JAMB Syllabus For Art 2025/2026

This article provides the JAMB Syllabus for Art 2025/2026, complete with downloadable PDF links, study tips, and an in-depth breakdown of topics to help you excel.

What Is the JAMB Art Syllabus?

The JAMB Art syllabus serves as an official guide for candidates preparing for the UTME Art exam. It outlines the topics, skills, and areas of focus that will be tested in the 2025/2026 examination.

By following the syllabus, you can ensure your preparation aligns with the exam’s expectations.

Why You Need the JAMB Syllabus for Art 2025/2026

Focused Preparation: The syllabus highlights all topics and areas JAMB expects you to master.
Time Management: It helps you allocate time efficiently to study each section.
Exam Familiarity: Understanding the syllabus ensures you’re prepared for the specific scope of the exam.
Confidence Boost: With proper preparation, you’ll approach the exam confidently, knowing what to expect.

Key Sections of the JAMB Art Syllabus 2025/2026

1. Classification of Art

Visual Arts: Includes Fine and Applied Arts.
Performing Arts: Music, Dance, and Drama.
Literary Arts: Poetry, Prose, Recitals, etc.

2. Elements and Principles of Design

Elements: Line, Colour, Shape, Form, Texture, Tone, Value, Space.
Principles: Balance, Rhythm, Proportion, Harmony, Contrast, Variety.

3. Art Terminologies

Master art-specific terms such as:

JAMB QUICK LINKS

Pigments
Silhouette
Chiaroscuro
Cire-perdue
Terracotta

4. History of Art

Prehistoric Art: Cave paintings, Stone Age sculptures.
Renaissance Art: Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael.
Modern Art Movements: Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism.

5. Traditional African and Nigerian Art

Study the artworks of Egypt, Dogon, Ashanti, Benin, Nok, Ife, Igbo-Ukwu.
Explore crafts such as pottery, wood carving, leatherwork, bead making, and textile design.

6. Contemporary Nigerian Art

Contributions by notable artists like Aina Onabolu and Ben Enwonwu.
Overview of art schools like Nsukka and Zaria.

7. Tools and Materials

Understand the tools, materials, and equipment used in:

Painting
Sculpture
Ceramics
Graphics
Photography

8. Art Appreciation

Learn to analyze and critique artworks, understanding their aesthetic and cultural significance.

JAMB Syllabus for Art 2025/2026

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES	OBJECTIVES
SECTION A 1. CLASSIFICATION OF ART: a. Visual Arts: (Fine and Applied Arts) b. Performing Arts: (Music, Dance and Drama) c. Literary Arts: (Poetry, Prose, Recital) etc.	Candidates should be able to: i. differentiate between the three branches of art;
2. ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN: a. Elements: line, colour, shape, form, texture, tone, value, space etc. b. Principles: balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, contrast, repetition, dominance, variety, etc.	ii. identify the elements of design; iii. analyse the principles of design;
3. ART TERMS: Pigments, motif, greenware, armature, silhouette, chiaroscuro, cire-perdue, terracotta etc.	iv. identify art terms; v. link the terms to their areas of art; vi. use the terms in analyzing artworks.
SECTION B 1. HISTORICAL DIMENSIONS OF ART: a. Prehistoric, Greek and Roman Art; b. Medieval Art: architecture, surface decorations and calligraphy; c. Renaissance Art and Artists: Giotto Di Bondone, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael (Raffaello Santi); e.t.c. d. 19th and 20th Century Art Movements; Impressionism, Realism, Futurism, Cubism, Bauhaus, Pop art, Abstract Expressionism and Fauvism.	Candidates should be able to: i. compare their materials, styles and techniques; ii. classify the periods and styles with emphasis on architecture, surface decoration and calligraphy; iii. compare the artists, their works and styles; iv. differentiate between the various art movements; v. analyze their styles techniques, innovations and influences;
2. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ART: Egypt, Ashanti, Dogon, Mossi, Fon, Senufo, Bambara, Mende, Kissi, Bamileke and Bakumba.	vi. categorize works in terms of style, materials and locations;
3. TRADITIONAL NIGERIAN ART: Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, Benin, Esie, Igala, Jukun, Akwanshi, and Mbari.	vii. analyze the works in terms of functions, characteristics and locations;
4. NIGERIAN CRAFTS: Pottery, woodworks, cloth-weaving, carving, leather works, metal works, beadworks, body decoration, mat and cane weaving.	viii. trace the origins, locations and styles;
5. DEVELOPMENT IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN ARTS AND ARTISTS: a. Art Schools: Zaria, Nsukka, Osogbo group etc. b. Nigerian artists and art educators; Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, S. I. Wangboje, Jimoh Akolo, Dele Jegede etc. c. Museums, galleries and art centres; d. Art institutions, cultural art centres, national art organizations – Nigerian Society for Education through Arts (NSEA), Society for Nigerian Artists (S.N.A), National Council for Arts and Culture (N.C.A.C), etc. e. Major Festivals: Argungu Fishing Festival, Eyo, Egungun, Iri-ji (New Yam), Durbar, Igue, Ekpo, Odo, etc.	ix. determine the influence of the art schools and groups towards the development of art; x. assess the artists in terms of their works, specializations, techniques and styles; xi. analyze the functions of museums, galleries, art centres and art institutions; xii. evaluate their impact on the development of art; xiii. assess their roles and functions; xiv. examine the characteristics of major festivals of art and culture.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

OBJECTIVES

SECTION A

1. CLASSIFICATION OF ART:
a. Visual Arts: (Fine and Applied Arts)

b. Performing Arts: (Music, Dance and Drama)

c. Literary Arts: (Poetry, Prose, Recital) etc.

Candidates should be able to:

i. differentiate between the three branches of art;

2. ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF
DESIGN:

a. Elements: line, colour, shape, form,
texture, tone, value, space etc.

b. Principles: balance, rhythm, proportion,
harmony, contrast, repetition, dominance, variety, etc.

ii. identify the elements of design;

iii. analyse the principles of design;

3. ART TERMS:

Pigments, motif, greenware, armature,
silhouette, chiaroscuro, cire-perdue, terracotta etc.

iv. identify art terms;

v. link the terms to their areas of art;

vi. use the terms in analyzing artworks.

SECTION B

1. HISTORICAL DIMENSIONS OF ART:
a. Prehistoric, Greek and Roman Art;

b. Medieval Art: architecture, surface decorations and calligraphy;

c. Renaissance Art and Artists: Giotto
Di Bondone, Michelangelo Buonarroti,
Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael (Raffaello Santi); e.t.c.

d. 19th and 20th Century Art Movements;
Impressionism, Realism, Futurism, Cubism, Bauhaus, Pop art, Abstract Expressionism and Fauvism.

Candidates should be able to:

i. compare their materials, styles and techniques;

ii. classify the periods and styles with emphasis on architecture, surface decoration and calligraphy;

iii. compare the artists, their works and styles;

iv. differentiate between the various art
movements;

v. analyze their styles techniques, innovations and influences;

2. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ART:

Egypt, Ashanti, Dogon, Mossi, Fon, Senufo, Bambara, Mende, Kissi, Bamileke and Bakumba.

vi. categorize works in terms of style, materials and locations;

3. TRADITIONAL NIGERIAN ART:

Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, Benin, Esie, Igala,
Jukun, Akwanshi, and Mbari.

vii. analyze the works in terms of functions,
characteristics and locations;

4. NIGERIAN CRAFTS:

Pottery, woodworks, cloth-weaving, carving, leather works, metal works, beadworks, body decoration, mat and cane weaving.

viii. trace the origins, locations and styles;

5. DEVELOPMENT IN CONTEMPORARY
NIGERIAN ARTS AND ARTISTS:

a. Art Schools: Zaria, Nsukka, Osogbo group etc.

b. Nigerian artists and art educators; Aina
Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, S. I. Wangboje,
Jimoh Akolo, Dele Jegede etc.

c. Museums, galleries and art centres;

d. Art institutions, cultural art centres, national art organizations – Nigerian Society for Education through Arts (NSEA), Society for Nigerian Artists (S.N.A), National Council for Arts and Culture (N.C.A.C), etc.

e. Major Festivals: Argungu Fishing Festival, Eyo, Egungun, Iri-ji (New Yam), Durbar, Igue, Ekpo, Odo, etc.

ix. determine the influence of the art schools and groups towards the development of art;

x. assess the artists in terms of their works, specializations, techniques and styles;

xi. analyze the functions of museums, galleries, art centres and art institutions;

xii. evaluate their impact on the development of art;

xiii. assess their roles and functions;

xiv. examine the characteristics of major festivals of art and culture.

Effective Study Tips for JAMB Art Exam

Download and Study the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with all sections of the syllabus to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Use Recommended Textbooks: These books are tailored to align with JAMB’s requirements.
Practice Past Questions: This helps you understand the exam format and identify frequently tested topics.
Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers enhances learning and provides diverse perspectives.
Attend Workshops: Engage in practical sessions to improve your skills in drawing, painting, and other techniques.