The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that all candidates, regardless of course of study, must read "The Lekki Headmaster" by Kabir Alabi Garba for the 2026 examination.

"All candidates are to purchase and read the Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. Candidates will be tested on this general text," JAMB stated in its guidelines.

The novel's cost (₦1,000) is included in the registration fee breakdown, meaning candidates automatically pay for it when purchasing their e-PIN. This is part of JAMB's long standing policy of including a literary text in the general paper to promote reading culture among Nigerian youth.

Questions from "The Lekki Headmaster" will appear in the general section of the UTME, which all candidates must answer regardless of whether they're studying Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, or other disciplines. This means even candidates applying for Engineering or Medicine must familiarise themselves with the novel.

Kabir Alabi Garba is a Nigerian author whose work has gained recognition in recent years. The selection of "The Lekki Headmaster" suggests JAMB is promoting contemporary Nigerian literature.

While JAMB's guidelines didn't specify distribution points, the novel is typically available at bookshops nationwide, JAMB State offices, and authorised vendors. Candidates are advised to purchase early to allow adequate time for reading before the April examination.

JAMB changes its compulsory reading text periodically. In previous years, texts have included "The Last Days at Forcados High School" and "In Dependence." The tradition of including a novel in UTME aims to expose candidates to quality literature while testing comprehension and analytical skills.

Candidates should read the entire novel thoroughly, understand major themes and characters, note the plot development and key events, identify the author's message and style, and be prepared to answer questions on specific scenes or quotes.

Unlike subject specific examinations where candidates only write for chosen courses, the general paper including questions on the reading text is compulsory for all candidates. This means candidates cannot avoid reading "The Lekki Headmaster" even if literature is not among their chosen subjects.

Separately, JAMB stated that candidates must sign an ethical standards indemnity, likely acknowledging they've read or will read the compulsory text and understand examination rules.