JAMB Physical and Health Education Syllabus

The complete JAMB UTME Physical and Health Education syllabus for the 2026/2027 session — every section and topic straight from the official JAMB syllabus, plus how the paper is set, how to study it, and answers to the questions candidates ask most.

Subject overview

The aim of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Physical & Health Education is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement in the course objectives, which are to:

40
questions in Physical and Health Education
100
marks (of 400 total)

Official syllabus Content is taken from the official JAMB UTME syllabus (IBASS). Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm at jamb.gov.ng.

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General objectives

The Physical and Health Education syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:

  • 1. Acquire basic knowledge and practical skills in motor activities, fitness, body maintenance and self- awareness
  • 2. Acquire basic knowledge required to practice positive health habits and maintenance of health
  • 3. Understand relationship between human movement and biological, physical and social sciences
  • 4. Appreciate ecological relationship between man and his environment with a view to preventing the spread of diseases
  • 5. Stimulate and sustain their interest in Physical and Health Education

How this paper is examined

JAMB Physical and Health Education 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

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16. Drugs

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20. Dance

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36. Family

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Full Physical and Health Education 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. Principles, meaning, scope and philosophy of

Contents

  • 1. Principles, meaning, scope and philosophy of Physical Education (PE) a. Definition, nature, scope and objectives of PE
  • b. Philosophy of the Founding Fathers of PE (Hetherington, Dudley Sergent, Thomas Wood, John Dewey)
  • c. History and Development of PE in i. ancient Greece (Sparta, Athens) and Rome
  • ii. Pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial eras in Nigeria

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. State the meaning, nature, objectives and scope of PE
  2. Narrate the philosophy of the Founding Fathers
  3. Trace the historical development of PE in ancient Greece, Rome and Nigeria
  4. Trace the origin and development of the ancient Greek festivals (Isthmian, Pythian, Nemian and the Olympian)

2. Philosophy, objectives and settings of Health

Contents

  • 2. Philosophy, objectives and settings of Health Education a. Meaning, philosophy and objectives of Health Education b. Settings of Health Education i. home-based ii. school-based iii. community based iv. health facility-based v. workplace-based c. Meaning of Health Promotion SECTION B: HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY IN RELATION TO PHE S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define health education
  2. State the philosophy and objectives of health education
  3. Differentiate between the meanings of health promotion and health education. OBJECTIVES

3. Cells, Tissues and Systems of the Human

Contents

  • 1. Cells, Tissues and Systems of the Human Body a. Structure and functions of a typical human cell b. Types of cell and tissue – Epithelial, connective, muscle and nerve
  • c. Cell division and differentiation – mitosis, meiosis d. Organs and systems of the human body

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify cell structures and their functions
  2. Identify types of cell, tissue, organ and system in human
  3. Differentiate between mitosis and meiosis
  4. Explain cell differentiation
  5. List organs and systems in human body

4. Skeletal system

Contents

  • 2. Skeletal system a. Axial and appendicular skeletons and their functions b. Bones and joints involved in movement i. Structure and types of bone ii. Structure and types of joint iii. Movements at the joints

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify the structure of the human skeleton and their functions
  2. Identify types of bone that make up the human skeleton
  3. Differentiate types of joint using appropriate examples
  4. Identify the different kinds of movement permitted at joints

5. Muscular System

Contents

  • 3. Muscular System a. Major muscles of the body and their functions b. Isometric and Isotonic contractions

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify by name and location the major muscles in human
  2. State the functions of major muscles in human
  3. Differentiate between isometric and isotonic contractions

6. Nervous System and Sense organs

Contents

  • 4. Nervous System and Sense organs a. The structures and functions of the central nervous system (Brain and Spinal Cord) b. Types of nerve - voluntary, involuntary (simple reflex action) c. Structure and functions of the sense organs
  • -Skin (tactile/touch) -Nose (olfactory/Smell) -Tongue (taste) -Ear (auditory/hearing) -Eye (sight)

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify the structures of the central nervous system
  2. Explain the functions of the central nervous system in the body
  3. State the types of nerve; iv.describe reflex action with specific examples
  4. Describe the structure of the sense organs and their functions

7. Circulatory System

Contents

  • 5. Circulatory System a. Structure and functions of the heart and vessels
  • b. Composition and functions of blood c. Types of blood circulation (Systemic and pulmonary)

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Draw and label the heart
  2. Compare the specific functions of the arteries, veins and capillaries
  3. Identify the components of blood; iv.state the functions of blood
  4. Describe the systemic and pulmonary circulations

8. Respiratory System

Contents

  • 6. Respiratory System a. Structure and functions of the respiratory organs –nose, trachea and lungs
  • b. Process of respiration –inspiration and expiration c. Tissue and cellular respiration

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Describe the structure of the respiratory organs and state their functions
  2. Explain the processes of inspiration and expiration
  3. Explain cellular and tissue respiration

9. Excretory System

Contents

  • 7. Excretory System a. Structure and functions of the kidney, skin and excretory functions of lungs
  • b. Formation of excretory products –urine, sweat and carbon-dioxide

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify the structure of the kidney, skin
  2. State the functions of the kidney, skin and excretory functions of lungs
  3. Explain the processes of formation of urine, sweat and carbon-dioxide

10. Somatotypes and Posture

Contents

  • 8. Somatotypes and Posture a. Description of endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph
  • b. Relationship between body types and physical activities
  • c. Definition and characteristics of correct posture
  • d. Types of postural defect –flatfoot, scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis
  • e. Causes and corrective measures of postural defects
  • SECTION C: THEORY OF PRACTICE OF SPORTS AND GAMES S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Describe the various body types
  2. Relate body types to performance of physical activities
  3. Define and state the characteristics of good posture. iv.explain the types of postural defects
  4. State the causes of postural defects, for example: poor habits, accident, heredity and disease; vi.explain the role of exercise, nutrition, good habits and medical intervention in the correction of postural defects. OBJECTIVES

11. Athletics (Track and Field Events)

Contents

  • 1. Athletics (Track and Field Events) a. Track Events i. Short distance races/sprints -50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, hurdles and relay races
  • ii. Sprints start styles–bullet/bunch, medium and elongated
  • iii. Visual and non-visual baton take-over and take over zone in relay
  • iv. Flight over hurdles and distancing in high and low hurdle events
  • v. The start, stride and finish in middle distance races -800m and 1,500m
  • vi. The start, stride and finish in long distance races -3,000m, 5,000m, 10,000m, marathon and cross-country
  • vii. Rules, regulation and officiating
  • SECTION D: FOOD, NUTRITION AND DRUGS b. Field Events C i. Throwing events –discus, javelin and shotput
  • -Facilities and equipment with specification -Styles and techniques -Rules, regulations and officiating -Safety measures
  • ii. Jumping events –high jump, long jump, pole vault and triple jump -Facilities and equipment with specification -Style and techniques -Rule, regulations and officiating

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Name the events that make up the shot distance/sprint races
  2. Identify starting styles in sprint races
  3. Differentiate the visual and non-visual types of baton take-over
  4. Explain the relay take-over zone
  5. Explain the different distances and clearance in hurdling
  6. Describe the start, stride and finish in middle and long distance races
  7. Name the events which make up the middle distance and long distance races
  8. Differentiate the rules, regulations and officiating as applicable to each track events. andidates should be able to
  9. Name the events which make up throwing and jumping events
  10. Identity various facilities, equipment and specifications
  11. Explain the styles and techniques in throwing and jumping events
  12. Explain the rules and regulations in throwing and jumping events
  13. Discuss safety precautions in throwing events

12. Ball Games -Football and basketball

Contents

  • 2. Ball Games -Football and basketball a. Skills in football and basketball b. Facilities and equipment in football and basketball c. Rules, regulations and officiating in football and basketball

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Describe the skills in football and basketball
  2. Identify various facilities and equipment in football and basketball
  3. Identify the officials of the games of football and basketball and their functions
  4. Differentiate the rules and regulations of football and basketball

13. Racket Games –Table tennis and badminton

Contents

  • 3. Racket Games –Table tennis and badminton a. Skills in table tennis and badminton b. Specification of facilities and equipment in table tennis and badminton c. Rules, regulation and officiating in table tennis and badminton
  • S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Describe the skills in table tennis and badminton
  2. Identify various facilities and equipment in table tennis and badminton
  3. Identify the officials in table tennis and badminton and state their functions
  4. Differentiate the rules and regulations of table tennis and badminton. OBJECTIVES

14. Food

Contents

  • 1. Food a. Classes, sources and importance of food nutrients
  • b. Definition and composition of balanced diet
  • c. Diet planning for different groups of people –children, adolescents, athletes, pregnant women and aged
  • d. Food preservation, hygiene, preservation and storage

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Indicate the sources and importance of the various classes of food nutrients
  2. Define balanced diet and state its importance
  3. Draw up and specify dietary requirements for different groups of people
  4. Explain methods for food preparation, preservation and storage
  5. Explain the principles of food hygiene

15. Nutrition

Contents

  • 2. Nutrition a. Definition and nutritional values of beverages
  • b. Common nutritional deficiencies and their remedies c. Importance of water in human nutrition

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define nutrition and state the nutritional values of beverages
  2. State the common nutritional deficiencies and their remedies
  3. Highlight the importance of water in human nutrition

16. Drugs

Contents

  • 3. Drugs a. Meaning and types –stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogen, sedatives and ergogenic aids
  • b. Use, misuse and abuse
  • c. Causes and prevention of drug misuse and abuse
  • d. Effects of drug misuse, abuse and self- medication on the body
  • SECTION E: PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CONDITIONING PROGRAMMES S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define drug and state the types
  2. Differentiate between drug misuse and abuse
  3. State causes and prevention of drug misuse and abuse
  4. Explain the effects of drug misuse, abuse and self-medication on the body. OBJECTIVES

17. Physical fitness

Contents

  • 1. Physical fitness a. Definition of physical fitness
  • b. Components of physical fitness –health- related and performance/skill-related
  • c. Benefits of physical activity and exercise

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define physical fitness
  2. Outline and explain components of physical fitness
  3. Give examples of health-related and performance/skill-related components
  4. State the benefits of physical activity and exercise

18. Conditioning Programme

Contents

  • 2. Conditioning Programme a. Aerobic programme b. Anaerobic programme c. Strength training programme d. Endurance training programme SECTION F: RECREATION, LEISURE AND DANCE S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic programmes
  2. Differentiate between strength and endurance training programme. OBJECTIVES

19. Recreation and leisure

Contents

  • 1. Recreation and leisure a. Definition and importance of recreation, leisure, work and rest
  • b. Types of recreational activities i. Outdoor –jogging, swimming, cycling, watching birds, hiking, camping, picnicking
  • ii. Indoor –viewing TV, videogames, computer games, playing musical instruments, billiards, card games, Ayo, draught
  • c. Differences between recreational activities and competitive sports

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Differentiate among recreation, leisure, work and rest
  2. State the importance of recreation, leisure, work and rest
  3. Mention types of recreation and give examples of each
  4. Differentiate between recreational activities and competitive sports
  5. State safety measures in recreation

20. Dance

Contents

  • 2. Dance a. Definition and importance of dance
  • b. Traditional dances and dance steps from various parts of Nigeria
  • c. Costumes for the various traditional dances in Nigeria
  • SECTION G: FIRST AID AND SAFETY EDUCATION S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define dance and state its importance
  2. Identify traditional dances from various parts of Nigeria
  3. Describe the dance steps for various traditional dances in Nigeria
  4. Identify the costumes for the various traditional dances. OBJECTIVES

21. First Aid

Contents

  • 1. First Aid a. Definition of first aid b. Aims and principles of first aid c. Qualities of a first aider d. First aid box and contents e. Common injuries that require first aid – cuts, wound, sprain, strain, dislocation, fracture f. Special conditions that require first aid – bleeding, burn, scald, shock, poisoning g. Agencies/bodies involved in first aids –St
  • John’s Ambulance, Red Cross Society

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define first aid
  2. State the aims and principles of first aid
  3. Outline the qualities of a first aider
  4. List the contents of the first aid box and their uses
  5. Identify types of common injury
  6. Identify types of common condition that require first aid
  7. Identify agencies involved in fist aids services

22. Safety Education

Contents

  • 2. Safety Education a. Meaning and types of accident and disaster b. Causes and prevention of accident and disaster c. Disaster relief activities d. Safety at home, workplace, school and community SECTION H: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITI S/N TOPIC/CONTENT/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define accident and disaster
  2. Identify types of accident and disaster
  3. State the causes and prevention of accident and disaster
  4. Identify various disaster relief activities
  5. Explain safety measures at home, workplace, school and community. ONS OBJECTIVES

23. Sports competitions at national level

Contents

  • 1. Sports competitions at national level a. Types of competition i. National sports competitions organized by different Sports Federations/Associations
  • ii. National sports competitions organized by Corporate Organizations iii. Importance of the National Sports Festival b. Organisation and administration of sports competitions

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify by name, sports competitions organized by sports Federations/Association and Corporate Organizations
  2. State the importance of the National Sports Festival
  3. Highlight the organizational and administrative structures of sports competitions in Nigeria

24. Names and roles of institutional games

Contents

  • 2. Names and roles of institutional games a. The University Games (NUGA) b. The Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) c. The Colleges of Education Games (NATCEGA) d. National School Sports Games (NSSF)

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. State the names and roles of the different institutional games

25. International sports competitions and the

Contents

  • 3. International sports competitions and the governing bodies a. All Africa Games i. History and evolution of All Africa Games ii. Aims of All Africa Games b. International sports governing bodies - Names and administrative structure of SCSA, IOC, FIFA, IAAF, ISSF, FIBA, ITTF, BWF
  • SECTION I: CORRECTIVE AND ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION PRO S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Narrate the history and evolution of the All Africa Games
  2. Identify the aims of the All Africa Games
  3. Identify by name, international sports governing bodies
  4. Describe the administrative structure of international governing bodies. GRAMME OBJECTIVES

26. Meaning and types of disability and special

Contents

  • 1. Meaning and types of disability and special needs

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define disability and describe people with special needs

27. Adapted physical activities for people with ii. identify types of disability and special

Contents

  • 2. Adapted physical activities fo disabilities and special needs

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. R people with
  2. Identify types of disability and special need
  3. Identify physical activities for people

28. Social and emotional problems of people with with disabilities and special needs;

Contents

  • 3. Social and em special needs

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Otional problems of people with with disabilities and special needs
  2. State the social and emotional problems of people with disabilities

29. Prevention of disability v. state preventive measures of disability;

Contents

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Prevention of disability v. state preventive measures of disability
  2. State corrective exercise to rehabilitate

30. Corrective exercises to rehabilitate people with people with special needs.

Contents

  • SECT S/N

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Corrective exercises to rehabilitate people with people with special needs. special needs ION J: PERSONAL, COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES

31. Personal Health

Contents

  • 1. Personal Health a. Meaning and importance of personal health i. Meaning of personal health ii. Importance of personal health b. Personal Hygiene –care of various body parts (teeth, mouth, hair, skin, hands and nails) c. Method of promotion and maintenance of personal health –exercise, nutrition, regular medical check-up
  • d. Personal health screening i. Eye defects and their corrections –myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism
  • ii. Auditory defects and their corrections (Otistis media, partial deafness) iii. Dental diseases (dental caries, gingivitis)

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define personal health and state its importance
  2. Differentiate the care of various parts of the body
  3. State the methods of promoting and maintaining personal health
  4. State the outcome of personal health screening for the eye; ear and dental

32. Community Health

Contents

  • 2. Community Health a. Community health services –providers of health services (orthodox services, traditional services –bone setters, birth attendance) b. Various aspects of family health –maternal and child health (ante-natal care, immunization, oral rehydration therapy, breast feeding and safe motherhood)
  • c. Aging and death education i. Characteristics of elderly persons ii. Ways of relating with the elderly iii. Common causes of death

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Differentiate between orthodox and traditional health services
  2. Different among various aspects of maternal and child health services
  3. Identify the characteristics of elderly persons and state the ways of relating with them
  4. Identify common causes of death

33. Environmental health

Contents

  • 3. Environmental health a. Housing i. Characteristics of good housing – location, ventilation, lighting and sanitation ii. Town planning regulations (spacing, overcrowding) b. Water Supply i. Importance and sources ii. Methods of purification c. Waste disposal i. Types –refuge, sewage ii. Methods d. Pollution i. Meaning and types –air, water, soil and noise ii. Prevention and control e. Pest and vector control i. Differences between pest and vector and their habits ii. Harmful effects of pest and vector iii. Prevention and control SECTION K: COMMUNICABLE AND NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. State the characteristics of good housing
  2. State the town planning regulations
  3. State the importance of water supply and list the sources
  4. Explain methods of water purification
  5. Differentiate between refuse and sewage disposal methods
  6. Define pollution and state its types
  7. Outline the prevention and control measure of pollution
  8. Differentiate between pest and vector and state their habits
  9. Explain the harmful effects of pest and vectors and highlight their prevention and control measures. OBJECTIVES

34. Disease – Meaning and causes

Contents

  • 1. Disease – Meaning and causes

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define disease and state the causes

35. Communicable diseases ii. define communicable disease and state

Contents

  • 2. Communicable diseases a. Definition b. Classification of communicable diseases i i. Air-borne/Respiratory diseases –measles, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis and cerebro-spinal meningitis
  • ii. Water/Food-borne diseases –dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever
  • iii. Insect-borne diseases –malaria, yellow fever, trypanosomiasis
  • iv. Worm infections –ascaris lumblicoides (tape worm), ancylastomaduodenale (hook worm), dracunculusmedinensis (guinea worm)
  • v. Animal-borne diseases –rabies, leptospirosis
  • vi. Contact diseases –gonorrhoea, syphilis, taeniacapitis (ring worm), leprosy, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) vii. Presentation and control measures – immunization, sterilization, isolation 3
  • Non-communicable diseases a. Definition b. Diseases –hypertension, sickle cell, cancer, epilepsy, ulcer, asthma, diabetes
  • SECTION L: FAMILY LIFE AND HUMAN SEXUALITY EDUCATION S/N TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define communicable disease and state its classification with examples
  2. Highlight the prevention and control measures of communicable diseases
  3. Define non-communicable diseases with examples
  4. Highlight the prevention and control measures of non-communicable diseases. OBJECTIVES

36. Family

Contents

  • 1. Family a. Definition and types i. Definition ii. Types –Nuclear family (monogamous, polygamous, single parent family, family by adoption) and Extended family
  • b. Characteristics of a happy family

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define the family and explain its types
  2. State the characteristics of a happy family

37. Human sexuality education

Contents

  • 2. Human sexuality education a. Meaning and importance b. Reproductive health rights –rights to number of children, consent to marry, gender equality and privacy

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Explain human sexuality and state its importance
  2. Highlight the reproductive health rights

38. Family planning

Contents

  • 3. Family planning a. Definition and importance b. Advantages and disadvantages of various methods of family planning –condom, pills, uterine device, abstinence
  • c. Challenges of families in Nigeria –pre- marital sex, extra marital sex, widowhood
  • d. Agencies promoting healthy family living – school, NGO, religions homes

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Define family planning and state its importance
  2. Identify the various methods of family planning and state their advantages
  3. State the challenges facing family life
  4. Identify agencies promoting healthy family living

39. Afuekwe A. I. (2007). An Introductory Textbook of Physical Education for Secondary Schools and

Contents

  • 1. Afuekwe A. I. (2007). An Introductory Textbook of Physi Colleges. Vol. 1. Sales Point (Nig.) Co

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Cal Education for Secondary Schools and

40. Afuekwe A. I. (2009). Health Topics in the New Curriculum of Physical and Health Education. Vol.

Contents

  • 2. Afuekwe A. I. (2009). Health Topics in the New Curricul

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Um of Physical and Health Education. Vol

41. Seas Print (Nig.) Co.

Contents

  • 1. Seas Print (Nig.) Co

42. Nnabueze, U. C. (2002). Foundation of Health and Physical Education for Schools. Vol. II Enugu

Contents

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Al Education for Schools. Vol. II Enugu

43. Ofadeji, A. A. (2013). Comprehensive Textbook on Physical and Health Education.

Contents

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Al and Health Education

44. Oworu, O. O. (2004). Fundamentals of Physical Education. Lucky Odoni (Nig.) Enterprises.

Contents

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Lucky Odoni (Nig.) Enterprises

45. Oyerinde, O. O., Dada, J. O. & Oloyede, R. O. (2021). A Textbook of Physical and Health Education

Contents

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Textbook of Physical and Health Education System. Fabonish Publisher, Positive

46. Oyerinde, O. O., Dada, J. O. & Oloyede, R. O. (2021). All Times Health Education for Individual

Contents

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Ll Times Health Education for Individual ity Press. 4th Edition

47. Puffa, H. A., Agbeko, W. W. & Amui. J. C. (2009). Foundations of Physical Education and Sports.

Contents

Objectives — candidates should be able to:

  1. Ations of Physical Education and Sports

Recommended texts for JAMB Physical and Health Education

These are the recommended textbooks listed in the official JAMB Physical and Health Education syllabus. You do not need every book — one solid, complete text that follows the syllabus, paired with past-question practice, is enough.

  • Afuekwe A. I. (2007). An Introductory Textbook of Physical Education for Secondary Schools and Colleges. Vol.
  • Afuekwe A. I. (2009). Health Topics in the New Curriculum of Physical and Health Education. Vol.
  • Nnabueze, U. C. (2002). Foundation of Health and Physical Education for Schools. Vol. II Enugu: Okotech Publishers.
  • Ofadeji, A. A. (2013). Comprehensive Textbook on Physical and Health Education.
  • Oworu, O. O. (2004). Fundamentals of Physical Education. Lucky Odoni (Nig.) Enterprises.
  • Oyerinde, O. O., Dada, J. O. & Oloyede, R. O. (2021). A Textbook of Physical and Health Education for Secondary School in Contemporary Nigeria Education System. Fabonish Publisher, Positive Press, Ibadan. 4th Edition.
  • Oyerinde, O. O., Dada, J. O. & Oloyede, R. O. (2021). All Times Health Education for Individual and College Student. Fabonish Publisher, Bayero University Press. 4th Edition.
  • Puffa, H. A., Agbeko, W. W. & Amui. J. C. (2009). Foundations of Physical Education and Sports. Winneba, Ghana: Akwu

Frequently asked questions

What is the JAMB Physical and Health Education syllabus for 2026/2027?

The JAMB Physical and Health Education 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 the concept, aims and history of physical and health education; human anatomy and physiology; sports and games (rules, skills and officiating); health education (personal, community and environmental health, first aid and safety); and recreation. Every question in the Physical and Health Education 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 Physical and Health Education?

The areas of concentration are the sections and high-frequency topics the UTME focuses on. The foundations and history of physical education, human anatomy and physiology, the rules and skills of major sports and games, and health education (nutrition, diseases, first aid and safety) are core — learn the facts and be able to apply them. 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 Physical and Health Education?

JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Physical and Health Education, 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 Physical and Health Education 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 Physical and Health Education compulsory in JAMB?

Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject, but Physical and Health Education is accepted for Physical/Health Education, Human Kinetics, Physiotherapy-adjacent and several education courses.

What are the hot topics or most repeated topics in JAMB Physical and Health Education?

While JAMB does not publish a 'hot topics' list, the syllabus changes little year to year, so the same high-frequency topics recur. The foundations and history of physical education, human anatomy and physiology, the rules and skills of major sports and games, and health education (nutrition, diseases, first aid and safety) are core — learn the facts and be able to apply them. 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 Physical and Health Education?

The official syllabus recommends standard texts: standard SSS Physical and Health Education texts covering anatomy, sports and health education. 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 Physical and Health Education 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 Physical and Health Education 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 Physical and Health Education 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 Physical and Health Education?

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 Physical and Health Education 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 Physical and Health Education 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 Physical and Health Education 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 Physical and Health Education in JAMB

Physical and Health Education features in the UTME combination for specialised courses and language/education programmes. See the full list of courses and their subject combinations to find where it applies.

Browse subject combinations for all courses →

Candidates studying Physical and Health Education often study these subjects alongside it. Each links to its full official syllabus and free CBT practice:

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