The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board releases JAMB 2026/2027 recommended textbooks for Arabic to help you understand passages, improve writing skills, master grammar rules, and become comfortable with literary texts that often appear if you are preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
These official JAMB Arabic textbooks also ensure that you are studying with resources that follow the current syllabus. Furthermore, this guide highlights the complete list of these textbooks including the authors, book details, and what each text offers.
List of JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Arabic 2026
1. Comprehension, Composition and Translation Textbooks
| S/N | Title | Author(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | المطالعة الواضحة | بشير أحمد محيي الدين و المرضي مختار المرضي | A reading book made to build comprehension skills and improve vocabulary through graded passages. |
| 2 | الإنشاء العربي المتوسط (للمدارس الثانوية) | سيد حمرة مالك | This is a text that trains students to write clearly in Arabic using model essays and guided exercises. |
| 3 | القراءة الرشيدة (الجزء 1–4) | عبد الفتاح صبري و علي عمر بك | A series covering comprehension, translation, and reading drills for progressive learning. |
| 4 | سمير التلاميذ (الجزء 1–2) | عبد الله الطيب | Introduces simple and intermediate reading passages with comprehension questions for practice. |
| 5 | كيف تكتب الإنشاء | غرب ط. زاريا | A practical composition guide that teaches techniques for constructing essays and expressive writing. |
| 6 | العربية الميسرة الجديدة للمرحلة الثانوية | محمد الأول أبوبكر و آخرون | A modern, simplified Arabic language textbook covering comprehension, translation, and grammar. |
| 7 | العربية الجديدة في نيجيريا (الكتاب 1–3) | محمد بديع شريف، سليم حكيم، الحاج حسين آدمو | A structured course for Nigerian Arabic students combining comprehension and language practice. |
| 8 | Learning Arabic Language | Adekilekun, A. L. A. | The focus of this book is on basic comprehension skills, vocabulary building, and elementary translation practice. |
| 9 | A Modern Arabic Course Book 1 | Balogun, I. A. B. & Oseni, Z. I. | A beginner-friendly course that combines grammar, reading passages, and translation activities. |
| 10 | A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language | Haywood, J. A. & Nahmad, H. M. | A globally recognized Arabic grammar and translation reference useful for both beginners and advanced students. |
| 11 | A Guide to Arabic Composition, Books I & II | Malik, S. H. A. | Offers step-by-step guidance for writing different forms of Arabic composition. |
| 12 | Arabic newspapers, magazines and journals | Used for comprehension, vocabulary expansion, and translation exposure. |
2. Grammar Textbooks
| S/N | Title | Author(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | النحو الواضح (الجزء 1–3) | علي الجارم و مصطفى أمين | A grammar series presenting Arabic grammar rules in simple, clear formats with examples. |
| 2 | متن الأجرومية | محمد أجروم الصنهاجي | An Arabic grammar text introducing the core principles of syntax (nahw). |
| 3 | التحفة السنية بشرح المقدمة الأجرومية | محمد محيي الدين عبد الحميد | A detailed explanation of the Ajrumiyyah, helping students break down advanced grammar concepts. |
| 4 | A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language | Haywood, J. A. & Nahmad, H. M. | A comprehensive, widely used grammar reference that supports deeper understanding of classical and modern Arabic. |
3. Arabic Literature Textbooks
| S/N | Title | Author(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | المأدبة الأدبية للطلاب العربية في إفريقيا | زكريا حسين | A literature text featuring selected prose and poetry tailored for African learners. |
| 2 | الطبقة العليا | زكريا حسين | A continuation of literature studies with refined texts and analysis. |
| 3 | العبرات | مصطفى لطفي المنفلوطي | A widely used literary text filled with emotional stories and classical Arabic prose. |
| 4 | ادفع بالتي هي أحسن | جميل عبد الله الكنوي | A morally instructive text written in simple but rich Arabic language. |
| 5 | المفصل في تاريخ الأدب العربي | أحمد الاسكندري و آخرون | A comprehensive guide to Arabic literary history across major eras. |
4. Transliteration Editions of Selected Books
| S/N | Transliteration Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Ma’dubat Al-Adabiyyah | Zakariyau I. Oseni | Roman transliteration of المأدبة الأدبية. |
| 2 | Al-Tabaqat Al-Ulya (The Upper Class) | Zakariyau I. Oseni | Transliteration of الطبقة العليا. |
| 3 | Al-Abarat | Mustapha Lutfi Al-Manfaluti | Roman script version of العبرات. |
| 4 | Idfa’a Bil Lati Hiya Ahsan | Jamil Abdullahi Al-Kanawi | Transliteration of ادفع بالتي هي أحسن. |
| 5 | Al-Mufassal Fi Tarikh Al-Adab Al-Arabi | Ahmad Al-Askandari & Others | Roman transliteration of the major Arabic literature history text. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these Arabic textbooks compulsory for JAMB?
A: No, but they are strongly recommended because JAMB sets questions using these materials.
Q: How many textbooks should I use to prepare for Arabic?
A: At least one from each category, comprehension, grammar, and literature is ideal for balanced preparation.
Q: Why are foreign and classical Arabic texts included?
A: They help students understand classical structures and vocabulary commonly used in JAMB questions.
Q: Do I need the transliteration versions?
A: They are optional but useful if you struggle with reading Arabic script.
Q: Are these textbooks also useful for WAEC and NECO?
A: Yes. Many of the literature and grammar books appear in WAEC/NECO syllabuses as well.
Q: Can I rely only on past questions for Arabic?
A: Past questions help but do not replace understanding grammar, literature, and translation rules from the recommended texts.
Q: Does JAMB change Arabic textbooks every year?
A: Not frequently. The list usually stays the same for several exam cycles.
Q: Where can I get the official Arabic syllabus?
A: You can access it directly through the JAMB syllabus portal or any accredited CBT centre.
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