Government Textbooks Suggested by JAMB: Are you getting ready for the government’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam? Are you curious about the best study materials for the test? If so, you should read this blog post.
JAMB Syllabus for Government
The scope and content of the Government exam are described in the JAMB syllabus for Government 2025/2026. Additionally, it outlines the exam’s overall prerequisites, themes, subtopics, and objectives.
The official JAMB website has the Government 2025/2026 JAMB syllabus. You can view it online or download it as a PDF. There are four sections in the syllabus:
Section A: Foundational Ideas in Governance
Section B: Governmental Structures
Section C: Governmental Institutions
There are a number of pertinent themes and subtopics in each section. Some suggested textbooks and references for additional reading are also included in the syllabus.
Objectives of JAMB Government Exam
The JAMB Government exam aims to assess applicants’ proficiency in the following areas:
Describe and elucidate fundamental ideas, tenets, and philosophies of governance.
Determine and contrast the various governmental structures and systems.
Explain and evaluate the composition, roles, and procedures of the different governmental entities.
Assess and critique the political conduct, mindsets, and beliefs of people and organizations in society.
Show that you are knowledgeable about the voting process and how it affects democracy and development.
Topics Covered in JAMB Government Exam
The curriculum serves as the basis for the subjects covered in the JAMB Government exam. Although they are not all-inclusive, the subjects cover the main facets of the subject. The subjects are:
Fundamental Ideas in Government: This subject includes ideas like state, sovereignty, power, legitimacy, law, constitution, democracy, and so forth.
Monarchy, aristocracy, oligarchy, democracy, republicanism, federalism, unitarism, confederation, and other types of government are all covered in this topic.
Institutions of Government: The executive, legislative, judicial, bureaucratic, political, interest, and civil society organizations are all included in this topic.
Political behavior, including political culture, socialization, involvement, indifference, alienation, etc., and electoral process, including election kinds, electoral systems, electoral commissions, electoral malpractice, etc., are covered in this topic.
Best Textbooks to Study for JAMB Government Exam
The following are the top textbooks for JAMB Government exam preparation:
JAMB-recommended in the syllabus
Clear and succinct, with pertinent examples and illustrations; thorough and current with current concerns and developments in government
Well-structured and simple to read and comprehend
In line with the exam’s goals and subjects
JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Government
- Adigwe, F (1985) Essentials of Government for West Africa, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
- Anifowose, R and Enemuo, F. C. (eds)(1999) Elements of Politics, Lagos; Malthouse Press Limited.
- Appadorai, A. (1978) The Substance of Politics, London: Oxford University Press.
- Ball, A. R. (1983) Modern Politics and Government, London: Macmillan.
- Ofoegbu, R. (1977) Government for the Certificate Year, London: George Allen and Unwin.
- Olawale, J. B (1987) New Topics on Ordinary Level Government, Ilesha: Jola Publishing.
- Oyediran, O. Nwosu, H., Takaya, B., Anifowoshe, R., Femi, B., Godwill, O. and Adigun, A. (1990) Government for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1, 2 and 3, Ibadan: Longman.
- Oyeneye, I., Onyenwenu, M. and Olusunde, B. E. (2000) Round-Up Government for Senior Secondary School Certifcate Examination: A Complete Guide, Ibadan: Longman.
- Oyovbaire, S., Ogunna, A. E. C., Amucheazi, E. C., Coker, H. O. and Oshuntuyi, O. (2001) Countdown to Senior Secondary Certificate Examination: Government, Ibadan: Evans.
How to Use Textbooks to Study for JAMB Government Exam
Select one or two JAMB-recommended textbooks that fit your study preferences and style.
Make notes on the main ideas, definitions, examples, and diagrams as you go through the texts.
Regularly go over your notes and assess yourself using activities and questions from the textbooks or previous questions.
Examine and contrast various viewpoints and arguments from various sources and textbooks.
If you run into any problems or are confused, ask your professors, tutors, or peers for explanation and advice.
Textbook FAQs
What are JAMB-recommended textbooks?
JAMB-recommended textbooks are study materials suggested by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for students preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). These books cover the approved syllabus and provide detailed explanations and practice questions for each subject.
Where can I find the list of JAMB-recommended textbooks?
You can find the list in the official JAMB syllabus, which is available on the JAMB website or in accredited JAMB study centers. Some educational bookstores also include the list in printed study guides for candidates.
Are JAMB-recommended textbooks mandatory for UTME preparation?
No, they are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended because they align closely with the JAMB syllabus. Using these textbooks ensures that you cover all the essential topics and concepts likely to appear on the exam.
Do the textbooks cover all the subjects in the JAMB syllabus?
Yes, JAMB-recommended textbooks cover all subjects offered in the UTME, such as English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Government, Literature-in-English, and others.
Can I pass JAMB without using the recommended textbooks?
While it is possible to pass without using the recommended textbooks, they provide a significant advantage by offering targeted content, practice questions, and explanations that align with the UTME's structure. Alternative textbooks can be used, but they may not cover the syllabus as comprehensively.
Are JAMB-recommended textbooks updated regularly?
Yes, JAMB updates the recommended textbook list periodically to ensure it includes the most relevant and up-to-date materials. It is important to use the latest syllabus and textbook list for your preparation.
How can I get affordable copies of JAMB-recommended textbooks?
You can purchase affordable copies of JAMB-recommended textbooks from:
- Local bookstores or second-hand bookshops.
- Online platforms like Jumia, Konga, or Amazon (for digital or hard copies).
- Borrowing from libraries or friends who previously prepared for JAMB. Some educational centers also sell these textbooks at discounted rates.
Conclusion
If you apply the appropriate texts and study techniques, JAMB Government exam preparation can be both lucrative and difficult. You can enhance your government knowledge and comprehension and get ready for the test by heeding the advice in this blog post. Don’t forget to study wisely as well as hard. I wish you luck!
