Jamb Syllabus for History: Think of the JAMB History syllabus as your official roadmap to acing the History section of the exam. Its main job is to tell you exactly what you need to study, so you don’t waste time on irrelevant topics. It’s designed to test your knowledge of Nigerian and African history, promote an understanding of national unity, and help you appreciate Nigeria’s role in global affairs .
Jamb Syllabus for History
The syllabus is broadly organized into several key themes that trace the history of Nigeria and Africa from ancient times to the present day. Let’s walk through each major section.
Nigeria up to 1800
We begin with Nigeria up to 1800. This section covers the earliest periods of Nigerian history. You’ll study the prehistoric communities of the Nok culture, their iron-working technology, and artistic expressions like terracotta sculptures . A major part of this is understanding the growth and expansion of centralized states and empires. You must know the origins, structures, and economic activities of powerful states like:
· Kanem-Borno: Its administration, the role of the Mai, and its economic base including trans-Saharan trade.
· Hausaland: The rise of states like Kano, Katsina, and Gobir, and the significance of the Hausa Bakwai.
· Nupe: The evolution of its kingdom.
· Oyo Empire: Its political structure with the Alaafin and Oyo Mesi, its powerful cavalry, and its economic activities.
· Benin Empire: The Obaship, guild systems, and famous Benin bronzes.
· Igbo Land: The unique, decentralized acephalous political systems and the role of institutions like the Ofo and Omu.
· The Niger Delta: City-states like Bonny and Calabar and their economic focus on trade.
You’ll also learn about the inter-state relationships through trade, diplomacy, and conflict, and the impact of Islam in the Central Sudan and Hausaland, including the jihad of Usman dan Fodio .
19th Century
Next, we move into the 19th Century. This was a period of immense change. A central theme is the Sokoto Caliphate—its establishment, administration, and the economic impact of its policies . You’ll also study the collapse of the Oyo Empire and the resulting events that led to the founding of new states like Ibadan and the Ijaye in Yorubaland. Another critical topic is the Christian missionary activities, their work in education and health, and the rise of an educated elite in southern Nigeria. Crucially, you must understand the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and how it paved the way for the development of commodity trade (palm oil, groundnuts, etc.) and the increasing British economic interest in the Niger Delta .
Colonial Period
The Colonial Period is a massive part of the syllabus. This covers how British rule was established and its profound effects. You’ll learn about the British conquest through various expeditions and the resistance put up by states and communities . A key area is the administrative systems: the Indirect Rule system, its introduction by Lugard, its operation in different regions (North, West, East), and the reasons for its success in the North and failure in the South. You’ll also study the economic and social impacts of colonialism, including the development of railways, the growth of Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan, and the introduction of Western education and its consequences .
The struggle for independence
The struggle for independence is covered in Nationalism and Constitutional Development. This involves tracing the origins of nationalism from the activities of the early elite and the Nigerian Youth Movement to the rise of major political parties (NCNC, NPC, AG) and their key leaders (Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Awolowo). You’ll need to understand the various constitutional conferences and documents that led to independence, from the Clifford Constitution (1922) to the Richards Constitution (1946), Macpherson Constitution (1951), and Lyttleton Constitution (1954), analyzing the features and implications of each .
Nigeria since Independence
Finally, the syllabus covers Nigeria since Independence. This includes the First Republic, its political structure, and the causes and consequences of the 1966 military coup. A major focus is the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970): its causes, major events, and the effects of the war. You’ll also study the periods of military rule and the return to democratic governance in the Second and Third Republics, understanding the challenges of governance during these times . The syllabus also looks at Nigeria’s role in international organizations like the UN, AU (formerly OAU), OPEC, and ECOWAS .
To give you a clearer overview of the entire scope, here is a table summarizing the core sections and what you should focus on:
Broad Topic Area Key Themes and Subtopics to Focus On.
Nigeria up to 1800 Prehistoric Nok Culture; Centralized States (Kanem-Borno, Hausa, Oyo, Benin); Decentralized Societies (Igbo, Niger Delta); Impact of Islam.
19th Century Sokoto Caliphate; Fall of Oyo & Rise of New States; Missionary Activities; Abolition of Slave Trade & Rise of Legitimate Commerce.
Colonial Period British Conquest & African Resistance; Administrative Systems (Indirect Rule); Economic & Social Impacts (Transport, Western Education, Urbanization).
Nationalism & Constitutional Development Origins of Nationalism; Nationalist Leaders & Political Parties; Constitutional Development (1922-1954).
Nigeria since Independence The First Republic; Military Rule; The Civil War (Causes, Events, Effects); Second & Third Republics; Nigeria in International Affairs (ECOWAS, AU, OPEC).
How to Use the Syllabus and Prepare Effectively
1. Use it as a Checklist: The syllabus is your checklist. Go through each topic and make sure you understand all the subtopics. For example, under “Colonial Period,” can you explain why Indirect Rule failed in the South? If not, that’s what you need to study.
2. Combine with Past Questions: This is the most effective strategy. After studying a topic, immediately practice past JAMB questions on it. This shows you exactly how concepts are tested and helps you identify high-yield areas.
3. Focus on Key Personalities and Terms: History is filled with important names (e.g., Lugard, Azikiwe, Aminu Kano) and concepts (e.g., Indirect Rule, Pax Britannica, nationalism). Make sure you know who did what and what each term means.
4. Understand Chronology and Causation: Don’t just memorize dates. Understand the sequence of events and, more importantly, why things happened (the causes) and what happened as a result (the consequences). Questions often focus on causes and effects.
5. Use Recommended Textbooks: The syllabus recommends texts like A History of Nigeria by Elizabeth Isichei or Nigeria: A Comprehensive History in the 20th Century by S. O. Arifalo and G. O. Oguntomisin. These books align perfectly with the syllabus.
Conclusion
By following this roadmap, you can focus your efforts efficiently, ensure you cover every necessary topic, and walk into the exam hall with confidence. Good luck with your preparation