The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) syllabus for Use of English 2025/2026 is a vital resource for candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This syllabus outlines the key areas of concentration, recommended texts, and objectives that candidates are expected to cover before sitting for the exam. Understanding and utilizing the JAMB Use of English syllabus helps students focus their studies and increases their chances of scoring high marks.
What Is the JAMB Use of English Syllabus?
The JAMB Use of English syllabus is a comprehensive guide that details the topics and subtopics candidates are required to study. It serves as a roadmap, ensuring that candidates do not miss any important area of the subject. For the 2025/2026 academic session, JAMB has retained most of the previous structure but added emphasis on comprehension, grammar, and literary appreciation.
The syllabus is also available in PDF format to facilitate offline access and structured study. Students are strongly advised to download the PDF version for regular consultation during their exam preparation.
Objectives of the JAMB Use of English Syllabus
The main objectives of the syllabus include:
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Enabling candidates to comprehend explicit and implicit meanings in a passage.
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Equipping candidates to identify grammatical functions of words, phrases, and clauses.
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Enhancing the ability to interpret literary works such as drama, prose, and poetry.
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Preparing candidates to use correct and appropriate English in communication.
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Familiarizing candidates with lexical and semantic interpretations.
Area of Concentration for JAMB Use of English 2025/2026
Below is a breakdown of the key areas of concentration for JAMB Use of English:
1. Comprehension and Summary
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Types of passages (narrative, descriptive, expository)
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Deducing meanings and themes
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Interpreting the writer’s intention
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Answering questions from passages
2. Lexis and Structure
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Synonyms and antonyms
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Word substitution in sentences
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Sentence interpretation
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Idioms and idiomatic expressions
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Registers and appropriate use of language in context
3. Oral Forms
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Word stress patterns
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Emphatic stress
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Intonation
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Phonetic symbols and transcription
4. Structure
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Parts of speech
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Sentence types and their grammatical accuracy
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Concord (subject-verb agreement)
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Tenses and sequence of tenses
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Clauses and sentence construction
5. Literature in English (Selected texts)
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Figures of speech
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Literary terms and devices
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Interpretation of selected prose, drama, and poetry
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Literary appreciation (themes, characters, settings)
Recommended Texts for JAMB Use of English 2025/2026
JAMB provides recommended texts each year, which form part of the passages for comprehension and summary. For the 2025/2026 examination, these texts may include:
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The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli (Compulsory Novel for all candidates)
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Collections of drama, prose, and poetry (used for comprehension and literary appreciation)
It’s important for candidates to read the recommended novel and understand its characters, plot, and themes.
How to Download the JAMB Use of English Syllabus PDF 2025/2026
To download the syllabus in PDF format:
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Visit the official JAMB website: https://www.jamb.gov.ng
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Navigate to the “UTME Syllabus” section.
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Select “Use of English” and click on “Download PDF”.
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Save the document for offline use.
Alternatively, educational platforms and tutorials also provide direct download links for the syllabus and study materials.
Study Tips for Use of English UTME Preparation
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Practice past questions regularly.
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Read newspapers and novels to build vocabulary and comprehension skills.
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Memorize common idioms and proverbs.
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Use a dictionary to check meanings and pronunciations.
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Join a study group or enroll in a tutorial center for structured learning.
FAQs
What is the importance of the JAMB Use of English syllabus?
The syllabus helps candidates know exactly what topics to focus on, the areas where questions will come from, and how best to prepare for the examination.
Is “The Life Changer” still the recommended novel for 2025/2026?
Yes, “The Life Changer” by Khadija Abubakar Jalli remains the officially recommended novel for all candidates taking the Use of English paper in 2025/2026.
Can I pass Use of English without reading the recommended novel?
No, because questions will be drawn directly from the novel, and failing to read it may result in low marks in the comprehension/literature section.
Where can I get the Use of English syllabus PDF for 2025/2026?
You can download the syllabus directly from the JAMB official website or from verified educational platforms that provide updated materials for UTME candidates.
This article provides a complete overview of the JAMB Use of English syllabus for 2025/2026, with clear areas of concentration and helpful study tips. Students are advised to start preparation early and consult the syllabus regularly for guidance.
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