If you’re preparing for the 2025 JAMB UTME, one of the key parts of your Use of English exam is the compulsory novel.
For 2025, JAMB has retained the novel “The Life Changer” by Khadija Abubakar Jalli. This book isn’t just for passing the exam; it’s packed with life lessons, entertaining stories, and relatable situations.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the novel. From summaries to key themes, and even tips to score high in the JAMB Use of English paper, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in.
About the Author: Khadija Abubakar Jalli
Khadija Abubakar Jalli is a Nigerian writer with a knack for telling compelling stories that reflect everyday life. The Life Changer is her debut novel, and it has quickly become popular, especially among students preparing for JAMB. Her storytelling style is simple, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and learn from their experiences.
Overview of “The Life Changer”
The Life Changer is a novel about university life in Nigeria. It follows the life of Salma, a young woman who just gained admission to the university. The story highlights her experiences, her interactions with peers, and the challenges she faces. It’s a mix of drama, humor, and life lessons.
The novel also explores how education can transform lives, hence the title The Life Changer. It encourages young people to make good decisions and embrace the opportunities that education offers.
Key Themes in “The Life Changer”
- Education as a Tool for Change: The novel emphasizes how education can open doors and change lives, especially for young people.
- Peer Pressure: Salma’s journey showcases the influence of friends and how peer pressure can lead to both good and bad decisions.
- Consequences of Choices: Every decision in the novel has consequences. This teaches readers the importance of thinking before acting.
- Family Values: The story highlights the role of family in shaping character and guiding young people through challenges.
- Love and Relationships: The novel delves into the complexities of relationships among university students, showing both the joys and pitfalls.
Chapter Summaries
- Chapter 1: Introduces Salma, her family, and the excitement of her university admission.
- Chapter 2: Salma’s first day at the university reveals her overconfidence and struggle to adjust.
- Chapter 3: Focuses on Salma’s relationships with her roommates and the challenges they face together.
- Chapter 4: Highlights a major event that tests Salma’s values and decision-making skills.
- Chapter 5: Shows the consequences of Salma’s actions and her reflections on life.
- Chapter 6: Delves into a secondary character’s story, adding depth to the plot.
- Chapter 7: Builds up to the climax, with life-changing events that affect all the characters.
- Chapter 8: Concludes with important lessons learned and resolutions for the characters.
Why JAMB Chose “The Life Changer”
JAMB selects novels that not only test comprehension but also teach moral lessons. The Life Changer aligns with these goals because:
- It’s relatable for Nigerian students.
- It emphasizes the value of education.
- It addresses real-life challenges, like peer pressure and the importance of integrity.
Tips to Prepare for JAMB 2025 Novel Questions
- Read Actively: Don’t just skim through the book. Take notes on key events, characters, and themes.
- Understand the Characters: Know the roles each character plays. For example:
- Salma: The protagonist whose life changes through her university journey.
- Tomiwa, Ada, and Ngozi: Her roommates who each bring a unique perspective to the story.
- Teemah and Bint: Salma’s siblings who add depth to her backstory.
- Focus on Themes and Lessons: Questions in the exam often focus on the novel’s themes. Be ready to explain how the story teaches lessons about life and education.
- Practice Past Questions: Look for JAMB past questions that cover the novel. This helps you understand the question patterns.
- Join Study Groups: Discussing the book with others can give you fresh insights and help you remember key details.
How many questions will be set from “The Life Changer”?
JAMB typically sets 10 to 15 questions on the novel.
Do I need to memorize the entire book?
No, but you should understand the story, characters, themes, and key events.
Where can I get the novel?
You can buy The Life Changer at bookshops, JAMB registration centers or download the PDF here on Sparobanks Blog. You can also read it online.