Subject overview
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in History is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examinations. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
Official syllabus Content is taken from the official JAMB UTME syllabus (IBASS). Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm at jamb.gov.ng.
Your progress
Mark topics as you go to track your readiness.
Study the syllabus below, then test yourself. Move each topic from Not started → Learning → Practising → Mastered.
General objectives
The History syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:
- 1. Impart knowledge of Nigerian history from earliest times to the present
- 2. Identify the similarities and relationships among the peoples of Nigeria as they relate to the issues of national unity and integration
- 3. Appreciate Nigerian history as the basis to understand West African and African history
- 4. Apply history to understand Nigerian and Africa’s relationship with the wider world
- 5. analyse issues of modernization and development
- 6. Relate the past to the present and plan for the future
- TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES
How this paper is examined
JAMB History is a Computer-Based Test of 40 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. It is examined alongside Use of English and two other subjects, for 180 questions in two hours overall.
How to use this syllabus: don't just read it — turn each topic into a checklist. Study a topic, then immediately practise questions on it so the knowledge sticks. Give extra time to the sections that carry the most topics, and revisit weak areas with timed practice as the exam approaches.
Topics & recommended order
Work through these topics in order. Mark each one as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
1. Land and Peoples of the Nigeria Area
Not started2. Early Centres of Civilization
Not started5. External Influences
Not started7. Kanem-Borno
Not started8. Yorubaland
Not started13. European Penetration and Impact
Not started16. The Amalgamation of 1914
Not started17. Colonial Administration After the
Not started21. The Nigerian Civil War
Not started22. The Gowon Regime.
Not started23. Murtala/Obasanjo Regime
Not started24. The Second Republic
Not started25. The Buhari Regime
Not started26. The Babangida Regime
Not started28. The Abacha Regime
Not started29. Transition to the Fourth Republic
Not started31. Islamic Reform Movements and State
Not started32. Sierra Leone, Liberia and Christian
Not started34. Ethiopia in the 19th century
Not started35. The Mfecane
Not started36. The Great Trek
Not started37. The New Imperialism and European
Not started38. Patterns of Colonial Rule in Africa
Not started39. The Politics of Decolonization
Not started40. Apartheid in South Africa
Not startedFull History syllabus
Every topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, with its contents and the objectives you should be able to meet. Study a topic, then use its objectives as a checklist.
1. Land and Peoples of the Nigeria Area
Contents
- 1. Land and Peoples of the Nigeria Area: a. Geographical zones and the people
- b. The people’s relationship with the environment c. Main physical features and the impact of geography on human activity e.g., hunting, fishing, farming etc
- d. Relations and integration among the peoples of different zones
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the geographical zones and the people within them
- Establish the relationship between the people and the environment
- Relate the impact of geography on human activity in the specific zones
- Comprehend the relationships among the various peoples of the Nigeria area
2. Early Centres of Civilization
Contents
- 2. Early Centres of Civilization: a. Nok, Daima, Ife, Benin, Igbo Ukwu and Iwo Eleru b. Monuments and shelter systems: (Kuyambana, Durbi-ta-Kusheyi, city walls, moats and palaces)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Highlight the main features of the early centres of civilization
- Examine the significance of various centres
- Establish the historical significance of the various monuments such as caves and rocky formations
3. Origins and formation of States in the
Contents
- 3. Origins and formation of States in the Nigeria Area a. Central Sudan –Kanuri and Hausa, states
- b. Niger-Benue Valley – Nupe, Jukun, Igala, Idoma, Tiv and Ebira c. Eastern Forest Belt – Igbo and Ibibio d. Western Forest Belt – Yoruba and Edo e. Coastal and Niger–Delta - Efik, Ijo, Itsekiri and Urhobo i. Factors influencing their origin and migration ii. Social and political organizations iii. Inter-State relations, religion war and peace
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Relate the different groups of people occupying the various zones to their traditions of origin
- Determine the inter-state relations
- Account for their social and political organizations
- Highlight the differences between centralized and non- centralized (acephalous) states
4. Economic Activities and Growth of States
Contents
- 4. Economic Activities and Growth of States: a. Agriculture – hunting, farming, fishing, animal husbandry and horticulture
- b. Industries – pottery, salt-making, iron- smelting, blacksmithing, leather-working, wood-carving, cloth-making, dyeing and food processing
- c. Trade and trade routes: - local, regional, long distance, including the trade in slaves and trans-Sahara trade
- d. Expansion of states
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the various economic activities of the people
- Differentiate the economic activities and specialties of the people
- Relate trade and other economic activities to the growth of the states
5. External Influences
Contents
- 5. External Influences: a. North Africans/Arabs/Tuaregs i. introduction, spread and impact of Islam
- ii. trans-Saharan trade
- b. Europeans: i. early European trade with the coastal states
- ii. the trans-Atlantic slave trade (origin, organization and impact) iii. impact of early missionary activities in the coastal areas
- SECTION B: THE NIGERIA AREA 1800 – 1900
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Assess the impact of the contact with North Africa on the people and states South of the Sahara
- Highlight the role of the tuaregs in the trans Saharan trade
- Examine the impact of early European contact with the coastal people
- Outline the impact of the early Christians missionary activities in the costal arears
- Trace the origin, organization and impact of the trans-Atlantic slave trade
6. The Sokoto Caliphate i. examine the causes, and the course of the Jihad;
Contents
- 1. The The cons a
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Sokoto Caliphate
- Examine the causes, and the course of the Jihad; Sokoto Jihad – (causes, course and equences)
- Determine the factors that led to the rise of the caliphate; The causes and the process of the jihad The establishment and administration of
- Examine the administrative set-up of the caliphate and its the caliphate and relations with relations with its neighbours; neighbours The achievements and impact of the
- Examine the impact of the caliphate; caliphate. The collapse of the caliphate. v. trace the internal and external factors that led to the collapse of the caliphate
7. Kanem-Borno
Contents
- 2. Kanem-Borno a. The long survival and collapse of the Saifawa dynasty b. Borno under the Shehus c. Borno under Rabeh d. Borno and the Sokoto caliphate
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Highlight the factors for the long survival of the Saifawa dynasty
- Determine the factors that led to the collapse of the Saifawa dynasty
- Examine Borno under the administration of the Shehus
- Assess the role of Rabeh in Borno’s history
8. Yorubaland
Contents
- 3. Yorubaland: a. The fall of the Old Oyo Empire
- b. The Yoruba wars and their impact
- c. The peace treaty of 1886 and its aftermath
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the causes and the implications of the fall of the Old Oyo Empire
- Examine the causes and effects of the Yoruba wars
- Assess the impact of the 1886 peace treaty
9. Benin
Contents
- 4. Benin a. Internal political and cultural development b. Relations with neighbours c. Relations with the Europeans
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the internal political and cultural development
- Examine her relations with her neighbours
- Assess her relationship with the Europeans
10. Nupe
Contents
- 5. Nupe a. Internal political and cultural development b. Relations with neighbours
- c. Nupe Imperialism
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine Nupe internal political and cultural development
- Assess her relations with her neighbours
- Highlight the scope and nature of Nupe Imperialism
11. Igbo
Contents
- 6. Igbo a. Internal political and cultural development b. Relations with neighbours
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine Igbo internal political and cultural development
- Assess her relations with her neighbours
12. Efik
Contents
- 7. Efik a. Internal political and cultural development b. Relations with neighbours
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine Efik internal political and cultural development
- Assess her relations with her neighbours
13. European Penetration and Impact
Contents
- 8. European Penetration and Impact: a. European exploration of the interior
- b. The suppression of the trans-Atlantic slave trade
- c. The development of commodity trade and rise of consular authority
- d. Christian missionary activities
- e. The activities of the trading companies
- f. Impact of European activities on the coast and the hinterland
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the motive for the exploration of the interior
- Give reasons for the suppression of the trans-Atlantic slave trade
- Trace the development of commodity trade
- Examine missionary and European activities in the area
- Assess the activities of the European trading companies
- Account for the rise of consular authority
14. British Conquest of the Nigeria Area
Contents
- 9. British Conquest of the Nigeria Area: a. The first phase of the British conquest of Nigeria 1851 – 1900 b. Second phase of the conquest and motives c. Methods of the conquest and its result
- d. Resistance to and aftermath of the conquest
- SECTION C: NIGERIA 1900 – 1960
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Highlight the factors responsible for the bombardment and annexation of Lagos
- Determine the reasons for the conquest and the methods used during the second phase
- Examine the various acts of resistance to the conquest
- Evaluate the results and the aftermath of the conquest
15. The Establishment of Colonial Rule up to
Contents
- 1. The Establishment of Colonial Rule up to 1914: a. Pacification and occupation of the territories b. Resistance to the pacification and occupation i.e. The Ekumeku Movement in Asaba hinterland 1898 – 1911, The Satiru uprising of 1906
- c. Administration of the Protectorates
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Outline the various features and methods of the British pacification and occupation of the territories
- Examine the administrative set-up of the Protectorates
16. The Amalgamation of 1914
Contents
- 2. The Amalgamation of 1914: a. Reasons b. Effects
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the reasons for the 1914 Amalgamation and its effects
17. Colonial Administration After the
Contents
- 3. Colonial Administration After the Amalgamation: a. Central Administration: - Legislative and Executive Councils b. Indirect Rule – reasons, working and effects c. Local administrative institutions, Native Authorities, Native Courts and Native Treasuries
- d. Resistance to colonial rule- Egba Anti- tax Agitation of 1918, and the Aba Women Movement in 1929
- 4. iv. The Colonial Economy: a. currency, taxation and forced labour b. Infrastructure (transportation, post and telecommunications) c. Agriculture d. Mining e. Industry f. Commerce g. Banking
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Relate the composition of the central administrative set-up to its consequences
- Identify the reasons for the introduction and workings of the indirect rule system
- Assess the effects of indirect rule
- Examine the local administrative units
- Account for the anti-colonial movements and their significance
- Examine the nature of the economy as it affected the society under colonial rule
18. Social Development under Colonial Rule
Contents
- 5. Social Development under Colonial Rule: a. Western education b. Urbanization/social integration c. Improvement unions d. Health institutions
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the scope of social development under colonial rule
- Examine the impact of urbanization on the people
- Examine the level of social integration among the people
19. Constitutional Developments, Nationalism
Contents
- 6. Constitutional Developments, Nationalism and Independence: a. The 1922 Clifford Constitution and the rise of Nigeria’s first political party
- b. World War II and the agitation for independence c. The rise of nationalist movements
- d. The Richards Constitution of 1946 e. The Macpherson Constitution of 1951
- f. Party politics – regionalism, federalism and minority question
- g. Lyttleton Constitution of 1954
- h. Constitutional Conferences in Lagos in 1957 and London in 1958 i. The general elections of 1959 and independence in 1960
- SECTION D: NIGERIA SINCE INDEPENDENCE
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Highlight the significance of the Clifford constitution of 1922
- Examine the effect of World War II on the agitations for independence and constitutional developments
- Trace the emergence of the nationalist movement
- Assess the roles of the different constitutions in constitutional development
- Trace the development of party politics and its impact on regionalism and the minority question
- Examine the impact of the constitutional conferences on the move towards independence
- Determine the factors that aided the attainment of independence
20. The Politics of the First Republic and
Contents
- 1. The Politics of the First Republic and Military intervention a. Struggle for the control of the centre
- b. Issue of revenue allocation c. The 1962/63 census controversies i d. The 1963 Republican constitution e. Minority agitations f. The Action Group crisis and the General Elections of 1964/65
- g. The coup d’etat of January 1966 and the counter coup of July, 1966 h. The Ironsi Regime
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Give reasons behind the struggle for the control of the centre
- Account for the controversies in revenue allocation
- Account for the controversies generated by the 1962/63 census
- Highlight the key features and significance of the 1963 constitution
- Account for the controversies generated by minority agitations and the quest for creation of states
- Examine the problems created by the Action Group crisis and the General Elections of 1964/65
- Analyse the consequences of the 1966 military intervention
21. The Nigerian Civil War
Contents
- 2. The Nigerian Civil War: a. Causes b. Course c. Effects
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the remote and immediate causes of the war
- Examine the course
- Assess the effects of the war
22. The Gowon Regime.
Contents
- 3. The Gowon Regime
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Assess the challenges and achievements of the Gowon Regime
23. Murtala/Obasanjo Regime
Contents
- 4. Murtala/Obasanjo Regime
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Assess the challenges and achievements of the Murtala/Obasanjo Regime
24. The Second Republic
Contents
- 5. The Second Republic
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Evaluate the challenges and achievements of the Second Republic
25. The Buhari Regime
Contents
- 6. The Buhari Regime
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Assess the challenges and achievements of the Buhari Regime
26. The Babangida Regime
Contents
- 7. The Babangida Regime
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Assess the challenges and achievements of the Babangida Regime
27. The Interim National Government (ING)
Contents
- 8. The Interim National Government (ING)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the role and challenges of the Interim National Government
28. The Abacha Regime
Contents
- 9. The Abacha Regime
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Assess the challenges and achievements of the Abacha Regime
29. Transition to the Fourth Republic
Contents
- 10. Transition to the Fourth Republic
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Assess challenges and achievements of the Abdulsalami Regime
- Examine the role of the key actors in the transition process and the growth and development of the Fourth Republic
30. Nigeria in International Organizations;
Contents
- 11. Nigeria in International Organizations
- a. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), b. African Union (AU) c. Commonwealth of Nations d. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) e. United Nations Organization
- PART II: AFRICA AND THE WIDER WORLD SINCE 1800 SECTION A: WEST AND NORTH AFRICA
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the role of Nigeria in ECOWAS
- Assess the role of Nigeria in the AU
- Evaluate the role of Nigeria in the Commonwealth of Nations
- Assess the role of Nigeria in the OPEC
- Examine the role of Nigeria in the UN
- Examine the role of Nigeria in conflict resolutions in the Congo, Chad, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Sudan
31. Islamic Reform Movements and State
Contents
- 1. Islamic Reform Movements and State Building in West Africa: a. Relationship between Sokoto and other Jihads
- b. The Jihads of Seku Ahmadu and Al-Hajj Umar c. The activities of Samori Toure
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Establish the relationship between the Sokoto Jihad and other Jihads in West Africa
- Compare the achievements of the Jihads of Seku Ahmadu and Al-Hajj Umar
- Examine the activities of Samori Toure of the Madinka Empire
32. Sierra Leone, Liberia and Christian
Contents
- 2. Sierra Leone, Liberia and Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa a. The foundation of Sierra Leone and Liberia and the spread of Christianity b. The activities and impact of Christian missionaries
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the factors that led to the founding of Sierra Leone and Liberia
- Examine the importance of Sierra Leone and Liberia in the spread and impact of Christianity in West Africa
- Assess the impact of Christian missionary activities in West Africa
33. Egypt under Mohammed Ali and Khedive
Contents
- 3. Egypt under Mohammed Ali and Khedive Ismail: a. The rise of Mohammad Ali and his reforms b. Mohammad Ali’s relations with the Europeans c. Ismail’s fiscal policies d. The British occupation of Egypt SECTION B: HORN OF AFRICA AND SOUTHERN AFRICA
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the factors that aided Mohammad Ali’s rise to power and his reforms
- Establish the relationship between Mohammad Ali’s Empire and the Europeans
- Account for the fiscal policies of Ismail
- Examine the reasons for the British occupation of Egypt
34. Ethiopia in the 19th century
Contents
- 1. Ethiopia in the 19th century a. The rise of Theodore II and his attempt at the unification of Ethiopia b. Menelik II and Ethiopian independence
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the factors that led to the rise of Theodore II as the Emperor of Ethiopia
- Analyse the strategies that were adopted to achieve Ethiopian unification
- Assess the role of Menelik II in the maintenance of Ethiopian independence
35. The Mfecane
Contents
- 2. The Mfecane: a. The rise of the Zulu Nation b. Causes, Course and consequences of the Mfecane
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Trace events in Nguniland before the Mfecane
- Determine the factors that led to the rapid rise of Shaka
- Examine the causes, course and consequences of the Mfecane
36. The Great Trek
Contents
- 3. The Great Trek a. The frontier wars b. British intervention in the Boer African relations c. The Great Trek and its consequences
- SECTION C: IMPERIALISM, COLONIALISM AND PROBLEMS OF NATION- BUILDING IN AFRICA
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the factors that led to the frontier wars
- Account for British intervention in the Boer-African relations
- Describe the nature of the Great Trek
- Examine its consequences
37. The New Imperialism and European
Contents
- 1. The New Imperialism and European Occupation of Africa a. The New Imperialism in Africa b. European scramble for Africa c. The Berlin Conference d. The occupation and resistance by Africans
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Understand the concept of the New Imperialism
- Assess the justifications for the New Imperialism
- Examine the causes of the scramble and the nations involved
- Account for the significance of the Berlin Conference
- Highlight African resistance to the occupation
38. Patterns of Colonial Rule in Africa
Contents
- 2. Patterns of Colonial Rule in Africa: a. The British b. The French c. The Portuguese d. The Belgians e. The Germans f. The Spanish
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine and compare the patterns of colonial rule by the various European powers
39. The Politics of Decolonization
Contents
- 3. The Politics of Decolonization a. Colonial policies and African discontent b. The impact of the two World Wars c. Nationalist activities and the emergence of political parties and associations d. Strategies for attaining independence
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the policies employed by the colonial rulers and the magnitude of African discontent
- Assess the impact of the First and Second World Wars on African nationalism
- Determine the strategies used in the attainment of independence
40. Apartheid in South Africa
Contents
- 4. Apartheid in South Africa a. The origin of Apartheid b. Rise of Afrikaner Nationalism c. Enactment of Apartheid laws d. Internal reactions to Apartheid and the suppression of African Nationalist movements e. External reactions to Apartheid, the Frontline States, the Commonwealth of Nations, OAU and the UN
- f. The dismantling of Apartheid g. Post-Apartheid developments
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Trace the origin of Apartheid in South Africa
- Give reasons for the rise of Afrikaner Nationalism
- Highlight Apartheid laws
- Relate the internal reactions to Apartheid to the African struggle for majority rule
- Relate the contributions of African states and international organizations to the fight against Apartheid
- Identify the steps taken towards the dismantling of Apartheid in South Africa
- Assess the post-Apartheid developments in South Africa
41. Problems of Nation-building in Africa
Contents
- 5. Problems of Nation-building in Africa a. Political and economic challenges and constraints b. Physical and environmental challenges iii. de c. Ethnic and religious pluralism iv. ex Af d. Military intervention and political v. ex instability. Af e. Neo-colonialism and under -development. vi. hi f. Boundary disputes and threat to African vii. esta unity pro viii. exa g. Civil wars and the refugee problem. soc ix. enume h. Terrorism i. Globalisation
- Ikime, O and
- Webster, J. B. and
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Examine the political and economic problems faced by African countries in nation-building
- Assess the effects of natural disasters on Africa termine the role of ethnic and religious problems in Africa; amine the role and implications of military interventions in rican politics; amine the role and implications of neo-colonialism in rica; ghlight the problems of boundary disputes; blish the relationship between civil wars and refugee blems in Africa mine the consequences of terrorism for African states and ieties rate the effects of globalisation on African nations
Recommended texts for JAMB History
These are the recommended textbooks listed in the official JAMB History syllabus. You do not need every book — one solid, complete text that follows the syllabus, paired with past-question practice, is enough.
- Adesote S. and Falade, D. (2020) District Comprehensive History for Senior Secondary Schools (1- 3) Ondo, Unique Mercy and Features.
- Ayandele, A. E. et al (1986) The Making of Modern Africa, The Twentieth Century Vol 2., Longman.
- Akinloye, S. A. (1976) Emergent African States: Topics in Twentieth Century African History, Longman.
- Anene J. C. and Brown, G (1966) African in the 19th and 20th centuries, Ibadan: University Press.
- Anene, J. C and Brown, G (eds) (1972) African in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries: A Handbook for Teachers and Students, Ibadan: University Press and Nelson. Asiwaju A. I., Crowder, M and Denzel, I. R. (eds) Tarikh 25, Grassroots Leadership in Colonial West Africa, Vol. 7, London: Longman.
- Barkindo, B. et al (1989) Africa and the Wider World, Vol.
- Barkindo, B. et al (1996) Africa and the Wider World, Vols. 2 and 3, Lagos: Longman
- Boahen, A (1969) The Revolutionary years: Africa since 1800 Longman publishers.
- Boahen, A (1969) The Revolutionary years: West Africa since 1800, Longman Publishers
- Sokoto Caliphate: History and Legacies, 1804 – 2004, vols. I and II, Kaduna: Arewa House.
- Coleman, J. S. (1986) Nigeria: Background to Nationalism, Benin: Broburg and Wistrom.
- Crowder, M. West Africa: An introduction to its History, Longman, 1977.
- Crowder, M. Nigeria: An introduction to its History, London Longman, 1979.
- Ekeh, P. P and Ashiwaju, G. (eds) (1989) Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years: Culture, Vol. VII, Ibadan: Heinemann.
- Falola, T. et al (1989) History of Nigeria Vol. I, Lagos: Longman.
- Falola T. et al (1989) History of Nigeria Vols. 2 and 3, Lagos: Longman. Ikime, O and Osoba, S. O. (eds) Tarikh: Independence Movement in Africa (Part I), Vol. 3, No. 4 London: Longman. Ikime, O and Osoba, S. O. (eds) Tarikh: Government in Pre-Colonial Africa, Vol. 4, No. 2 London, Longman Ikime, O and Osoba, S. O. (eds) (undated): Peoples and Kingdoms of West Africa in the Pre-colonial Period, Vol. 5, No. 1 London: Longman. Ikime, O and Osoba, S. O. (eds) (undated) Tarikh: Europeans Conquest and African Resistance (Part 2), Vol. 4, London: Longman.
- Ikime, O (1977) The Fall of Nigeria: The British Conquest, London: Heinemann.
- Ikime, O. (ed) (1980) Ground work of Nigerian History, Ibadan: Heinemann.
- Isichei, E. (1983) A History of Nigeria, London: Longman.
- Jorre, J. D. (1972) The Nigeria Civil War, London: Hordder and Stoughton. History
- Kani, A. M. and Gandi, K. (1990) A State and Society in the Sokoto Caliphate, Series I, Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto.
- Mohammed, B. (1982) Africa and Non-alignment: A study in the Foreign Relations of New Nations, Kano: Triumph Publishers.
- Offiong, D. A. (1980) Imperialism and Dependency: Obstacles to Development, Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishers.
- Ojigbo, O. (1982) Shehu Shagari: The Biography of Nigeria’s First Executive President, Yugoslavia Mlandiska Knjiga.
- Okafor, I. (1989) History for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha, Jet Publishers.
- Oliver, T. and Atmore, A. (1996) Africa since 1880 (Fourth Edition) New York: Cambridge University Press.
- Olaniyi, R.O. History for Senior Secondary Schools Ibadan, Bounty Press,
- Olusanya G. O. (1973) The Second World War and Politics in Nigeria, 1939 – 1953, Ibadan: Evans.
- Omolewa, M. (1986) Certificate History of Nigeria, Lagos: Longman.
- Onoja, I. (1998) Peace-keeping and International Security in a Changing World., Jos: Mono Expressions.
- Onwubiko, K. (1983) School Certificate History of West Africa, Onitsha: African – First Publishers.
- Tamuno, T. N. and Atanda A. (eds) (1989) Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years. Vol. III, Ibadan: Heinemann.
- Tamuno, T. N. and Ukpabi, S. C. (eds) (1989) Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years (The Civil War years). Vol. IV, Ibadan: Heinemann.
- Thompson, L. A. (2000) History of South Africa, Yale: Yale University Press.
- Usman Y. B. (ed) (1979) Studies in the History of Sokoto Caliphate, New York: Third Press International.
- Usman Y. B. (ed) and Alkali M. N. (1983) Studies in the History of Pre-Colonial Borno, Zaria: NNPC.
- Usman Y. B. and Kwanashei, G. A. (eds) Inside Nigeria History 1950-1970: Events: Issues and Sources (Presidential Panel on Nigeria: Since Independence), University of Ibadan.
- Usman Y. B. (ed) (1989) Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years: The Society Vol.I, Ibadan: Heinemann.
- Usman Y. B. (2002) Election Violence in Nigeria: The Terrible Experience, 1952 – 2002, Zaria: Abdullahi Smith Centre for Historical Research. Webster, J. B. and Ikime, O. (eds) Tarikh: Early African Christianity, Vol.
- Wilmot, P. F. (1980) Apartheid and African Liberation: The Grief and the Hope, Ife: University of Ife Press.
Recommended next steps
All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice
Frequently asked questions
What is the JAMB History syllabus for 2026/2027?
The JAMB History syllabus for the 2026/2027 UTME is the official document that lists every topic, objective and recommended text you will be examined on. It covers Nigerian history (peoples and kingdoms, colonial rule, nationalism and independence), African history, and aspects of world history, arranged into thematic sections. Every question in the History paper is drawn from this syllabus, so studying any topic outside it is a waste of time. The complete, up-to-date syllabus is reproduced in full on this page.
What are the areas of concentration for JAMB History?
The areas of concentration are the sections and high-frequency topics the UTME focuses on. Focus on Nigerian pre-colonial states, the colonial period, nationalism and post-independence developments — be able to explain causes and effects, not just recall dates. Concentrate your revision on these areas first, then cover the rest of the syllabus — and practise past-question-style questions on each area so you recognise how they are tested.
How many questions does JAMB set in History?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in History, worth 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60 questions). Across your four subjects the UTME totals 180 questions and 400 marks.
How long is the JAMB exam and how much time per History question?
The whole UTME lasts two hours (120 minutes) for all four subjects combined — roughly 40 seconds per question. Answer the questions you know quickly, flag the harder ones, and return to them. There is no negative marking, so never leave any question unanswered.
Is History compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject, but History is accepted for History and International Studies, Law, Political Science and several arts courses.
What are the hot topics or most repeated topics in JAMB History?
While JAMB does not publish a 'hot topics' list, the syllabus changes little year to year, so the same high-frequency topics recur. Focus on Nigerian pre-colonial states, the colonial period, nationalism and post-independence developments — be able to explain causes and effects, not just recall dates. Studying strictly by the syllabus and practising many questions per topic is the reliable way to prepare — never rely on 'expo' or leaked questions, which are scams and can cost you your result.
What are the recommended textbooks for JAMB History?
The official syllabus recommends standard texts: complete SSS History texts covering Nigerian, African and world history. You do not need every book — one complete, syllabus-aligned textbook plus consistent past-question practice is enough. See the full recommended-texts list below.
Can I download the JAMB History syllabus PDF for free?
JAMB publishes the official syllabus free on the IBASS portal at jamb.gov.ng (Quick Links → Syllabus System). Rather than a static PDF, this page reproduces the complete History syllabus for 2026/2027 — every section, topic and recommended text — so you can study it on any phone, with progress tracking and practice built in. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Does the JAMB History syllabus change every year?
No — the core topics stay largely the same from year to year because the subject content does not change. The only occasional changes are to prescribed texts in a few subjects. Always check the official syllabus at the start of your preparation to confirm nothing in your subjects has been updated.
Is there negative marking in JAMB History?
No. JAMB does not use negative marking, so a wrong answer simply scores zero — there is no penalty. This means you should attempt every one of the 40 questions, even where you have to make an educated guess near the end of the time.
How do I study the JAMB History syllabus effectively?
Turn the syllabus into a checklist: study one topic, then immediately practise questions on it so it sticks; give the most time to the areas of concentration that carry the most topics; use one recommended textbook rather than many; and practise past-question-style questions under timed conditions to build speed. Track each topic on this page from Not started to Mastered so you always know what is left.
How can I practise JAMB History questions on Belmadeng?
Belmadeng offers free, timed CBT practice with worked explanations. Study a topic here, then test yourself — your weak topics are highlighted afterwards so you know exactly what to revise. Explore CBT practice to prepare the way the real Computer-Based Test works.
Source: official JAMB UTME History syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is not affiliated with JAMB — always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Courses that require History in JAMB
History is part of the UTME subject combination for 10+ popular courses. If you’re studying History, these are the courses it can lead to:
Commonly required for
Also accepted for (as an optional subject)
Requirements vary by institution — always confirm your exact course in the subject combinations hub and the official JAMB brochure.
Related JAMB subjects
Candidates studying History often study these subjects alongside it. Each links to its full official syllabus and free CBT practice: