The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. Students seeking admission into Nigerian universities must prepare for this exam, and one of the most important resources for exam preparation is the JAMB syllabus.
The JAMB History syllabus for the 2025/2026 academic year outlines the topics you will be tested on. Familiarizing yourself with this syllabus will help you know what to expect on the exam and direct your study efforts effectively.
Key Areas Covered in the JAMB History Syllabus
The JAMB History syllabus for 2025/2026 encompasses both world history and Nigerian history. It is divided into sections that cover different historical periods and regions. Below are the major topics under each section:
Section A: The Nigeria Area Up to 1800
- Land and Peoples of the Nigeria Area
- Understand the different ethnic groups and their geographical locations in the pre-colonial Nigerian area.
- Early Centres of Civilization
- Study the early civilizations that existed in the Nigeria area before colonial influence.
- Origin and Formation of States in the Nigeria Area
- Explore the formation of early states and their evolution over time.
- Economic Activities and Growth of States
- Examine the economic activities that contributed to the growth of states in the Nigeria area.
- External Influences
- Analyze the influence of external forces (such as trade, migration, and religion) on Nigerian societies before 1800.
Section B: The Nigeria Area 1800–1900
- The Sokoto Caliphate
- Understand the formation and significance of the Sokoto Caliphate in Nigerian history.
- Kanem-Borno
- Study the history and influence of the Kanem-Borno Empire on the Nigerian region.
- Yorubaland
- Explore the political and cultural developments in Yorubaland during this period.
- Benin
- Review the rise and fall of the Benin Kingdom and its impact on Nigerian history.
- Nupe, Igbo, and Efik
- Learn about the history and social structure of the Nupe, Igbo, and Efik peoples during the 19th century.
- European Penetration and Impact
- Examine the arrival of Europeans and their subsequent impact on the Nigerian region.
- British Conquest of the Nigeria Area
- Study the events and strategies leading to the British colonization of Nigeria in the 19th century.
Section C: Nigeria 1900–1960
- The Establishment of Colonial Rule Up to 1914
- Analyze the process and challenges faced by the British in establishing colonial rule in Nigeria.
- The Amalgamation of 1914
- Study the reasons behind the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates of Nigeria in 1914.
- Colonial Administration After the Amalgamation
- Explore how colonial administration operated in Nigeria after the 1914 amalgamation.
- The Colonial Economy
- Understand the structure and impact of the colonial economy on Nigerian society.
- Social Development Under Colonial Rule
- Review the social changes and developments that occurred during colonial rule in Nigeria.
- Nationalism, Constitutional Developments, and Independence
- Analyze the rise of nationalist movements and constitutional changes that led to Nigeria’s independence.
Section D: Nigeria Since Independence
- The Politics of the First Republic and Military Intervention
- Study the political landscape of the First Republic and the subsequent military intervention in Nigerian politics.
- The Civil War
- Understand the causes, events, and consequences of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
- The Gowon Regime
- Review the leadership of General Yakubu Gowon and his contributions to post-war Nigeria.
- Murtala/Obasanjo Regime
- Study the military regimes of Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo.
- The Second Republic
- Analyze the rise and fall of the Second Republic under Shehu Shagari.
- The Buhari Regime
- Explore General Muhammadu Buhari’s military regime and its impact on Nigerian politics.
- The Babangida Regime
- Review the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida and its political significance.
- The Interim National Government (ING)
- Study the establishment of the ING in 1993 and its role in Nigerian politics.
- The Abacha Regime
- Analyze the controversial military rule of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s.
- Nigeria in International Organizations
- Understand Nigeria’s role and contributions to global institutions like the United Nations and the African Union.
Part II: Africa and the Wider World Since 1800
Section A: West and North Africa
- Islamic Reform Movements and State Building in West Africa
- Study the spread of Islam and the rise of Islamic reform movements in West Africa.
- Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa
- Learn about the founding of Sierra Leone and Liberia, and the role of Christian missionary activities in these regions.
- Egypt Under Mohammed Ali and Khedive Ismail
- Review the reign of Mohammed Ali and Khedive Ismail in Egypt and their impact on the region.
- The Mahdi and Mahdiyya Movement in the Sudan
- Analyze the Mahdi movement in Sudan and its significance in African history.
Section B: Eastern and Southern Africa
- The Omani Empire
- Study the rise and fall of the Omani Empire in East Africa.
- Ethiopia in the 19th Century
- Review Ethiopia’s political developments and resistance to foreign influence during the 19th century.
- The Mfecane
- Explore the Mfecane and its impact on southern Africa during the early 19th century.
- The Great Trek
- Understand the causes and consequences of the Great Trek by the Dutch settlers in South Africa.
Section C: Imperialism, Colonialism, and Problems of Nation-Building in Africa
- The New Imperialism and European Occupation of Africa
- Analyze the impact of European imperialism and the occupation of Africa.
- Patterns of Colonial Rule in Africa
- Study the different forms of colonial rule in African countries, such as direct and indirect rule.
- The Politics of Decolonization
- Review the process of decolonization in Africa and the struggle for independence.
- Apartheid in South Africa
- Explore the history of apartheid and its effects on South Africa.
- Problems of Nation-Building in Africa
- Study the challenges African nations face in building stable post-colonial governments.