JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Literature In English 2025/2026

JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Literature In English 2025/2026: Literature in English is one of the subjects that candidates can choose to write in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Literature in English tests the candidates’ knowledge of literary works, terms, principles, and appreciation. To prepare well for this subject, candidates need to study the JAMB syllabus and the recommended textbooks for Literature in English.

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JAMB Syllabus for Literature In English 2025/2026

The JAMB syllabus for Literature in English is an outline of the topics and subtopics that candidates are expected to cover before taking the UTME. The syllabus also contains the objectives, general instructions, and recommended texts for each topic. The aim of the syllabus is to guide the candidates on what to study and what to expect in the examination.

The syllabus for Literature in English covers four main areas: drama, prose, poetry, and general literary principles. Each area has its own subtopics and texts that candidates need to study and understand. The syllabus also specifies the types of questions that will be asked from each area.

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The syllabus for Literature in English can be downloaded as a PDF file from here. Candidates are advised to study the syllabus carefully and follow the instructions given therein.

JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Literature In English 2025/2026

Apart from the syllabus, JAMB also recommends some textbooks that candidates can use to study for Literature in English. These textbooks are selected based on their relevance, quality, and availability. They cover the topics and texts in the syllabus and provide explanations, examples, exercises, and practice questions for the candidates.

A LIST OF SELECTED AFRICAN AND NON-AFRICAN PLAYS, NOVELS AND POEMS

The recommended textbooks for Literature in English are:

Anthologies:

Gbemisola, A. (2005) – Naked Soles, Ibadan: Kraft
Hayward, J. (ed.) (1968) – The Penguin Book of English Verse, London: Penguin
Johnson, R. et al (eds.) (1996) – New Poetry from Africa, Ibadan: UP Plc
Kermode, F. et al (1964) – Oxford Anthology of English Literature, Vol. II, London: OUP
Nwoga D. (ed.) (1967) – West African Verse, London: Longman
Senanu, K. E. and Vincent, T. (eds.) (1993) – A Selection of African Poetry, Lagos: Longman
Soyinka, W. (ed.) (1987) – Poems of Black Africa, Ibadan: Heinemann

Critical Text:

Abrams, M. H. (1981) – A Glossary of Literary Terms, (4th Edition) New York, Holt Rinehalt and Winston
Emeaba, O. E. (1982) – A Dictionary of Literature, Aba: Inteks Press
Murphy, M. J. (1972) – Understanding Unseen, An Introduction to English Poetry and English Novel for Overseas Students, George Allen and Unwin Ltd.

In addition to these textbooks, JAMB also prescribes some specific texts that candidates need to read and analyze for each area of the syllabus. These texts are:

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