JAMB Recommended Textbooks for All Subjects (Latest Syllabus)

You pass JAMB UTME by reading the right books. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) lists official textbooks for every subject in its syllabus, and the questions are pulled from topics those books cover. Use this guide to plan your reading.

How JAMB Picks Its Recommended Books

JAMB matches each book on this list to topics in its current syllabus. The board updates the syllabus through the Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS) at ibass.jamb.gov.ng. Confirm your subject’s syllabus there before you buy any title.

You do not need every book listed under a subject. Pick two or three that cover the core topics, then add a past-questions guide.

The JAMB UTME Novel

JAMB now uses The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba as the compulsory reading text for Use of English. It replaces The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli.

The novel follows Bepo Adewale, a principled administrator who takes charge of a troubled school in Lekki. The story tackles indiscipline, corruption, and the fight to keep standards high. Expect about 10 questions on plot, characters, and themes in your Use of English paper.

JAMB hands out a hard copy of the book to every registered candidate at the CBT centre during registration. The cost sits inside your ePin, so you pay nothing extra.

Recommended Books by Subject

Use of English

• Attah, M. O. (2013). Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners, Maiduguri: University of Maiduguri Press.
• Bamgbose, A. English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition), Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Banjo, A. et al. New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools, Ibadan: UP Plc.
• Caesar, O. J. Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges, Lagos: Tonad.
• Daniel Jones. Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, Cambridge University Press.
• Egbe, D. I. Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills, Lagos: Tisons.
• Elugbe, B. Oral English for Schools and Colleges, Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Grant, N. J. H. et al. Senior English Project 3 (New Edition), Harlow: Longman.
• Idowu, O. O. et al. Round-up English: A Complete Guide, Lagos: Longman.
• Igiligi, E. C. and Ogenyi, S. O. Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age, Enugu: Joe Hills.
• Nnamonu, S. and Jowitt, D. Common Errors in English, Lagos: Longman.
• Obinna, M. F. University Matriculation Use of English (Fourth Edition), Port Harcourt: Sunray.
• Ogunsanwo, O. et al. Countdown English Language (Revised Edition), Ibadan: Evans.
• Oluikpe, B. O. A. et al. Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3, Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Tomori, S. H. O. Objective Tests for School Certificate English, Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Ukwuegbu, C. et al. Catch-up English for SSCE/UME, Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Compulsory novel: Garba, K. A. The Lekki Headmaster.

Mathematics

• Adelodun, A. A. Distinction in Mathematics: Comprehensive Revision Text (3rd Edition), Ado-Ekiti: FNPL.
• Anyebe, J. A. B. Basic Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools and Remedial Students, Lagos: Kenny Moore.
• Channon, J. B. and Smith, A. M. New General Mathematics for West Africa SSS 1 to 3, Lagos: Longman.
• David-Osuagwu, M. et al. New School Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Egbe, E. et al. Further Mathematics, Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Ibude, S. O. et al. Algebra and Calculus for Schools and Colleges, LINCEL Publishers.
• Tuttuh-Adegun, M. R. et al. Further Mathematics Project Books 1 to 3, Ibadan: NPS Educational.

Physics

• Ike, E. E. Essential Principles of Physics, Jos: ENIC Publishers.
• Ike, E. E. Numerical Problems and Solutions in Physics, Jos: ENIC Publishers.
• Nelson, M. Fundamentals of Physics, Hart Davis Education.
• Nelson, M. and Parker. Advanced Level Physics (Sixth Edition), Heinemann.
• Okeke, P. N. and Anyakoha, M. W. Senior Secondary School Physics, Lagos: Pacific Printers.
• Olumuyiwa, A. and Ogunkoya, O. O. Comprehensive Certificate Physics, Ibadan: University Press Plc.

Chemistry

• Ababio, O. Y. New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools (Fourth Edition), Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Bajah, S. T. et al. Senior Secondary Chemistry Books 1, 2 and 3, Lagos: Longman.
• Ojokuku, G. O. Understanding Chemistry for Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition), Zaria: Press-On Chemresources.
• Odesina, I. A. Essential Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools (2nd Edition), Lagos: Tonad.
• Uche, I. O. et al. Countdown to WASSCE/SSCE, NECO, JME Chemistry, Ibadan: Evans.

Biology

• Ndu, F. O. C., Ndu, A. and Aina, J. O. Senior Secondary School Biology Books 1-3, Lagos: Longman.
• Odunfa, S. A. Essentials of Biology, Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Ogunniyi, M. B., Adebisi, A. A. and Okojie, J. A. Biology for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1-3, Macmillan.
• Ramalingam, S. T. Modern Biology, SS Science Series, New Edition, AFP.
• STAN. Biology for Senior Secondary Schools, Revised Edition, Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Stone, R. H. and Cozens, A. B. C. Biology for West African Schools, Longman.
• Usua, E. J. Handbook of Practical Biology (2nd Edition), University Press Limited.

Agriculture

• Adeniyi, M. O. et al. Countdown to Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Agricultural Science, Ibadan: Evans.
• Akinsanmi, O. Junior Secondary Agricultural Science, Longman.
• Akinsanmi, O. Senior Secondary Agricultural Science, Longman.
• Anthonio, Q. B. O. General Agriculture for West Africa, London: George Allen.
• Are, L. A. et al. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools, University Press Plc.
• Egbuna, C. K. et al. Extension Modern Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools, Extension Publication.
• Falusi, A. O. and Adeleye, I. O. A. Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools Books 1-3, Ibadan: Onibonoje.
• Komolafe, M. F. et al. Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools 1, 2 and 3, Ibadan: University Press Ltd.
• Philips, T. A. Agricultural Notebook, Lagos: Longman.
• STAN. Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools, Lagos: Longman.

Economics

• Aderinto, A. A. et al. Economics: Exam Focus, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Black, J. Oxford Dictionary of Economics, Oxford University Press.
• Eyiyere, D. O. Economics Made Easy, Benin City: Quality Publishers.
• Fajana, F. et al. Countdown to SSCE/JME Economics, Ibadan: Evans.
• Falodun, A. B. et al. Round-up Economics, Lagos: Longman.
• Lipsey, R. G. An Introduction to Positive Economics, Oxford University Press.
• Samuelson, P. and Nordhaus, W. Economics, Singapore: McGraw-Hill.
• Udu, E. and Agu, G. A. New System Economics: A Senior Secondary Course, Ibadan: Africana FIRST.

Government

• Adigwe, F. Essentials of Government for West Africa, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Anifowose, R. and Enemuo, F. C. (eds.) Elements of Politics, Lagos: Malthouse Press.
• Appadorai, A. The Substance of Politics, London: Oxford University Press.
• Ball, A. R. Modern Politics and Government, London: Macmillan.
• Ofoegbu, R. Government for the Certificate Year, London: George Allen and Unwin.
• Olawale, J. B. New Topics on Ordinary Level Government, Ilesha: Jola.
• Oyediran, O. et al. Government for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1, 2 and 3, Ibadan: Longman.
• Oyeneye, I., Onyenwenu, M. and Olusunde, B. E. Round-Up Government for SSCE, Ibadan: Longman.
• Oyovbaire, S. et al. Countdown to SSCE: Government, Ibadan: Evans.

Christian Religious Studies

• Adetunji, P. G. et al. Exam Focus Christian Religious Knowledge for WASSCE and SSCE, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Adeyemo, I. O. et al. Christian Religious Knowledge for Secondary Schools Books 1-3, Ibadan: Onibonoje.
• Adeyinka, A. A. et al. Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1-3, Lagos: Longman.
• Adigwe, H. A. et al. Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: Africana.
• Aghaeghuna, E. O. N. Senior Secondary School CRK: Themes from Selected Epistles, Awka: Jet.
• Dopamu, A. et al. Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1-3, Lagos: Nelson.
• Ilori, J. A. et al. Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1-3, Ibadan: Evans.
• Izuchukwu, A. E. et al. Round-Up CRK: A Complete Guide, Lagos: Longman.
• Throckmorton, B. H. (ed.) Gospel Parallels: A Synopsis of the First Three Gospels, New York: Thomas Nelson.
• The Bible: Revised Standard Version, Bible Society Publishing House.

Islamic Studies

• Abdul, M. O. A. Studies in Islam Series Book 2 and Book 3, Lagos: IPB.
• Abdul, M. O. A. The Classical Caliphate, Lagos: IPB.
• Ali, A. Y. The Holy Qur’an: Text, Translation and Commentary, Leicester: The Islamic Foundation.
• Ali, M. M. The Religion of Islam, Lahore.
• Doi, A. R. I. Shariah: The Islamic Law, Kuala Lumpur: Noordeen.
• Haykal, M. The Life of Muhammad (SAW), Academic Press.
• Lemu, A. Islamic Studies for SSS, Books 1-3, Lagos: IPB / Minna: IET.
• Muhammad, S. Q. al-Burhanu fi Tajwidil Qur’an, Cairo: Shirkatul-Qudus.
• Opeloye, M. O. A Dictionary of Peoples and Places in the Qur’an, Lagos: Academic Press.
• Philips, A. A. B. Usool at-Tafseer, Kuala Lumpur: Noordeen.
• Quadri, Y. A. et al. Al-Iziyyah for the English Audience, Ijebu Ode: Shebiotimo.
• Rahim, A. Islamic History, Lagos: IPB.
• Sambo, M. B. et al. Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Books 1 and 3, Lagos: IPB.
• Trimingham, J. S. A History of Islam in West Africa, Oxford: OUP.

Literature in English

Set Texts

Drama

• African: Frank Ogodo Ogbeche — Harvest of Corruption
• Non-African: William Shakespeare — Othello

Prose

• African: Amma Darko — Faceless
• Non-African: Richard Wright — Native Son

Poetry — African

• Birago Diop — Vanity
• Gbemisola Adeoti — Ambush
• Gabriel Okara — Piano and Drums
• Gbanabam Hallowell — The Dining Table
• Lenrie Peters — The Panic of Growing Older
• Kofi Awoonor — The Anvil and the Hammer

Poetry — Non-African

• Alfred Tennyson — Crossing the Bar
• George Herbert — The Pulley
• William Blake — The School Boy
• William Morris — The Proud King

Anthologies and Critical Texts

• Gbemisola, A. Naked Soles, Ibadan: Kraft.
• Hayward, J. (ed.) The Penguin Book of English Verse, London: Penguin.
• Johnson, R. et al. (eds.) New Poetry from Africa, Ibadan: UP Plc.
• Kermode, F. et al. Oxford Anthology of English Literature, Vol. II, OUP.
• Nwoga, D. (ed.) West African Verse, London: Longman.
• Senanu, K. E. and Vincent, T. (eds.) A Selection of African Poetry, Lagos: Longman.
• Soyinka, W. (ed.) Poems of Black Africa, Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms (4th Edition), Holt Rinehart and Winston.
• Emeaba, O. E. A Dictionary of Literature, Aba: Inteks Press.
• Murphy, M. J. Understanding Unseen, George Allen and Unwin.

Geography

• Adeleke, B. O., Areola, O. and Leong, G. C. Certificate Physical and Human Geography for Senior Secondary School (West African Edition), Ibadan: Oxford.
• Bradshaw, M. et al. Contemporary World Regional Geography, New York: McGraw Hill.
• Bunet, R. B. and Okunrotifa, P. O. General Geography in Diagrams for West Africa, Longman.
• Collins. New Secondary Atlas, Macmillan.
• Fellman, D. et al. Introduction to Geography (Seventh Edition), McGraw Hill.
• Iloeje, N. P. A New Geography of West Africa, Longman.
• Iloeje, N. P. A New Geography of Nigeria, Longman.
• Nimako, D. A. Map Reading of West Africa, Essex: Longman.
• Okunrotifa, P. O. and Michael, S. A Regional Geography of Africa, Longman.
• Udo, R. K. Geographical Regions of Nigeria, London: Longman.
• Waugh, D. Geography: An Integrated Approach (Second Edition), Nelson.
• Adegoke, M. A. A Comprehensive Text on Physical, Human and Regional Geography.

History

• Ajayi and Crowther. History of West Africa, Vols. I and II, London: Longman.
• Akinyemi, A. B., Agbi, S. O. and Otubanjo, A. O. (eds.). Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years (International Relations), Heinemann.
• Anene, J. C. and Brown, G. Africa in the 19th and 20th Centuries, Ibadan: University Press.
• Ayandele, A. E. et al. The Making of Modern Africa, Vol. 2, Longman.
• Barkindo, B. et al. Africa and the Wider World, Vols. 1-3, Lagos: Longman.
• Boahen, A. The Revolutionary Years: West Africa since 1800, Longman.
• Crowder, M. West Africa: An Introduction to its History, Longman.
• Dike, K. O. Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, Oxford University Press.
• Falola, T. et al. History of Nigeria, Vols. 1-3, Lagos: Longman.
• Hopkins, A. G. An Economic History of West Africa, Longman.
• Ikime, O. (ed.) Groundwork of Nigerian History, Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Ikime, O. The Fall of Nigeria: The British Conquest, Heinemann.
• Isichei, E. A History of Nigeria, London: Longman.
• Omolewa, M. Certificate History of Nigeria, Lagos: Longman.
• Onwubiko, K. School Certificate History of West Africa, Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Tamuno, T. N. and Atanda, J. A. (eds.). Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years, Ibadan: Heinemann.

Commerce

• Anderson, D. J. Commerce for West Africa, London: Macmillan.
• Ahukannah, L. I. et al. Commerce for Secondary Schools, Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Asaolu, A. and Igwe, P. M. New Syllabus Commerce for Secondary Schools, Books 1-3 (Second Edition), Ibadan: Evans.
• Babatunde, A. H. Handbook on Commerce for Schools and Colleges, Global Publications.
• Igwe, P. M. et al. Countdown to WASSCE/SSCE/NECO/JME Commerce, Ibadan: Evans.
• Nwachukwu, C. C. Management Theory and Practice, Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Odedokun, M. O. et al. Commerce for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1-3, Lagos: Longman.
• Odoom, F. F. Commerce for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1-3, Ibadan: Onibonoje.
• Onifade, A. Management: Office Business Education, Abeokuta: KAPPCO.
• Pallister, J. and Isaacs, A. (eds.) A Dictionary of Business (Third Edition), Oxford University Press.
• Ubaka, O. A. Commerce Simplified for SSS 1-3, WAEC, NECO, JAMB and NABTEB, Abuja: Andyson Millennium Concepts.

Principles of Accounting

• Abdullahi, D. Z. Modern Financial Accounting, Husab Global Press Concept Ltd.
• Adetifa, O., Ajileye, J. O. and Oluwasanna, R. O. Get Your Financial Accounting Right, Book One, Oyo: Tenlad.
• Ajileye, J. O. and Adetifa, O. Get Your Financial Accounting Right, Book Two, Lagos: De Hadey.
• Akinduko, A. O. Basic Accounting, Akure: Spetins.
• Awoyemi, E. O. A Guide to Government Accounting and Internal Audit, Ibadan: Onibonoje.
• Dodge, R. Foundation of Business Accounting (Second Edition), Chapman and Hall.
• Ekwue, K. C. Principles of Accounts, Books 1 and 2, Onitsha: Adson.
• Frankwood and Alan, S. Frankwood’s Business Accounting, Prentice Hall.
• Igben, R. O. Financial Accounting Made Simple, Vol. I, Lagos: Roi Publishers.
• Longe, O. A. and Kazeem, R. A. Essential Financial Accounting for Senior Secondary Schools, Lagos: Tonad.
• Millichamp, A. H. Foundation Accounting: An Introduction Manual for Accounting Students, London: DP.
• Okwoli, A. A. Financial Accounting, Zaria: Tamaza.

Home Economics

• Anfani-Joe, M. E. and Ogunjide, L. O. Home Management for Senior Secondary School 1-3, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Anyakoha, E. U. and Eluwa, M. Home Management for Schools and Colleges, Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Anyakoha, E. U. Home Economics for Junior Secondary Schools Books 1-3, Onitsha: Africana FIRST.
• Neil, A. and Hesmondhalgh, Z. A Complete Revision Course for O’Level and GCE Home Economics, Charles Co. Ltd.
• Ogunjide, L. O. et al. Clothing and Textiles for Senior Secondary Schools 1-3, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Olusanya, J. O. et al. Foods and Nutrition for Secondary Schools Books 1-3, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Olusanya, J. O. et al. Exam Focus, Food and Nutrition for WASSCE and SSCE, Ibadan: University Press Plc.

Music

• Akpabot, S. E. Foundation of Nigerian Traditional Music, Ibadan: Spectrum.
• Associated Board of the Royal School of Music. Rudiments and Theory of Music, London.
• Cole, W. The Form of Music, ABRSM.
• Echezona, W. W. C. Nigerian Musical Instruments, Enugu: Apollo.
• Ekwueme, L. Choir Training and Choral Conducting for Africans, Lagos: Lenaus.
• Holst, I. An ABC of Music, Oxford University Press.
• Hunt, R. Elements of Music.
• Inanga, A. Music for Secondary Schools, Vols. I and II, Ibadan: Spectrum.
• Kamien, R. Music: An Appreciation, McGraw-Hill.
• Kennedy, M. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (Third Edition), Oxford University Press.
• Kitson, C. H. Elementary Harmony Book 2, Oxford University Press.
• Lovelock, W. The Rudiments of Music, G. Bell and Sons.
• Machlis, J. The Enjoyment of Music, W. W. Norton.
• Nketia, J. H. African Music, W. W. Norton.
• Taylor, E. The Guide to Music Theory, ABRSM.
• Warburton, A. O. Graded Music Course for Schools, Books I-III, Longman.

Visual Arts

• Banjoko, I. Visual Arts Made Easy: Textbook for Schools and Colleges, Lagos: Movic.
• Egonwa, O. D. African Art: A Contemporary Source Book, Benin: Osasu.
• Eguilae, S. A. The Essential Groundwork in Art and Design, Omotola Standard Press.
• Erese, U. O. and Ogunsina, E. D. Creative Arts and Crafts for J.S.S., Onibonoje.
• Nahab, S. J. Art of the Millennium for Senior Secondary Schools, Ehindero.
• Ogumor, E. Certificate Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Olaosebikan, W. A. Cultural and Creative Arts, Evans.
• Olurukooba, B. K. Art for Senior Secondary Schools, ABU.
• Uzoagba, I. N. Understanding Art in General Education, Onitsha: African Publish Ltd.
• Wangboje, I. N. A Textbook on Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Evans.

French

Written Language

• Ajiboye, T. Companion to French Grammar (4th Edition), Ibadan: Cleavoketa Books.
• Ajiboye, T. Nouvel Horizon, Book 4 (New Revised Edition), Ibadan: Bounty Press.
• Byrne and Churchill. A Comprehensive French Grammar.
• Hatier. Le Nouveau Bescherelle: L’Art de Conjuguer, Ibadan: Spectrum.
• Mauger, G. and Merlo, G. Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau Intermédiaire), Paris: CLE International.
• Mazauric, C. and Sirejols, E. On y va! Book 3, Ibadan: Spectrum.
• Ojo, S. A. A Comprehensive Revision Handbook of French Grammar, Ibadan: Agoro.

Oral

• Ajiboye, T. An Introduction to Practice in Oral French, Ibadan: Bounty Press.
• Léon, M. Initiation à la Prononciation du Français Standard.

Culture of Francophone Countries

• Girod, R. and Grand-Clément, F. Comment vivent les Français, Paris: Hachette.
• Mbuko, L. French Essays on Culture and Civilisation for Schools and Colleges, Ibadan: Bounty Press.

Dictionary: any reliable French/English or French-only dictionary.

Igbo

• Emenanjo, E. N., Okolie, F. O. and Ekwe, B. U. Igbo maka Sinịọ Sekọndịrị Sukul I.
• Emenanjo, E. N. et al. Exam Focus maka WASSCE na UME, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Ezikeojiaku, P. A. et al. Ule Igbo maka Sinịọ Sekọndịrị, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Ikekeonwu, C. et al. Fonọlọji na Grama Igbo, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
• Nzeakọ, J. U. T. Omenala Ndị Igbo, Ibadan: Longman.
• Okoye, O. F. S. et al. Ọgbara Ọhụrụ Ụtọasụsụ Igbo maka Sinịọ Sekọndịrị, Onitsha: Houston.
• Osuagwu, B. I. N. Ndị Igbo na Omenala Ha, Macmillan.
• Ubesie, T. U. Ọdịnala Ndị Igbo, Ibadan: Oxford University Press.
• Umeh, I. O. A. et al. Ụtọasụsụ na Agụmagụ Igbo nke Sinịọ Sekọndịrị Sukul, Ibadan: Evans.
• Uba-Mgbemena, A. Ntọala Usoroasụsụ Igbo, Ibadan: Gold Press.
• Anọzie, C. C. Igbo Kwenu: Akụkọ na Omenala ndị Igbo, Enugu: Computer Edge.
• Ọfọmata, C. E. Ndezu Ụtọasụsụ Igbo, Enugu: Format Publishers.

Yoruba

• Abíọ́dún, Jíbọ́là. Àròkọ àti Aáyan Ògbufọ̀, Lagos: MAJAB.
• Adéwọlé, L. O. et al. Exam Focus — Yorùbá Language for WASSCE/SSCE, Ibadan: UP Plc.
• Awóbùlúyì, O. Essentials of Yorùbá Grammar, Ibadan: UP Plc.
• Awóbùlúyì, O. Yorùbá Metalanguage, Vol. II, Ibadan: UP Plc.
• Awóbùlúyì, O. Èkọ́ Ìsẹ̀dá-Òrọ̀ Yorùbá, Akure: Montem Paperback.
• Awóbùlúyì, O. Èkọ́ Gírámà Èdè Yorùbá, Osogbo: Atman.
• Babalọlá, A. (ed.). Ìwé Ìmọ́dọ̀tun Yorùbá SSI–SSIII, Longman.
• Bámgbóṣé, A. Fọnọ́lọ́jì àti Gírámà Yorùbá, Ibadan.
• Mustapha, O. (ed.). Èkọ́ Èdè Yorùbá Òde-Òní SSI–SSIII, Macmillan.
• Mustapha, O. (ed.). Èkọ́ Èdè Yorùbá Titun SSI–SSIII, Ibadan: UP Plc.
• Owólabí, K. Ìjìnlẹ̀ Ìtúpalẹ̀ Èdè Yorùbá (1) Fónẹ́tíkì àti Fọnọ́lọ́jì, Ibadan: Onibonoje.
• Adéoyè, C. L. Àṣà àti Ìṣe Yorùbá, Ibadan: OUP.
• Adéoyè, C. L. Ìgbàgbọ́ àti Èsìn Yorùbá, Ibadan: Onibonoje.

Hausa

Set Texts

• Bambale, M. B. Komē Nisan Dare, Zaria: NNPC.
• Haɗeja, M. Waƙoƙin Mu’azu Haɗeja, Zaria: NNPC.
• Katsina, U. Ɗ. Kulɓa Na Ɓarna, Zaria: NNPC.

Grammar and General

• Galadanci, M. K. M. Introduction to Hausa Grammar, Zaria: Longman.
• Junju, M. H. Rayayyen Nahawun Hausa, Zaria: NNPC.
• Muhammad, Y. M. Fassarar Hausa, Zaria: ABU Press.
• Sani, M. A. Z. Tsarin Sauti Da Nahawun Hausa, Ibadan: UP Plc.
• Sani, M. A. Z. et al. Exam Focus: Hausa Language, Ibadan: UP Plc.
• Skinner, N. Grammar of Hausa, Zaria: NNPC.
• Yahaya, I. Y. et al. Darussan Hausa 1-3, Ibadan: UP Plc.

Literature, Culture and Dictionaries

• Bichi, A. Y. Waƙoƙin Bikin Aure, Lagos: Nelson.
• Dangambo, A. Rabe-Raben Adabin Baka da Muhimmancinsa, Kano: T.P.C.
• Gusau, S. M. Makaɗa Da Mawaƙan Hausa, Kaduna: Fisbas.
• Madauci, I. et al. Hausa Customs, Zaria: ABU Press.
• Bargery, G. P. A Hausa-English Dictionary and English-Hausa Vocabulary, OUP.
• Newman, R. M. An English-Hausa Dictionary, Ibadan: Longman.
• CSNL. Ƙamusun Hausa Na Jami’ar Bayero ta Kano, Kano: CSNL.

Arabic

Comprehension, Composition and Translation

• Adekilekun, A. L. A. Learning Arabic Language, Ilorin.
• Balogun, I. A. B. and Oseni, Z. I. A Modern Arabic Course Book 1, Lagos: Islamic Publications Bureau.
• Haywood, J. A. and Nahmad, H. M. A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language, London: Lund Humphries.
• Malik, S. H. A. A Guide to Arabic Composition, Books I and II, Lagos: I.P.B.
• Arabic newspapers, magazines and journals.

Literature (Transliterated Titles)

• Zakariyau I. Oseni. Al-Ma’dubat al-Adabiyyah.
• Zakariyau I. Oseni. Al-Tabaqat al-Ulya (The Upper Class).
• Mustapha Lutfi al-Manfaluti. Al-Abarat.
• Jamil Abdullahi Alkanawi. Idfa’a Bil Lati Hiya Ahsan.
• Ahmad al-Askandari et al. Al-Mufassal fi Tarikh al-Adab al-Arabi.

How to Study These Books

Match books to the syllabus

Open the JAMB e-Syllabus on IBASS, list every topic, then tick each topic off as you cover it in your chosen book. This stops you from reading material that will not appear in the exam.

Use two books per subject

A main textbook gives you depth. A revision guide (Countdown, Exam Focus, Round-up) gives you the past-question patterns. Together they cover both knowledge and exam style.

Solve past questions

After every chapter, attempt the matching JAMB past questions. You will spot the topics JAMB returns to and the trick questions that drop marks.

Read the novel early

Finish The Lekki Headmaster within the first month of prep. Reread it once more in the final week so plot details stay fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the JAMB novel for the current UTME?

The novel is The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. It replaced The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli.

How many questions come from the novel?

JAMB sets about 10 Use of English questions on the novel. They cover plot, characters, themes, and setting.

Do I have to buy the JAMB novel?

No. JAMB gives every registered candidate a hard copy at the CBT centre during registration. The cost is built into your ePin.

Where can I get the official JAMB syllabus?

Visit the IBASS portal at ibass.jamb.gov.ng/e-syllabus. Pick your subject to see topics, objectives, and recommended books.

Are these books enough to pass JAMB?

Yes, if you pair them with past questions and time yourself under exam conditions. Reading without practice gives you knowledge but not speed.

Can I use my SSCE/WAEC textbooks for JAMB?

Most of them work. JAMB and WAEC share many topics, and several books on this list (New School Chemistry, New General Mathematics, Essentials of Biology) are SSCE staples. Check the JAMB syllabus first to confirm coverage.

How many books should I buy per subject?

Two is enough — one main textbook plus one revision guide. Buying ten books per subject wastes money and time you should spend solving past questions.

How early should I start reading?

Start at least six months before your UTME date. That gives you time to cover the syllabus, revise, and run mock tests.

Does JAMB change its book list every year?

The textbook list stays mostly the same. The compulsory novel changes after a few years — like the recent switch from The Life Changer to The Lekki Headmaster. Always check IBASS for updates before each UTME cycle.

If a book on this list is hard to find, ask in our comments and other readers will share where they bought theirs.