Did you know that JAMB has published the 2026 Biology syllabus? Aspirants writing Biology in the upcoming UTME must get a copy, as it is a valuable resource for achieving high scores.
The syllabus breaks down all Biology topics and subtopics, clearly stating the aims and objectives for each. It also includes the exam structure, a list of recommended textbooks, and additional materials to support your studies.
The Biology syllabus is designed to test candidates' understanding of biological concepts, their ability to apply these principles to everyday life, and their grasp of the diversity and interdependence of living organisms. It covers five major sections, including Variety of Organisms, Form and Functions, Ecology, Heredity and Variations, and Evolution.
General Objectives
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Biology is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
1. demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the concepts of the diversity, interdependence and unity of life;
2. Account for continuity of life through reorganisation, inheritance and evolution;
3. Apply biological principles and concepts to everyday life, especially to matters affecting living things, the individual, society, the environment, community health and the economy.
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JAMB Syllabus 2026 for UTME and Direct Entry Candidates
JAMB Syllabus for Biology
A: Living Cells and Organisation
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
| The Cell | Understand cell structure, types, and functions. |
| Cell Structure and Functions | Identify components of plant and animal cells and their roles. |
| Cell Properties | Explain properties such as permeability, osmosis, diffusion, and surface area to volume ratio. |
| Tissues and Supporting Systems | Describe the types of tissues and their functions in plants and animals. |
| Organs and Systems | Understand the organization of cells into tissues, organs, and systems. |
| Nutrition in Plants and Animals | Explain modes of nutrition, including autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition. |
| Transport Systems | Describe transport mechanisms in plants (xylem and phloem) and animals (circulatory system). |
| Respiratory Systems | Understand gaseous exchange and respiratory processes in plants and animals. |
| Excretory Systems | Identify excretory organs and their functions in various organisms. |
| Support and Movement | Explain support structures in plants and the skeletal system in animals. |
| Nervous Coordination | Describe the structure and function of the nervous system. |
| Hormonal Coordination | Understand the role of hormones in regulating body functions. |
| Reproduction | Explain asexual and sexual reproduction, including reproductive organs and processes. |
| Growth | Describe growth patterns and factors affecting growth in organisms. |
B: Continuity of Life
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
| Heredity and Variations | Understand basic genetic concepts, including genes, chromosomes, and DNA. |
| Chromosomes | Describe the structure and function of chromosomes in inheritance. |
| Cell Division | Explain mitosis and meiosis and their significance in growth and reproduction. |
| Variation in Population | Identify types and causes of variation within populations. |
| Evolution | Understand the principles of evolution and natural selection. |
C: Concept of Living Things
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
| Classification of Living Things | Classify organisms based on similarities and differences. |
| Kingdoms of Living Things | Describe characteristics of Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. |
| Structural/Functional Adaptations | Explain how organisms adapt structurally and functionally to their environments. |
| Behavioral Adaptations | Understand behavioral strategies organisms use for survival. |
D: Ecology and Environment
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
| Components of an Ecosystem | Identify biotic and abiotic components and their interactions. |
| Energy Flow in Ecosystems | Understand food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids. |
| Nutrient Cycling | Describe cycles such as the carbon and nitrogen cycles. |
| Population Studies | Analyze factors affecting population size and growth. |
| Pollution and Conservation | Understand types of pollution, their effects, and conservation methods. |
| Human Impact on the Environment | Evaluate the effects of human activities on ecosystems. |
| Conservation of Natural Resources | Discuss strategies for the sustainable use and conservation of resources. |
E: Natural Habitats
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
| Aquatic | i. Associate plants and animals with each of these habitats. |
| Terrestrial/arboreal | ii. Relate adaptive features to the habitats in which organisms live. |
| Local (Nigerian) Biomes | iii. Locate biomes in regions |
F: Soil
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
a. Characteristics of different types of soil b. Components of the Soil c. Soil Fertility | i. identify physical properties of different soil types based on simple measurement of particle size, porosity or water retention ability. ii. determine the amounts of air, water, humus and capillarity in different soil types experimentally. iii. relate soil characteristics, types and components to the healthy growth of plants iv. apply the knowledge of the practice of contour ridging, terracing, mulching, polycropping, stripcropping, use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, crop rotation, shifting cultivation, etc. to enhance soil conservation. |
G: Humans and Environment
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
a. Diseases b. Drug Abuse c. Pollution and its control d. Conservation of Natural Resources e. Game Reserves and National Parks | i. identify ecological conditions that favour the spread of common endemic and potentially epidemic diseases e.g. malaria, meningitis, drancunculiasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, typhoid fever and cholera. ii. relate the biology of the vector or agent of each disease with its spread and control. iii. determine the methods by which each pollutant may be controlled. v. explain the importance of sanitation with emphasis on solid waste, sewage disposal, community health and personal hygiene. vi. identify the bodies responsible for the conservation of resources at the national and international levels e.g. Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria National Parks, World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and their activities. vii. identify and state the location and importance of game reserves and National parks in Nigeria. |
DOWNLOAD JAMB SYLLABUS FOR BIOLOGY 2026
Recommended Texts
- Ndu, F.O. C. Ndu, Abun A. and Aina J.O. (2001) Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1 to 3, Lagos: Longman
- Odunfa, S.A. (2001) Essentials of Biology, Ibadan: Heinemann
- Ogunniyi M.B. Adebisi A.A. and Okojie J.A. (2000) Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1 to 3, Macmillan
- Ramalingam, S.T. (2018). Modern Biology, SS Science Series. New Edition, AFP
- Stan. (2004) Biology for Senior Secondary Schools. Revised Edition, Ibadan: Heinemann
- Stone R.H. and Cozens, A.B.C. (1982) Biology for West African Schools. Longman
- Usua, E.J. (1997) Handbook of Practical Biology, 2nd Edition, University Press, Limited
- Idodo Umeh, G (2015) College Biology. Idodo: Umeh Publishers Ltd.
- Michael, M.C. (2018). Essential Biology for Senior Secondary Schools. TONAD Publishers Ltd.
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