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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Jamb History Syllabus + Cbt Exam Success Tips (2025/2026): Official Guide
If you’re preparing for JAMB History in the 2025/2026 UTME, this guide is for you. History is vital for students pursuing courses like History, Law, Political Science, International Relations, and related fields. To succeed, you must understand the official syllabus, CBT exam format, and proven success strategies. This guide gives you the full JAMB History syllabus, exam structure, expert success tips, and helpful FAQs.
JAMB History Syllabus (2025/2026)
The JAMB History syllabus assesses candidates’ understanding of historical events from African civilizations to contemporary international relations, especially focusing on Nigeria.
1. African History (Early Times to 1800 AD)
| Topics | What to Study |
|---|---|
| Origin of Man in Africa | Archaeological evidence, cultural evolution |
| Early Civilizations | Egypt, Nubia, Axum – rise, achievements, decline |
| Trans-Saharan Trade | Items traded, trade routes, importance |
| Spread of Islam in Africa | Effects on politics, economy, education |
| Indigenous Political Systems | Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani, Benin Kingdom, Igbo society |
2. West Africa in the 19th Century
| Topics | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Jihad of Uthman dan Fodio | Causes, spread, impacts |
| Islamic Reform Movements | Nature and significance |
| Yoruba Civil Wars | Causes, main battles, consequences |
| Emergence of New States | Adamawa, Gwandu, Ilorin |
| British Abolition of Slave Trade | Reasons, impacts on West Africa |
3. Nigeria in the 20th Century
| Topics | What to Study |
|---|---|
| British Conquest and Rule | Indirect rule system, colonial policies |
| Economic Changes under Colonialism | Railways, cash crops, mining, taxation |
| Nationalist Movements | Key figures (Herbert Macaulay, Azikiwe, Awolowo), activities |
| Nigerian Constitutional Development | Clifford, Richards, Macpherson, Lyttleton constitutions |
| Independence and Post-Independence | 1960 independence, First Republic, coups |
| Civil War and Post-war Development | Causes, major events, outcomes |
4. Africa and the Wider World (19th – 21st Century)
| Topics | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Scramble for Africa | Berlin Conference, partition, colonization |
| African Nationalism | Movements, independence struggles, leaders |
| Pan-Africanism | Origin, aims, major conferences, significance |
| Organisation of African Unity (OAU) / African Union (AU) | Formation, objectives, achievements, challenges |
5. World History
| Topics | What to Study |
|---|---|
| Industrial Revolution | Causes, impacts on Europe and colonies |
| World Wars I and II | Causes, course, effects, peace settlements |
| United Nations Organisation | Formation, objectives, roles |
| Contemporary Global Issues | Terrorism, migration, globalization |
JAMB History CBT Exam Format
| Exam Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Exam Type | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Format | Objective, 4-option answers |
| Exam Duration | Combined with other subjects (Total 2 hours) |
Top Success Tips for JAMB History CBT Exam
| Success Tip | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Focus on Nigerian History | It carries significant weight in JAMB |
| Study African Empires and Trade Systems | Frequently tested in early civilization topics |
| Memorize Dates and Key Events | Accuracy in dates earns easy marks |
| Understand Nationalist Movements | Leaders and events are regularly tested |
| Revise Colonial Administration Strategies | Focus on indirect rule, policies, impacts |
| Master Post-Independence Politics | Military regimes, civil war, democracy topics |
| Solve Past JAMB Questions | Questions often repeat |
| Use Timelines for Revisions | Helps memorize historical sequence of events |
| Focus on World History Basics | Industrial revolution and World Wars |
| Take Mock CBT Exams | Improves time management and CBT experience |
FAQs About JAMB History Exam
1. How many questions are in JAMB History?
40 objective questions.
2. Does JAMB History focus more on Nigeria?
Yes. Nigerian history carries a major share of the exam content.
3. Are key dates and events tested?
Yes. You’ll need to recall specific years, treaties, and battles.
4. Does JAMB repeat History questions?
Yes. Past questions reappear directly or with slight modifications.
5. Recommended textbooks for JAMB History?
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Comprehensive History of Nigeria by Elizabeth Isichei
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Essential History for Senior Secondary Schools
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JAMB Past Questions & Answers (History)
Conclusion
Success in JAMB History requires mastering Nigeria’s pre-colonial systems, colonial administration, nationalist movements, independence journey, and post-independence challenges. Don’t ignore early African civilizations, trans-Saharan trade, Pan-Africanism, and major world events like the world wars.
With consistent study and solving past questions, you can confidently aim for 70+ marks in JAMB History.
