Thankfully, JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) provides a list of recommended textbooks and literary works to guide candidates.
These books cover African and non-African drama, prose, and poetry, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.
This article provides a detailed overview of the recommended books for JAMB Literature in English for 2025/2026 and offers helpful tips to make your study easier.
Why You Need JAMB Recommended Textbooks
JAMB exams are structured to test your understanding of specific works of literature. Randomly studying books not on the syllabus could waste valuable time. By using the recommended textbooks, you’ll focus on what matters:
- Understanding themes and ideas in the prescribed texts.
- Developing analytical skills for poetry, prose, and drama.
- Answering questions confidently because you’ve studied the right material.
JAMB Recommended Texts for 2025/2026
Here’s the full list of books grouped into categories:
Drama (Plays)
African Drama
- The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka – This satirical play highlights the clash between tradition and modernity in a Nigerian village. The humor and sharp dialogue make it engaging.
Non-African Drama
- Look Back in Anger by John Osborne – A British play about post-war struggles, class conflicts, and personal frustrations.
Prose (Novels)
African Prose
- Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta – A powerful story about a Nigerian woman navigating cultural and gender challenges while striving for independence.
- Unexpected Joy at Dawn by Alex Agyei-Agyiri – This novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and family ties in a West African context.
Non-African Prose
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë – A timeless English classic filled with themes of love, revenge, and family drama.
Poetry
African Poetry
- Black Woman by Léopold Sédar Senghor – A celebration of African beauty and identity.
- The Leader and the Led by Niyi Osundare – A thought-provoking poem on leadership and the responsibilities of those in power.
- The Grieved Lands by Agostinho Neto – This poem reflects on the struggles and exploitation of African nations.
- The Song of the Women of My Land by Oumar Farouk Sesay – A tribute to African women and their resilience.
- Raider of the Treasure Trove by Lade Wosornu – A cautionary piece about materialism and its dangers.
- A Government Driver on His Retirement by Onu Chibuike – A reflective poem about life after work.
Non-African Poetry
- The Good Morrow by John Donne – A classic metaphysical poem exploring love and self-discovery.
- Caged Bird by Maya Angelou – A powerful metaphor for freedom and oppression.
- The Journey of the Magi by T. S. Eliot – A spiritual and symbolic recount of the Magi’s journey.
- Bats by D. H. Lawrence – A reflection on human perception of nature.
How to Study Effectively for JAMB Literature in English
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin studying months before the exam to give yourself ample time to read and understand the texts.
- Focus on Themes: Pay attention to the main themes in each book, such as love, tradition vs. modernity, colonialism, and resilience.
- Memorize Key Quotes: Quotes can help you back up your answers in the exam. Highlight memorable lines from the books as you read.
- Use Past Questions: Practice answering JAMB past questions to familiarize yourself with the exam style.
- Join Study Groups: Discussing with peers can help you understand difficult sections of the texts.
Where to Get JAMB Recommended Books
You can buy JAMB-recommended textbooks from:
- Major bookstores near you.
- Online stores like Amazon, Jumia, or Konga.
- Your school library (some schools stock these texts for students).
When buying, ensure you get the latest editions as outlined by JAMB for 2025/2026.
What if I don’t read all the recommended books?
It’s risky to skip any book. Questions often come from all prescribed texts. Reading all ensures you’re prepared.
Can I rely on summaries?
Summaries are helpful but not enough. To perform well, read the full text to understand the context, tone, and literary devices.
Are these the same books as last year?
JAMB updates the syllabus occasionally. Always check the current syllabus to confirm the recommended books.