If you are ready to excel in JAMB Art, you must rely on textbooks that explain art theory, history, creative processes, techniques, cultural influences, and practical applications. Since the subject requires understanding in areas like design, drawing, colour theory, Nigerian and African art, crafts, and general art appreciation, you need JAMB recommended textbooks for Art 2026/2027.
These Study materials for JAMB Visual Arts help students build this understanding systematically. In this news guide, we have thoroughly outlined recommended books for JAMB Creative Arts, Art and design study guide for UTME, African art textbooks for students, and JAMB Art syllabus materials meant to help you pass the UTME.
Recommended Textbooks for JAMB UTME Agric Science 2026/2027
| S/N | BOOK TITLE | AUTHOR | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visual Arts Made Easy: Textbook for Schools and Colleges | Banjoko, I. (2000) | A highly accessible text that simplifies visual arts concepts for secondary school students. It covers drawing techniques, colour theory, design principles, perspective, shading, art materials, and basic practical skills. |
| 2 | African Art: A Contemporary Source Book | Egonwa, O. D. (1991) | A comprehensive resource on African art traditions, forms, cultural influences, and contemporary developments. It helps students understand traditional Nigerian and African art, which is a major part of the JAMB Art syllabus. |
| 3 | The Essential Groundwork in Art and Design | Eguilae, S. A. (1985) | An introduction to the foundations of art and design. It covers elements and principles of design, composition, lettering, patterns, illustration, and creative processes. |
| 4 | Creative Arts and Crafts for JSS | Erese, U. O.; Ogunsina, E. D. (1989) | A junior-level text focusing on arts, crafts, traditional skills, and elementary design. It helps students build early understanding of craftwork, materials, and creative processes. |
| 5 | Art of the Millennium for Senior Secondary Schools | Nahab, S. J. (2003) | A modern, curriculum-aligned art textbook for secondary school students. It covers drawing, painting, sculpture, graphics, ceramics, textiles, and art appreciation. It also includes contemporary art discussions and exam-style questions. |
| 6 | Certificate Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools | Ogumor, E. (1993) | This text covers a broad spectrum of art topics from JSS to SSS: craft, drawing, art history, design, perspective, and appreciation. Its diagrams and simplified explanations help students understand processes and concepts needed for JAMB. |
| 7 | Cultural and Creative Arts | Olaosebikan, W. A. (1982) | The focus of this book is on the cultural aspects of art, including Nigerian cultural heritage, traditional crafts, music, drama, and visual arts. |
| 8 | Art for Senior Secondary Schools | Olurukooba, B. K. (1991) | Covers design, drawing, art studios, crafts, Nigerian art, and appreciation. It also includes exam-focused exercises that help students prepare for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB. |
| 9 | Understanding Art in General Education | Uzoagba, I. N. (1982) | A foundational art theory textbook that explains art from educational, cultural, and creative perspectives. It outlines the purpose of art, its forms, elements, and role in society. |
| 10 | A Textbook on Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools | Wangboje, I. N. (1982) | One of the most widely respected art texts in Nigeria. It covers drawing, design, craftwork, art history, Nigerian art, colour theory, lettering, and sculpture. |
Note that all these books which we have provided are the best Visual Arts textbooks for UTME, so do well to check them out based on what you need each of them for.
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How to Study Art for JAMB Using These Textbooks
1. Start with core theory textbooks: Books like Visual Arts Made Easy, Art for Senior Secondary Schools, and Wangboje’s Textbook on Art offer strong foundational understanding.
2. Study African and Nigerian art deeply: A significant portion of JAMB Art questions revolve around traditional African art, symbolism, materials, and cultural influences. Egonwa’s text is essential here.
3. Use practical-oriented books: Works like The Essential Groundwork in Art and Design help with design principles, lettering, patterns, and basic illustration concepts.
4. Create notes, sketches, and visual summaries: Art is easiest to study when concepts are visualised. Practice diagrams, colour charts, lettering styles, and perspectives.
5. Follow the JAMB syllabus consistently: The Art syllabus highlights specific areas such as art history, drawing, crafts, design principles, and appreciation.
6. Practice past questions regularly: This helps you identify question patterns, especially in art history, African art, design principles, and studio practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Which book is best for beginners preparing for JAMB Art?
Ans: Visual Arts Made Easy by Banjoko is the most accessible for beginners.
Ques: Which textbook covers African and Nigerian art extensively?
Ans: Egonwa’s African Art: A Contemporary Source Book is the strongest recommendation.
Ques: Can junior school art books help with UTME?
Ans: Yes, they reinforce foundational knowledge, but senior-level books should be your main resources.
Ques: Which book is best for design principles and lettering?
Ans: Eguilae’s Essential Groundwork in Art and Design provides clear guidance on design elements, lettering, and composition.
Ques: Are diagrams important for JAMB Art?
Ans: Yes. Many questions involve identifying materials, tools, techniques, and art forms that require visual understanding.
Ques: Which book provides the most complete coverage for UTME?
Ans: Wangboje’s Textbook on Art and Olurukooba’s Art for Senior Secondary Schools are among the most comprehensive.
Ques: Does JAMB ask about Western art history?
Ans: Primarily African and Nigerian art are emphasised, but general art appreciation and global influences may appear.
Ques: Is art theory more important than practical knowledge?
Ans: Both are important, but JAMB focuses heavily on theory, principles, art history, and cultural studies.
Ques: Do these textbooks also prepare students for WAEC and NECO?
Ans: Yes, all listed books are used widely for SSCE-level examinations.
Ques: Should I memorise dates and names of artists?
Ans: Understanding styles, techniques, contributions, and cultural relevance is more important than memorising dates.