JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Use of English 2025/2026

The Use of English is the only compulsory subject in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) that every candidate must take. This subject consists of 60 questions, covering essential topics in the JAMB Use of English syllabus. Given the importance of this subject, it is crucial that candidates thoroughly prepare using the right resources, especially textbooks that are recommended by JAMB itself.

Why Use Textbooks to Prepare for JAMB Use of English?

Textbooks are indispensable for exam preparation as they provide well-structured and comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. Unlike many online sources that may present fragmented information or lack depth, textbooks explain concepts in detail, provide examples, and include exercises that help reinforce understanding.

Here are key reasons why textbooks are essential for JAMB Use of English preparation:

1. Structured Learning: Textbooks offer a systematic approach to learning. They break down the JAMB syllabus into digestible chunks, making it easier for candidates to follow and understand.
2. Comprehensive Coverage: JAMB-recommended textbooks cover all the required sections for the exam, including comprehension, grammar, lexis and structure, and oral English. This ensures that candidates do not miss out on any critical topics.
3. Practice Questions: Many textbooks come with past questions, model questions, and exercises, which give candidates a chance to practice what they’ve learned. This is particularly important for the Use of English exam, where understanding grammar rules and vocabulary is critical.
4. Expert-Approved: Since JAMB carefully selects the recommended textbooks, candidates can be assured that the content is accurate and relevant to the UTME. Additionally, questions in the exam may sometimes be directly drawn from these textbooks, making them invaluable for preparation.
5. In-depth Explanation: Certain topics like English grammar, comprehension, and oral English require detailed explanation and examples, which are better provided in textbooks than in online articles or videos.

How to Choose the Best Textbooks for JAMB Use of English?

With the wide range of English textbooks available in Nigeria, selecting the most appropriate ones can be overwhelming. Not all textbooks are suitable for JAMB UTME preparation as some may be outdated or may not cover the syllabus adequately. Here are some tips to help candidates choose the best textbooks for JAMB Use of English:

1. Follow JAMB’s Recommendations

JAMB releases an official list of recommended textbooks every year. These books are chosen based on their alignment with the JAMB Use of English syllabus. Following this list ensures that candidates are using the best resources.

2. Consult Experienced Teachers or Tutors

Teachers or tutors who specialize in preparing students for JAMB can offer valuable insight into which textbooks are most helpful. They can recommend books that are both comprehensive and easy to understand. Senior students who have already passed the JAMB exam can also offer advice on which textbooks to use.

3. Look for Comprehensive Coverage

Ensure that the textbook covers all areas of the JAMB Use of English syllabus—comprehension, summary, lexis and structure, and oral English. This will ensure that you are not left underprepared in any area.

4. Choose Textbooks with Practice Questions

A good textbook should include plenty of practice questions and answers, especially from past UTME exams. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.

What Are the Recommended Textbooks for JAMB Use of English 2025/2026?

According to the official JAMB website and brochure, the recommended textbooks for the 2025/2026 JAMB Use of English exam are as follows:

1. Attah, M. O. (2013): Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners – This book is particularly useful for developing oral English skills, which is a key component of the JAMB exam.
2. Bamgbose, A. (2002): English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges – A vital resource for mastering the vocabulary and structure needed for success in JAMB.
3. Banjo, A. et al. (2004): New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six – This textbook is well-known for its comprehensive coverage of English language rules and usage.
4. Caesar, O. J. (2003): Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges – As the name suggests, this book focuses on oral English, a core aspect of the UTME.
5. Daniel Jones (2011): Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary – An authoritative guide for pronunciation, which is critical for the oral section of the Use of English exam.
6. Egbe, D. I. (1996): Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills – A highly recommended book that covers key grammatical rules and communication strategies.
7. Elugbe, B. (2000): Oral English for Schools and Colleges – This book provides in-depth knowledge of oral English, helping candidates perform well in the oral section of the exam.
8. Grant, N. J. H., Nnamonu, S., Jowitt, D. (1998): Senior English Project 3 – Another excellent resource, especially for understanding lexis and structure.
9. Idowu, O. O. et al. (1998): Round-up English: A Complete Guide – This textbook provides a complete guide for English, covering all areas of the JAMB Use of English syllabus.
10. Igiligi, E. C. and Ogenyi, S. O. (2010): Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age – This is a more modern approach to English grammar and composition, which is useful for the exam.
11. Jauro, L. B. (2013): Oral English for Schools and Colleges – A teaching and learning approach that is highly recommended for oral English.
12. Obinna, M. F. (2001): University Matriculation Use of English – One of the key books designed for JAMB candidates, this book provides extensive practice in comprehension, grammar, and other areas of English language use.

Key Areas Covered by These Textbooks

These textbooks collectively cover all the key sections of the JAMB Use of English syllabus:

1. Comprehension: Understanding and analyzing written passages.
2. Summary Writing: Summarizing passages in concise, clear language.
3. Lexis and Structure: Vocabulary, sentence structure, and idiomatic expressions.
4. Oral English: Phonetics, pronunciation, stress patterns, and intonation.
5. Test of Orals: Practicing oral questions that assess the candidate’s pronunciation and phonetic abilities.

Benefits of Using Recommended Textbooks

1. Increases Familiarity with Exam Format: Since the questions may sometimes be drawn directly from these textbooks, they help candidates become familiar with the types of questions JAMB typically sets.
2. Develops Comprehensive Knowledge: By using a combination of the recommended textbooks, candidates can build a solid understanding of the English language, which will serve them not just for the exam but in future academic pursuits.
3. Confidence Boost: Adequate preparation with the right materials will boost a candidate’s confidence in tackling the exam questions.

Conclusion

Preparing for JAMB Use of English is not something to take lightly, as it plays a crucial role in determining a candidate’s overall UTME score. By using the best and most recommended textbooks for the 2025/2026 exam, candidates can significantly improve their chances of success. The list of textbooks provided by JAMB is an excellent starting point for preparation and should be followed diligently.

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