The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the official Nigerian body responsible for organizing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a critical step for students aiming to gain admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. As the 2025/2026 examination approaches, students preparing for the UTME are seeking resources to ensure comprehensive preparation. One of the most valuable resources is the JAMB syllabus, especially for subjects like Physical and Health Education (PHE). This syllabus serves as a guide, outlining essential topics and subtopics that will be covered in the examination, helping students structure their study plans for better results.
In this post, we will provide an in-depth look at the JAMB syllabus for Physical and Health Education for the 2025/2026 academic session. We’ll cover each section, giving students a clear understanding of what to study and how best to approach each topic for optimal results.
Introduction to the JAMB Syllabus for Physical and Health Education
The JAMB syllabus for Physical and Health Education is structured to provide students with an overview of topics essential for success in the PHE examination. Divided into core sections, the syllabus outlines the knowledge areas required, which include human anatomy, sport science, health promotion, and safety management. By studying the syllabus thoroughly, students can ensure they are adequately prepared for questions that will appear in the UTME.
The syllabus is divided into several main sections, each of which addresses key concepts and topics:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Physical Education and Sport Science
- Health Education and Promotion
- Safety, First Aid, and Emergency Management
Let’s go through each of these sections and their subtopics, providing insight into what students need to focus on in preparation for the 2025/2026 UTME.
Detailed Breakdown of the JAMB Syllabus for Physical and Health Education 2025/2026
SECTION A: Foundations and Principles of Physical and Health Education
This section covers the foundational concepts and principles of Physical and Health Education (PHE).
- Principles, Meaning, Scope, and Philosophy of Physical Education (PE): Students should understand the scope of PE, its core principles, and the underlying philosophy that drives it.
- Philosophy, Objectives, and Settings of Health Education: This area emphasizes the goals and importance of Health Education in promoting well-being and includes discussions on different settings where health education is practiced, such as schools, communities, and healthcare institutions.
SECTION B: Human Anatomy and Physiology in Relation to PHE
Human anatomy and physiology are central to understanding how the body functions during physical activity and the role each system plays in health.
- Cells, Tissues, and Systems of the Human Body: Learn the basics of cellular structures, tissue types, and the organization of various systems in the body.
- Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Circulatory, Respiratory, and Excretory Systems: This covers the structure and functions of key systems involved in physical activity, including the role of muscles in movement and the circulatory system in delivering oxygen.
- Somatotypes and Posture: Understand different body types (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph) and the importance of posture in physical health.
SECTION C: Theory of Practice of Sports and Games
This section deals with the various types of sports and games, including their rules and techniques.
- Athletics (Track and Field Events): Covers the rules, techniques, and classifications of events like sprints, long jump, and shot put.
- Ball Games (Football, Basketball): Discusses the basic rules, strategies, and essential skills required in these sports.
- Racket Games (Table Tennis, Badminton): Familiarize with racket handling, rules of play, and scoring methods.
SECTION D: Food, Nutrition, and Drugs
Nutrition and the understanding of substances that affect health play a significant role in Physical and Health Education.
- Food and Nutrition: Understand the types of nutrients essential for growth and energy, the food pyramid, and dietary recommendations.
- Drugs: Discusses the different types of drugs, their effects on health, and issues related to drug abuse.
SECTION E: Physical Fitness and Conditioning Programmes
Physical fitness is a crucial part of Physical and Health Education, and students are expected to understand conditioning principles.
- Physical Fitness: Learn about the components of physical fitness, such as cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength.
- Conditioning Programme: Focus on developing personalized fitness routines and understanding the importance of regular physical activity.
SECTION F: Recreation, Leisure, and Dance
This section explores recreational activities and dance as a form of physical exercise and cultural expression.
- Recreation and Leisure: Understand the benefits of recreational activities for mental and physical health.
- Dance: Learn about different forms of dance, their cultural significance, and their role in physical fitness.
SECTION G: First Aid and Safety Education
Safety and emergency management skills are essential for anyone involved in physical activities.
- First Aid: Learn basic first aid procedures, including CPR, wound care, and managing fractures.
- Safety Education: Covers safety measures in sports, injury prevention, and how to maintain a safe environment during physical activities.
SECTION H: National and International Sports Competitions
Awareness of various competitions and sports bodies is valuable for students interested in sports management or careers in athletics.
- National Sports Competitions: An overview of major Nigerian sports events and their significance.
- International Sports Competitions and Governing Bodies: Covers well-known international events (like the Olympics) and organizations like FIFA and the IOC.
SECTION I: Corrective and Adapted Physical Education Programme
Physical Education often requires adaptation to meet the needs of people with disabilities and special needs.
- Meaning and Types of Disabilities: Explore the range of physical and intellectual disabilities.
- Adapted Physical Activities: Learn strategies for creating inclusive physical activities suitable for people with different abilities.
- Corrective Exercises: Understand rehabilitation techniques used to improve mobility and physical function in those with special needs.
SECTION J: Personal, Community, and Environmental Health
Health extends beyond the individual to include the well-being of communities and environments.
- Personal Health: Focuses on hygiene, nutrition, and personal fitness.
- Community Health: Addresses healthcare access, sanitation, and public health initiatives.
- Environmental Health: Discusses pollution, waste management, and other environmental factors that impact health.
SECTION K: Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
Students will learn about disease prevention, control, and the impact of diseases on individuals and communities.
- Disease Meaning and Causes: Covers the basics of how diseases spread and their root causes.
- Communicable Diseases: Includes diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.
- Non-Communicable Diseases: Focuses on lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
SECTION L: Family Life and Human Sexuality Education
Family and human sexuality education are integral to promoting a healthy understanding of relationships and reproductive health.
- Family: Covers family structures, roles, and responsibilities.
- Human Sexuality Education: Educates students on sexual health, relationships, and respectful behavior.
- Family Planning: Discusses contraceptive methods, reproductive health, and the importance of family planning.
How to Download the JAMB Syllabus for Physical and Health Education 2025/2026
To ensure easy access to the syllabus, JAMB often provides a downloadable PDF version of the syllabus for all subjects. To get your copy of the JAMB syllabus for Physical and Health Education for the 2025/2026 academic session, click the download link below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the JAMB syllabus important?
The syllabus provides students with an organized guide to all the topics they need to study, ensuring they focus on what’s required for the examination.
Can I use past JAMB syllabuses for 2025/2026 preparation?
It’s best to use the most recent syllabus, as it reflects any updates to the examination content for the 2025/2026 session.
How should I study for Physical and Health Education?
Use the syllabus as your primary guide, and supplement your study with textbooks, revision materials, and past questions.
Conclusion
Preparing for JAMB can feel overwhelming, but having the right resources, like the Physical and Health Education syllabus, can make the process more manageable. The syllabus provides students with a clear path to follow, helping them understand the topics to be covered in the examination and how to prepare accordingly. Take advantage of the syllabus, plan your studies, and approach your preparation with confidence.