The JAMB History exam plays a significant role in the admission process for students aspiring to study courses such as history, law, political science, and other related fields. To help you achieve success in the 2025/2026 JAMB History exam, it's crucial to focus on the most frequently tested topics. This official guide provides a comprehensive list of these topics, essential tips for efficient studying, and answers to common questions.
JAMB History Exam Overview
Before diving into the key topics, here’s an overview of the exam format to help you understand what to expect:
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Total Number of Questions: 40
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Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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Time Allocation: Part of the 2-hour UTME session
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Curriculum Source: WAEC/NECO History syllabus
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Content Coverage: Nigerian history, world history, political systems, social structures, and more.
Frequently Repeated Topics in JAMB History Exam (2025/2026)
These are the most frequently tested topics in JAMB History. Focusing on them will significantly improve your chances of performing well.
1. Nigerian History: Pre-Colonial, Colonial, and Post-Colonial Eras
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Pre-Colonial Nigeria:
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Key Kingdoms and Empires: Oyo Empire, Benin Kingdom, Sokoto Caliphate, and the Kingdom of Kanem-Bornu.
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Social and Political Structures: Traditional governance, economic systems, and cultural practices.
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Trade and Commerce: Key trade routes, products traded, and the role of indigenous people in trade.
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Colonial Nigeria:
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British Colonization: British policies, strategies of control, and the establishment of colonial rule in Nigeria.
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Indirect Rule System: The role of traditional rulers in the colonial administration, and its impacts on governance.
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Nationalist Movements: Key nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello, and their contributions to Nigerian independence.
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Post-Colonial Nigeria:
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Nigeria's Struggle for Independence: Key events leading to Nigeria's independence in 1960.
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Early Years of Independence: Political, economic, and social challenges after independence.
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Military Rule and Civil War: The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), military coups, and the transition to democratic governance.
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2. African History: Pre-Colonial to Modern Africa
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Ancient African Civilizations:
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Egyptian Civilization: Contributions to art, architecture, and governance.
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Kingdoms of West Africa: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires and their roles in trade, politics, and culture.
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Colonial Africa:
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Scramble for Africa: The Berlin Conference and its impact on African territories.
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Colonial Economies and Exploitation: The economic impact of European colonization on African resources and societies.
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African Resistance Movements: Revolts and rebellions against colonial powers.
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Post-Colonial Africa:
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Decolonization: The African independence movements and the rise of nationalist leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta.
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Modern African Issues: Political instability, civil wars, economic challenges, and efforts towards regional integration.
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3. World History: Ancient to Modern Times
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Ancient Civilizations:
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Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome: Contributions to governance, law, and cultural development.
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The Middle Ages: Feudalism, the Crusades, and the rise of monarchies.
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The Renaissance: The rebirth of science, art, and literature in Europe.
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Colonialism and Imperialism:
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The Age of Exploration: European voyages, colonial expansion, and the transatlantic slave trade.
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World Wars: Causes, major events, and outcomes of World War I and World War II.
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Cold War: The ideological, military, and political rivalry between the USA and the USSR.
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Modern History:
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Globalization and the Information Age: The rise of technology, digital communication, and economic interconnectedness.
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Post-Cold War World: Conflicts, international organizations, and the new world order.
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4. Political History and Theories
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Political Systems:
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Democracy, Monarchy, and Dictatorship: Origins, development, and impacts of different political systems.
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Republicanism and Marxism: Key political theories and their applications in history.
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Political Movements:
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Revolutions: The French, American, and Russian Revolutions and their influence on global politics.
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Nationalism and Independence Movements: The struggle for independence across the globe and the role of key political figures.
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5. Key Figures in History
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Notable Leaders in Nigerian History:
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Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello: Contributions to Nigeria’s independence and early post-colonial governance.
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Military Leaders: General Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Muhammadu Buhari’s roles in Nigerian military history.
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Influential African and Global Figures:
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Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere: Contributions to African unity and independence.
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World Leaders: Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and others in shaping world history.
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Study Tips for JAMB History
To improve your performance in the JAMB History exam, here are some essential study tips:
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Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus: Understand the key topics and their subtopics, as well as the weight of each section.
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Use Past Questions: Practicing with past questions helps you get a feel for the exam format and the type of questions asked.
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Study Regularly: Set aside time each day to study, reviewing both Nigerian and world history topics.
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Join Study Groups: Engaging with other students can help you understand different perspectives and deepen your knowledge.
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Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Some questions may relate to contemporary issues in history, so staying informed is beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many questions are asked in the JAMB History exam?
There are 40 multiple-choice questions in the JAMB History exam.
2. What is the time limit for the JAMB History exam?
You will have 2 hours to complete the JAMB History exam, as part of the general UTME session.
3. How can I best prepare for the JAMB History exam?
Focus on the frequently repeated topics listed above, use past questions, and study consistently.
4. Is JAMB History hard?
The difficulty of the exam depends on your preparation. If you study the relevant topics and practice regularly, you will perform well.
5. Can I pass the JAMB History exam without attending coaching classes?
Yes, many students pass JAMB History through self-study, provided they use the right resources, such as past questions, textbooks, and online materials.
Conclusion
Focusing on the most frequently repeated topics in the JAMB History exam will put you on the right track for success in 2025/2026. Understanding both Nigerian and world history, key historical figures, and political systems will give you an edge in the exam. Combine this knowledge with consistent practice, and you’ll be well-prepared to excel.
