Every year, millions of Nigerian students sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Among all the subjects, Use of English is the only compulsory paper for every candidate—whether you want to study Medicine, Law, Engineering, or Education.
The English paper carries 60 questions and serves as the foundation of your UTME score. Scoring high in English greatly improves your aggregate mark and gives you a competitive edge during admission. But to excel, you need the right textbooks, past questions, and supplementary resources.
This guide will show you the best books for JAMB English preparation in 2025, explain how to use them effectively, and provide a roadmap to mastering comprehension, essay writing, grammar, and oral English.
Along the way, I’ll also link you to related guides on How to Pass JAMB in One Sitting, JAMB Subject Combination for All Courses 2025, and JAMB Syllabus for English 2025 so you can prepare more effectively.
Why Choosing the Right Books for JAMB English Matters
Many candidates make the mistake of reading randomly for English, relying on only school notes or a single textbook. The truth is, JAMB repeats questions but also tests broad areas like phonetics, summary passages, idioms, and figures of speech.
Having the wrong materials wastes your time and leaves you unprepared. With the right books:
- You cover the official JAMB syllabus completely.
- You get exposure to past JAMB-style questions.
- You build confidence through consistent practice.
- You reduce exam anxiety by knowing exactly what to expect.
For instance, many students struggle with oral English. If you study only a general grammar book, you’ll likely miss questions on stress patterns and phonetic symbols. But by using a recommended oral English text, you’ll answer those questions correctly and boost your score.
That’s why this article compiles proven textbooks—endorsed by JAMB, used by top scorers, and written by experts.
Best Books for JAMB English Preparation 2025
Here’s a curated list of the most recommended JAMB English textbooks and resources for 2025 candidates:
1. The Invisible Teacher – Babs Fafunwa
A timeless book for building comprehension and essay writing skills. It trains students on critical reading, vocabulary expansion, and structured writing.
2. Countdown to English – Oyekunle
One of the most popular textbooks among secondary schools. It covers grammar, lexis, and structure, making it a perfect tool for JAMB English preparation.
3. Exam Focus: English Language – Bolade & Adebayo
A highly practical text tailored for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB candidates. It includes practice questions, comprehension passages, and essay examples.
4. Essential English Grammar – Raymond Murphy
Though not written specifically for JAMB, this international textbook simplifies grammar rules with exercises. Excellent for students weak in tenses, concord, and sentence structure.
5. Oral English for Schools and Colleges – Sam Onuigbo
This is indispensable for mastering oral English, phonetics, intonation, and stress. Since JAMB always sets oral English questions, this book is non-negotiable.
6. JAMB Use of English Past Questions & Answers (1990–2024)
The importance of past questions cannot be overstated. JAMB recycles questions regularly. Solving at least 10 years of past questions ensures you become familiar with the question style.
See this guide on JAMB Past Questions & Answers PDF for free access to compilations.
7. Lexis and Structure Practice Workbooks
Specialized workbooks focus solely on idioms, synonyms, antonyms, and vocabulary usage—areas where JAMB sets tricky questions.
8. Success in English – Edet Udo
This book provides clarity on essay writing, summary techniques, and comprehension. Many teachers recommend it for students preparing for JAMB.
9. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
While not a “textbook,” a good dictionary is essential for learning new words, idiomatic expressions, and correct usage.
10. Brivana.com.ng Guides
Your ultimate online companion. Articles such as Best Study Tips for JAMB 2025 UTME, How to Score 300+ in JAMB, and Scholarships in Nigeria for JAMB Candidates provide real-time tips alongside textbooks.
How to Use These Books Effectively
Owning textbooks isn’t enough—you must use them strategically. Here’s a study framework:
- Start with the JAMB Syllabus – Download the JAMB English syllabus 2025 and match each topic with a recommended textbook.
- Read & Summarize Daily – Don’t just read; write short notes on grammar rules, idioms, and essay techniques.
- Practice Past Questions Weekly – Dedicate one day each week to solving JAMB past questions under timed conditions.
- Focus on Weak Areas – If you struggle with phonetics, use Sam Onuigbo’s Oral English daily.
- Combine Books with Online Resources – Check Myschool.ng and Nigerian Scholars for updated practice.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make with JAMB English Preparation
- Relying on one textbook only
- Ignoring oral English
- Memorizing instead of understanding rules
- Not practicing under timed conditions
- Neglecting essay writing practice
Avoiding these mistakes is just as important as reading the right materials.
Expert Study Plan for JAMB English 2025
Here’s a sample 8-week study plan:
- Week 1–2: Grammar and lexis (Countdown to English, Murphy’s Grammar)
- Week 3–4: Comprehension and summary (Exam Focus, Success in English)
- Week 5–6: Oral English and phonetics (Sam Onuigbo’s Oral English)
- Week 7: Essay writing practice + past questions
- Week 8: Mock exam with JAMB past questions
References
- Official JAMB Syllabus – jamb.gov.ng
- WAEC English Syllabus – waecnigeria.org
- British Council English Resources – britishcouncil.org
- Cambridge English Grammar – cambridge.org
- Myschool JAMB Resources – myschool.ng
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the best books for JAMB English preparation in 2025?
The best books include Countdown to English, Exam Focus English Language, Oral English by Sam Onuigbo, Essential English Grammar by Murphy, and JAMB Past Questions.
2. Do I need past questions to pass JAMB English?
Yes, past questions are essential because JAMB often repeats questions and helps you understand the exam pattern.
3. Is Oral English part of JAMB English?
Yes, JAMB tests phonetics, stress, and intonation under the Oral English section.
4. How can I study JAMB English without a teacher?
Use self-study textbooks like Countdown to English and supplement with online resources like Brivana.com.ng.
5. How long should I study daily for JAMB English?
A minimum of 1–2 hours daily is recommended, focusing on comprehension, grammar drills, and essay writing.