English Language JAMB syllabus for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is currently avaliable now. You can download the full syllabus on ScholarJoiner if you are writing the forthcoming JAMB examination.
The JAMB 2026 Use of English syllabus is designed to guide candidates in their UTME and Direct Entry preparation. It evaluates candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English and use English for tertiary learning.
Recommended Post: JAMB Past Questions All Subjects
The syllabus covers three main sections: Comprehension/Summary, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms. Candidates are tested on comprehension passages, grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, oral pronunciation, and writing skills. The official syllabus is available in PDF format for 2026/2027 candidates.
Syllabus Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Type | UTME / Direct Entry |
| Examination Year | 2026/2027 |
| Syllabus | Use of English JAMB 2026 |
| File Format |
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) provides this Use of English language 2026 Syllabus for candidates who aim to score high in UTME.
The Use of English Language syllabus is a great tool that helps students understand what the JAMB exam is like.
Candidates that practice JAMB Use of English Past Questions using Syllabus will actually score high because it will boost their confidence, master JAMB exam tricks and help communication skills.
Note: if you really want to score high on the JAMB forthcoming examination, you are advised to download the Use of English Language 2026 syllabus and also review it carefully.
JAMB General Objectives
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Use of English is to guide candidates in their preparation for the Board’s examination. It is designed to evaluate the candidates’ ability to:
- Communicate effectively in both written and spoken English; and
- Use the English Language for learning at the tertiary level.
JAMB 2026 Use of English Syllabus Sections
| Section |
|---|
| SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary |
| SECTION B: Lexis and Structure |
| SECTION C: Oral Forms |
A. Comprehension/Summary
Topics
- Description
- Narration
- Exposition
- Argumentation/Persuasion
Passage Instructions
- Each of the two passages to be set (one will be a cloze test) should reflect various disciplines and be about 200 words long.
Questions Will Test
- Comprehension of the whole or part of each passage
- Comprehension of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, figures of speech, and idioms as used in the passages
- Coherence and logical reasoning (deductions, inferences, etc.)
- The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba
- Synthesis of ideas from the passages
Note: By synthesis of ideas is meant the art of combining distinct or separate pieces of information to form a complete whole.
Objectives
- Identify main points/topic sentences in passages
- Determine implied meaning
- Identify the grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses, and figurative/idiomatic expressions
- Deduce or infer the writer’s intentions including mood, attitude to the subject matter, and opinion
B. Lexis and Structure
Topics
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Homonyms
- Clause and sentence patterns
- Word classes and their functions
- Mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord, degree (positive, comparative, superlative) and question tags
- Punctuation and spelling
- Ordinary usage, figurative usage, and idiomatic usage are to be tested
Note: Idioms to be tested shall be those that are formal and expressed in standard British English.
Objectives
- Identify words and expressions in their ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic contexts
- Determine similar and opposite meaning of words
- Differentiate between correct and incorrect punctuation and spelling
- Identify various grammatical patterns in use
- Interpret information conveyed in sentences
C. Oral Forms
Topics
- Vowels (monothongs and diphthongs)
- Consonants (including clusters)
- Rhymes (including homophones)
- Word stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic)
- Intonation (words emphatic stress)
Note: Emphatic stress involves the placement of normal stress on words in an utterance for the purpose of emphasis.
Objectives
- Make distinctions between vowel types
- Differentiate between consonant types
- Identify correct accentuation in individual words and connected speech
Recommended Texts
- Attah, M. O. (2013). Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners, Maiduguri: University of Maiduguri Press.
- Bamgbose, A. (2002). English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition), Ibadan: Heinemann
- Banjo, A. et al. (2004). New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools, Ibadan: UP Plc.
- Caesar, O. J. (2003). Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges, Lagos: Tonad Publishers Limited
- Daniel Jones (2011). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
- Egbe, D. I. (1996). Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills, Lagos: Tisons
- Elugbe, B. (2000). Oral English for Schools and Colleges, Ibadan: Heinemann
- Grant, N. J. H, Nnamonu, S., Jowitt, D. (1998). Senior English Project 3, (New Edition) Harlow: Longman
- Idowu, O. O, Sogbesan, T. S, Adofo, A. K, Burgess, D. F, Burgess, L. J. (1998). Round-up English: A Complete Guide, Lagos: Longman
- Idris, U. (2001). Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges, Lagos: M. Youngbrain Publishers
- Igiligi, E. C. and Ogenyi, S. O. (2010). Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age, Enugu: Joe Hills Production Services
- Jauro, L. B. (2013). Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach, Yola: Paraclete Publishers
- Nnamonu, S. and Jowitt, D. (1989). Common Errors in English, Lagos: Longman
- Obinna, M. F. (2001). University Matriculation Use of English (Fourth Edition), Port Harcourt: Sunray Books Limited
- Ogunsanwo, O., Duruaku, A. B. C., Ezechukwu, J., Nwachukwu, U. I. (2005). Countdown English Language (Revised Edition), Ibadan: Evans
- Olatoye, S. (2006). The Silent Teacher, Ado-Ekiti: Segun and Sons Enterprises
- Oluikpe, B. O. A., Nnaemeka, B. A., Obah, T. Y., Otagburuagu, E. J., Onuigbo, S., Ogbonna, E. A. (1998). Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3, Onitsha: Africana – FIRST Publisher
- Tomori, S. H. O. (2000). Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure and Idiom (Reprinted Edition), Ibadan: Heinemann
- Ukwuegbu, C., Okoro, O., Idris, A. U., Okebukola, F. O., Owokade, C. O. (2002). Catch-up English for SSCE/UME, Ibadan: Heinemann
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the official JAMB 2026 Use of English syllabus for UTME is now available. Candidates can download the PDF and start preparing accordingly.
Yes, JAMB strictly follows its approved syllabus when setting questions for UTME and Direct Entry examinations.
Mathematics is compulsory for candidates applying to courses that require it. For more JAMB subject requirements, see our guide on compulsory subjects.
Every candidate writes a minimum of four subjects in JAMB UTME: English Language is compulsory, while the remaining three depend on the chosen course of study. Learn more in our.
No, the syllabus is periodically updated. Candidates should always refer to the latest JAMB syllabus for their examination year.
Related Guides
- How to Score High in JAMB Use of English 2026
- JAMB Post-UTME Preparation Tips
- JAMB Mathematics 2026 Syllabus & Guide
Download Use of English Syllabus 2026 PDF
