Jamb SyllaBus

ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES.

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Islamic Studies 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. master the Qur'an and sunnah as foundations of Islamic and social life;
2. be familiar with Islamic heritage, culture and civilization;
3. be acquainted with the tradition of Islamic scholarship and intellectual    discourse;
4. demonstrate knowledge of Islamic moral, spiritual, political and social values;
5. be prepared to face the challenges of life as good practicing Muslims.

DETAILED SYLLABUS
PART 1: THE QUR'AN AND HADITH

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

1.Revelation of the Glorious Qur'an.
(i) Visits of the Prophet (SAW) to Cave Hira.
(ii)His reaction to the first revelation And its importance.
(iii)Different modes of revelation (Q.42:511): inspiration behind the Veil, through        an angel,etc.
(iv) Piecemeal revelation (Q. 17:106) (Q.25:32).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. analyse the Prophet's (SAW) visits to Cave Hira and the purpose;
ii.describe the Prophet's reaction to the first revelation and its mportance;
iii.differentiate between the mode  of  revelation;
iv. explain why the Glorious Qur'an/ was revealed piecemeal.


lb. Preservation of the Glorious Qur'an
(i) Complete arrangement
(ii)Differences between Makkah and Madinan suwar
(iii)Recording, compilation and Standardization of the Glorious Qur'an
(iv) The role played by the Companions  of  the Prophet (SAW).

OBJECTIVES.

i. identify the personalities involved in the arrangement of
   the Glorious Qur'an;
ii.differentiate between Makkan and Madinan suwar;
iii.analyse   how   the   Glorious  Qur'an was  recorded, compiled and standardized;
iv. evaluate the role played by the  companions  of the  Prophet (SAW).


1c. Importance of the Glorious Qur'an as a source of guidance in     spiritual,moral,economic, political and socio-cultural matters.

OBJECTIVES.

i.examine the importance of the Glorious Qur'an.


1d.  Proof of the divine authenticity of the Glorious Qur'an (Q.4:82)(Q.41:42).
(i) Uniqueness of the Glorious Qur'an (Q.39:27)(Q. 17:88) (Q.75:16-19).
(ii)Divine preservation of the Glorious Qur'an (Q.15:9).

OBJECTIVES.

i. evaluate the proof of the divine authenticity of the Glorious Qur'an;
ii.evaluate the uniqueness of the Glorious Qur'an;
iii.examine the ways by which the Glorious Qur'an was preserved

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

2. Tafsir
(i) Historical development of Tafsir
(ii) Importance of Tafsir
(iii)Types of Tafsir

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. trace the origin and sources of Tafsir,
ii.evaluate  the   importance of Tafsir.
iii.compare the types of Tafsir.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

3. Introduction to Tajwid (Theory and Practice).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i.examine the meaning and importance of Tajwid.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

4. Study of the Arabic text of the following suwar/ayats with tajwid

(a) Al-Fatihah(Q.l).
(b) Al-Adiyat(Q.lOO).
(c) Al-Qari'ah(Q.lOl).
(d) Al-Takathur(Q.102).
(e) Al-Asr((Q.103).
(f) Al-Humazah(Q.104).
(g) Al-Maun((Q.107).
(h) Al-Kawthar(Q.108).
(i) Al-Masad((Q.lll).
(j) Al-Ikhlas(Q.112).
(k) Al-Falaq((Q.113).
(1) An-Nas(Q.114).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

 i. recite with correct tajwid the Arabic texts of the suwar,
ii. translate the verses;
iii.deduce lessons from them;
iv. evaluate the teachings of the verses.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

5. Study of the Arabic text of the following suwar/ayats with tajwid
(a) al-A'ala (Q.87)
(b) ad-Duha (Q.93)
(c) al-Inshirah (Q.94)
(c) al-Tin(Q.95
(e) al-Alaq (Q.96)
(f) al-Qadr(Q.97)
(g) al-Bayyinah (Q.98)
(h) al-Zi!zal(Q.99)
(i) Ayatul-Kursiy(Q.2:255)
(j) Amanar-Rasul (Q.2:285-6)
(k) Laqadjaakun (Q.9:128-129)

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. recite with correct tajwid the Arabic texts of the suwar;
ii.deduce lessons form them;
iii.evaluate their teachings.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

6.  Hadith
(a) History of Hadith literature -
    Collection of Hadith from the time of the Prophet to the period of the six        authentic collectors of Hadith
(b) Authentication of Hadith
(i) Isnad (Asma'ur-rijal)
(ii)Matn
(iii)Classification of Hadith into Sahih Hassan and Da'if.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i.evaluate the history of Hadith from the time of the Prophet (SAW) to the period of   authentic collectors.
ii.Analyse the Isnad;
iii.Analyse the Mam;
iv.Distinguish between Hadit Sahih, Hassan and da'if.

(c) The relationship between Hadith and the Glorious Qur'an
(i) The importance of Hadith
(ii)The similarities and differences between Hadith and the Glorious Qur'an.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. examine  the  importance  of  Hadith;
ii.distinguish ' between   Hadith  and the Glorious Qur'an.


(d) The six sound collectors of Hadith-biographies and their works.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i.  evaluate their biographies and works
ii. evaluate his biography;
iii.analyse his work.


(e) Muwatta and its author – The biography of Imam Malik and the study of his book.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. interpret the ahadith in Arabic
ii.apply them in their daily lives.


(f) The study of the Arabic texts of the following ahadith from an-Nawawi's        collection:1,3,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,18,19,21, 22,25,27,34, and 41


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(7) Moral lessons in the Glorious Qur'an and Hadith.

(a)General moral lessons contained in the admonition of Sage Luqman to his son      (Q.31:18-20).
(b) Goodness to parents (Q. 17:23-24).
(c) Honesty (Q.2:42)(Q.61:2-3).
(d) Prohibition of bribery and corruption (Q.2:18), alcohol and
    gambling (Q.2:219) (Q.5:93-94), stealing and fraud (Q.5:41) (Q.83:l-5),smoking,       drug abuse and other intoxicants (Q.2.172-173, 195 and 219) (Q.4:43) (Q.5:3),         (Q.6:118-121).arrogance (Q.31:18-19) and extravagance (Q. 17:26-27) (Q.31:18-19).
(e) Dignity of labour (Q.62:10) (Q.78:l 1) Hadith from Bukhari and Ibn Majah: "that       one of you takes his rope" "never has anyone of you eaten".
(f) Behaviour and modesty in dressing  (Q.24:27-31)
(g) Adultery and fornication (Q. 17:32)   Q.24:2), homosexuality (Q. 11:77-78) and        obscenity (Q:4:14-15) Hadith - "No one of you should meet a   woman privately     "Bukhari.
(h) Leadership (Q.2:124) and justice (Q.4:58 and 135) (Q.5:9) Hadith -'take care         everyone of you is a governor concerning  his subjects" (al-Bukhari and others).
(i) Trust and obligations (Q:4:58) (Q.5:l)  and promises (Q.16:91) Hadith 'he has         (really) no faith .... Not fulfilled his promise" (Baihaqi).
(j) Piety (Taqwa) (Q:2:177) (Q.3:102) (Q.49.13) Hadith 18 and 35 of an Nawawi.
(k) Tolerance, perseverance and patience  (Q.2:153-157) (Q.3:200) (Q.103:3) Hadith       16 of  an-Nawawi.
(l) Unity and brotherhood (Q.3:103).
    (Q.8:46) (Q.49:10) Hadith 35 of an- Nawawi.
(m) Enjoying what is good "and forbidding what is wrong (Q.3:104 and (110) (Q.16:90)      Hadith 25 and 34 of an Nawawi.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

 i. use the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
ii. apply the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
iii.apply the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
iv. use the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
 v. apply the teaching of the verses to their daily lives;
vi. apply   their   teachings   of the verses to their daily lives;
vii.apply the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
viii.apply  the  teachings  of the verses to their daily lives;
ix. apply the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
 x. apply the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
xi. apply the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
xii. apply the teachings of the verses to their daily lives;
xiii. apply the teachings  of the verses to their daily lives.

PART II: TAWHID AND FIQH
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
(a) Faith

(i) Tawhid -Its importance and lessons.
(b) Kalimatush-Shahadah - Its meaning and importance.
(ii) The Oneness of Allah as contained in the following verses:(Q.3:19) (Q.2:255)          (Q.112:1-4).
(iii)The servanthood and messengership of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as contained      in the following verses (Q.3:144) (Q.18:110) (Q.48:29)and(Q.34:28).
(iv) Universality of his message (Q.7:158) (Q.34:28).
(iv) Finality of his Prophethood (Q.33.-40).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

 i. interpret tawhid concepts;
ii. evaluate the significance of kalimatush-shahadah;
iii.identify the verses dealing with the Oneness of Allah;
iv. determine the significance of the servanthood  of  the Prophet Muhammad (SAW);
 v. evaluate the significance of the universality of Prophet Muhammad's message;
vi. examine the significance of the finality of  the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW).


(c)Shirk

(i) Beliefs which are incompatible with the Islamic principles of Tawhid:
- Worship of Idols  (Q.4:48) (Q.22:31).
- Ancestral worship (Q.4:48 and 116) (Q21:66-67).
- Trinity  (Q4:171) (Q.5:76)(Q.112:l-4).
- Atheism  (Q;45:24) (Q.72:6) (Q.79:17-22).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. determine what actions and beliefs constitute shirk;
ii.avoid such actions.

(d)  General practices which are incompatible with Islamic principles of Tawhid:
- Superstition (Q.25:43) (Q. 72:6)  
- Fortune-telling (Q;15:16-18) (Q.37:6-10)
- Magic and witchcraft Q.2:102) (Q.20:69) and 73) (Q.26:46)
- Cult worship (Q. 17:23) (Q.4:48)
- Innovation (Bid'ah) (Q.4:116) and  Hadith 5 and 28 of an-Nawawi

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. identify those practices incompatible: with the principles of Tawhid that are    Islamic.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

(2) Article of faith

a) Belief in Allah
(i)  Existence of Allah (Q.2:255) (Q.52:35-36).
(ii) Attributes of Allah (Q.59:22-24).
(iii) The works of Allah (Q.27:59:64).

(b) Belief in Allah's angels (Q.2:177 and 285) (Q.8:50) (Q.16:2).
(c) His books (Q.2:253) and 285) (Q.3:3).
(d) His prophets: Ulul-azm (Q.4:163-164).
(e) The Last Day: Yawm-al-Ba'th (Q.23:15-16) (Q.70:4).
(f) Destiny: distinction between Qada and Qadar (Q.2:l 17) (Q. 16:40) (Q.36:82).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. examine the significance of thearticle of faith;
ii.examine the attributes of Allah;
iii.examine the works of Allah;
iv. examine the belief in Allah's books;
 v. examine the verses on Allah's books;
vi. identify the belief in the Prophets of Allah and its significance;
vii.analyse the belief in the Last Day and its significance;
viii.evaluate the belief in destiny and its significance.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

(3) Ibadat and their types:

(a) Good deeds (Q.3:13) (0.6:160) (Q.2:177) (Q.318) (Q.103:l-3) 26th Hadith of     an-Nawawi.
(b) Taharah,its types and importance (al-istinja'/istijamar,alwudu',at-tayammum
    and al-ghusl (Q.2:222) (Q.5:7) Hadith 10 and 23 ofan-Nawawi.
(c) Salah.
(i) Importance: (Q.2:45) (Q.20:132) (Q.29:45) and Hadith 23rd of an-Nawawi.
(ii)Description and types of salah.
(iii)Things that vitiate salah.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. determine what constitutes acts of ibadah.
ii.distinguish between the different types of taharah;
iii.assess the importance of salah to a Muslim's life;
iv. analyse different types of salah;
 v. identify things that vitiate salah.

(d) Zakah.
(i) Its types and importance (zakatul-fitr, zakatul mal, al-an-am and al-harth     (Q.2:267),(Q.9:103) 3rd Hadith of an-Nawawi.
(ii) Collection and disbursement (Q.9:60).
(iii)Difference between Zakah and Sadaqah.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. differentiate between the various types of zakkah and the time of giving them out;
ii.determine how to collect and distribute  zakah;
iii.distinguish between zakah and sadaqah

(e) Sawm
(i) Its   types  and  importance (fard, sunnah, qada and kaffarah) (Q.2.183-185) 3rd     Hadith of an-Nawawi.
(ii) People exempted from sawm.
(iii)Things that vitiate sawm.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. compare the varioas types of sawm;
ii.determine the people who are exempted from fasting;
iii.determine things that vitiate fasting.


(f) Hajj.
(i) Its importance (Q.2:158 and 197) (Q.a3:97) (Q.22:27-28).
(ii)Type (Ifrad, Qiran and Tamattu).
(iii)Essentials of Hajj (Arkan al Hajj).
(iv) Conditions for the performance of Hajj.
(v)  Differences  between  Hajj and Umrah.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. examine the importance of Hajj;
ii.differentiate between the types of Hajj
iii.determine the essentials of Hajj;
iv. evaluate  the  conditions for performance of Hajj;
 v. differentiate between Hajj and Umrah.

(g) Jihad: Concept, kinds, manner and Lessons (Q.2:190-193) (Q.22:39-40).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. examine the concepts of jihad and its type;
ii.evaluate the manner of carrying out jihad and its lessons.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.
(4) Family Matters.

(a) Marriage
(i) Importance (Q. 16:72) (Q.24:32) (Q.30:20-21).
(ii) Prohibited categories (Q.2:221) (Q.4:22-24).
(iii)Conditions for its validity (Q.4:4) (Q.4.24-25).
(iv) Rights and duties of husbands and wives (Q.4:34-35)(Q.20:132) (Q.65:6-7).
(v)  Polygamy (Q.4:3 and 129).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:
i. analyse   the   importance   of  marriage;
ii.determine the category of women prohibited to a man to marry;
iii.examine   the  conditions   for  validity of marriage;
iv. determine the rights and duties of  the spouse;
vi. evaluate the polygamy and its significance

(b) Divorce
(i) Attitude of Islamic todivorce (Q.2:228) (Q.4:34-35) Hadith "of al things lawful  ...most   hateful to Allah.." (Abu Daud 15:3).
(ii) Kinds  (Talaq,   Khul;, faskh, mubur'ah and lian) (Q.2:229-230) (Q.24:6-9).
(Ill) Iddah, kinds, duration and  importance (Q.2:228 and 232).
(iv) Prohibited forms of dissolution of marriage.(Ha and Zihar) (Q.2:226-227)
     (Q.58:2-4).
(v) Custody of children (Hadanah).

OBJECTIVES.
Candiddates should be able to:

i. analyse the attitude of Islam to divorce;
ii.examine the different types of divorce;
iiia.differentiate   between   the various kinds of iddah;
iiib.Analyse its duration and significance;
iv.determine the prohibited forms of ending marriage;
iv.determine who has the right to custody of children.

(c)Inheritance.
(i) Its importance.
(ii)Heirs and their shares (Q.4:7-8), 11- 12 and 176).

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. evaluate   the   significance   of  inheritance;
iia.Identify the categories of the Qur'anic heirs;
iib.Determine the share of each heir.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(5)Sources and Schools of Law.

(i) The four  major sources (the Qur'an, Sunnah, Ijma and qiyas).
(ii)The four sunni schools of law.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i.    analyse the four major sources of Islamic law;
iia.   examine the biography of the sunni schools of law;
iib.   Examine their contributions.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(6) Islamic Economic System.

(i) Islamic  attitude to  Riba (Q.2:275-280)(Q.3:130)
    (Q.4:161) Hadith 6th of an-Nawawi.
(ii) At-tatfif (Q.83:1-6).
(iii)Hoarding (ihtikar) (Q.9:34).
(iv) Islamic soruces of revenue: Zakah, Jizyah, Kharaj and Ghanimah.
(v)  Baitul-mal as an institution of socio-economic welfare.
(vi) Difference between the Islamic economic system  and the  Western economic      system.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. analyse Islamic attitude to riba;
ii.relate at-tatfif and its negative consequences;
iii.examine ihtikar and its efforts on society;
iva.Identify the sources of revenue in Islam;
ivb.Evaluate the disbursement of the revenue;
 v. determine the uses of baitul mail in the Ummah;
vi. differentiate between the Islamic and Western economic systems.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(7)Islamic Political System.

(i) Allah as the sovereign (Q.3:26- 27)
(ii)The concept of shurah (consultation) (Q.3:159)(Q.42:38)
(iii)The concept of Adala (Justice) (Q. 17:13-14     and     36) and Masuliyah      (accountability) (Q.4:58)(Q. 102:8)
(iv)The rights of non-muslims in an Islamic state (Q.2:256) (Q.6:108)
(v) Differences between the Islamic political system and the Western political     system.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i.analyse the concept of Allah's sovereignity;
ii.examine the concept of shurah in Islam;
iii.evaluate the concept of justice and  accountability;
vi.examine  the  rights  of non-Muslims in an Islamic state ;
 v.differentiate between the Islamic and Western political systems.


PART III:  ISLAMIC HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION.
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(1) Pre-IsIamic Arabia (Jahiliyyah)

(i) Jahiliyyah practices: idol worship,infancticide, polyandry,  gambling,usury, etc.
(ii) Islamic reforms.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:

i.distinguish the different types of practices common to the Arabs of al-Jahiliyya;
ii.trace the reforms brought about by Islam to the Jahiliyyah practices.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(2) The Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

(i) His birth and early life.
(ii)His call to Prophethood.
(iii)Da'awah in Makkah and Madinah.
(iv) The Hijrah.
(v)  Administration of the Ummah and the role of the mosque (Q.3:159)(Q.4:58 andl35).
(vi) The Battfes of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq: cause and effects.
(vii)The Treaty  of al-Hudaibiyyah and the Conquest of Makkah .
(viii)Hijjatul-wada (the farewell pilgrimage) sermon, and lessons.
(ix)  Qualities of Muhammad (SAW) and lessons learnt from them.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i.account for the birth and early life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW);
ii.provide evidence for the call ofMuhammad (SAW) of Prophethood;
iii.analyse the Da'awah activities of the prophet Muhammad (SAW) to Madinah;
iv. account for the hijra of the ProphetMuhammad (SAW) in Makkah and Madinah.
 v. analyse the administration of the Muslim ummah in Madinah.
vi. account for the causes and effectsof the Battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq;
vii.trace the circumstances leading to the formulation  of the  Treaty  of         Hudaibiyya;
vii.account for the Conquest of Makkah;
ix. examine   for   the   farewell pilgrimage and its lessons;
x.  analyse the qualities of Muhammad (SAW) their relevance to the life of a Muslim.



TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(3)The right guided caliphs (al-Khula fa'u rashidun) - the lives and contributions of    the four rightly guided aliphs

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. trace the biographies of the four rightly guided caliphs;
ii.evaluate their contributions to the  development of Islam.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(4)Early contact of Islam with Africa.

(i) Hijrah to Abyssinia.
(ii)The spread of Islam to Egypt.
(iii)The role of traders,teachers, preachers, Murabitu, Sufi orders and Mujaddidun to     the spread of Islam in WestAfrica.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. evaluate their circumstances leading to the Hijrah to Abysinia;
ii.give reasons for the spread of  Islamic in Egypt;
iii.account for the roles of traders, teachers, preachers,murabitu,sufi orders and mujaddidun in the spread of Islam inWest Africa..


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(5)The Impact of Islam in West Africa.
 
(i)The influence of islam on the socio- political life of some West African     empires;Ghana, Mali, Songhai and Borno.
(ii)The impact of Islam on the economic life of some African states: Timbuktu, Kano     and Borno.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i.analyse the influence of Islam oh the socio-political system of some West   African states;
ii.evaluate the impact of Islam on the economic life of Timbuktu, Kano and  Borno.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES.

(6) Contributions of Islam to Education;

(i) "The aims' and objectives of Islamic Education.
(ii)"The Glorious Qur'an arid Hadith on Eptaation(Q.96:l-5) (Q39:9)
(a) "The search for knowledge is obligatory on  every Muslifn"(Ibn Majah)"
(b) "Seek knowledge form the cradle to the grave".
(c) "The words of wisdom area lost property: of the believer .; a better right to      it...." (Tiimidhi)
(iv) Intellectual activities of Islam in West Africa (development pf written history      in Arabic and the establishment of Sankore  University)
(v) Intellectual activities of Ahmad Baba of imbiktu, Sheikh al-Maghili, sheikh Usman     Danfodio, Sultan Muhammad Bello arid Ibn Battuta;
(vi) Islamic Education Institutions: House of Wisdom in Baghdad, al-Azhai  University      in Cairo  and Nizamiyyah University in Baghdad.
(vii)The lives and contributions of Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, IBn Rushdi, ar-Razio and         ibn Khaldun to education.

OBJECTIVES.
Candidates should be able to:

i. classify the aims and objectives of Islamic education;
iia.asses the position of the Glorious Qur'an and Hadith in education;
iib.examine the importance of seeking knowledge in Islam;    
iii.analyse the intellectual activities of Islam in West Africa.
iva.Analyse the intellectual activities.
ivb.Asses the contributions of Sheikh. al-Maghil, sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio, Sultan         Muhammad Bello and ; Ibn Battuta;
v.account for the development of intellectual centres in Baghdad and Cairo.
a.Examine the contributions of Ibn Sina to the development of Medicine;
b.asses al-Ghazali's contribution to Islamic education;
c.analyse Ibn. Rush's contribution to philosophy and fiqh;
d.assess ar-Razi's contribution to philosophy;
e.analyse Ibn Khaldun's contribution to modern sociology and method of uniting     history.


Islamic Religions Studies REOMMENDED TEXTS.
Abdul, M.O.A. (1976) Studies in Islam Series Book 3, Lagos: 1PB
Abdul, M.O.A. (1982) Studies in Islam Series Book 2, Lagos: IPB
Abdul, M.O.A. (1988)The Classical Caliphate, Lagos: IPB
Abdulrahman and Canham (n.d) The Ink of the Scholar, CUP
Ali, A.Y. (1975), The Holy Qur'an Text: Translation and Commentary Leicester The Islamic Foundation
Ali, M.M. (Undated) The Religion of Islam, Lahore, Chand
Hay Kal, M. (1982) The Life of Muhammad (SAW), Academic Press
Lemu, A. (1992) Methodology of Primary Islamic Studies, Lagos: IPB
Lemu, A. (1993) Islamic Studies for SSS Books 1 & 2, Lagos: IPB
Lemu, A. (1993) Islamic Studies for SSS Books 1 & 2, Lagos: IPB
Opeloye, M.O.A. (1997) Usool at-tafsir, Kuala Lumpur P25B
Quadri, Y.A. et al (1990) Al-Iziyyah for the English Audience, Ijebu Ode: Shebiotio Publication
Rahim, A. (1992) Islamic History, Lagos: IPB
Sambo, M.B. et. Al (1984) Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 1, Lagos: IPB
Sambo, M.B. et. Al (1984) Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 3, Lagos: IPB
Trimingham, J.S. (1993) A History of Islam in West Afria, Oxford, OUP

IGBO

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Igbo 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)communicate effectively in Igbo;
2)analyse issues in the language;
3)interpret and explain figurative and idiomatic expression in Igbo;
4)apply Igbo literature to their daily life experiences and to demonstrate Igbo cultural values.

DETAILED SYLLABUS
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
1.ESSAY (Edemede)
(a)Basic principles of essay writing: introduction, body and conclusion

(b) Basic essay types and their characteristics
(i)  Narrative (Akomako)
(ii) Descriptive and expository (Nkowa na Nkowami)
(iii) Argumentative (Mgbagha/Arumaruyka) Speech making (Ekwumekwu)
(iv) Letter Writing (Edemleta)
(v) Dialogue (Mkparjtauka

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:

(i)   identify the basic principles of essay writing
(ii)  use of words and expressions appropriate to a  particular topic;
(iii)  differentiate between different essay types;
(iv)  describe the characteristics ofessay types;
(v)  compare   different   types   of essay;
(vi)  criticize other people's essays.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
2. Comprehension (Aghotaazaa)
Three passages each of about one hundred and fifty (150) words long

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:

(i) highlight the  meanings of difficult words;
(ii) give correct answers
(iii) differentiate between figurative and idiomatic expressions from the passage;
(iv) deduce conclusions(s) based on the passage.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
3. Sounds and Sound Patterns:
(a)Udaasusu na Usoro udaasusu)
(b)Vowels, Consonants and
i. Syllabic nasals (myiri udaume)
ii. Syllable structure (nkebi mkpuruokwu)
iii. Sound processes (usoro udaasusu):
iv. vowel harmony (ndakorjta udaume);
v. vowel assimilation (olilo udaume);
vi. vowel elision and consonant elision (ndapu udaume na ndapu mgbochiume)
(d)Tone and tone marking (Akara Udaolu)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able:
(i) identify vowels, consonants and syllabi nasals;
(ii) distinguish between the speech sounds of the Igbo language;
(iii) recognize syllabic nasal 'm' & ‘n
(iv) determine the syllabic structure of any word;
(v)  identify the vowel groups  in Igbo
(vi) describe vowel assimilation and vowel and consonant elision;
(vii) detect tone marks appropriately.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
4 Spelling and spelling rules:
letters of Igbo orthography and
consonant restrictions (Nsupe na Iwu Nsupe:
Mkpuruedemede Igbo)
Non-occurrence of consonant clusters and word - final consonants

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) detect words correctly written in Igbo;
(ii) observe consonant restrictions in Igbo;
(iii) determine appropriate word division in Igbo;
(iv) apply correct spellings in writing;

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
5.Dialect and Standard Igbo
(Olundj/Olumba na Igbo Izugbe

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) differentiate between standard Igbo and dialects;
(ii) use standard Igbo in their  writings.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
6.Vocabulary (Mkpuruokwu djn'asusu)
Expansion through word derivation processes, coinages, loans and loans-blends

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) differentiate between loan and coined words;
(ii) identify loan words and loan- blends in Igbo;
(iii) use words appropriately.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
7.Grammar (Vtoasusu)
(a) Parts of speech (word or form/classes): Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, affixes (prefixes, suffixes and intcrfixes). enclitics etc.
(b)Thc structure, types and functions of the morpheme (free & bound)
(i) the word
(ii) the phrase
(iii) the clause (nominal,relative adverbial)
(iv) the sentence (simple, compound, complex etc)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) differentiate between grammatical categories;
(ii) identify parts of speech and their functions;
(iii) differentiate between types of affixes and their functions;
(iv) determine types of morphemes and their
functions;
(v) identify words, phrases, clauses, sentences and their functions;

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
8. Translation (Ntugharj)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) translate English into  Igbo and vice versa;
(ii) communicate effectively in Igbo and English;

SECTION B: LITERATURE (AGUMAGU)
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
1. Literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, parallelism, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification and proverbs etc

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) identify all literary devices in the passages;
(ii) interpret literary devices;
(iii) differentiate between types of literary devices;
(iv) use Igbo literary devices Appropriately

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
2. Oral Literature: Agumagu Qnu/ Agumagu Qdjnala
Questions will be set on the following: folktales (ifo),
anecdotes (yk.ibuilu), myths(rikomhiko), legends (nkokirjko),poems (abu), songs (uri), chants (mbem), riddles (agwugwa), oral drama (ejije onu), tongue-twister (okwuntuhj) dg.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) create folk stories, anecdotes, chants,  riddles, oral drama etc.
(ii) analyse various genres of oral literatures
(iii) Present ideas/formulae in accordance with  underlying principles;
(iv) apply the lessons of oral literature to their everyday life.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
3. Written Literature (Agumagu Ederede)
(a) Prose (iduuazj)
(i) Nwadike I. U. (2005):Uwa Bu Agha Enugu, Format Publishers Ltd.
(ii) Okafor S.N. (2003;: Uwa Mgbede Obosi; Pacific Publishers Ltd.

(b) Poetry (Abu)
(i)  Mgbemena, A.U. (1990):Echiche,
Lagos: Macmillan (Nig.) Publisher Ltd.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) interpret the texts;
(ii) isolate the characters in the  books;
(iii) compare figurative and idiomatic expressions in the text;
(iv) analyse the texts
(v) identify the authors,publishers and dates of the books;
(vi)draw moral lessons from the texts.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
Selected Poems
1. Nwanne dj na mba pp 6
 2. IheUwa             pp21-23
3. Ndubuekete        pp26
 4. EziUmynne        pp43-44
5. Ndj Ndorondoro ochichi
 Obodo                  pp 54 - 56
Anozie C. C. (2005): Uche By

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) compare the types and themes of the poems;
(ii) relate the poet's idea to the contents of the poem;
(iii) Compare  figurative  and idiomatic expressions in the exts/poems;
(iv) analyse the structures of the poems;
(v) apply acquired knowledge and moral lessons from the poems to their daily lives.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
Akpa, Enugu: CIDJAP Press
Selected Poems
  1. Ekwentj  pp 72-74
  2. Qrja Mmjnwy  pp 78 - 79
  3. Qruugbo  pp 123-125
  4. Enye anyi chance  pp 134
  5. Ako bu ndu  pp 145 – 147
  6. Ule akwukwo pp 183 – 184

(c) DRAMA (EJIJE)

i.  OkoroB.C.(1979):
Nka di na Nti, Ibadan Evans Brothers Nig.Publishers Limited
ii. Akoma,E.(1977): Obidiya, Ibadan: Oxford     University Press.
 
OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:

 (i) identify types of drama;
 (ii)  determine the themes of the  texts;
 (iii) identify the story lines;
 (iv) find out the characters in the stories;
 (v) appreciate the language of theplay;
 (vi) appraise  the  social  problems raised by the author in die play;
 (vii) apply acquired knowledge  to personal life.

SECTION C: CUSTOMS AND INSTITUTIONS
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
(Omenala na Ewumewu)
Igbo Customs and institutions as categoriezed below:

1. Ekele dj icheiche; Ekele utytu, ehihie, anyasi, nri,
Nlakpu, oru dg.

2. Alumnwaanyf, jgba alukwaghfm.

OBJECTIVES        
Candidates should be able to:
(i) describe the customs of their people;
(ii) determine the rules and regulations guiding specified aspects of the culture and tradition of the Igbo people;
(iii) describe the importance of the aspects of Igbo culture;
(iv) identify changes that have occurred as a result of civilization;
(v)  explore their environment for a better appreciation of their culture.

3. Qmumy na ile Qmugwo, ikuputa nwa, ibi ugwu, jgu aha.
  4. Echichi: Qzo, Eze/ODi/Igwe/Iyom.
  5. Ikeekpe, akwamozu, igba mkpe
  6. Umunna, Umuokpu / Umuada
  7. Ogbo/ebiri/uke, Ohanaeze, ezinaulo.

OBJECTIVES        
Candidates should be able to:
(i) describe the customs of their people;
(ii) determine the rules and regulations guiding specified aspects of the culture and tradition of the Igbo people;
(iii) describe the importance of the aspects of Igbo culture;
(iv) identify changes that have occurred as a result of civilization;
(v) explore their environment for a better appreciation of their culture.
 
8. Aru na Nsoala Ihe nso-anu, osisi nso ebe igbu ochu.
  9. Ochichi Odinala: Igwe/Eze, Nze na ozo umunna, Ezinaulo dg.
 10. Mnabata Obia Oji naitu nzu itu aha.
 11. Igba afa, ichu aja, igo mmuo
 12. Nkwenye: idu isi/inu iyi, igba ndu, oruko dg.
 13. Akunauba: Inwe ala, ike ala, ekpe, elulu (ikpa okuko, ewu dg,
 14. Ikikere mmuo: ofo, ogu, otonso, okpesi/ Ikenga;
 15. Egwuregwu: mgba, egwu onwa, Igba boolu.

OBJECTIVES        
Candidates should be able to:
(i)   describe the customs of their people;
(ii)   determine the rules and regulations guiding specified aspects of the culture and tradition of the Igbo people;
(iii)  describe the importance of the aspects of Igbo culture;
(iv)   identify changes that have occurred as a result of civilization;
(v)  explore their environment for a better appreciation of their culture.

SECTION D: Genral and Current Affairs(The Ndi na-eme Ugbua)

1. Tropical issues on the Igbo language, literature and culture e.g Ahiajioku and Odenigbo lectures.
2. Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo

3. Athors, Publishers, dates and places of publication of works in Igbo

4. Igbo studies Association (ISA)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i)identify some dates and themes of Ahiajioku and odenigbo lectures;
(ii)Identify authors and dates of publication of various textbooks in Igbo
(iii)Identify some publishing companies
(iv)Analyse some functions of Ohanaeze ndi Igbo
(v)Acquaint themselves with the functions of the igbo Studies Association (ISA)

CURRENT ISSUES
(Okwuakpunonu)
Note:
Item writers should also choose their topics  for comprehension exercises from such current issues as the following:

HIV/AIDS
(Mmjnwu/Obirinaajaocha)
Drug Abuse (jnu Qgwu Agharaghara)
Cultism (Otu Nzuzo) Rights of Women and Children
(Ikike Umunwaanyi na Umuaka Nwerc)
Human Rights Violation (Inapu Mmadu Ikike)
Religious Conflicts (Nsogbu Ekpemckpe)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) acquaint themselves with current issues;
(ii) examine their effects;
(iii) suggest remedies to the problems.

RECOMMENDED TEXT   IGBO
1.Emenanjo, E. N., Okolie, F. O. and Ekwe, B. U . (1995)
Igbo maka Sinio Sekondiri Sukul I.
2.Emenanjo E. N. Dike, O. N Agomo S. N and Ezeuko, R.O.(1999) Exam Focus maka WASSCE na UME, Ibadan: University Press Plc
3.Ezikeojiaku, P. A. Okebalama, C.N. Onweluzo C.N and Ekwe B. U(1991) Ule Igbo maka Sinio Sekondiri Ibadan: University Press Plc.
4.Ikekeonwu, C. Ezikeojiaku P.A. Ubani A. and Ugoji J. (1991) Fonoloji na Grama Igbo, Ibadan; Univeristy Press Plc.
5.Nzeako, J. U. T. (1972) Omenala Ndi Igbo Ibdan Longman
6.Okoye, O.F.S., Ofoegbu, N.F and Ezididiegwu B. L.(1997) Ogbara Ohuru Utoasusu, Igbo maka Sinio Sekondiri, Onitsha Houston Publisher Ltd.
7.Osuagwu, B. I. N. (1979): Ndi Igbo na omenala Ha, Nigeria Macmillan
8.Ubesie, T. U. (1978) Odinala Ndi Igbo, Ibadan Oxford University Press.
9.Umeh, I. O. A; Onyekaonwu, G. O. Nwadike, I. U and Okeke I. O(1992) Utoasusu na Agumagu Igbo nke Sinio Sekondiri Sukul, Ibadan Evans.
10.Uba-Mgbenena, A. (2006): Utoala Usoroasusu Igbo, Ibadan Gold Press Ltd.
11.Anoze, C. C. (2003), Igbo Kwenu: Akuko na Omenala ndi Igbo Enugu ComputerEdge Publishers

FRENCH

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in French 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.assess written comprehension in French;
2.identify how French sounds work in speech production;
3.examine the culture of Francophone Africa and France in relation (where possible) to home country;
4.appreciate straightforward literary texts in French;
5.apply the principles governing the structure and use of written French.

DETAILED SYLLABUS
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
1. Written Comprehension in French
- Topics of general and emergent Interest e.g. love, life death, politics, Marriage, HIV/AIDS, Communication, child trafficking, Cultism, travel, corruption, money laundering etc.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) deduce answers to question on the content, Intent and style of proposed texts;
(ii) apply reasoning skills.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
2. Principles Governing theStructure and Use of Written French
 1. Identification of basic form classes:
(a) Nouns - simple/compound, Singular/plural masculine/feminine

(b) Pronouns - personal, impersonal, Demonstrative, possessive and Relative.

(c) Verbs - reflexive and non-reflexive, their moods and tenses.

(d) Adjectives – qualifying possessive, interrogative, demonstrative, indefinite (e.g. nul), numeral (e.g. dix) and ordinal (e.g. dixieme)

(e) Adverbs

- Common forms
i)  with-ment (e.g. lentenment)
ii) with preposition + noun(e.g. par avion, a cheval, En voiture, par bateau)
- Special forms (e.g. bien, vite, mal, mieux, le mieux, pire, le pis, ne... que)
- Types
- Manner (e.g. debout, facilement)
- Purpose (e.g. pour + Infinitive, afin de + infinitive
- Cause and consequence (e.g. pour + infinitive perfect, a cause de + noun)
- Concession (e.g. malgre +Noun)
- Place (e.g. y, en, ici, la - haut, partout)
- Time (e.g. hier, aujord'hui, Avant hier, hier, apres, demain, la veille, le matin, dans un mois).

(f)  Prepositions
- Simple (e.g. a, de, avec, vant, Sur, dans)
- compound (e.g. a cote de, au milieu de)

(g)  Conjunctions
- of co-ordinatiion (e.g. mais, ou, et, done, car, cependent, ne...ni)
- of subordination (e.g. afin que, quoique, a condition que, pour' que, parce que).

(h)  Articles
- definite, indefinite and partitive
ii assessment of vocabulary span (words in contemporary contexts- meaning, use, opposites, synonyms)
iii  Importance of word order in:
(a) affirmative sentences
(b) interrogative sentences
(c) imperative sentences
(d). passive voice formation

iv  Identification and application of basic processes in language structure, e.g.
(a)conjugation - in all tenses except Timpartfait du subjonctif le passe\ compose du subjonctif et. ..... le plus - que parfait du subjonctif.
(b) negation (e.g. ne...pas, ne.. .plus, he.. .rien, nul he, ni.. .ne, ne.. .personne, personne...ne, aucun....ne rien ne....etc)
(c) agreement (e.g. les beaux arts, il les a vues les photos)
(d) pluralisation (e.g. as in cheval/chevaux; beau/beaux)
(e) derivation
-from adj, to adv - e.g. lent-lentement
-from adj. to adj. e.g. un- premier
-from adj. to noun - e.g. bon-bonte, riche-richesse etc
-from one degree of comparison to another (using plus.. .que, mois.. ..que, aussi....que e.g. plus grand que)
NB - special forms - (e.g. bon, meilleur,le meillure la mailleur, mauvais, pire, le pire)

(v) Use of French in set
Expressions such as in proverbs, idioms and conventional structures as provided for in common speech acts:
(a) proverbs (e.g. tel pere, tel fils, petit a petit, l'oiseau fait son nid)
(b) idioms (e.g. avoir une faim de loup; crier su le toit, mourir de peur)
(c) conventional stretches (e.g. enchante, c'est dommage, formidable, stationnement interdit etc)
(d) speech acts (e.g. proposer, conseiller, regretter,admirer esperer, interroger, reprocher, s'accorder etc)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
i. identify what constitutes the basic structures of written French.
ii. use the principles governing the structure of written French to determine acceptability, e.g. to transform one from one class to another;
iii. apply the structure to conveydiverse messages;
v) apply communicative skills

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
3. Working of French Sounds via:
(a) Sound discrimination (e.g. tout/tu)
(b)letter-sound correspondence (e.g. ai-/e/, ais-/e/)
(c)syllabification (e.g.con/tente/ment)
(d)liaison (e.g. trios animaux Cas unique)
(e)sense groups in reading (e.g. J'ai mal a la tete)
(f)cognates and faux amis (e.g. president, nation) identification of sounds to determine similarity (e.g. maison/saison, dents/don,fond/ fonde)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) discriminate between French sounds
(ii) deduce meanings out of sound combinations;
(iii) use  the  above  to enahcne effective communication;
(iv) assess sound groupings in terms of how they are affected by such features as syllabification, liaison, e-caduc;  pause, intonation, etc;


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
4. Literature
- study of selected texts: Identification of Characteristics features of Creative writing e.g. plot, Charaters, theme, Setting and style (use of Language, imageries etc,

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) interpret the contents of selected straight-forward creative writings;
(ii) compare the contents interms of the style  and  form of narration;
(iii) assess their relevance to social life.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
5. Culture and Civilization
Characteristic (Aspects, similarities and differences) of the educational system, socio¬economic life, political organization and culture life of Francophone Africa and France with reference (where possible) to home country i.e. Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
 i. identify the characteristics features of the culture of Francophone Africa and France-greetings, dressing, food,leisure, marriage, festival, art, profession etc;
ii. compare these features with those of home country (where possible);
iii. apply reasoning skills.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS
A. Literature
(i) Mbuko, I. (2006) Chaque choose en son temps. Aba: Lynnette Publishers
(ii) Malot, H. (1995) Sans Famille. Editions Francais Facile

B.(i) Written Language
Ajiboye, T.(2006) Companion to French Grammar (Revised Edition):Ilorin: Info-Links.
Ajiboye, T.(1999) Nouvel Horizon, Book 4, Ibadan: Bounty Press Berard, E. et al (1991) Tempo 2
Byrne and Churchill (1980) A Comprehensive French Grammar Hatier (1980) Ler Nouvean Bescherell: L 'Art de Conjuguer, Ibadan: Spectrum
Ojo, S.'A(2000)J4 Comprehensive Revision Handbook of French Grammar, Ibadan: Agoro Publishing Company. Vercollier, A. (2006) Difficultes expliquees du Francais (for English speakers) Spectrum Books Limited. Spectrum House, Ibadan. Gallier, T. (2007) on y va: Senior Secondary School, Spectrum Books Limited Ibadan Nigeria.
Any other relevant materials on French Grammars

B
(ii) Oral:
 Ajiboye, T. (2003) An Introduction to Practice in Oral French,Ibadan: Bounty Press
Leon, M. (1978) Initiation a la Pronounciation du Francais Standard.
Any other materials that emphasise oral practice

C.Culture of Froncophone Countries
Girod R and Ground-Clement, F. (1979) Coment vivent les Francois, Paris: Hachette Mbuko, L. (2000) French Essays on Culture and Civilisation for Schools and College Ibadan: Bounty Press.
Any other relevant materials, e.g. French newspapers, magazines,journals, and documentation on Froncophone life.

Wisdomline Pass at Once JAMB.

D.Dictionary
Any good French/English or French dictionary

BIOLOGY

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 interdependence and unity of life;
2.account for continuity of life through reorganization, inheritance and evolution;
3.apply biological principles and concepts to everyday life, especially to matters affecting the individual, society, the environment, community health and the economy.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1.Living organisms:
a. Characteristics
b. Cell structure and functions of cell Components
c. Level of organization
i. Cell e.g. Amoeba, cheek cell
ii. Tissue, e.g. epithelial tissues
iii. Organ, e.g. leaf and heart iv. Systems, e.g. reproductive
v. Organisms e.g. Chlamydomonas

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  differentiate between the characteristics of living and non-living things.
ii.   identify the cell structures.
iii. analyse the functions of the components of plants and animal cells.
iv.  compare and contrast the structure of plant and animal cells.
v. trace  the   levels  of organization among organisms in their logical sequence  in relation to the  five kingdom   classification   of  living organisms.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

2.Evolution among the following:
a. Monera (prokaryotes), e.g. bacteria and blue green algae.
b. Protista (protozoans and protophyta), e.g. Amoeba, Euglena and Paramecium
c.Fungi, e.g. mushroom and Rhizopus.
d.Plantae (plants)
i. Thallophyta (e.g. spirogyra)
ii.  Bryophyta (mosses and liveworts) e.g. Bryachymenium and Merchantia.
iii.  Pteridophyta (ferns) e.g. Dryopteris.
iv. Spermatophyta Gymnospermae and Angiospermae)
-Gynosperms e.g. Cycads and conifers.
-Angiosperms (monocots, e.g. maize dicots, e.g. water leaf)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.   analyse external features and characteristics of the listed organisms:
ii. apply the knowledge from (i) above to demonstrate increase in structural complexity.
iii. trace the stages in the life histories of the listed organisms.
iv. apply the knowledge of the life histories to demonstrate gradual transition from life in water to life on land.
v. trace the evolution of the listed plants.

e.Animalia (animals)
i. Invertebrates
-  Coelenterate (e.g. Hydra)
-  Platyhelminthes (flatworms) e.g. Taenia
-  Nematoda (roundworms)
-  Annelida (e.g. earthworm)
-  Arthropoda (insects) e.g. Millipedes, ticks, mosquito, cockroach, housefly, bee, butterfly
-  Molusca (e.g. snails)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  trace the evolution of the invertebrate animals.
ii. determine the economic importance of the insects studied.
iii. asses their values to the environment.


ii.   Multicellular animals (vertebrates)
-  Pisces (cartilaginous and bony fish)
-  Amphibia (e.g. toads and frogs)
-  Reptilia (e.g. lizards, snakes and turtles)
-  Aves (birds)
-  Mammalia (mammals)

OBJECTIVES

i.  trace the evolution of multi-cellular animals.
ii. determine their economic importance.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

3. Structural/behavioural adaptations of vertebrates (bonj fish, toad, lizard, bird, small mammal) to the environment.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  describe how the various structures and behaviour adapt these organisms to their environment.


B: FORM AND FUNCTIONS

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1. Internal structure of a flowering plant
i.  Root
ii. Stem
iii. Leaf

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  identity the transverse sections of these organs.
ii.  relate the structure of these organs to their functions.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

b. Internal structure of a mammal

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  examine the arrangement of the mammalian internal organs.
iii. describe the appearance and position of the digestive, reproductive and excretory organs

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

2. Nutrition
a. Modes nutrition
i. Autotrophic
ii. Heterotrophic

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. compare the photosynthetic and chemosynthetic modes of nutrition;
ii. provide examples from both flowering and non-flowering plants.
iii. compare autotropic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition

 Types of Nutrition

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to: differentiate the following examples:
-  Holozoic (sheep and man)
-  Parasitic (roundworm, tapeworm and Loranthas)
-  Saprophytic (Rhizopus and mushroom)
-  Carnivorous plants (sundew and bladderwort)  
Determine their nutritional value.

b. Plant nutrition
i. Photosynthesis

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. analyse the light and dark reactions, materials and conditions necessary for photosynthesis.
ii. determine the necessity of light, carbon (IV) oxide and chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
iii. detect the presence of starch in a leaf as an evidence of photosynthesis.


ii. Mineral requirements (macro and micro-nutrients)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.   identify macro-and micro-elements required by plants.
ii.  determine the deficiency symptoms of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

c. Animal nutrition
i. Classes of food substances; carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins, mineral salts and water

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  indicate the sources of the various classes of food;
ii. relate the importance of each class;
iii. determine the importance of a balanced diet.

ii. Food tests (e.g. starch, reducing sugar, protein, oil, fat etc

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to detect the presence of the listed food items from the result of a given experiment.

iii. The mammalian tooth (structures, types and functions)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the structure of the various components of the alimentary canal and its accessory organs (liver, pancreas, and gall bladder) to their functions.

iv.  Mammalian alimentary canal

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the structure of the various components of the alimentary canal and its accessory organs (liver, pancreas, and gall bladder) to their functions.

v.  Nutrition process (ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of digested food.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.   identify the general characteristics of digestive enzymes;
ii.  associate enzymes with digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats;
iii. determine the end products of these classes of food.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

3. Transport
a. Need for transportation

 OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
 i. determine the relationship between increase in size and complexity and the need for the development of a transport system.    

b.Materials for transportation excretory products, gases, manufactured food,digested food, nutrient, water and Hormones)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
 i. determine the sources of materials and the forms in which they are transported.

c.channels for transportation.
i. . Mammalian circulatory systen), (heart, arteries, vcins, and capillaries)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. describe the general circulatory system;
ii. compare specific functions of the hepatic portal vein, the pulmonary vein and artery, aorta, the renal artery and vein

ii  plant vascular system (Phloem and xylem)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the organs of the plant vascular system.
ii. compare the specific functions of the phloem and xylem

d. Media and processes of mechanism for transportation.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
i.  identify media of transportation (e.g. cytoplasm, cell sap, body fluid, blood and lymph);
ii. determine the composition of blood and lymph;
iii. describe diffusion, osmosis, plasmolysis and turgidity as mechanism of transportation in organisms.
iv. compare the various mechanisms of open circulatory systems, transpiration pull, root pressure and active transport as mechanism of transportation in plants.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

4. Respiration

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. examine   the   significance   of respiration;
ii. describe the process of glycolysis;
iii compare the similarities of the process in plants and animals.
iv. deduce from an experimental set up, gaseous exchange and products, exchange and production of heat energy during respiration.

a. Respiratory organs and surfaces

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
 i.  describe the following respiratory organs and surfaces with organisms in which they occur, body surface, gill, trachea, lungs, stomata and lenticel.
ii.   relate the characteristics of the respiratory surfaces listed above to their functions.

b. The mechanism of gaseous exchange in
i.   Plants
ii.  Mammals

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.   describe the mechanism for the opening and closing of the stomata;
ii.   determine respiratory movements in these animals.

c.  Aerobic respiration

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
iii. examine the role of oxygen in the liberation of energy for the activities of the living organisms;
iv.  deduce the effect of insufficient supply of oxygen to the muscles

d. Anaerobic respiration

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. use yeast cells and sugar solution to demonstrate the process of fermentation.
ii. asses the economic importance of yeasts.
Candidates should be able to:
i. Interpret the meaning and significance of excretion;
ii. identify the characteristics of each structure.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

5.Excretion
a.Types of excretory structures:
contractile vacuole, flamecell, nephridium, Malpighian tubule, kidney, stoma and lenticel.

b.Excretory mechanisms:
i.    Kidneys
ii.   Lungs
iii.  Skin

c. Excretory products of plants

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
 i.  relate the structure of the kidneys to the excretory and osmo-regulatory functions.
ii.  identify the functions and excretory products of the lungs and the skin.
Candidates should be able to:
 i. deduce the economic importance of the excretory products of plants, carbon (IV) oxide, tannis, resins, gums, mucilage, alkaloids etc.
Candidates should be able to:
i.  determine the need for support and movement in organisms;
ii. identify supporting tissues in plants (collenchyma, sclerenchyma, xylem and phloem fibres);
iii. describe the distribution of supporting tissues in roots, stem, and leaf.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

6. Support and movement

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  relate the response of plants to the stimuli of light, water, gravity and touch;
ii. identify the regions of growth in roots and shoots and the roles of auxins in tropism.

a. Tropic, tactic, nastic and sleep movements in plants

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the response of plants to the stimuli of light,
water, gravity and touch;
ii. identify the regions of growth in roots and shoots
and the roles of auxins in tropism.

b. supporting tissues in animals

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the location of chitin, cartilage and bone to
their supporting function;

c. Types and functions of the skeleton
i.  Exoskeleton
ii. Endoskeleton

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  relate the location of chitin, cartilage and bone to their supporting function.
ii. relate the structure and the general layout of the mammalian skeleton to their supportive, locomotive and respiratory function.
iii. differentiate types of joints using appropriate examples.

iii. Functions of the skeleton in animals

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the protective, supportive, locomotive and respiratory functions of the skeleton to the wellbeing of the animal


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

7. Reproduction
a.A sexual reproduction
i.  Fission as in Paramecium
ii. Budding as in yeast
iii. Natural vegetative propagation
iv. Artificial vegetative propagation

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction
ii. apply natural vegetative propagation in crop production and multiplication.
iii. apply grafting, budding and layering in agricultural practices.

b.sexual reproduction in flowering plants
i.   Flora parts and their functions
ii.  Polllination and fertilization
iii.  products of sexual reproduction

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate parts of flower to their functions and  reproductive process.
ii. deduce the advantages of cross pollination.
iii. deduce the different types of placentation that develop into simple, aggregate, multiple and succulent fruits

c. Reproduction in mammals
i.  Structures and functions of the male and female reproduction organs
ii. Fertilization and development. (Fusion of gamates)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  differentiate between male and female reproductive organs
ii. relate their structure and function to the production of offspring.
Candidates should be able to:
i.  describe the fusion of gametes as a process of fertilization.
ii. relate the effects of the mother's health, nutrition and indiscriminate use of drugs on the development stages of the embryo up to birth.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

8. Growth
a. meaning fo grwoth
b. Germination of seeds and condition necessary for germination of seeds

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  apply the knowledge of the conditions necessary for germination on plants growth.
ii. differentiate between epigeal and hypogeal germination

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

9.Co-ordination and control

a. Nervous coordination:
i.  The components, structure and functions of the central nervous system;
ii. The components and functions of the peripheral nervous systems;
iii. Mechanism of transmission of impulse;
iv. Reflex action

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  apply the knowledge of the structure and function of the central nervous system in the coordination of body functions in organisms.
ii.  illustrate reflex  actions  such  as blinking of the eyes, knee jerk etc.
iii. differentiate between reflex and voluntary action as well as conditioned reflexes such as salivation,  riding a bicycle and swimming.

b. The sense organs
i.   skin (tactile)
ii.  nose (olfactory)
iii. tongue (taste)
iv. eye (sight)
v.  ear (auditory)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. associate the listed sense organs with their functions.
ii. apply the knowledge of the structure and functions of these sense organs in detecting an correcting their defects.

c.Hormonal control
i. animal hormonal system
-Pituitary
-thyroid
-parathyroid
-adrenal gland
-pancreas
-gonads
ii. Plant hormones (phytohonnones)

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. locate the listed endocrine glands in animals.
ii. relate the hormone produced by each of these glands to their functions.

Candidates should be able to:
i. examine the effects of various phytohonnones (e.g. auxins, gibberellin,cytokinin, and ethylene) on growth, tropism, flowering, fruit ripening and leaf abscission.
Candidates should be able to:

d. Homeostasis
i.  Body temperature regulation
ii. Salt and water regulation

OBJECTIVES

i. relate the function of hormones to regulating the levels of materials inside the body.


C: ECOLOGY

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1. Factors affecting the distribution of Organisms
i.  Abiotic

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.deduce the effects of temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, altitude, salinity, turbidity, pH and edaphic (soil) conditions on the distribution of organisms
ii. use appropriate equipment (e.g. sechi disc, thermometer, rain gauge etc) to measure abiotic factors.

ii.Biotic

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. describe how the activities of plant/animal (particularly human) affect the distribution of organisms.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

2.     Symbiotic interactions of plants and animals

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.determine appropriate examples of symbiosis, parasitism, saprbphytism, comensalism, mutualism, amensalism, competition, predation and cooperation among organisms
ii.associate the distribution of organism with food chains and food webs in particular habitats.

(a) Food chains, food webs and trophic levels

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. interpret the ecological pyramids of number, biomass and energy.

(b) Energy flow in the ecosystem

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. describe the cycle and its significance including the balance of atmospheric oxygen and carbon (iv) oxide.

(c)  Nutrient cycling in nature
i.  Carbon cycle
ii. Water cycle
iii. Nitrogen cycle

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. assess the effects of water cycle on other nutrient cycles
Candidates should be able to:
i. relate the roles of bacteria and leguminous plants in the cycling of nitrogen


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

3.     Natural Habitats
(a) Aquatic (e.g. ponds, streams, lakes seashores and mangrove swamps)
(b) terrestrial/arboreal (e.g. tree-tops of oil palm,  abandoned farmland or a dry grassy (savanna) field, and burrow or hole.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.   associate plants: and animals with each of these habitats.
Candidates should be able to:
i.     relate  adaptive, features  to  the habitats in which an organisms lives.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

4.     Local (Nigerian) Biomes)
a. Tropical rainforest
b.Guinea savanna (southern and northern)
c.Sudan Savanna
d.Desert
e.Highlands of montane forests and grasslands of the Obudu, Jos, Mambilla Plateau.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. locate biomes to regions
ii. apply the knowledge of the features of the listed local biomes in determining the characteristics of different regions of Nigeria.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

5.  The Ecology of Populations:
a Population density and overcrowding.

b  Factors affecting population sizes:
i.   Biotic (e.g. food, pest, disease, predation, competition, reproductive ability).
ii.  Abiotic (e.g. temperature, space, light, rainfall, topographic, pressure, pH, etc.

c. Ecological succession
i. primary succession
ii. secondary succession

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.   determine the reasons for rapid changes in human population and the consequences of overcrowding.
ii. compute/calculate density as the number of organisms per unit area.
iii. apply modern methods to control human populations.

Candidates should be able to:
i. deduce the effect of these factors on the size of populations
ii. determine the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors, e.g. drought or scarcity of water which leads to food shortage and lack of space which causes increase in disease rates.

Candidates should be able to:
i. trace the sequence in succession to the climax stage of stability in plant population.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

6.     SOIL
a  (i) characteristics of different types of soil (sandy, loamy, clayey)
 i. soil structure
ii. porosity, capillarity and humus content
iii. Components of the soil

i.inorganic
ii.organic
iii. soil organisms

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
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.

Candidates should be able to:
i. relate soil characteristics, types and components to the healthy growth of plant.

b)    Soil fertility:
i. loss of soil fertility
ii. Renewal and maintenance of soil fertility

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.  relate  such  factors  as  loss  of inorganic matter, compaction, leaching, erosion of the top soil and repeated cropping with one variety

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the knowledge of the practice of contour ridging, terracing, mulching, poly-cropping, strip-roping, use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, crop rotation, shifting cultivation, etc to enhance soil conservation.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

7. Humans and Environment
a   Diseases:
i.   Common and endemic diseases.
ii . Easily transmissible diseases and disease syndrome such as:
-poliomyelitis
-cholera
-tuberculosis
-sexually transmitted disease/syndrome (gonorrhea, syphilis, AIDS, etc


OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify ecological conditions that favour the spread of common endemic and potentially epidemic disease e.g. malaria, meningitis, drancunculiasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, typhoid fever and cholera etc.
ii. relate the biology of the vector or agent of each disease with its spread and control.

Candidates should be able to:
i. use the knowledge of the causative organisms, mode of transmission and symptoms of the listed diseases to their prevention/treatment/control.
ii. apply the principles of inoculation and vaccination on disease prevention.

b. Pollution and its control
i   sources, types, effects and methods of control.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. categorize pollution into air, water and soil pollution.
ii. relate the  effects  of common  pollutants  to human     health  and environment degradation.
iii. determine the methods by which each  pollutant may be controlled.

(ii) Sanitation and sewage

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. examine the importance of sanitation with emphasis on sewage disposal, community   health   and   personal hygiene
ii  assess the roles and functions of international and national health agencies (e.g.World       Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children Emergency Fund(UNICEF), International Red Cross Society (IRCS), and the ministries of health and environment.

(c) Conservation of Natural Resources

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
(i) apply the  various  methods  of conservation of both the renewable and  non-renewable  natural resources for the protection of our environment for present and future generations.
(ii) outline the benefits of conserving natural resources.
(iii) 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),UnitedNations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and their activities.
(iv)  asses their activities.


D: VARIATION

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

(I)  Variation In Population
a.  Morphological variations in the physical appearance of individuals.
(i)  size (height, weight)
(ii)  Colour (skin, eye, hair, coat of animals, scales and feathers.
(iii)  Fingerprints

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
i. differentiate between continuous and discontinuous variations with examples.
ii. relate the role of environmental conditions, habitat and the genetic constitution to variation.

Candidates should be able to:
i)  measure heights and weight pupils of the same age group;
ii) plot graphs of frequency distribution of the heights and weights.

Candidates should be able to:
i) observe and record various colour patterns in some plants and mammals.

Candidates should be able to:
i) apply classification of fingerprints in identity detection

b. Physiological variation
(i)  Ability to roll tongue
(ii) Ability to taste phenylthicarbamide (PTC)
(iii)  Blood group

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i) identify some specific examples of physiological variation among human population.
ii) categorise people according to their physiology variation.

c. Application of discontinuous variation in crime detection, blood transfusion and determination of paternity.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i)  apply the knowledge of blood groups in blood transfusion and determination of paternity.
ii)  use discontinuous variation in crime detection


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

2.   Heredity
a) Inheritance of characters in organisms;
i) Heritable and non-heritable characters.
b) Chromosomes - the basis of heredity;
(i)   Structure
(ii) Process of transmission of heredity characters from  parents to offspring.
c) Probability in genetics and sex determination.
a) Application of principles of heredity in:
i) Agriculture
ii) Medicine
b. Sex - linked characters e.g. baldness, haemophilia, colour blindness, etc.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine heritable and non-heritable characters with examples.
Candidates should be able to:
i. illustrate simple structure of DNA
Candidates should be able to:
i.  illustrate segregation of genes at meiosis and recombination of genes at fertilization to account for the process of transmission of characters from parents to offsprings.
Candidates should be able to:
i) deduce that segregation of genes occurs during gamete formation and that recombination of genes at fertilization is random in nature.
Candidates should be able to:
i. analyze data on cross-breeding experiments.
ii. apply the principles of heredity in the production of new varieties of crops and livestock through cross-breeding.
iii. deduce advantages and dis-advantages of out-breeding and in-breeding.
iv. analyze elementarily the contentious issues of genetically modifiedorganisms (GMO) and gene therapy. Candidates should be able to:
i) apply the knowledge of heredity in marriage counseling with particular reference to blood grouping, sickle-cell anaemia and the Rhesus factors.
ii) examine the significance of using recombinant DNA materials in the production of important medical products such as isulin, interferon and enzymes.

Candidates should be able to:
i) identify characters that are sex linked


E: EVOLUTION

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES

1.) Adaptation for survival:
a)  Factors that bring about competition.
b)  Intra and inter-specific competition
c) Relationship between competition a succession.

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i) relate increase in population, diseases, shortage of food and space with intra-and inter-specific competition.
Candidates should be able to:
i) determine niche differentiation as a means of reducing intra-specific competition.
Candidates should be able to:
i) relate competition to succession.

2) Structural adaptations in organisms

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to account for adaptation in organisms with respect to the following:
i.  obtaining food (beaks and legs of birds; mouthparts of insects, especially mosquito, butterfly and moth.)
ii.  protection and defence (stick insects, praying mantis and toad.
iii. securing mates (redhead male and female Agama lizards, display of feathers by birds.
iv. regulating body temperature (skin, feathers and hairs).
v.  conserving water (spines in plants and scales in mammals).

3) Adaptive colouration and its functions

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.   categorize countershading in fish, toads and snakes and warning colouration in mushrooms.

4) Behavioural adaptations in social animals

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.) differentiate various castes in social insects like termites and their functions in their colony/hive.
ii.)  account for basking in lizards, territorial behaviour of other animals under unfavourable conditions (hibernation and aestivation)

5.   Theories of evolution
i)  Lamarck's theory
ii) Darwin's theory

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i.) relate organic evolution as the sum total of all adaptive changes that have taken place over a long period of time resulting in the diversity of forms, structure and functions among organisms.
ii.) examine the contributions of Lamarck and Darwin to the theory of evolution.

6. Evidence of evolution

OBJECTIVES

Candidates should be able to:
i. provide evidences for evolution such as fossil records, comparative anatomy, physiology and embryology
ii. trace evolutionary trends in plants and animals.
iii. provide evidence for modern evolutionary theories such as genetic studies and the role of mutation.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Ambuna A. Egunyomi A. and Osakwe J. (1990) Comprehensive certificate Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: University Press Limited

Egunyomi A. Bob - Manuel, Abdullahi B.A. and Oyetola O.A. (1988) Exam Focus: Biology For WASSCE and JME 2nd Edition, University Press Limited

MacQueen J. AND Murray J. (1978) Success in Biology, Benin: John Murray

Ndu, F.O. C Ndu, Abun A. and Aina J.O. (2001) Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1 -3 Lagos: Longman

Odunfa, S. A. (2001) Essential of Biology, Ibadan: Heinemann

Oguriiyi M.B; Adebisi A.A. and Okojie J.A. (2000) Biology for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1 - 3, Macmillan

Ramalingam, S.T. (2005) Modern Biology, SS Science Series New Edition, AFP

Roberts A.B.U. (1993) Functional Approach in Biology

Sorojini T.L. Sheila P and Charles T.P. (2000) Modern Biology for Secondary Schools, Revised Edition, FEP

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

ECONOMICS

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Economics 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 and understanding of the basic concepts, tools and their general applications to economic analysis;
2.identify and explain the basic structure, operations and roles of the various economics units and institutions (national and international);
3.describe major economic activities - production, distribution and consumption;
4.identify and appraise the basic economic problems of society;
5.develop the competence to proffer solutions to economic problems.

DETAILED SYLLABUS
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
1.Economics as a science
i. Basic Concepts:
Wants, Scarcity, choice, Opportunity cost, Rationality, production, distribution, consumption etc
ii. Economic problems of: what, how and for whom to produce

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) compare various concepts in economies and their applications;
(ii) interpret graphs/schedules in relation to the concepts;
(iii) identify economic problems;
(iv) proffer solutions to economic problems


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
2. Economics Systems
a. Types: free enterprise, centrally planned and mixed economies
b. Solutions to economic problems under different economic systems
c. Contemporary  issues in economic systems (e.g. economic reforms, deregulation etc)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) compare the various economic systems;
(ii) apply the knowledge of economic systems to contemporary issues in Nigeria
(iii) proffer solutions to economic problems in different economic systems.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
3. Methods of Economic Analysis
a. Scientific Approach:
i. inductive and deductive methods
ii. positive and normative reasoning

b. Basic Tools
i. tables, charts and graphs
ii. measures of central tendency: mean, median and mode, and their applications.
iii. measures of dispersion; variance, standard deviation, range and their applications;
iv. merits and demerits of the tools.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) distinguish  between  the  various forms of reasoning;
(ii) apply these forms of reasoning to real life situations;
(iii) use the tools to interpret economic data;
(iv) analyse economic data using the tools;
(v) assess the merits and demerits of the tools.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
4.The Theory of Demand
a.i. meaning and determinants of demand
ii. demand schedules and curves
iii. the distinction between change in quantity demanded and change in demand.
b. Types of demand: Composite, derived, competitive etc
c.Elasticity of demand: - determinants, measurements, nature and applications  (e.g. revenue).
d. Effects of changes  in the determinants (price, income and cross elasticities).

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) identify the factors determiningdemand;
(ii) interpret demand curves from demand schedules;
(iii) differentiate between change in quantity demanded and in demand;
(iv) compare the various types of demand and their interrelationships;
(v) relate the determinants to the nature of elasticity;
(vi) compute elasticities;
(vii) interpret elasticity coefficients in relation to real life situations.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
5.The Theory  of  Consumer Behaviour
a. Basic Concepts:
i. utility (cardinal, ordinal an marginal utilities)
ii. value in use.and value in exchange
iii. indifference curve and budget line.

b.Diminishing marginal utility and the law of demand.

c.Consumer equilibrium using the indifference curve and marginal analyses.

d.Effects of shift in me budget line and the indifference curve.

e.Consumer surplus and its applications.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) appraise the various utility concepts;
(ii) apply the law of demand using the marginal utility analysis;
(iii) use  indifference curve and marginal  analyses to determine consumer equilibrium;
(iv) associate the income and substitution effects;
(v) apply consumer surplus to real life situations.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
6.The Theory of Supply
a. i. Meaning and determinants of supply
ii. Supply schedules and supply curves
iii. the distinction between change in quantity supplied and change in supply

b.Types of Supply: Joint/complementary, competitive and composite

c.Elasticity of Supply: determinants, measurements,
nature and applications

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) identify the factors determining supply;
(ii) interpret supply curves from supply schedules;
(iii) Differentiate between change in quantity supplied and change in supply;
(iv) Compare the various types of supply and their interrelationships;
(v) Relate the determinants to the nature of elasticity;
(vi) Compute elasticity coefficients;
(vii) Interpret the coefficients in relation to real live situations.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
7. The Theory of Price Determination
a.The concept of market and price
b.Functions of the price system
c.i. Price determination under a free market
ii. Price legislation and its effects
d.The effects of changes in supply and demand on equilibrium price and quantity

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) express the concepts of market and price;
(ii) examine the functions of the price system;
(iii) evaluate the effects of government interference with the price system;
(iv) differentiate between minimum and maximum price legislation;
(v) interpret the effects of changes in supply and demand on equilibrium price quantity.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
8.The Theory of Production
a.Concepts of production and their interrelationships (TP, AP, MP and the law of variable proportion).
b.Scale of Production:Internal and external economies of scale and their implications.
c.Production functions and returns to scale
d.Producers' equilibrium isoquant- isocost and marginal analyses.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) relate TP, AP and MP with the law of variable proportion;
(ii) compare  internal  and  external economies of scale in production and their effects;
(iii) identify the types of production functions
(iv) compare the different types of returns to the scale and their implications;
(v) determine the firm's equilibrium position using the  isoquant- lsocost and marginal analyses.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
9.Theory of Costs
a.The concepts of costs:Fixed, Variable average and marginal
b.Accountants' and economists' notions of cost
c.Short-run and long-run costs
d.The marginal cost and the supply curve of firm.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) interpret the various cost concepts
(ii) differentiate between  accountants'  and economists' notions of costs
(iii) interpret the short-run and long-run costs curves
(iv) establish the relationship between marginal cost and supply curve.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
10. Market Structure
a.Perfectly competitive market:
i. Assumptions and characteristics;
ii. Short-run  and long-run equilibrium  of a perfect competitor;

b.Imperfect Market:
i. Pure monopoly, discriminatory monopoly and monopolistic competition,
ii. Short-run and long-run equilibrium positions.

c.Break-even/shut-down analysis in the various markets.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) analyse the assumptions and characteristics of a perfectly competitive market;
(ii) differentiate between short-run and long-run equilibrium of a perfectly competitive firm;
(iii) analyse the assumptions and characteristics of imperfect markets;
(iv) differentiate between the short-run and long-run equilibria of imperfectly competitive firm;
(v) establish the conditions for the break-even/shut down of firms.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
11. National Income
a.Concepts: GNP, GDP, NI etc
b.National Income measurements and their Problems
c.Uses of national incomes estimates
d.The circular flow of income (three-sector model)
e.The multiplier concept.
f.Elementary theory of income determination and equilibrium national income.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) identify the major concepts in national income;
(ii) compare the different ways of measuring national income;
(iii) examine their problems;
(iv) assess the uses and limitations of national income estimates;
(v) interpret the circular flow of income using the three-sector model;
(vi) calculate the multipliers;
(vii) evaluate their effects on equilibrium national income.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
12. Money and Inflation
a.Types and functions of money
b.Demand for money and the supply of money
c.Quantity Theory of money (Fisher equation)
d.Inflation: Types, measurements, effects and control

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) differentiate between the types and functions of money;
(i) determine the factors affecting the demand for and the supply of money;
(iii) identify the components in the quantity theory of money;
(iv) examine the causes and effects of inflation;
(v) calculate the consumer price index;
(vi) interpret the consumer price index;
(vii) examine ways  of controlling inflation.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
13. Banking
a.Types and functions of banks
b.The creation of money
c.Challenges facing the banking industry in Nigeria (reforms, consolidation)
d.The role of banks in economic development
e.Monetary policy and its instruments.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) compare the types of banks and their functions;
(i) trace the money-creation process and factors affecting it;
(iii) appraise the challenges facing the banking industry;
(iv) examine the role of banks in economic development;
(v) examine the various monetary policy instruments and   their effects.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
14. Public Finance
a.Meaning and objectives
b.Sources of government revenue (taxes royalties, etc)
c.Principles of taxation
d.The effects of public expenditure
e.Government budget and public debts
f.Revenue allocation and resource control in Nigeria

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i)    identify the objectives of public finance;
(ii)   compare the various sources of government revenue
(iii)   analyse the principles of taxation;
(iv)   examine the  effects of public expenditure on the economy;
(v)    examine the types and effects of budgets;
(vi)   highlights the criteria for revenue allocation in Nigeria and their impact.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
15. Economic Growth and Development
a.Meaning and scope
b.Indicators of growth and development
c.Factors affecting growth and development
d.Problems of developmentin Nigeria
e.Developing planning in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) distinguish between economic growth and development;
(ii) highlight the indicators of growth and development;
(iii) identify the factors affecting growth arid development;
(iv) assess the problems of development in Nigeria;
(v) examine the role of planning in development;


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
16. Agriculture in Nigeria
a.The role of agriculture in economic development;
b.Characteristics and problems;
c.Effects of agricultural policies;
d.Instability in agricultural income (causes, effects and solutions)

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) identify the characteristics and problems of agriculture;
(ii) assess the role of agriculture in economic development;
(iii) appraise some agricultural policies;
(iv) evaluate the causes and effects of instability in agricultural income.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
17. Industry and Industrialization
a.Concepts and effect of locationand localization of industry in Nigeria;
b.Problems of ndustrialization strategies (e.g. export promotion, import substitution etc)
c.SMEs and economic development in Nigeria

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) differentiate between location and localization of industry;
(ii) identify the factors influencing the location and localization of industry;
(iii) examine the  problems of industrialization;
(iv) appraise some industrialization strategies;
(v) examine the role of industry in economic development.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
18. Petroleum  and the Nigerian Economy
a.Development of the petroleum industry in Nigeria;
b.Contributions of petroleum to the Nigerian economy;
c.Linkage effects;
d.Upstream/downstream activities.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) trace the development of the petroleum industry in Nigeria;
(ii) assess the contribution of petroleum to the Nigerian economy;
(iii) establish the linkages between the petroleum and other sectors;
(iv) analyse the environmental effects of exploration activities in Nigeria;
(v) distinguish between the upstream and downstream activities;
(vi) suggest ways of controlling the effect of oil exploration.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
19.    Business Organizations
a.Private enterprises  (e.g. sole- proprietorship, partnership, limited liability companies and cooperative societies)
b.Problems of private enterprises;
c.Public enterprises;
d.Privatization and Commercialization as solutions to the problems of public enterprises.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) compare  the  types  and  basic features of private business organization;
(ii) assess the financing and management problems of business organizations;
(iii) identify the features of public enterprise;
(iv) differentiate between privatization and commercialization;
(v) compare the advantages and disadvantages of privatization and commercialization;


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
20. Population
a.Meaning and theories;
b.Census: importance and problems.
c.Size and growth: overpopulation, under- population and optimum population.
d.Structure and distribution;
e.Population policy and economic development

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) analyse the features of some population theories:
(ii) examine the relevant of  the theories to Nigeria;
(iii) examine the uses and limitations of census data;
(iv) identify determinants of the size, composition and growth of population;
(v) analyse the  structure  and distribution of population;
(vi) appraise government population policy in Nigeria.


TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
21. International Trade
a.Meaning and basis for international trade (absolute and comparative costs etc)
b.Balance of trade and balance of payment: problems and corrective measures;
c.Composition and direction of Nigeria's foreign trade;
d.Exchange rate: meaning, types and determination.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) examine the basis for international trade.
(ii) differentiate between absolute and comparative advantages;
(iii) distinguish between balance of trade and balance of payments and their corrective measures;
(iv) highlight the problems of balance of payments and their corrective measures;
(v) examine the composition and direction of Nigeria's foreign trade;
(vi) identify the types of exchange rates;
(vii) examine how exchange rates are determined.

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
22. International Economic Organization
Roles and relevance of international organization e.g. ECOWAS, AU, EU, OPEC, ECA, IMF, EEC, OECD, World Bank, IBRD, WTO, ADB and UNCTAD etc to Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) identify the various economic organizations and their functions;
(ii) evaluate their relevance to the Nigerian economy

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
23.Factors of Production and their
Theories
a.Types, features and rewards;
b. Determination of wages, interest and profits;
c..heories: marginal productivity theory of wages and liquidity preference theory;
d.Factor mobility and efficiency;
e.Unemployment: types, causes and solutions.

OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
(i) identify the types; features and rewards of factors;
(ii) analyse the determination of wages, interest and profits;
(iii) interpret themarginal productivity of liquidity preference theories
(iv) examine factors mobility and efficiency;
(v) examine he types and causes of unemployment in Nigeria;
(vi) suggest solutions to unemployment in Nigeria.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Aderinto, A.A et al (1996) Economics: Exam Focus, Ibadan: University Press Pic.
Black, J. (1997) Oxford Dictionary of Economics. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Eyiyere, D.O. (1980) Economics Made Easy, Benin City, Quality Publishers Ltd.
Fajana, F et al (1999) Countdown to SSCE/JME Economics Ibadan: Evans
Falodun, A.B. et al (1997) Round-up Economics, Lagos: Longman
Kountsoyiannis, A. (1979) Modern Microeconomics, London: Macmillan
LawaL OA. (198S) Success in Economics, London: John Muray.
Lipsey, R.G. (1997) An Introduction to Positive Economics, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Samuelson, P and Nordhaus, W. (1989) Economics, Singapore: McGraw-Hill
Udu E and Agu GJL. (2005) New System Economics: a Senior Secondary Course, Ibadan: Africana FIRST Publishers Ltd.
Wannacott and Wannacott (1979) Economics, New York: McGraw-Hill.
Wisdomline Pass at Once JAMB.