JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Use of English 2026/2027:- Are you searching for the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Use of English 2026/2027? If you are preparing for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), getting the right study materials is one of the important steps you should take early.
Use of English is a compulsory UTME subject for candidates, regardless of whether they are applying to study Science, Arts, Social Science, Engineering, Medicine, Education or other programmes. Because of this, candidates should take their Use of English preparation seriously.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) provides an official syllabus through its Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS). The Use of English syllabus contains recommended texts and outlines the areas candidates are expected to prepare for.
In this article, you will find the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Use of English 2026/2027, the major areas covered by the syllabus, how to choose the right textbook, how to prepare effectively and answers to common questions candidates ask about JAMB English.
Important: No textbook can guarantee the exact questions that will appear in JAMB. Candidates should study the official syllabus, use reliable textbooks and practise regularly.
JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Use of English 2026/2027
The official JAMB Use of English syllabus lists the following recommended texts:
- Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners — M. O. Attah
- English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges — A. Bamgbose
- New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools — A. Banjo et al.
- Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges — O. J. Caesar
- Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary — Daniel Jones
- Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills — D. I. Egbe
- Oral English for Schools and Colleges — B. Elugbe
- Senior English Project 3 — N. J. H. Grant, S. Nnamonu and D. Jowitt
- Round-up English: A Complete Guide — O. O. Idowu et al.
- Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges — U. Idris
- Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age — E. C. Igiligi and S. O. Ogenyi
- Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach — L. B. Jauro
- Common Errors in English — S. Nnamonu and D. Jowitt
- University Matriculation Use of English — M. F. Obinna
- Countdown English Language — O. Ogunsanwo et al.
- The Silent Teacher — S. Olatoye
- Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3 — B. O. A. Oluikpe et al.
- Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure and Idiom — S. H. O. Tomori
- Catch-up English for SSCE/UME — C. Ukwuegbu et al.
These titles are contained in the recommended-text section of the official JAMB Use of English syllabus available through IBASS.
Complete List of JAMB Recommended Use of English Textbooks 2026/2027
1. Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners
Author: M. O. Attah
Year: 2013
Publisher: University of Maiduguri Press, Maiduguri
This textbook focuses on spoken English and can be useful for candidates preparing for the Oral Forms section of JAMB Use of English.
Candidates can use it to improve their understanding of pronunciation and spoken English concepts.
2. English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges
Author: A. Bamgbose
Year: 2002
Edition: Revised Edition
Publisher: Heinemann, Ibadan
Lexis and structure are important parts of the JAMB Use of English syllabus.
This book can help candidates understand vocabulary, sentence construction and grammatical structures.
Pay particular attention to words in context, sentence patterns and grammatical usage.
3. New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six
Authors: A. Banjo et al.
Year: 2004
Publisher: UP Plc, Ibadan
This textbook provides broader English-language practice at the senior secondary level.
Candidates can use it to strengthen their general English skills while following the JAMB syllabus.
4. Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges
Author: O. J. Caesar
Year: 2003
Publisher: Tonad Publishers Limited, Lagos
This is particularly useful for Oral English preparation.
Candidates should practise pronunciation, vowel sounds, consonant sounds, stress and related areas.
5. Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary
Author: Daniel Jones
Year: 2011
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
A pronunciation dictionary can be useful when preparing for questions involving pronunciation, vowels, consonants and stress.
Candidates should learn how to distinguish sounds rather than simply memorising spellings.
6. Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills
Author: D. I. Egbe
Year: 1996
Publisher: Tisons, Lagos
This textbook focuses on English usage and communication skills.
It can be useful for candidates who want additional practice in grammar and correct English usage.
7. Oral English for Schools and Colleges
Author: B. Elugbe
Year: 2000
Publisher: Heinemann, Ibadan
This recommended text focuses on spoken English.
Candidates preparing for Oral Forms should pay attention to pronunciation and sound distinctions.
8. Senior English Project 3
Authors: N. J. H. Grant, S. Nnamonu and D. Jowitt
Year: 1998
Edition: New Edition
Publisher: Longman, Harlow
This is another senior-secondary English resource listed by JAMB.
It can help candidates improve their general English knowledge and examination preparation.
9. Round-up English: A Complete Guide
Authors: O. O. Idowu, T. S. Sogbesan, A. K. Adofo, D. F. Burgess and L. J. Burgess
Year: 1998
Publisher: Longman, Lagos
This comprehensive guide can be used for revision across several aspects of English.
Candidates can use it to practise grammar, vocabulary and general English-language questions.
10. Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges
Author: U. Idris
Year: 2001
Publisher: M. Youngbrain Publishers, Lagos
This book is focused on Oral English.
It can be useful for candidates who want to improve their understanding of English sounds and pronunciation.
11. Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age
Authors: E. C. Igiligi and S. O. Ogenyi
Year: 2010
Publisher: Joe Hills Production Services, Enugu
Grammar is an important component of Use of English.
This text can help candidates strengthen their understanding of sentence construction, grammar and composition.
12. Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach
Author: L. B. Jauro
Year: 2013
Publisher: Paraclete Publishers, Yola
This is another recommended Oral English resource.
Candidates can use it to reinforce their preparation for questions involving pronunciation and spoken English.
13. Common Errors in English
Authors: S. Nnamonu and D. Jowitt
Year: 1989
Publisher: Longman, Lagos
Learning common English errors can help candidates recognise incorrect usage.
When preparing for JAMB, candidates should practise identifying the grammatically correct option among alternatives.
14. University Matriculation Use of English
Author: M. F. Obinna
Edition: Fourth Edition
Publisher: Sunray Books Limited, Port Harcourt
This examination-oriented resource is specifically relevant to university matriculation preparation.
Candidates can use it for practice after studying the underlying English concepts.
15. Countdown English Language
Authors: O. Ogunsanwo, A. B. C. Duruaku, J. Ezechukwu and U. I. Nwachukwu
Year: 2005
Edition: Revised Edition
Publisher: Evans, Ibadan
This book can provide additional English-language exercises and revision materials.
Candidates should use it together with the official JAMB syllabus.
16. The Silent Teacher
Author: S. Olatoye
Year: 2006
Publisher: Segun and Sons Enterprises, Ado-Ekiti
This is included among the recommended texts in the JAMB Use of English syllabus.
Candidates can use it as supplementary reading during their preparation.
17. Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3
Authors: B. O. A. Oluikpe, B. A. Nnaemeka, T. Y. Obah, E. J. Otagburuagu, S. Onuigbo and E. A. Ogbonna
Year: 1998
Publisher: Africana–FIRST Publisher, Onitsha
This senior-secondary English text can be useful for revising grammar, comprehension and other English-language skills.
18. Objective Tests for School Certificate English
Author: S. H. O. Tomori
Year: 2000
Edition: Reprinted Edition
Publisher: Heinemann, Ibadan
This book focuses on objective testing in areas such as:
- Lexis
- Structure
- Idioms
- English usage
It can therefore be useful for candidates who want to practise objective questions.
19. Catch-up English for SSCE/UME
Authors: C. Ukwuegbu, O. Okoro, A. U. Idris, F. O. Okebukola and C. O. Owokade
Year: 2002
Publisher: Heinemann, Ibadan
This is another examination-oriented resource listed in the official JAMB recommended texts.
Candidates can use it for additional practice and revision.
JAMB Use of English Syllabus 2026/2027
Knowing the recommended textbooks is only one part of your preparation.
The official JAMB Use of English syllabus is divided into three major sections:
- Comprehension/Summary
- Lexis and Structure
- Oral Forms
The purpose of the syllabus is to assess candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English and use English for learning at tertiary level.
Section A: Comprehension and Summary
The comprehension section tests your ability to understand written passages.
The official syllabus includes different types of passages, such as:
- Description
- Narration
- Exposition
- Argumentation and persuasion
Candidates are expected to understand both the general meaning and specific information contained in passages.
Important Comprehension Skills
You should practise how to:
- Identify the main point
- Find topic sentences
- Determine implied meanings
- Understand words in context
- Identify the writer’s intention
- Recognise the writer’s mood
- Identify the writer’s attitude
- Make logical deductions
- Make reasonable inferences
- Combine information from different parts of a passage
Do not read comprehension passages casually. Read carefully and identify exactly what the question is asking.
Section B: Lexis and Structure
Lexis and Structure is another major component of JAMB Use of English.
Important areas include:
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Homonyms
- Clause patterns
- Sentence patterns
- Word classes
- Functions of words
- Mood
- Tense
- Aspect
- Number
- Agreement and concord
- Degrees of comparison
- Question tags
- Punctuation
- Spelling
- Ordinary usage
- Figurative usage
- Idiomatic usage
These areas are specifically outlined in the official syllabus.
Synonyms
A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
For example:
Rapid — Fast
When preparing for JAMB, do not simply memorise long lists of synonyms.
Learn words in context because the appropriate synonym can depend on how the word is used in a sentence.
Antonyms
Antonyms are words with opposite meanings.
Examples include:
- Accept — Reject
- Expand — Contract
- Ancient — Modern
- Victory — Defeat
Practise identifying the meaning of a word before selecting its opposite.
Homonyms
Homonyms are words that may have the same pronunciation or spelling but different meanings.
Candidates should practise distinguishing words according to context.
Grammar and Sentence Structure
Grammar is one of the areas candidates should take seriously.
Study:
- Parts of speech
- Subject and predicate
- Clauses
- Phrases
- Sentence types
- Tenses
- Concord
- Pronouns
- Prepositions
- Conjunctions
- Adverbs
- Adjectives
- Question tags
The goal is not merely to memorise grammar rules but to apply them correctly.
Concord
Concord refers to agreement between grammatical elements in a sentence.
For example:
The boy is here.
Not:
The boy are here.
Candidates should practise different forms of subject-verb agreement because JAMB can test agreement in different sentence structures.
Question Tags
Question tags are another area worth studying.
Examples include:
You are coming, aren’t you?
She doesn’t know, does she?
Pay attention to the relationship between the main statement and the tag.
Punctuation and Spelling
Candidates should understand correct punctuation and spelling.
Study:
- Commas
- Full stops
- Question marks
- Apostrophes
- Colons
- Semicolons
- Quotation marks
Also revise commonly confused spellings.
Idioms and Expressions
The JAMB syllabus includes ordinary, figurative and idiomatic usage.
An idiom is an expression whose meaning may not be obvious from the individual words.
Candidates should learn common standard-English idioms and understand how they are used in sentences.
Section C: Oral Forms
Oral Forms is an important part of JAMB Use of English.
The official syllabus includes:
- Vowels
- Monophthongs
- Diphthongs
- Consonants
- Consonant clusters
- Rhymes
- Homophones
- Word stress
- Intonation
- Emphatic stress
Vowels
Candidates should understand the distinction between different vowel sounds.
Practise listening to and identifying sounds rather than relying entirely on spelling.
English spelling can sometimes be misleading when determining pronunciation.
Consonants
Study consonant sounds and consonant clusters.
Practise identifying differences between similar sounds.
Rhymes and Homophones
Candidates should understand words that rhyme and words that have similar sounds but different meanings or spellings.
This requires regular pronunciation practice.
Word Stress
Word stress refers to the emphasis placed on a particular syllable.
Candidates should practise recognising stress patterns in both short and longer words.
The recommended pronunciation resources can be particularly useful for this area.
Intonation and Emphatic Stress
Candidates should understand how changes in stress and intonation can affect meaning.
Do not neglect Oral English simply because most of your schoolwork focuses on written English.
How Many JAMB Use of English Textbooks Should I Read?
You do not need to read all 19 recommended books from cover to cover.
A better approach is to select:
One Main English Textbook
Choose a comprehensive book that covers grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and general English.
One Oral English Book
Choose a recommended Oral English textbook for pronunciation, stress and sound practice.
One Practice Book
Use an objective or examination-focused book for practice.
Past Questions
Use past questions to test your understanding and improve your speed.
This approach is usually more manageable than trying to study every textbook simultaneously.
Best JAMB Use of English Books for Different Areas
For Grammar and Lexis
Useful choices include:
- English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges
- Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills
- Common Errors in English
For Oral English
Useful choices include:
- Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners
- Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges
- Oral English for Schools and Colleges
- Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges
For General English
Consider:
- Round-up English: A Complete Guide
- New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six
- Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3
For Objective Practice
Consider:
- Objective Tests for School Certificate English
- University Matriculation Use of English
- Catch-up English for SSCE/UME
- Countdown English Language
The titles above are from JAMB’s recommended-text list.
How to Prepare for JAMB Use of English 2026/2027
1. Start With the Syllabus
Before reading any textbook, get the current JAMB Use of English syllabus.
The official IBASS platform provides access to JAMB’s e-syllabus.
2. Create a Study Checklist
Write down all the major areas.
For example:
- Comprehension
- Summary
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Homonyms
- Grammar
- Concord
- Tenses
- Idioms
- Punctuation
- Oral English
- Stress
- Intonation
Tick each topic when you have studied and practised it.
3. Read Actively
Do not simply read a textbook from beginning to end.
Ask yourself:
- What does this rule mean?
- Can I give an example?
- Can I identify the correct answer?
- Can I explain why the other options are wrong?
4. Practise Questions
After studying a topic, answer questions on that topic.
5. Read Regularly
Reading newspapers, quality articles, textbooks and other standard English materials can help you improve vocabulary and comprehension.
6. Keep a Vocabulary Notebook
Write down unfamiliar words and their meanings.
Include:
- Word
- Meaning
- Synonym
- Antonym
- Example sentence
7. Practise Oral English
Use pronunciation materials to practise sounds, stress and intonation.
JAMB Use of English Study Timetable
| Week | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Comprehension |
| Week 2 | Summary and inference |
| Week 3 | Synonyms, antonyms and homonyms |
| Week 4 | Word classes and sentence patterns |
| Week 5 | Tenses, mood, aspect and concord |
| Week 6 | Punctuation, spelling and usage |
| Week 7 | Idioms and figurative expressions |
| Week 8 | Vowels and consonants |
| Week 9 | Rhymes and homophones |
| Week 10 | Word stress |
| Week 11 | Intonation and emphatic stress |
| Week 12 | Mixed practice |
| Week 13 | Past questions |
| Week 14 | Full revision |
You can adjust the timetable according to your personal study schedule.
How to Improve Your JAMB English Score
Read Questions Carefully
Do not rush through questions.
A small word such as not, except, least or best can change what the question is asking.
Improve Your Vocabulary
Learn new words in context.
Practise Comprehension
Read passages regularly and answer questions about their main ideas, details and implied meanings.
Review Grammar
Do not assume that speaking English every day automatically means you understand every grammar rule.
Practise Oral English
Pronunciation and stress require practice.
Time Yourself
Practise answering objective questions within a set period.
Learn From Mistakes
Keep a record of questions you repeatedly get wrong.
Common Mistakes JAMB Candidates Make in Use of English
1. Ignoring Oral English
Some candidates concentrate only on grammar and comprehension.
This is a mistake because Oral Forms is included in the syllabus.
2. Memorising Vocabulary Without Context
Knowing a word’s dictionary meaning is not always enough.
Understand how the word functions in a sentence.
3. Guessing Comprehension Answers
Always base your answer on the passage.
4. Ignoring Grammar
Grammar and structure are major parts of Use of English.
5. Depending Entirely on Past Questions
Past questions are useful, but candidates should also study the underlying topics.
6. Reading Too Many Books at Once
One good main textbook plus targeted supplementary materials is usually easier to manage.
7. Looking for “Sure Questions”
No legitimate textbook can guarantee the exact questions JAMB will set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Has JAMB released the recommended textbooks for Use of English?
The official JAMB Use of English syllabus available through IBASS contains a Recommended Texts section listing the textbooks candidates can use for preparation.
How many recommended Use of English textbooks are listed?
The official syllabus page currently lists 19 recommended texts.
What are the main sections of JAMB Use of English?
The official syllabus is organised into:
- Comprehension/Summary
- Lexis and Structure
- Oral Forms
Which textbook is best for JAMB Use of English?
There is no single book that guarantees success. A comprehensive English textbook combined with an Oral English resource, practice questions and the official syllabus can provide a strong preparation strategy.
Do I need to buy all the recommended textbooks?
No. You can select the books that best cover your weak areas and use the official syllabus as your guide.
Is Oral English included in JAMB Use of English?
Yes. Oral Forms is one of the three major sections of the official syllabus and includes vowels, consonants, rhymes, word stress, intonation and emphatic stress.
Is comprehension important in JAMB English?
Yes. Comprehension and Summary form one of the major sections of the syllabus. Candidates are expected to understand passages, identify main ideas, make deductions and interpret information.
Where can I check the official JAMB Use of English syllabus?
You can check JAMB’s official Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS), which provides access to the e-syllabus.
Conclusion
The JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Use of English 2026/2027 provide useful materials for candidates preparing for the UTME.
The official JAMB Use of English syllabus lists 19 recommended texts, covering areas such as spoken English, grammar, vocabulary, communication skills, pronunciation, lexis, structure and examination practice.
Some of the recommended books include Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners, English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges, Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges, Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills, Common Errors in English, University Matriculation Use of English, Countdown English Language and Objective Tests for School Certificate English.
However, candidates do not need to read every recommended textbook. A more practical strategy is to select a comprehensive main textbook, use an Oral English resource for pronunciation and stress, practise objective questions and regularly revise using the official JAMB syllabus.
The three major areas you should prepare for are Comprehension/Summary, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms.
Most importantly, avoid relying on claims about “sure JAMB questions” or books that supposedly contain all the questions that will appear in the examination. No textbook can guarantee the exact questions JAMB will set.
For accurate and updated syllabus information, candidates should always check the official JAMB IBASS platform.
With consistent reading, regular practice and proper use of the syllabus and recommended textbooks, candidates can build stronger Use of English skills and approach the 2026/2027 UTME with better preparation.
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