In an age where technology drives nearly every aspect of modern life, Computer Studies stands as one of the most practical and future-relevant subjects in the JAMB examination. It is not merely about memorising hardware components or defining internet terms; it is about demonstrating a fundamental grasp of how computers think, process, and connect.
We have streamlined the syllabus here to help you focus on what truly counts. Each topic is presented clearly, allowing you to build your knowledge logically and identify areas that need deeper attention.
Whether you are aiming for a high score to secure admission into a competitive course or simply want to strengthen your grasp of computing basics, working through this syllabus is your first step toward exam success. Let's break it down together and turn this outline into your roadmap for achieving an excellent result.
General Objectives
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination syllabus in Computer Studies is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. The objectives of the syllabus are designed to test candidates’understanding, knowledge and acquisition of:
1. Evolution of Computing Systems.
2. Basic concepts of computers and their operations.
3. Problem solving skills, data processing and practical skills in Computing.
4. System software and Application Software.
5. Operations of Basic computer hardware: Input, Output, Memory and Central Processing Unit.
6. Application of Online resources and Online skills.
7. Ethics and human issues in computing.
8. Career Prospects in Computing.
The syllabus is divided into ten sections as given below:
A. Evolution of Computing.
B. Fundamentals of Computing.
C. Computer Hardware.
D. Computer Software.
E. Basic Computer Operations.
F. Computer Applications.
G. Managing Computer Files.
H. Developing Problem Solving Skills.
I. Basics and Applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
J. Computer Ethics and Computers in Society.
K. Potentials for Higher Studies in Computer related areas.
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JAMB Syllabus 2026 for UTME and Direct Entry Candidates
JAMB Syllabus for Computer Studies 2026
Section A: Evolution of Computing
| TOPICS/CONTENTS | OBJECTIVES |
History of Computing a. Pre Computing Age: 19th century Features and computing devices components b. Computing Devices: 20th Century c. The history behind each device | Candidates should be able to: Abacus Slide Rule Napier’s Bones Pascal Calculator Leibnitz Multiplier Jacquard Loom Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine Hollerith Census machine and Burrough’s machine. |
Classification of Computing Devices a. By Generation b. By Size c. By Purpose d. By Type | i. Relate each generation with its characteristic feature. First, Second, Third, Fourth to current generation. ii. Describe each generation under the following: Year of Development, Basic components/Type of Technology Speed of operation, Storage Capacity/Component iii. Explain the differences in the classification of computing systems by size (micro, mini, mainframe, and super) |
Section B: Fundamentals of Computing
| TOPICS/CONTENTS | OBJECTIVES |
Overview of Computing Systems a. Two main constituents of a computer (hardware and software) | Candidates should be able to: i. Define Computer system in relation to its ii. List functional parts of computer systems iii. Explain the characteristics of computers (Electronic, Accuracy, Speed, interactive, Reliability, Consistency, Large Storage etc.) iv. Identify the differences between hardware and software |
Data and Information a. Differences between Data and Information b. Data representation. c. Methods of Digitisation | Candidates should be able to: i. Define data and information ii. List properties of information i. List different types of data types (integers, real numbers, strings, multimedia (image, audio/visual, signal etc.) ii. Identify ways of representing and handling data that is number bases with special reference to binary, decimal, hexadecimal etc. i. Define digitization ii. Explain the process of digitalization(manual, heads up, interactive tracing, automatic) iii. List different formats of digitized data (image, audio, video, motion, text, multimedia, etc.) |
Section C: Computer Application Packages
| TOPICS/CONTENTS | OBJECTIVES |
| Word Processing Package | Candidates should be able to: ii. Identify features of Word Processing packages in general (create, save, edit, insert, print, share etc.) iii. List the application areas of Word Processing packages (Office, Publishing, Journalism, Education, etc.) |
| Spreedsheet Package | i. Define Spreadsheet and give examples of Spreadsheet packages. (MS Excel, VisiCalc SuperCalc, SPSS, Calc etc.) ii. Identify features of Spreadsheet packages in general (Environment, Status bar, menu bar, formula bar, etc.) iii. List the application areas of Spreadsheet packages (Accounting, Engineering, Statistics, Calculation, what if scenarios, Education, etc.) |
| Database Package | Candidates should be able to: ii. Define basic database terms (File, Record, Field, key, form, table, etc.) iii. List and explain different types of database organisation (Hierarchical, Network and Relational.) iv. List the application areas of Database in different organizations (Office, Home, Education, Government, Hospital, Agriculture, etc.) |
| Graphics Package | Candidates should be able to: ii. Explain features of CorelDraw (LiveSketch Tool, Multi Monitor, Healing Clone Tools, Copy Curve Segments, Gaussian Blur Feature, Touch Friendly GU Interface, Powerful Stylus Enhancements, Import Legacy Workspaces, Prominent Interactive Sliders, Custom Node Shapes, Font Filtering and Search, Corel Font Manager, Enhanced Vector Previews, Handles and Node etc.) |
| Presentation Package | Candidates should be able to: i. Define Presentation and give examples of Presentation packages (MS PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker, Micromedia Flash, impress, Apple keynotes, etc.) ii. Explain features of PowerPoint Environment (Animation Painter, Video Editor, create a video of you presentation, Automatic Ribbons Toolbars, Transitions, Sections, Cropped Tool, Mask Feature, Effective Preview, Screen Shot, Smart Guides,) iii. Explain steps in activating a PowerPoint presentation |
| Web Design Package | Candidates should be able to; i. Define and Give examples of Web design package (HTML, XML, Dreamweaver, Rapid weaver, Google Web Designer, Microsoft Sharepoint Designer, Net Object Fusion, Xara Web Designer etc.) |
Section D: Managing Computer Files
Section E: Computer Maintenance and Safety Measures
Section F: Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Section G: Developing Problem Solving Skills
Section H: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics
Section I: Computer Ethics and Human Issues
DOWNLOAD JAMB SYLLABUS FOR COMPUTER STUDIES 2026
Recommended Texts
- 1. A Textbook for Year 11 Computer Studies Bibhya Sharma, Shaveen Singh & Vijay Singh, Publisher: Technology and Employment Skills Training Ministry of Education, Fiji.
- 2. Addan Emmanuel (2013). My Computer for Senior Secondary Schools 1, 2, 3 with Practical Training CD.
- 3. Adebisi, A. J. (2013). Fundamentals of Computer Studies, Nigeria: Expert Consults
- 5. Brookshear, J. G. (1991). Computer Science: An Overview. Benjamin Cummings Publishing Co. Inc.
- 7. Doyle, S (1995). Computer Studies for You, USA: Nelson Thomas Ltd, 2nd Edition.
- 8. Driscoll, T. & Dolden R. (1998). Computer Studies and Information Technology (The Motivate Series), Nigeria: Macmillan Education
- 11. Ojo D. J. (2018). Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in Data Processing. Past Questions and Answers (2014 to 2020). Published by TONAD Publishers Limited. (Theory, Objectives and Practical)
- 12. Otuka J. O. E. Akande A. F. and Iginla S. I. (2019): New Computer Studies 1 to 3; LearnAfrica
- 13. Senior School Certificate Examinations/National Examination Council (SSCE/NECO). Past Questions and Answers on Computer Studies (Theory/Objectives).
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