Find out the latest update on JAMB 2025/2026 syllabus for Geography which is now out for candidates planning on writing the forthcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Syllabus Overview
| Examination Type | UTME / Direct Entry |
| Examination Year | 2025/2026 |
| Syllabus | Geography |
| File Format | |
| File Size | 250KB |
The JAMB Geography syllabus is a comprehensive outline of the key areas of Geography that candidates must cover while preparing for the UTME.
It is designed to test students’ understanding of physical and human geography, map reading, environmental issues, and geographical concepts.
Also, by downloading and thoroughly studying the JAMB Geography syllabus, you can prepare effectively and increase your chances of excelling in the forthcoming examination.
General Objectives
- Handle and interpret topographical maps, photographs, statistical data and diagrams and basic field survey;
- Demonstrate knowledge of man’s physical and human environment and how man lives and earns a living on earth surface with special reference to Nigeria and Africa;
- Show understanding of the interrelationship between man and his environment;
- Apply geographical concepts, skills and principles to solving problems;
- Understand field work techniques and the study of a local area in the field
JAMB 2024 Syllabus for Geography
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
|---|---|
| I. PRACTICAL GEOGRAPHY A. Maps B. Scale and measurement of distances, areas reduction and enlargement, directions, bearings and gradients with reference to topographical maps. C. Map reading and interpretation; drawing of cross profiles, recognition of indivisibility, recognition and description of physical and human features and relationship as depicted on topographical maps D. Interpretation of statistical data; maps and diagrams E. Elementary Surveying; chain and prismatic, open and close traverse, procedure, problems, advantages and disadvantages. F. Geographic Information System (GIS): components, techniques, data sources, applications | Candidates should be able to; Ai. define and identify different types and uses of maps Bi. apply the different types of scale to distances and area measurement; ii. understand conversion of scales iii. apply the knowledge of scale to gradients, map reduction and enlargement; iv. apply the knowledge of directions and bearings to geographical features. Ci. illustrate the relief of an area through profile drawing; ii. interpret physical and human features from topographical maps. Di. Compute quantitative information from statistical data, diagrams and maps, ii. interpret statistical data, diagrams and maps. Ei. analyze the principle and procedure of each technique; ii. compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two techniques. Fi. understand GIS and its uses. ii. understand the basic concepts and components; iii. express locations through the use of latitudes, longitudes, zipcodes etc; iv. understand land surveying, remote sensing, map digitizing, map scanning as sources of data; v. explain areas of use: Defense, Agriculture, Rural Development etc; vi. identify problems with GIS in Nigeria. |
| II. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY A The earth as a planet i. The earth in the solar system, rotation and revolution; ii. The shape and size of the earth iii. Latitudes and distances, longitudes and time; B The Earth Crust i. The structure of the earth (internal and external) Relationships among the four spheres. ii. Rocks: Types, characteristics, modes of formation and uses iii. Earth’s movement: Tectonic forces iv. Major Landforms: Mountains, Plateau, Plains, Coastal landforms, karst topography and desert landforms C. Volcanism and Earthquakes i. Landforms associated with volcanic activities ii. Landforms of Igneous Rocks iii. Origin and types of Volcanoes iv. Some volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. D. Denudation processes in the tropics i. Weathering ii. Erosion iii. Mass movement iv. Deposition E. Water Bodies i. Oceans and seas (world distribution, salinity and uses) ii. Ocean currents: types, distribution, causes and effects; iii. Lakes: types, distribution and uses. iv. Rivers: Action of running water. F. Weather and Climate i. Concept of weather and climate ii. Elements of weather and climate iii. Factors controlling weather and climate (pressure, air mass, altitude, continentality and winds) iv. Classification of climate (Greek and Koppen). v. Major climate types (Koppen), their characteristics and distribution. vi. Measuring and recording weather parameters and instruments used. vii. The basic science of climate change. G. Vegetation i. Factors controlling growth of plants ii. The concept of vegetation e.g. plant communities and succession iii. Major types of vegetation, their characteristics and distribution, iv. Impact of human activities on vegetation. H. Soil i. Definition and properties ii. Factors and processes of formation iii. Soil profiles iv. Major tropical types, their characteristics, distribution and uses; v. Impact of human activities on soils. I. Environmental Resources; i. Types of resources (atmospheric, land, soil, vegetation and minerals) ii. The concept of renewable and non-renewable resources; J. Environmental interaction: i. Land ecosystem ii. Environmental balance and human interaction iii. Effects of human activities on land ecosystem K. Environmental hazards: i. Natural hazards (droughts, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding) ii. Man-induced (soil erosion, deforestation, pollution, flooding and desertification) L. Environmental Conservation: | Candidates should be able to; Ai. identify the relative positions of the planets in the solar system; ii. understand the effects of the rotation and revolution of the earth; iii. provide proof for the shape and size of the earth; iv. differentiate between latitudes and longitudes; v. relate lines of latitude to calculation of distance; vi. relate lines of longitude to calculation of time; Bi. compare the internal and external components of the earth; ii. understand the existing relationship among atmosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere in terms of energy balance and water cycle; iii. differentiate between major types of rocks and their characteristics; iv. analyze the processes of rock formation and the resultant features; v. indicate the uses of rocks; vi. differentiate between tensional and compressional forces and the resultant landforms; vii. identify and describe the major landforms; Ci. explain the processes of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes; ii. describe the different landforms associated with both volcanic eruptions and earthquakes; iii. give examples of major volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in the world. Di. identify the agents of denudation (water, wind and waves); ii. identify the landforms associated with each process and agent. Ei. locate oceans and seas on the globe; ii. examine the characteristics and uses of oceans and seas; iii. classify the types of ocean currents; iv. account for the distribution of ocean currents; v. evaluate the causes and effects of ocean currents; vi. identify the types and location of lakes; vii. indicate the characteristics and uses of lakes; viii. identify the landforms of the different stages of a river course. Fi. differentiate between weather and climate; ii. identify the elements of weather and climate; iii. identify the factors controlling weather and climate; iv. compare Koppen’s and Greek’s classifications; v. identify the major types of climate according to Koppen; vii. relate the weather instruments to their uses; viii. define climate change; ix. understand the causes of climate change; x. understand the effects and remedies of climate change. Gi. trace the factors controlling the growth of plants; ii. analyze the process of vegetation development; iii. identify the types, their characteristics and distribution; iv. assess the impact of human activities on vegetation; v. identify the importance of vegetation. Hi. classify soils and their properties; ii. identify the factors of formation; iii. differentiate between the different types of soil horizons and their characteristics; iv. compare the major tropical soil types and uses of soils; v. account for the distribution and uses of soils; vi. assess the impact of human activities on soils. Ii. interpret the concept of environmental resources; ii. relate environmental resources to their uses; iii. differentiate between the concepts of renewable and non-renewable resources. Ji. identify the components of land ecosystem; ii. establish the interrelationship within the ecosystem; iii. interpret the concept of environmental balance; iv. analyze the effects of human activities on land ecosystem. Ki. identify the natural hazards and their causes; ii. relate the human-induced hazards to their causes; iii. locate the major areas where environmental hazards are common and their effects; iv. recommend possible methods of prevention and control. Li. explain with examples environmental conservation; ii. identify the resources for conservation; iii. discuss the different methods of environmental conservation; iv. explain the need/importance of environmental conservation. |
Download JAMB 2025 Syllabus for Geography
Click the button below to download the full 2025 Geography syllabus on your smartphone or laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
How many questions are asked in the Geography section of JAMB?
Typically, 40–50 multiple-choice questions are asked in the Geography section.
Can I rely only on the syllabus to pass JAMB Geography?
The syllabus is a guide, but you should complement it with past questions and thorough study of recommended textbooks.
Can I use the syllabus offline after downloading it?
Yes, once downloaded as a PDF, you can access it offline anytime.
Is the syllabus the same for last year?
No, the syllabus usually changes annually. You are advised to use the most recent released version.
Is Geography a compulsory subject in JAMB?
No, geography is not a compulsory subject in Jamb. You are only to write it if your intend course of study has to do with it.
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