Official SyllabusJAMB 2026

Christian Religious StudiesTopics, Objectives & Mark Breakdown

Total Questions

40

Core Sections

4

Areas of Concentration

SECTION A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom
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Topics to Cover:
  • •The Sovereignty of God: God as Creator and Controller of the Universe (Gen. 1 and 2) cf. Amos 9:5-6; Is. 45:5-12 Ps. 19:1-6; Jer. 18:1-16; Rom. 8:28.
  • •The Covenant: (a) The flood and God’s covenant with Noah (Gen. 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17) (b) God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13; 25:19-26) (c) God’s covenant with Israel (Ex. 19; 20; 24:1-11) cf. Deut. 28:1-19 (d) The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-28)
  • •Leadership Qualities: Examples of (a) Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15) (b) Moses (Ex. 1; 2; 3; 4:1-17; 5; 12; Num. 13:1-20; 14:1-19) (c) Joshua (Num. 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Josh. 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31) (d) Judges (Deborah - Judges. 4:1-24; Gideon: Judges 6:11-40; Samson: Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31)
  • •Divine Providence, Guidance and Protection: (a) Guidance (Ex. 13:17-22; Josh. 8:1-22; Heb 1:1; Matt. 11: 27-30) (b) Protection (Ex. 14:10-31; Dan 6:16-23; Ps. 91) (c) Provision (Ex. 16:1-21; 17:1-7; 13:20-22; 1Kgs 17:1-16; Num: 20:1-13)
  • •Parental Responsibility: Examples of (a) Eli and Samuel (1 Sam. 2:11-36; 3:2-18; 4:10-22: 8:15) (b) David (11 Sam. 13; 15:1-29; 18; 19:1-8) (c) Asa (1 Kings 15:9-15; 22:41-44; cf. Deut. 6:4-9; Prov. 4:1-10; 13:1; 24; 22:6; 23:13-14; 31:10-31)
  • •Obedience and Disobedience: (i) Obedience and Rewards: Abraham (Gen. 22:1-19), Three Hebrew Youths (Dan. 3:1-30), David (1 Sam. 30:1-20). (ii) Disobedience and Consequences: Adam (Gen. 2:15-25; 3), Collection of Manna (Ex. 16:22-30), The Golden Calf (Ex. 32), Moses (Num. 20:7-12; Deut. 34:1-6), Saul (1 Sam. 10:1-16; 15:1-25; 16:14-23; 31:1-13)
  • •A man after God’s own heart: (a) The early life of David (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 17; 18:17-30; 22:1-5; 24:1-23; II Sam. 2:1-7; 3:1-39) (b) David’s submission to the will of God (I Sam. 26:1-25, II Sam 12:15-25) (c) David’s repentance and forgiveness (II Sam. 11; 12:1-15, cf. Ps. 51:130)
  • •Decision - Making: (a) Reliance on a medium (I Sam. 28:3-25) (b) The wisdom of Solomon (I Kings 3:3-28; 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53) (c) Unwise policies of Solomon and Rehoboam (I Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40; 12:1-20)
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Define the term ‘sovereignty’, analyse God’s process of creation, and interpret the sequence of creation.
  • Identify man’s role in advancing God’s purpose in creation and recognize the sovereignty of God in the affairs of man and nations.
  • Explain the concept of covenant, examine the importance and implication of the covenants, and distinguish between God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham and Israel (Old vs New).
  • Examine the circumstances that gave rise to the leadership of Joseph, Moses, Joshua and the Judges, identify their talents, and assess God’s role in their achievements.
  • Identify the different ways by which God guided, protected, and provided for the people of Israel, and recognize that God still provides today.
  • Determine the extent to which Eli, Samuel and David were responsible for the short-comings of their children, and describe how Asa pleased God.
  • Determine why Abraham, the Three Hebrew Youths and David obeyed God, and identify the rewards for obedience.
  • Compare the disobedience of Adam, the people of Israel, Moses and Saul; indicate the reasons and identify the consequences of their disobedience.
  • Identify David’s anointing experience, specify how he submitted to the will of God, examine the situations that led to his sin/repentance, and identify why God forgave him.
  • Identify the source of Solomon’s wisdom, compare the decision-making ways of Saul and Solomon, and assess the consequences of Solomon and Rehoboam’s unwise decisions.
SECTION B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets
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Topics to Cover:
  • •Greed and its effects: Examples of (a) Ahab (I Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; II Kings 9:30-37) (b) Gehazi (II Kings 5:1-27 cf Josh 7)
  • •The Supremacy of God: Religious tension and the power of God on Mount Carmel (I Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18; 19:1-18)
  • •Religious reforms in Judah: (a) Cleansing of the Temple (II Kings 22) (b) Renewal of the Covenant (II Kings 23:1-30)
  • •Concern for Judah: (a) The fall of Jerusalem (II kings 24; 25:1-17) (b) Condition of Judah (Neh. 1:1-11; Ezra 1:1-11) (c) Response to the state of Judah (Neh. 2; 4:1-23 Ezra 3:4; 5; 6; 7)
  • •Faith, Courage and Protection: Examples of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan. 3:1-30: 6:1-28)
  • •God’s message to Nineveh: Jonah and his message (Jonah 1; 2; 3 and 4)
  • •Social justice, True religion and Divine love: (a) Social justice and true religion (Amos 2:6-8; 4; 5:1-25; 6:1-14; 7:10-17; 8:4-14) cf James 1:19-27 (b) Divine love and human response (Hosea 1; 2; 3; 4; 6:1-11; 14)
  • •Holiness and Divine call: (Isaiah 6:1-13; Ezek. 2; 3:1-11; Jer. 1:4-10)
  • •Punishment and Hope: (Jer. 3:11-18; 32:26-35; Ezek. 18; 37:1-14; Isaiah 61; Jer. 4:5-8)
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Deduce the meaning of greed, distinguish between Ahab and Gehazi’s greed, and analyse the consequences.
  • Assess the religious situation in Israel at the time of Elijah and Ahab, identify the characters involved in the contest on Mount Carmel, and differentiate God’s power from Baal's.
  • Analyse Josiah’s religious reforms, determine the reasons for the renewal of the covenant, and assess the significance of the reforms.
  • Identify the reasons for the fall of Jerusalem, examine the condition of Judah during exile, and analyse the people’s response to Nehemiah and Ezra.
  • Analyse the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel, determine when they demonstrated faith, and identify their qualities of faith.
  • Analyse the story of Jonah’s call, describe the consequences of his disobedience, and assess the effect of his message on the Ninevites.
  • Determine what true religion is, identify the ills that led to the call for social justice in Amos’ time, and identify the punishment meted for evil deeds.
  • Examine the condition in Israel during Hosea’s time and analyse Hosea’s portrayal of divine love and human response.
  • Analyze the vision of Isaiah on God’s holiness, distinguish the calls/assignments of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah, and determine the need for holiness.
  • Describe the situations that led to the punishment of Israel, identify the conditions for hope, and determine the benefits of restoration.
SECTION C: Themes from the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles
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Topics to Cover:
  • •The birth and early life of Jesus: (a) John, the forerunner of Jesus (Lk. 1:5-25; 57-66; 3:1-20; 7:18-35; Mk. 1:1-8; 6:14-29; Mt. 3:1-12: Matt.11:2-19; Jn. 1:6-8; 19-37; 3:22-36) (b) The birth and boyhood of Jesus (Mt. 1:18-25; 2; Lk. 1:26-45;2)
  • •The baptism and temptation of Jesus (Mt. 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mk. 1:9-13; Lk. 3:21-22; 4:1-13)
  • •Discipleship: (a) The call of the first disciples (Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9-13; Mk. 1:16-20; 2:13-17; Lk. 5:1-11; 27-32) (b) The demands of discipleship (Mt. 8:19-22; Lk. 9:57-63; 14:25-33)
  • •Miracles: (a) Nature miracles (Stilling the storm, Feeding 5000, Walking on sea, Water to wine) (b) Resuscitation (Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, widow’s son) (c) Healing (Lepers, Paralytic, Centurion’s servant, Blind) (d) Exorcism (Gerasene demoniac, Epileptic boy)
  • •The Parables: (a) Kingdom (Sower, Weeds, Drag-net, Wedding garment) (b) Love of God (Mt. 18:12-14; Lk. 15:1-32) (c) Love for one another (Good Samaritan, Rich man/Lazarus) (d) Wealth (Rich fool) (e) Prayer (Pharisee & Tax Collector)
  • •Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5; 6; Lk. 6:17-26)
  • •Mission of the disciples: (a) The mission of the twelve (Mt. 10:5-15; Mk. 6:7-13; Lk. 9:1-16) (b) The mission of the seventy (Lk. 10:1-24)
  • •The Great Confession (Mt. 16:13-20; Mk. 8:27-30; Lk. 9:18-22)
  • •The Transfiguration (Mt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36)
  • •The Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple (Mt. 21:1-17; Mk. 11:1-19; Lk. 19:29-48)
  • •The Last Supper (Mt. 26:17-30; Mk. 14:10-26 Lk. 22:7-23; Jn. 13:2-38)
  • •The trials and the death of Jesus: (a) Trials before High Priest, Pilate, and Herod (b) Crucifixion and burial of Jesus
  • •Resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus (Mt. 28:1-20; Mk. 16:1-20; Lk. 24:1-53; Jn. 20:1-31; Acts 1:1-11)
  • •Jesus’ teachings about Himself: (a) Bread of Life/Living Water (b) Light of the World (c) The Door, Lamb, Good Shepherd (d) True Vine (e) Resurrection
  • •Love: (a) God’s love for man (Jn. 3:16-18) (b) Love for one another (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12-13; 1 cor. 13; cf. I Jn. 4:7-21)
  • •Fellowship in the Early Church: (a) Communal living (Acts 1:15-26; 2:41-47; 4:32-37) (b) Problems of communal living and solutions (Acts 5:1-11, 6:1-6)
  • •The Holy Spirit and the mission of the Church: (a) The Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:1-41) (b) The mission of the Church (Acts 8:4-40)
  • •Opposition to the Gospel message: (a) Arrest of Peter and John (b) Martyrdom of Stephen (c) Persecution by Saul (d) Persecution of Paul
  • •Mission to the Gentiles: (a) Conversion of Saul (b) Conversion of Cornelius (c) Commissioning and mission of Paul (d) The Council of Jerusalem
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Compare the stories of the births of John and Jesus, assess John as forerunner, and describe the boyhood of Jesus.
  • Determine the meaning and purpose of Jesus' baptism, enumerate his temptations, and describe how he overcame them.
  • Identify the first disciples and determine the demands of discipleship.
  • Classify Jesus' miracles, indicate their occasions, and examine the significance of each.
  • Define a parable, classify them, interpret their meanings, and give reasons why Jesus taught in parables.
  • Analyse the Sermon on the Mount, identify Kingdom demands, and determine the consequences of worldly possessions over heavenly ones.
  • Distinguish between the mission of the twelve and the seventy, specify the instructions, and assess the outcomes.
  • Analyse Peter's confession, the Transfiguration, the Triumphal Entry, and the cleansing of the Temple.
  • Trace the Last Supper, the trials, crucifixion, statements on the cross, resurrection, appearances, and ascension.
  • Analyse Jesus’ teachings about Himself and interpret the meanings of the symbols He used.
  • Describe God’s love for man, specify ways to love one another, and evaluate the significance of love.
  • Identify the reasons, problems, and solutions for communal living in the Early Church.
  • Trace the Pentecost, identify signs of the Holy Spirit, and analyse the mission of the Church.
  • Describe the opposition to the Gospel (arrests, Stephen's martyrdom, persecutions by and of Paul) and its importance to Church growth.
  • Compare the conversions of Saul and Cornelius, analyse Paul's mission, and examine the decisions/personalities at the Council of Jerusalem.
SECTION D: Themes from Selected Epistles
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Topics to Cover:
  • •Justification by Faith (Rom. 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13; Gal. 2:16-21)
  • •The Law and Grace (Rom. 4:13-25; 5:18-21; Gal. 3:10-14; 19-29; Rom. 3:24)
  • •New life in Christ (Rom. 6:1-4; 12-14; Col. 3:1-17; Gals. 5:16-26; II Cor. 5:16-19; I Thess. 4:1-8; Rom. 12)
  • •Christians as joint heirs with Christ (Gal. 3:23-29; 4:1-7)
  • •Humility (Phil. 2:1-11; I Pet. 5:5-11; James 4:10; Matt. 23:12)
  • •Forgiveness (Philemon; II Cor. 2:5-11; Matt. 7:14-15)
  • •Spiritual gifts (I Cor. 12; Rom. 12:3-18; I Cor. 14)
  • •Christian Giving (Phil. 4:14-20; II Cor. 8:1-5; 9 Cf. Matt 6:2-4)
  • •Civic responsibility (Rom. 13; I Tim. 2:1-4; 1Peter 2:13-17)
  • •Dignity of labour (Matt. 20:1-16; II Thess. 3:6-15; Col. 3:23-25)
  • •The second coming of Christ: (a) The signs of the Coming of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; II Thess. 2:1-12) (b) Preparation for His coming (Matt. 25:31-46; I Thess. 5:1-11; II Pet. 3:1-13)
  • •Impartiality (James 2:1-13cf. Acts 10:34-35; Matt 7:1-5 Luke 6:31)
  • •Effective prayer (James 1:2-8; 4:1-3; 5:13-18 cf. Matt 6:5-13)
  • •Christian living in the community: (a) Interpersonal relationships among Christians (b) Christians living among non- Christians (c) Christian attitude to persecution (d) Relationship in the Christian family
  • •Corruption (1 Tim 6:6-11; 2 Tim 3:8; 2 Pet. 1:4-11; James 5:1-6)
  • •Sexual Immorality: (a) Prostitution (1Cor.6:16-20 cf. Prov.7:10-27; 23:27-28) (b) Adultery and Fornication (Heb. 13:4, Eph. 5:3-10) (c) Homosexuality (Rom. 1:24-32 cf. Lev.18:21-30; 20:13)
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Interpret the phrase ‘justification by faith’, identify conditions/fruits of justification, and examine the purpose of the law and grace.
  • Describe the characteristics of the old life, analyse the new life in Christ, and indicate the benefits of being joint heirs with Christ.
  • Determine the meaning, requirements, and rewards of humility.
  • Analyse Paul’s teaching on forgiveness, assess its benefits, and recognize the need to forgive others.
  • Identify the different spiritual gifts, analyse their benefits to the church, and differentiate them from talents.
  • Interpret the concept of Christian giving and relate the teachings of Paul on it.
  • Identify the need for obedience to authority and specify the requirements of good citizenship.
  • Interpret the concept of dignity of labour, analyse its benefits, and recognize that no honest work leads to loss of dignity.
  • Identify the signs of the Second Coming of Christ, specify the preparations, and examine its importance.
  • Interpret the concept of impartiality, identify causes of partiality, and examine its consequences.
  • Identify the requirements of effective prayer, types of prayer, and distinguish between effective and ineffective prayer.
  • Determine interpersonal relationships among Christians, families, and non-Christians, and relate Christian attitude to persecution.
  • Define corruption and sexual immorality, identify their causes, determine their consequences, and identify ways to curb them.

Recommended Textbooks

  • Adetunji, P.G. et al (2000) Exam Focus Christian Religious Knowledge for WASSCE and SSCE. Ibadan: University Press Plc.
  • Adeyemo, I. O. et al (1998) Christian Religious Knowledge for Secondary Schools Books 1–3. Ibadan: Onibonoje.
  • Adeyinka, A. A. et al (1991) Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1–3. Lagos: Longman.
  • Adigwe, H.A et al (2004) Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools. Onitsha: Africana Publishers.
  • Aghaeghuna, E. O. N. (1988) Senior Secondary School Christian Religious Knowledge: Themes from Selected Epistles, Vol 1 – III. Awka: Jet Publishers.
  • Dopamu, A. et al (1990) Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1–3. Lagos: Nelson.
  • Ilori, J. A. et al (1980) Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1–3. Ibadan: Evans.
  • Izuchukwu, A.E. et al (1997) Round-Up for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Christian Religious Knowledge: A Complete Guide. Lagos: Longman.
  • Throckmorton, B.H, Jr. (ed) (1966) Gospel Parallels: A Synopsis of the First Three Gospels. New York: Thomas Nelson.
  • Udokporo, L.O. et al (2012) Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1–3. Sango-Ota: Melrose Books.
  • Okoli, E.U. & Orovwuje, B.O. (2008) Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Tonad.
  • THE BIBLE: Revised Standard Version (1971).

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