            36%            34%           34%            20%     
========================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $10.715005      10.143796      15.606442     15.958341      17.844401     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .278073        .284601       1.172669       .960381       1.635883     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.118575)      (.195976)      (.073581)     (.966828)     (1.910067)    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.085956)      (.080502)      (.129117)     (.123431)      (.141274)    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $10.788547      10.151919      16.576413     15.828463      17.428943     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                    1%             0%             6%          (1)%           (2)%     
========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     FIDVIPOV      FIDVIPAM      FIDVIPCON      NSATCAPAP      NSATGVTBD
                                     --------      --------      ---------      ---------      ---------
1996***
<S>                                 <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    13.645033     15.982529      11.099135      14.713230      14.984933 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .335875      1.051899        .104631        .766553        .930103 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            1.459385      1.270941       2.248711       3.061949       (.412550)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.115480)     (.135376)      (.096154)      (.131065)      (.119235)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      15.324813     18.169993      13.356323      18.410667      15.383251 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   12%           14%            20%            25%             3%
========================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    12.540728     13.774855      10.000000      11.465403      12.720514 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .095965       .289466        .143118        .653781        .903001 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            1.111417      2.035460        .998657       2.696528       1.472503 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.103077)     (.117252)      (.042640)      (.102482)      (.111085)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      13.645033     15.982529      11.099135      14.713230      14.984933 
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                    9%           16%         11%(b)            28%            18%
========================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    12.426854     14.785784         **          11.662121      13.250482 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .064174       .719044                       .184927        .833925 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .152413     (1.615920)                     (.289863)     (1.261429)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.102713)     (.114053)                     (.091782)      (.102464)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      12.540728     13.774855                     11.465403      12.720514 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                    1%          (7)%                          (2)%           (4)%
========================================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)  Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)  This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
**   This investment option was not being utilized or was not available.
***  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   18

                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
            MULTIPLE PAYMENT CONTRACTS AND FLEXIBLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    NSATMYMKT     NSATSMCO    NSATTOTRE     NBAMTGRO    NBAMTLMAT    NBAMTPART  
                                    ---------     --------    ---------     --------    ---------    ---------  
1996***
<S>                               <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $11.714295    11.420759    18.192762    15.962482    13.096811    13.591346  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .596995      .133983     1.217547     1.448641     1.102543      .554011  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .000000     2.463983     2.737018      .003774     (.542247)    3.446498  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.096547)    (.103082)    (.158554)    (.132892)    (.105789)    (.122495) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $12.214743    13.915643    21.988773    17.282005    13.551318    17.469360  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   4%           22%          21%           8%           3%          29%  
================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $11.176411    10.000000    14.205723    12.214794    11.900389    10.038887   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .629782      .017475     1.413734      .432461      .661221      .082096   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            .000000     1.418968     2.703396     3.432609      .635177     3.565899   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                    (.091898)    (.015684)    (.130091)    (.117382)    (.099976)    (.095536)  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $11.714295    11.420759    18.192762    15.962482    13.096811    13.591346   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   5%       14%(b)          28%          31%          10%          35%   
================================================================================================================
1994 
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $10.845265           **    14.167308     12.959107   12.014277    10.000000   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .419275                   .717782     1.562441      .507651      .000000   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            .000000                  (.565055)   (2.207122)    (.526553)     .072401   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                    (.088129)                 (.114312)    (.099632)    (.094986)    (.033514)  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $11.176411                 14.205723    12.214794    11.900389    10.038887   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   3%                        0%         (6)%         (1)%        0%(b)   
================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     OPPBDFD     OPPGLSEC      OPPMULT      STDISC2     STINTSTK2
                                     -------     --------      -------      -------     ---------
1996***
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   15.164813    11.542134    16.100377    16.514850     10.236021 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .975830      .000000     1.226905     3.367146       .051144 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)           (.253799)    2.045080     1.256649    (3.238459)     1.009533 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                    (.122023)    (.099461)    (.137568)    (.128676)     (.088468)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     15.764821    13.487753    18.446363    16.514861     11.208230 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   4%          17%          15%           0%            9% 
================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $13.065574    11.379737    13.372968    12.307607     10.000000 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .902009      .299595     1.079776      .215562       .041121 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)           1.310232     (.045711)    1.766931     4.106245       .209625 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                    (.113002)    (.091487)    (.119298)    (.114564)     (.014725)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $15.164813    11.542134    16.100377    16.514850     10.236021 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                  16%           1%          20%          34%         2%(b) 
================================================================================================================
1994 
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $13.430475    12.167250    13.747705    13.112678           **      
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .759284      .214589      .702216      .983647 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)          (1.018698)    (.905246)    (.968729)   (1.689193)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                    (.105487)    (.096856)    (.108224)    (.099525)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $13.065574    11.379737    13.372968    12.307607 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                 (3)%         (6)%         (3)%         (6)%
================================================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)   Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)   This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
 **  This investment option was not being utilized or was not available.
***  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   19

                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
            MULTIPLE PAYMENT CONTRACTS AND FLEXIBLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       STSPEC2        TCIBAL       TCIGRO       TCIINT     TCIVALUE   
                                       -------        ------       ------       ------     --------   
1996***
<S>                                <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $18.408627     13.155049    16.149061    10.477472    10.000000  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .866384       .622373     1.812196      .249286      .000000  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             2.458870       .976138    (2.505020)    1.252389      .145457  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                      (.158462)     (.110640)    (.128845)    (.088289)    (.001770) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $21.575419     14.642920    15.327392    11.890858    10.143687  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                    17%           11%         (5)%          13%        1%(b)  
===================================================================================================
1995                                                                                          
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $14.748256     10.948128    12.417011     9.412116           **      
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .764407       .310910      .014289      .000000               
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             3.027469      1.992508     3.834812     1.142911               
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                      (.131505)     (.096497)    (.117051)    (.077555)              
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $18.408627     13.155049    16.149061    10.477472               
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                    25%           20%          30%          11%               
===================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $14.350073     10.968814    12.664593    10.000000           **      
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .412806       .263602      .001356      .000000               
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .103139      (.196764)    (.149703)    (.555221)              
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                      (.117762)     (.087524)    (.099235)    (.032663)              
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $14.748256     10.948128    12.417011     9.412116               
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                     3%            0%         (2)%        6%(b)               
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     VEGOLDNR     VEWRLDBD    VEWRLDEMKT    VKACRESEC      WPLNTEQ    WPSMCOGR
                                     --------     --------    ----------    ---------      -------    --------
1996***   
<S>                                <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    15.612002    13.253457     10.000000    10.792212    10.687672   12.461074 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .331277      .361660       .000000      .289441      .227366     .000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            2.482492     (.030793)      .080699     4.059026      .836487    1.727810 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.141181)    (.105167)     (.001751)    (.095484)    (.090877)   (.108331)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      18.284590    13.479157     10.078948    15.045195    11.660648   14.080553 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   17%           2%         1%(b)          39%           9%         13% 
==============================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    14.178501    11.388987            **    10.000000    10.000000   10.000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .140115      .923751                    .092168      .077521     .000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            1.410450     1.041904                    .740443      .651025    2.504833 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.117064)    (.101185)                  (.040399)    (.040874)   (.043759)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      15.612002    13.253457                  10.792212    10.687672   12.461074 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                   10%          16%                      8%(b)        7%(b)     25%(b) 
==============================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    15.011706    11.633841            **           **           **          **      
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .075618      .046884 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.791458)    (.201583)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Asset charges                     (.117365)    (.090155)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      14.178501    11.388987 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                  (6)%         (2)%
==============================================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)   Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)   This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
 **  This investment option was not being utilized or was not available.
***  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   20
                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
      MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM AND LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      DRYSRGRO          DRYSTKIX         FIDVIPEI          FIDVIPGR  
                                      --------          --------         --------          --------  
1996**
<S>                                <C>                <C>              <C>               <C>         
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $10.000000         10.000000        10.000000         10.000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .482403           .358216          .000000           .000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .697688          1.101640          .790149           .446167   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    .000000           .000000          .000000           .000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $11.180091         11.459856        10.790149         10.446167   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                  12%(b)            15%(b)            8%(b)             4%(b)  
===================================================================================================
                                      FIDVIPCON        NSATCAPAP        NSATGVTBD         NSATMYMKT  
                                      ---------        ---------        ---------         ---------  
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $10.000000        10.000000        10.000000         10.000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .000000           .445367          .489314           .339005   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             1.249999          1.164973          .189891           .000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    .000000           .000000          .000000           .000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $11.249999         11.610340        10.679205         10.339005  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                  12%(b)            16%(b)            7%(b)             3%(b)  
===================================================================================================
                                      NBAMTLMAT         NBAMTPART          OPPBDFD         OPPGLSEC  
                                      ---------         ---------          -------         --------  
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $10.000000         10.000000        10.000000         10.000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .000000           .000000          .479143           .000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .477247          1.476324          .165483           .833847   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    .000000           .000000          .000000           .000000   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec.31       $10.477247         11.476324        10.644626         10.833847   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                   5%(b)            15%(b)            6%(b)             8%(b)  
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     FIDVIPHI         FIDVIPOV          FIDVIPAM
                                     --------         --------          --------
1996**
<S>                                <C>              <C>               <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    10.000000        10.000000         10.000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .000000          .000000           .000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .830462          .668178          1.022140 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                   .000000          .000000           .000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec.31       10.830462        10.668178         11.022140 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                  8%(b)            7%(b)            10%(b)
================================================================================
                                      NSATSMCO        NSATTOTRE         NBAMTGRO
                                      --------        ---------         --------
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     10.000000        10.000000        10.000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .095576          .580169          .000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .428842          .864708         (.130166)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    .000000          .000000          .000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec.31       $10.524418        11.444877         9.869834
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                    5%(b)           14%(b)           (1)%(b)
================================================================================
                                       OPPMULT          STDISC2        STINTSTK2
                                       -------          -------        ---------
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $10.000000        10.000000        10.000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .402281          .520758          .045738 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .535297         (.636201)         .008684 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    .000000          .000000          .000000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec.31        10.937578         9.884557        10.054422 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                   9%(b)          (1)%(b)            1%(b)
================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)   Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)   This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
 **  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   21

                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

      MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM AND LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       STSPEC2            TCIBAL           TCIGRO            TCIINT    
                                       -------            ------           ------            ------    
1996**
<S>                                <C>                <C>              <C>               <C>          
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $10.000000         10.000000        10.000000         10.000000    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .045100           .122861          .000000           .224735     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .721729           .808286         (.881573)          .548823     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    .000000           .000000          .000000           .000000     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec.31       $10.766829         10.931147         9.118427         10.773558     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                   8%(b)             9%(b)          (9)%(b)             8%(b)    
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      VEGoldNR         VEWrldNR         VKACRESec
                                      --------         --------         ---------
1996**
<S>                                 <C>              <C>               <C>
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     10.000000        10.000000         10.000000 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .181335          .280847           .255666 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             (.125331)         .235917          3.418174 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    .000000          .000000           .000000 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       10.056004        10.516764         13.673840 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                   1%(b)            5%(b)            37%(b) 
=================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       WPINTEQ          WPSMCOGR
                                       -------          --------
1996**
<S>                                <C>                <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $10.000000         10.000000 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .193639           .000000 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             (.258621)         (.172410)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    .000000           .000000 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec.31        $9.935018          9.827590 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                 (1)%(b)           (2)%(b)
================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a)   Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and
     (b)   This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
 **  No other investment options were being utilized.

See note 6.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   60

<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>   61

                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

   
This Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to Form S-6 Registration Statement
comprises the following papers and documents:
    

The facing sheet.

Cross-reference to items required by Form N-8B-2.

   
The prospectus consisting of 100 pages.
    

Representations and Undertakings.

Accountants' Consent

The Signatures.

The following exhibits required by Forms N-8B-2 and S-6:

   
1.  Power of Attorney dated April      Attached hereto. 
    2, 1997.
    

2.  Resolution of the Depositor's      Statement on Form N-8B-2 for the         
    Board of Directors authorizing     Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, and   
    the Included with the              hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    Registration establishment of      
    the Registrant, adopted

3.  Distribution Contracts             Included with the Registration Statement
                                       on Form N-8B-2 for the Nationwide VLI
                                       Separate Account-2, and hereby
                                       incorporated herein by reference.

4.  Form of Security                   Included with Post-Effective Amendment
                                       No. 3 and is hereby incorporated herein
                                       by reference.

5.  Articles of Incorporation of       Included with the Registration Statement 
    Depositor                          on Form N-8B-2 for the Nationwide VLI    
                                       Separate Account-2, and hereby           
                                       incorporated herein by reference.        

6.  Application form of Security       Included with Post-Effective Amendment
                                       No. 3 and is hereby incorporated herein
                                       by reference.

7.  Opinion of Counsel                 Included with Post-Effective Amendment
                                       No. 3 and is hereby incorporated herein
                                       by reference.


                                      101
<PAGE>   62

Representations and Undertakings

The Registrant and the Company hereby make the following representations and
undertakings:

(a)   This filing is made pursuant to Rules 6c-3 and 6e-3(T) under the
      Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"). The Registrant and the Company
      elect to be governed by Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(i)(B) under the Act with
      respect to the Policies described in the prospectus. The Policies have
      been designed in such a way as to qualify for the exemptive relief from
      various provisions of the Act afforded by Rule 6e-3(T).

(b)   Paragraph (b)(13)(iii)(F) of Rule 6e-3(T) is being relied on for the
      deduction of the mortality and expense risk charges ("risk charges")
      assumed by the Company under the Policies. The Company represents that the
      risk charges are within the range of industry practice for comparable
      policies and reasonable in relation to all of the risks assumed by the
      issuer under the Policies. Actuarial memoranda demonstrating the
      reasonableness of these charges are maintained by the Company, and will be
      made available to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
      "Commission") on request.

(c)   The Company has concluded that there is a reasonable likelihood that the
      distribution financing arrangement of the separate account will benefit
      the separate account and the contractholders and will keep and make
      available to the Commission on request a memorandum setting forth the
      basis for this representation.

(d)   The Company represents that the separate account will invest only in
      management investment companies which have undertaken to have a board of
      directors, a majority of whom are not interested persons of the company,
      formulate and approve any plan under Rule 12b-1 to finance distribution
      expenses.

(e)   Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant hereby undertakes to file with the
      Commission such supplementary and periodic information, documents, and
      reports as may be prescribed by any rule or regulation of the Commission
      heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to authority conferred in
      that section.

   
(f)   The fees and charges deducted under the Policy in the aggregate are
      reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to
      be incurred, and the risks assumed by the Company.
    


                                      102
<PAGE>   63

                              ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and 
Contract Owners of Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2:

We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.


                                                 KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
April 22, 1997


                                      103
<PAGE>   64

                                   SIGNATURES

   
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2, certifies that it meets the
requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 and has duly caused this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 14 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized, and its seal to be hereunto affixed and attested, all in the City of
Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 22nd day of April, 1997.
    

                                          NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2
                                          ---------------------------------
                                                     (Registrant)
(Seal)                                    NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                          ---------------------------------
Attest:                                                 (Sponsor)


W. SIDNEY DRUEN                           By:        JOSEPH P. RATH
- ----------------------------------            ----------------------------------
W. Sidney Druen                                      Joseph P. Rath
Assistant Secretary                                  Vice President


   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 14 has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on the 22nd day of April, 1997.
    

         Signature                      Title


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                    

DIMON RICHARD McFERSON       Chairman and Chief Executive
- --------------------------- Officer -Nationwide Insurance
Dimon Richard McFerson         Enterprise and Director

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

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

ROBERT A. OAKLEY               Executive Vice President-
- ---------------------------     Chief Financial Officer
Robert A. Oakley                

JAMES F. PATTERSON                     Director            By: JOSEPH P. RATH
- ---------------------------                                    ----------------
James F. Patterson                                             Joseph P. Rath, 
                                                               Attorney-in-Fact

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


                                      104

<PAGE>   1
                                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>






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