The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the official syllabus for the 2025 examination session for history. This guide will help you navigate the syllabus and how to download the syllabus in PDF format.
Syllabus Overview
Examination Type | UTME / Direct Entry |
Examination Year | 2025/2026 |
Syllabus | History |
File Format | |
File Size | 84KB |
The JAMB History syllabus outlines the topics and themes you need to study to prepare for the History section of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
It provides clear objectives, detailed topics, and recommended areas of focus. Outside that, the syllabus is divided into three key sections, which makes it well explanatory.
General Objectives
- Impart knowledge of Nigerian history from earliest times to the present
- Identify the similarities and relationships among the peoples of Nigeria as they relate to the issues of national unity and integration
- Appreciate Nigerian history as the basis to understand West African and African history
- Apply history to understand Nigerian and Africa’s relationship with the wider world
- Analyse issues of modernization and development
- Relate the past to the present and plan for the future.
JAMB Syllabus for History 2025
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
---|---|
SECTION A: THE NIGERIA AREA UP TO 1800 1. Land and Peoples of the Nigeria Area: a. Geographical zones and the people. b. The people’s relationship with the environment c. Relations and integration among the peoples of different zones. | Candidates should be able to; i. identify the geographical zones and the people within them ii. establish the relationship between the people and the environment iii. Comprehend the relationships among the various peoples of the Nigeria area. |
2. Early Centres of Civilization: a. Nok, Daima, Ife, Benin, Igbo Ukwu and Iwo Eleru b. Monuments and shelter systems: (Kuyambana, Durbi-ta-Kusheyi, city walls and palaces) | Candidates should be able to; i. examine the significance of various centres ii. establish the historical significance of the various monuments such as caves and rocky formations |
3. Origin and formation of States in the Nigeria Area a. Central Sudan –Kanuri and Hausa, states. b. Niger-Benue Valley – Nupe, Jukun, Igala, Idoma, Tiv and Ebira c. Eastern Forest Belt – Igbo and Ibibio d. Western Forest Belt – Yoruba and Edo e. Coastal and Niger–Delta – Efik, Ijo, Itsekiri and Urhobo i. Factors influencing their origin and migration ii. Social and political organizations iii. Inter-State relations, religious war and peace. | Candidates should be able to; i. relate the different groups of people occupying the various zones to their traditions of originii. determine the inter-state relationsiii. account for their social and political organizations. |
Download JAMB 2025 Syllabus for History
Click the button below to download the full 2025 History syllabus on your smartphone or laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the 2024 History syllabus for 2025?
Yes, unless JAMB announces changes, the 2024 syllabus remains valid for 2025. Confirm on the official JAMB website.
Are there recommended textbooks for History?
Yes, the syllabus includes a list of recommended textbooks that provide detailed explanations of the outlined topics.
How many questions are set from History in JAMB?
History, as an elective subject, usually contains 40–50 multiple-choice questions in the UTME exam.
Where can I get the official JAMB syllabus for History 2025?
The official syllabus can be downloaded from the JAMB website jamb.gov.ng or on this page.
Is History Compulsory for JAMB?
No, History is not compulsory for JAMB. Only some Art students are to write it depending on their preferred course of studies.

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