Which study materials are dependable for UTME candidates? This is a common challenge which candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination faces. However, we have a solution to this problem, and that is the JAMB recommended textbooks 2026/2027
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released an official list of recommended textbooks. These books are carefully picked to ensure they match the updated syllabus, explain concepts clearly, and contain practice questions similar to what appears in the UTME.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for 2026/2027, along with an overview of each UTME subject and what to expect.
Overview of JAMB Recommended Textbooks
The term “JAMB Recommended Textbooks” refers to academic materials approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for UTME preparation. These are not random books; they are selected based on:
- Direct alignment with the official JAMB syllabus
- Coverage of key topics JAMB examiners draw questions from
- Clear, structured explanations suitable for self-study
- Availability of worked examples that reflect UTME standards
- Their ability to help candidates build a strategic reading plan
JAMB Recommended Textbooks 2026/2027 for All UTME Subjects
JAMB Subject Syllabus Areas 2026/2027
Language and Communication Subjects
1. Use of English
The compulsory UTME subject is based on comprehension passages, grammar and structures, summary writing, and oral forms. Recommended textbooks strengthen your understanding of vocabulary, reading techniques, and exam-standard passage interpretation.
2. French
French materials concentrate on grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, oral French, and basic composition. These books contain exercises that gradually build language competence.
3. Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba
Indigenous language textbooks cover grammar rules, reading passages, comprehension, cultural narratives, poetry, and oral traditions. They help students interpret texts and understand literary elements unique to these languages.
Science and Technology Subjects
4. Biology
Biology textbooks address cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, human and plant systems, classification, and real-life applications. Diagrams and activities make complex ideas easier to digest.
5. Chemistry
Covers physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. Textbooks dive into balancing equations, thermodynamics, stoichiometry, gas laws, periodicity, and reaction mechanisms.
6. Physics
Physics explanations revolve around motion, waves, heat, electricity, optics, energy, and modern physics. Recommended books break down calculations clearly with worked-out examples.
7. Computer Studies
Focuses on computer hardware, software, networking systems, data processing, internet technology, cybersecurity, and emerging digital concepts.
8. Physical and Health Education
Topics include anatomy, health development, first aid, safety, human movement, sports science, and physical fitness principles.
Arts and Humanities Subjects
9. Literature in English
Textbooks cover poetry, drama, prose, literary techniques, oral literature, and text analysis. They also include sample UTME-style interpretation questions.
10. Art
These materials explore art history, drawing, sculpture, design principles, painting, crafts, and art appreciation from African and Western perspectives.
11. Christian Religious Studies (CRS) & 18. Islamic Studies
These subjects focus on sacred texts, doctrines, religious history, moral teachings, and cultural expressions. The books explain context and interpretation in detail to prepare you for analytical questions.
12. History
Includes Nigerian history, African civilizations, colonial and postcolonial eras, independence movements, world wars, and global interactions.
Social Sciences and Commercial Subjects
13. Economics
Economics books explain demand and supply, market systems, production, inflation, national income, public finance, and development theory, with clear illustrations for numerical topics.
14. Government
Topics include political institutions, constitutions, systems of government, public administration, international politics, and Nigerian governance.
15. Commerce
Commerce textbooks focus on trade, business environments, commercial documentation, entrepreneurship, marketing, banking, and insurance.
16. Principles of Accounts
These books treat ledger accounts, cash books, depreciation, final accounts, balance sheets, and financial statement preparation.
Home and Applied Science Subjects
17. Home Economics
Home Economics textbooks teach nutrition, clothing, consumer education, family living, food management, and child development.
18. Agricultural Science
Agriculture focuses on crop production, livestock management, soil science, farm tools, forestry, agriculture economics, and modern agricultural techniques.
19. Music
Music theory, notation, African and Western music systems, instruments, harmony, and composition are well covered with practical illustrations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are JAMB Recommended Textbooks compulsory for UTME preparation?
A: No, they are not compulsory. However, they are strongly advised because they follow the official JAMB syllabus and contain explanations and questions similar to what appears in the UTME.
Q: Does JAMB really set questions from these recommended textbooks?
A: Yes. JAMB rely heavily on the concepts, examples, and explanations contained in these textbooks.
Q: How many textbooks should I use per subject?
A: You do not need every recommended textbook. One or two high-quality textbooks per subject combined with the syllabus and past questions are usually enough.
Q: Can I use PDF versions of the recommended textbooks?
A: Yes, you can use PDF versions as long as they are clear, complete, and correspond to the approved editions listed by JAMB.
Q: Do the JAMB Recommended Textbooks change every year?
A: Not always. However, updates are made occasionally, especially when syllabuses are revised. It is important to verify you are using the most recent list for the 2026/2027 exam year.
Q: Where can I find the JAMB Recommended Textbooks?
A: They are available in most bookshops, online bookstores, school libraries, and educational resource platforms.
Q: Can I rely on past questions alone without the textbooks?
A: No. Past questions are helpful for practice, but they do not replace the depth and understanding that textbooks provide.
Q: When should I start reading these textbooks for best results?
A: The earlier you start, the better. Ideally, begin months before the exam to allow time for reading, revision, and practice.
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