The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the JAMB recommended textbooks for Use of English 2026/2027 for every UTME candidates to be guided on the required syllabus and what they are to expect in the examination. We have also detail all the texts recommended by the board here in this news guide.
The textbooks cover comprehension, grammar, oral English, lexis and structure, and sentence interpretation, and without using it, many candidates risk an opportunity to score higher in the exams. So, without wasting much time on it, let’s quickly proceed to sharing the list of books you are meant to study with.
Recommended Post: JAMB 2026/2027 Syllabus for Use of English is Out | Download PDF
JAMB 2026/2027 Recommended Use of English Textbooks
Below is the complete list of Use of English textbooks from the official JAMB syllabus:
1. Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners
- Author(s): Attah, M. O. (2013)
- Description: Focuses on spoken English skills, pronunciation, and clarity for everyday and academic communication.
2. English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition)
- Author(s): Bamgbose, A. (2002)
- Description: Covers vocabulary, lexis, grammar, and structure with exercises aligned with exam patterns.
3. New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools
- Author(s): Banjo, A. et al. (2004)
- Description: Provides comprehensive lessons on grammar, comprehension, and writing for senior learners.
4. Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges
- Author(s): Caesar, O. J. (2003)
- Description: Addresses phonetics, stress patterns, and oral English concepts tested in JAMB.
5. Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary
- Author(s): Daniel Jones (2011)
- Description: A standard reference dictionary for pronunciation, word stress, and phonetic transcription.
6. Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills
- Author(s): Egbe, D. I. (1996)
- Description: Explains spoken and written English rules with practical communication examples.
7. Oral English for Schools and Colleges
- Author(s): Elugbe, B. (2000)
- Description: Introduces oral English theory, transcription, intonation, and common JAMB-related topics.
8. Senior English Project 3 (New Edition)
- Author(s): Grant, N. J. H., Nnamonu, S., Jowitt, D. (1998)
- Description: Builds grammar, reading comprehension, and vocabulary strength for examination purposes.
9. Round-up English: A Complete Guide
- Author(s): Idowu, O. O., Sogbesan, T. S., Adofo, A. K., Burgess, D. F., Burgess, L. J. (1998)
- Description: A complete reference for grammar, writing, comprehension, and lexis and structure.
10. Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges
- Author(s): Idris, U. (2001)
- Description: Breaks down vowels, consonants, stress, and essential oral English topics.
11. Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age
- Author(s): Igiligi, E. C., Ogenyi, S. O. (2010)
- Description: Focuses on grammar usage, composition skills, and modern writing patterns.
12. Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach
- Author(s): Jauro, L. B. (2013)
- Description: Provides classroom-friendly explanations of oral English concepts and phonetics.
13. Common Errors in English
- Author(s): Nnamonu, S., Jowitt, D. (1989)
- Description: Highlights the most frequent mistakes made by students and how to avoid them.
14. University Matriculation Use of English (Fourth Edition)
- Author(s): Obinna, M. F. (2001)
- Description: Tailored to JAMB standards, covering comprehension, summary, and grammar usage.
15. Countdown English Language (Revised Edition)
- Author(s): Ogunsanwo, O., Duruaku, A. B. C., Ezechukwu, J., Nwachukwu, U. I. (2005)
- Description: Offers detailed lessons, practice questions, and key exam-type activities.
16. The Silent Teacher
- Author(s): Olatoye, S. (2006)
- Description: Enhances grammar and essay writing through structured examples and exercises.
17. Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3
- Author(s): Oluikpe, B. O. A., Nnaemeka, B. A., Obah, T. Y., Otagburuagu, E. J., Onuigbo, S., Ogbonna, E. A. (1998)
- Description: Covers composition, grammar, and comprehension with detailed illustrations.
18. Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure and Idiom (Reprinted Edition)
- Author(s): Tomori, S. H. O. (2000)
- Description: Provides objective-style practice questions similar to JAMB’s format.
19. Catch-up English for SSCE/UME
- Author(s): Ukwuegbu, C., Okoro, O., Idris, A. U., Okebukola, F. O., Owokade, C. O. (2002)
- Description: A revision-focused book that reinforces grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need all the JAMB recommended textbooks to pass Use of English?
No, but using several of them helps you cover grammar, comprehension, and oral English thoroughly.
Which textbook is best for JAMB oral English preparation?
Books by Elugbe, Caesar, Idris, and Jauro are excellent for oral English topics.
Can I use these textbooks alongside JAMB past questions?
Yes. Combining both gives you full understanding plus exam-style practice.
Where can I get the recommended textbooks?
They are available in bookstores nationwide and through verified online sellers.
Are these textbooks the same ones schools use for SS3 English?
Most of them are standard SSCE and UTME-aligned textbooks.
Which book helps most with lexis and structure?
Bamgbose's English Lexis and Structure and Tomori's objective test book are strong choices.
Does JAMB update its Use of English textbook list every year?
Not every year, but updates happen periodically; the 2026/2027 list aligns with the official syllabus.
Is reading only one textbook enough for JAMB Use of English?
One may not cover all areas; using multiple books gives broader coverage.
Last Updated on January 21, 2026 by Ola Funmilayo
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