Preparing for the JAMB Use of English examination can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the novel portion.
For the 2025/2026 academic session, The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli remains the recommended novel. This post dives into everything you need to know, from a detailed chapter-by-chapter summary to likely questions and answers.
If you’re a JAMB candidate aiming for top marks, this guide is for you. Let’s explore The Life Changer in detail to ensure you ace the questions that come your way.
About the Novel: The Life Changer
Published by Khadija Abubakar Jalli, The Life Changer explores themes of family, education, friendship, corruption, and the transformation university life can bring. The story revolves around Ummi, a mother sharing her university experiences to prepare her children for what lies ahead.
The novel’s storytelling style makes it relatable, and JAMB uses it to test candidates’ understanding of narrative comprehension, character development, and moral lessons.
Chapter Summaries, Likely Questions, and Answers
Chapter 1: A Family Milestone
Summary: The story begins with a lively discussion in Ummi’s household. Omar, her eldest son, shares exciting news—he’s been admitted to study Law at Ahmadu Bello University. This sparks a conversation about university life, with Ummi using the opportunity to share stories about her own experiences.
Likely Questions and Answers:
- Who is the author of The Life Changer?
Answer: Khadija Abubakar Jalli. - What news did Omar share with his family?
Answer: He was admitted to study Law at Ahmadu Bello University. - What does Ummi decide to do after hearing Omar’s news?
Answer: She shares stories about her university experiences. - What theme is introduced in this chapter?
Answer: The importance of education and preparing for life’s challenges.
Chapter 2: Ummi’s University Days
Summary: Ummi reflects on her days as a student and narrates an incident involving a lecturer, Dr. Samuel Johnson. Initially, she misunderstood his intentions, thinking he was inappropriate. However, she later learns he was her husband’s close friend, proving that first impressions can often be wrong.
Likely Questions and Answers:
- Who is Dr. Samuel Johnson?
Answer: Ummi’s Head of Department and her husband’s friend. - What lesson does Ummi learn from her interaction with Dr. Johnson?
Answer: Not to judge people based on first impressions. - What is Ummi’s husband’s nickname in the novel?
Answer: Esquire. - Why did Ummi initially distrust Dr. Johnson?
Answer: She misinterpreted his friendliness as inappropriate behavior.
Chapter 3: Talle’s Story
Summary: Ummi narrates the story of Talle, a quiet and mysterious man from their community. Known as “the quiet one,” Talle’s life takes a dark turn when he gets involved in kidnapping. His arrest shocks the community and serves as a warning about the dangers of associating with bad company.
Likely Questions and Answers:
- Who was known as “the quiet one”?
Answer: Talle. - What crime did Talle commit?
Answer: Kidnapping and extortion. - What lesson can we learn from Talle’s story?
Answer: Associating with bad influences can lead to disastrous consequences. - Who was Talle’s accomplice?
Answer: Zaki.
Chapter 4: Salma’s University Struggles
Summary: Salma, a confident and outspoken student, faces the realities of university life. Her arrogance leads to conflicts with lecturers and peers, but she eventually learns humility after being caught in an exam malpractice scandal.
Likely Questions and Answers
- Who is Salma in the novel?
Answer: A confident university student who learns lessons about humility and integrity. - What challenges did Salma face in the university?
Answer: She struggled with academic and social challenges due to her initial arrogance. - What was Salma’s fate after engaging in examination malpractice?
Answer: She was expelled from the university. - What moral lesson does Salma’s story teach?
Answer: Honesty and integrity are essential for success.
Chapter 5: Salma and Her Roommates
Summary: Salma’s time at the university introduces her to three roommates—Tomiwa, Ada, and Ngozi. Despite their different backgrounds, the girls build a bond and navigate the ups and downs of campus life together. Tomiwa dreams of becoming a singer, Ngozi is studious and reserved, while Ada balances her academic life with a vibrant social presence. Their friendship is tested when Salma becomes involved in activities that risk their collective reputation.
Likely Questions and Answers:
- Who are Salma’s roommates?
Answer: Tomiwa, Ada, and Ngozi. - What is Tomiwa’s dream career?
Answer: To become a singer. - What lesson does Salma learn from her roommates?
Answer: The importance of loyalty and understanding others. - How does Salma’s behavior affect her roommates?
Answer: It threatens their collective reputation and creates tension among them.
Chapter 6: Examination Malpractice
Summary: Salma’s overconfidence leads her to engage in examination malpractice. She attempts to bribe Dr. Kabir, a lecturer, to change her grades, but her actions backfire. Salma’s expulsion serves as a turning point in her life, forcing her to confront the consequences of her choices and reflect on the importance of honesty.
Likely Questions and Answers:
- What unethical activity did Salma engage in?
Answer: Examination malpractice. - Who did Salma try to bribe?
Answer: Dr. Kabir. - What was the outcome of Salma’s actions?
Answer: She was expelled from the university. - What moral lesson can be learned from Salma’s expulsion?
Answer: Integrity is crucial, and dishonest actions can have long-lasting consequences.
Chapter 7: Salim’s Internet Fraud Experience
Summary: Salim, Omar’s friend, falls victim to an online dating scam. His experience highlights the dangers of trusting strangers on the internet. Salim learns a hard lesson about online fraud when he discovers that the person he was romantically involved with was a scammer using a fake identity.
Likely Questions and Answers:
- Who is Salim in the novel?
Answer: Omar’s friend. - What happened to Salim online?
Answer: He fell victim to a dating scam. - What lesson does Salim’s experience teach?
Answer: Be cautious when dealing with strangers online and avoid falling for scams. - How does Salim’s story relate to modern-day challenges?
Answer: It addresses the dangers of online fraud and the need for digital awareness.
Chapter 8: Labaran and Talle’s Arrest
Summary: This chapter delves deeper into the consequences of crime. Labaran, a police officer, is tasked with investigating Talle’s involvement in kidnapping. The chapter highlights the justice system and the importance of upholding law and order in society. Talle’s arrest and trial reinforce the idea that no crime goes unpunished.
Likely Questions and Answers:
- Who is Labaran in the novel?
Answer: A police officer investigating Talle’s case. - What was Talle arrested for?
Answer: Kidnapping and extortion. - What theme does this chapter emphasize?
Answer: Justice and the consequences of crime. - What lesson can readers learn from Talle’s story?
Answer: That crime does not pay, and justice will always prevail.
Chapter 9: The Family’s Bond
Summary: The novel concludes with Ummi reflecting on the importance of family and the power of storytelling. She emphasizes that while university life is transformative, it is vital to remain grounded in one’s values and morals. The family dynamics in this chapter underline the novel’s central theme of education as a life-changing tool.
Likely Questions and Answers:
- What does Ummi reflect on at the end of the novel?
Answer: The importance of family and staying true to one’s values. - How does the novel portray the role of storytelling?
Answer: As a way to educate, inspire, and pass on life lessons. - What is the central theme of the novel?
Answer: Education as a tool for personal and societal transformation. - How does the family react to Ummi’s stories?
Answer: They are inspired and gain valuable insights about life.
Themes in The Life Changer
Understanding the themes of the novel is crucial for tackling comprehension questions. Here are some key themes:
- Education as a Tool for Change: The novel emphasizes the transformative power of education in shaping lives.
- Morality and Consequences: Characters like Salma and Talle demonstrate how poor choices can lead to serious consequences.
- The Role of Family: Ummi’s family plays a central role, showcasing the importance of guidance and shared experiences.
- Friendship and Unity: Salma’s relationship with her roommates highlights the value of diversity and mutual support.