Updated JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Biology 2026/2027 pdf free download

Are you searching for the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Biology 2026/2027? If you are preparing for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), having the right Biology textbooks can make your preparation easier, especially when combined with the official JAMB syllabus and regular practice.

Biology is an important UTME subject for candidates seeking admission into courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Agriculture, Education and other science-related programmes.

However, buying several Biology textbooks does not automatically guarantee a high JAMB score. What matters most is studying the right topics, understanding biological concepts, revising consistently and practising objective questions.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), through its Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS), provides the official Biology syllabus and a list of recommended texts. The current official JAMB Biology syllabus contains seven recommended textbooks for candidates preparing for the examination.

This article contains the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Biology 2026/2027, the authors and publication details listed by JAMB, important Biology topics to study, how to choose the right textbook, study tips and frequently asked questions.

Important: Recommended textbooks are study resources and do not guarantee the exact questions that will appear in JAMB. Candidates should use the current official JAMB syllabus as their main study guide.

JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Biology 2026/2027

According to the Biology syllabus available through JAMB IBASS, the following seven textbooks are listed under Recommended Texts:

1. Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1–3 — F. O. C. Ndu, A. Ndu, A. Abun and J. O. Aina
2. Essentials of Biology — S. A. Odunfa
3. Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1–3 — M. B. Ogunniyi, A. A. Adebisi and J. A. Okojie
4. Modern Biology, SS Science Series — S. T. Ramalingam
5. Biology for Senior Secondary Schools — Stan
6. Biology for West African Schools — R. H. Stone and A. B. C. Cozens
7. Handbook of Practical Biology — E. J. Usua

These titles are listed in the official JAMB Biology syllabus.

Complete List of JAMB Biology Recommended Textbooks 2026/2027

1. Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1–3

Authors: F. O. C. Ndu, A. Ndu, A. Abun and J. O. Aina
Year: 2001
Publisher: Longman, Lagos

Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1–3 is one of the textbooks listed in the official JAMB Biology syllabus.

The series can be useful for candidates who want broad coverage of Biology topics taught at the senior-secondary level.

When using the book, candidates should compare the chapters with the current JAMB syllabus rather than attempting to memorise every detail in the textbook.

2. Essentials of Biology

Author: S. A. Odunfa
Year: 2001
Publisher: Heinemann, Ibadan

Essentials of Biology is another recommended Biology textbook listed by JAMB.

It can serve as a useful general Biology resource for candidates preparing for UTME.

Candidates can use it to revise important concepts, definitions, biological processes and examples.

3. Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1–3

Authors: M. B. Ogunniyi, A. A. Adebisi and J. A. Okojie
Year: 2000
Publisher: Macmillan

This three-book Biology series is also included in the official JAMB recommended-text list.

Because the series covers Biology across Senior Secondary School levels, it can be useful for candidates who want to revise topics progressively.

A good strategy is to use the JAMB syllabus to determine which sections deserve the most attention.

4. Modern Biology, SS Science Series

Author: S. T. Ramalingam
Year: 2005
Edition: New Edition
Series: SS Science Series
Publisher: AFP

Modern Biology is another textbook recommended in the official JAMB Biology syllabus.

Candidates can use it as a main textbook or supplementary resource, depending on which textbook they find easiest to understand.

When studying Biology, focus on understanding processes rather than simply memorising long paragraphs.

5. Biology for Senior Secondary Schools

Author: Stan
Edition: Revised Edition
Year: 2004
Publisher: Heinemann, Ibadan

This revised Biology textbook is also listed among JAMB’s recommended texts.

It can be useful for revising important Senior Secondary Biology concepts and preparing for objective questions.

Candidates should combine textbook study with diagrams, notes and practice questions.

6. Biology for West African Schools

Authors: R. H. Stone and A. B. C. Cozens
Year: 1982
Publisher: Longman

Biology for West African Schools is another textbook listed by JAMB.

Although it is an older publication, it remains included in the current official recommended-text section.

Candidates should always study according to the current JAMB syllabus and use recommended books as supporting resources.

7. Handbook of Practical Biology

Author: E. J. Usua
Edition: Second Edition
Year: 1997
Publisher: University Press Limited

This book is particularly relevant to the practical side of Biology.

It can help students develop an understanding of biological observations, specimens, experiments, laboratory techniques and practical Biology.

Candidates should not ignore practical aspects of Biology when preparing for JAMB.

How Many Biology Textbooks Does JAMB Recommend?

The current official JAMB Biology syllabus lists seven recommended textbooks.

They are:

No.	Recommended Textbook	Author(s)
1	Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1–3	F. O. C. Ndu, A. Ndu, A. Abun & J. O. Aina
2	Essentials of Biology	S. A. Odunfa
3	Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1–3	M. B. Ogunniyi, A. A. Adebisi & J. A. Okojie
4	Modern Biology, SS Science Series	S. T. Ramalingam
5	Biology for Senior Secondary Schools	Stan
6	Biology for West African Schools	R. H. Stone & A. B. C. Cozens
7	Handbook of Practical Biology	E. J. Usua

The seven books appear under the Recommended Texts section of the official JAMB Biology syllabus.

Do You Need All Seven JAMB Biology Textbooks?

No.

You do not need to buy or read all seven books from cover to cover.

Reading several textbooks at the same time can even make your preparation confusing if you do not have a clear study plan.

A better strategy is to choose:

• One comprehensive Biology textbook as your main book
• One supplementary textbook for difficult topics
• One practical Biology resource
• The official JAMB syllabus
• Past questions for practice

The most important thing is not the number of textbooks you own but how effectively you use them.

JAMB Biology Syllabus 2026/2027

The official Biology syllabus should be your main guide when preparing for UTME.

Instead of reading Biology randomly, use the syllabus to identify the areas you need to cover.

A good study pattern is:

JAMB syllabus → Textbook → Short notes → Diagrams → Practice questions → Revision

This approach helps prevent you from spending too much time on topics that are outside the examination objectives.

Important JAMB Biology Topics to Study

Candidates should prepare across the full official syllabus rather than depending on predicted questions.

Important areas include:

• Characteristics of living organisms
• Organisation of life
• Cells and their structures
• Cell division
• Nutrition
• Transport systems
• Respiration
• Excretion
• Support and movement
• Reproduction
• Growth
• Coordination
• Homeostasis
• Ecology
• Adaptation
• Evolution
• Heredity
• Genetics
• Diversity of organisms
• Practical Biology

The official syllabus should be consulted for the detailed objectives and scope of each area.

1. Characteristics and Organisation of Living Organisms

Begin with the basics of Biology.

Study characteristics such as:

• Nutrition
• Respiration
• Growth
• Movement
• Reproduction
• Excretion
• Sensitivity

Also understand the levels of biological organisation, including:

Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism

2. Cell Structure and Organisation

Cell Biology is an important foundation for many other Biology topics.

Study:

• Cell theory
• Plant cells
• Animal cells
• Cell membrane
• Cytoplasm
• Nucleus
• Mitochondria
• Ribosomes
• Chloroplasts
• Vacuoles
• Cell wall

Learn the functions of the major cell structures.

You should also be able to distinguish between plant and animal cells.

3. Cell Division

Study:

• Mitosis
• Meiosis
• Chromosomes
• Cell division
• Growth
• Reproduction

Understand the differences between mitosis and meiosis and the roles each process plays in living organisms.

4. Nutrition

Nutrition is an important area of Biology.

Study:

• Autotrophic nutrition
• Heterotrophic nutrition
• Photosynthesis
• Mineral nutrition
• Classes of food
• Balanced diet
• Digestive system
• Digestion
• Absorption
• Assimilation

Understand the conditions required for photosynthesis and the importance of nutrients to living organisms.

5. Transport Systems

Study transport in plants and animals.

For plants, learn about:

• Xylem
• Phloem
• Transpiration
• Translocation
• Water movement

For humans and other animals, study:

• Blood
• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Circulation
• Lymph

Diagrams can make this topic much easier to understand.

6. Respiration

Study:

• Aerobic respiration
• Anaerobic respiration
• Energy release
• Respiratory organs
• Gas exchange

Understand the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

7. Excretion

Study excretion in plants and animals.

For humans, pay attention to:

• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Skin
• Liver
• Urinary system

Understand the difference between excretion and egestion.

8. Support and Movement

Study how organisms support themselves and move.

Important areas include:

• Skeleton
• Bones
• Joints
• Muscles
• Plant support
• Movement in plants
• Movement in animals

Learn the functions of different types of joints and the role of muscles in movement.

9. Reproduction

Study both sexual and asexual reproduction.

Important areas include:

• Reproductive organs
• Gametes
• Fertilisation
• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy
• Asexual reproduction
• Sexual reproduction
• Reproduction in flowering plants

Understand the processes rather than memorising isolated definitions.

10. Growth and Development

Study:

• Growth
• Cell division
• Development
• Factors affecting growth
• Growth measurements

Candidates should understand how growth occurs in plants and animals.

11. Coordination and Control

Study how organisms respond to changes in their environment.

Important areas include:

• Nervous system
• Brain
• Spinal cord
• Sense organs
• Reflex actions
• Hormones
• Endocrine glands
• Plant responses

Practise labelling diagrams of the nervous system and sense organs.

12. Homeostasis

Study how organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment.

Important areas include:

• Temperature regulation
• Water balance
• Blood glucose regulation
• Kidney function
• Hormonal regulation

Understand why maintaining internal balance is important for survival.

13. Ecology

Ecology is an important area of JAMB Biology.

Study:

• Ecosystem
• Habitat
• Population
• Community
• Food chains
• Food webs
• Energy flow
• Ecological pyramids
• Nutrient cycles
• Environmental factors
• Conservation

Practise interpreting ecological diagrams and food chains.

14. Adaptation

Study how organisms are suited to their environments.

Examples include adaptations for:

• Aquatic environments
• Desert environments
• Forest environments
• Feeding
• Movement
• Protection

Understand the relationship between an organism’s features and its environment.

15. Evolution

Study basic concepts of evolution.

Important areas include:

• Variation
• Natural selection
• Adaptation
• Survival
• Evidence of evolution

Make sure you understand how variation can contribute to differences among organisms.

16. Heredity and Genetics

Genetics is one of the areas candidates should take seriously.

Study:

• Heredity
• Genes
• Chromosomes
• Alleles
• Dominant traits
• Recessive traits
• Genotypes
• Phenotypes
• Genetic crosses
• Variation
• Mutations

Practise simple genetic-cross questions until you can solve them confidently.

17. Diversity of Organisms

Study the classification of living organisms.

Learn about:

• Kingdoms
• Major groups of organisms
• Characteristics of organisms
• Classification
• Similarities and differences among organisms

Use tables to compare groups because this makes revision easier.

18. Practical Biology

Do not ignore practical Biology.

The official JAMB Biology recommended list includes Handbook of Practical Biology by E. J. Usua, showing the importance of practical preparation in Biology study.

Study:

• Biological drawings
• Specimen identification
• Observation
• Classification
• Food tests
• Simple experiments
• Tables
• Graphs
• Biological measurements

Practise drawing biological structures neatly and labelling them correctly.

Best Way to Study JAMB Biology

Step 1: Get the Official Syllabus

Start with the official JAMB Biology syllabus.

It helps you understand what you are expected to study.

Step 2: Choose One Main Textbook

Pick a textbook that explains Biology in a way you understand.

Step 3: Study One Topic at a Time

Avoid jumping randomly between unrelated topics.

Step 4: Make Short Notes

Write down:

• Definitions
• Functions
• Differences
• Processes
• Examples
• Important diagrams

Step 5: Draw Diagrams

Biology is easier to remember when you combine written notes with diagrams.

Step 6: Practise Questions

After completing a topic, answer objective questions on that topic.

Step 7: Review Your Mistakes

Keep a list of questions you answered incorrectly and revise those areas.

JAMB Biology Study Timetable

You can use the following 14-week study plan as a starting point:

Week	Main Area
Week 1	Characteristics and organisation of living organisms
Week 2	Cell structure and cell division
Week 3	Nutrition
Week 4	Transport and respiration
Week 5	Excretion and support
Week 6	Movement and reproduction
Week 7	Growth and development
Week 8	Coordination and control
Week 9	Homeostasis
Week 10	Ecology
Week 11	Adaptation and evolution
Week 12	Genetics and heredity
Week 13	Diversity and classification
Week 14	Practical Biology, past questions and revision

You can adjust the timetable according to your examination date and available study time.

How to Score High in JAMB Biology

Understand Concepts Instead of Memorising Everything

Biology has many facts, but understanding the processes behind those facts makes revision easier.

For example, when studying photosynthesis, understand:

• What photosynthesis means
• Where it occurs
• What is required
• What is produced
• Why it is important

Use Diagrams

Diagrams can help you remember structures such as:

• Heart
• Kidney
• Brain
• Flower
• Leaf
• Digestive system
• Reproductive system
• Cells

Practise Classification

Use tables to compare organisms and biological structures.

Master Genetics

Practise simple genetic crosses regularly.

Revise Practical Biology

Do not leave practical topics until the last minute.

Practise Past Questions

Past questions can help you become familiar with objective-question formats and identify areas that need more revision.

Common Mistakes JAMB Biology Candidates Make

1. Reading Without Understanding

Simply reading pages repeatedly is not always effective.

Try to explain what you have learned in your own words.

2. Ignoring Diagrams

Biology contains many structures and processes that are easier to understand visually.

3. Avoiding Genetics

Genetics questions become easier with regular practice.

4. Ignoring Ecology

Ecology should be included in your revision plan.

5. Neglecting Practical Biology

Candidates should prepare for practical-related Biology concepts.

6. Studying Only Predicted Questions

Do not depend entirely on questions described as “likely” or “sure.”

Study broadly across the syllabus.

7. Using Too Many Textbooks at Once

Too many resources can make revision unnecessarily complicated.

Choose a main textbook and use additional books only when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has JAMB released recommended textbooks for Biology?

The official JAMB Biology syllabus available through IBASS contains a Recommended Texts section listing textbooks for Biology preparation.

How many Biology textbooks does JAMB recommend?

The current official Biology syllabus lists seven recommended textbooks.

What is the best Biology textbook for JAMB?

There is no single textbook that guarantees a particular JAMB score. Choose a comprehensive book that you understand and use it together with the official syllabus and practice questions.

Do I need to buy all seven Biology textbooks?

No. You can choose one main textbook and use other recommended books as supplementary resources.

Is practical Biology important for JAMB?

Yes. Candidates should not completely ignore practical Biology. The official recommended-text list includes a Handbook of Practical Biology.

Should I study JAMB Biology past questions?

Yes. Past questions are useful for practice, revision and becoming familiar with objective-question formats. They should complement your study of the official syllabus.

Which Biology topics should I study first?

Start with foundational topics such as characteristics of living organisms, cell biology and organisation. Then progress through nutrition, transport, respiration, reproduction, coordination, ecology, genetics and other areas in the syllabus.

Can I use my secondary school Biology textbook for JAMB?

Yes, provided that it covers the topics and objectives in the current JAMB Biology syllabus. You can also compare it with one of the textbooks listed in JAMB’s Recommended Texts section.

Conclusion

The JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Biology 2026/2027 provide useful resources for candidates preparing for the UTME.

The current official JAMB Biology syllabus lists seven recommended textbooks:

1. Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1–3 — F. O. C. Ndu, A. Ndu, A. Abun and J. O. Aina
2. Essentials of Biology — S. A. Odunfa
3. Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1–3 — M. B. Ogunniyi, A. A. Adebisi and J. A. Okojie
4. Modern Biology, SS Science Series — S. T. Ramalingam
5. Biology for Senior Secondary Schools — Stan
6. Biology for West African Schools — R. H. Stone and A. B. C. Cozens
7. Handbook of Practical Biology — E. J. Usua

These titles appear in the Recommended Texts section of the official JAMB Biology syllabus.

Candidates do not need to read all seven textbooks from cover to cover. A more effective approach is to choose a comprehensive main textbook, follow the official syllabus, use supplementary resources when necessary and practise questions regularly.

Important areas to prepare include cell biology, nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion, reproduction, coordination, homeostasis, ecology, adaptation, evolution, genetics, classification and practical Biology.

Candidates should also remember that no textbook can guarantee the exact questions that will appear in the UTME. Avoid relying on claims about “sure questions” and focus instead on understanding the syllabus and practising consistently.

For the most accurate information, always compare your study materials with the current official JAMB Biology syllabus.

With a good study plan, regular revision, effective use of diagrams, practical Biology preparation and consistent practice, candidates can prepare more confidently for JAMB Biology 2026/2027.