JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Hausa: Hausa is one of the four official languages of Nigeria, and it is widely spoken in the northern part of the country. Hausa is also a popular subject for students who want to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). If you are one of those students, you might be wondering what are the best textbooks to prepare for the Hausa UTME.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a list of JAMB recommended textbooks for Hausa 2025/2026, as well as some tips on how to use them effectively. We will also answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Hausa UTME syllabus, exam format, and scoring system
What are the JAMB recommended textbooks for Hausa
The suggested Hausa textbooks fall into three categories, as per the official JAMB syllabus for Hausa 2025/2026: Harshe (Language), Adabi da Al’adu (Literature and Culture), and?amusai (Dictionaries). The books in each category have the following titles and authors:
ZAƁAƁƁUN LITTATTAFAI
| Nau’i | Marubuci | Littafi |
|---|---|---|
| Zube: | Bambale, M.B. | Kome Nisan Dare Zaria: NNPC, 2009 WAEC AND NECO |
| Waƙa: | Haɗeja, M. | Waƙoƙin Mu’azu Haɗeja Zaria: NNPC, 1980 WAEC AND NECO |
| Wasan Kwaikwayo: | Katsina, U.Ɗ. | Kulɓa Na Ɓarna Zaria: NNPC, 2011 WAEC AND NECO |
- Galadanci, M.K.M. (1976), Introduction to Hausa Grammar, Zaria: Longman.
- Junju, M.H. (1980), Rayayyen Nahawun Hausa, Zaria: NNPC.
- Muhammad, Y.M. (2005), Fassarar Hausa, Zaria: ABU Press.
- Sani, M.A.Z. (1999), Tsarin Sauti Da Nahawun Hausa, Ibadan: UP Plc.
- Sani, M.A.Z. et al (2000), Exam Focus: Hausa Language, Ibadan: UP Plc.
- Skinner, N. (1977), Grammar of Hausa, Zaria: NNPC.
- Yahaya, I.Y. et al (1992), Darussan Hausa 1 – 3, Ibadan: UP Plc Don manyan makarantun sakandare.
B. ADABI DA AL’ADU (LITERATURE AND CULTURE)
- Bichi, A.Y. (1979), Wa?o?in Bikin Aure, Lagos: Nelson.
- Dangambo, A. (1984), Rabe – Raben Adabin Baka da Muhimmancinsa Ga Rayuwar Hausawa, Kano: T.P.C.
- Gusau, S.M. (1991), Maka?a Da Mawa?an Hausa, Kaduna: Fisbas Media Service.
- Ibrahim, M.S. (1977), Kowa Ya Sha Ki?a, Zaria: Longman.
- Madauci, I. et al (1992), Hausa Customs, Zaria: ABU Press.
- Umar, M.B. (1976), ?anmaraya Jos Da Wa?o?insa, Ibadan: OUP.
- Umar, M.B. (1977), Wasannin Tashe, Zaria: NNPC.
C. ?AMUSAI (DICTIONARIES)
- Bargery G.P. (1951), A Hausa – English Dictionary and English-Hausa Vocabulary London: OUP.
- Newman, R.M. (1997), An English-Hausa Dictionary, Ibadan: Longman.
- Newman and Newman (1977), Sabon ?amus Na Hausa Zuwa Turanci, Ibadan: UPL.
- Skinner, N. (1993), Kamus Na Turanci Da Hausa, Zaria: NNPC.
- CSNL: (2006), ?amusun Hausa Na Jami’ar Bayero ta Kano, Kano: CSNL.
How to use the JAMB recommended textbooks for Hausa
Although they are not required, the JAMB-recommended Hausa textbooks are highly beneficial if you wish to learn the material more thoroughly and increase your chances of receiving a good UTME score. Here are some pointers on making the most of them:
Pay close attention to the Hausa 2025/2026 JAMB curriculum. The subjects and goals you are expected to cover for the UTME are listed in the syllabus. Additionally, it offers a few example questions and answers to help you get acclimated to the format and style of the test. The curriculum is available for download on the JAMB website as well as on other websites.
Select the textbooks based on your tastes and needs. You are not required to read every book in every category. The ones that are more pertinent to your degree of interest and knowledge can be chosen. For instance, you could favor books with English translations or explanations if you are more at ease speaking English than Hausa. You may concentrate more on books with literary texts and analysis if you are more interested in literature than grammar.
Engage in critical and active reading of the texts. Don’t only read the pages quickly or commit the information to memory. Make an effort to comprehend the underlying ideas and concepts. Consider the following: What is this text’s primary idea or message? How does the author express it through language? What parallels and divergences exist between this work and other texts I’ve heard or read? What connection does this text have to the goals of the curriculum and the UTME questions?
Use previous questions and practice tests. It is insufficient to only read textbooks. Answering practice questions and mock tests is another way to assess your knowledge and abilities. In addition to enhancing your speed and accuracy, this will assist you in determining your strengths and shortcomings. The JAMB website, online resources, and printed materials are just a few of the places where you can find previous questions and practice tests.
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
You can efficiently prepare for the UTME with the use of the JAMB-recommended Hausa textbooks. But you shouldn’t depend on them exclusively. Other information sources that are relevant to Hausa language, literature, and culture, such as blogs, magazines, newspapers, radio programs, TV shows, podcasts, and internet videos, should also be added to them. Your professors, tutors, or mentors can offer you criticism and suggestions on how to do better, so you should also ask them for advise.
