When it comes to preparing for JAMB with Biology as one of your combined subjects, you need materials that clearly explain concepts, have the right structure in a way students can easily comprehend. JAMB recommended textbooks for Biology 2026/2027 are not randomly selected. Each book on this list supports the official syllabus and helps students understand the ideas that appear frequently in UTME questions.
This guide breaks down each recommended books for JAMB Biology, best Biology textbooks for JAMB UTME, explains what it covers, and shows how it helps you prepare more effectively for the 2026/2027 CBT exam. So, we advise taking your time to go through this article to be well guided.
Recommended Textbooks for JAMB UTME Biology 2026/2027
Here, we have mentioned Biology textbooks for Nigerian secondary school students, and of course, UTME candidates can use it as well:
| S/N | BOOK TITLE | AUTHOR | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1–3 | Ndu, F.O.C.; Ndu, Abun A.; Aina J.O. (2001) | A structured and comprehensive three-book series from Longman that covers living organisms, cell biology, plant and animal physiology, ecology, genetics, and evolution. It’s easy for students to follow the curriculum from basic concepts to advanced topics. |
| 2 | Essentials of Biology | Odunfa, S.A. (2001) | A simplified and student-friendly book widely used in schools that explains major Biology concepts using everyday examples and clear diagrams. Topics such as nutrition, transport, reproduction, ecology, and classification are broken down into smaller sections to improve understanding. |
| 3 | Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1–3 | Ogunniyi, M.B.; Adebisi, A.A.; Okojie, J.A. (2000) | This Macmillan series combines theory with practical applications, containing detailed diagrams, practical activities, and chapter exercises that help students connect classroom learning with real-life biological processes. The text follows the Nigerian senior secondary Biology curriculum and supports JAMB syllabus. |
| 4 | Modern Biology (New Edition) | Ramalingam, S.T. (2005) | Modern Biology covers every major topic in depth, including genetics, evolution, ecology, anatomy, physiology, and the environment. Its diagrams, practical notes, and well-structured exercises make it especially helpful for UTME preparation. Many high-scoring students rely on it as their primary reference. |
| 5 | Biology for Senior Secondary Schools (Revised Edition) | STAN (2004) | Produced by the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, this book is precise, reliable, and well aligned with the national curriculum. It presents biological concepts in a clear, structured manner with strong emphasis on scientific reasoning. |
| 6 | Biology for West African Schools | Stone, R.H.; Cozens, A.B.C. (1982) | A classic Longman text known for its clarity and strong scientific foundation. While older than others, it remains relevant because of its excellent explanations of plant and animal biology, ecology, and genetics, hence being the reason why many teachers still recommend it for its accuracy and depth. |
| 7 | Handbook of Practical Biology (2nd Edition) | Usua, E.J. (1997) | A practical-oriented textbook focusing on laboratory skills, specimens, diagrams, and practical procedures. It is extremely useful for students who struggle with biological drawings and practical questions. Although JAMB is now CBT-based, understanding practical biology boosts overall comprehension of the subject. |
Recommended Post: Recommended Textbooks for all JAMB Subjects 2026/2027
Moreover, these are not ordinary textbooks, rather UTME Biology study guide, JAMB Biology syllabus materials, and Biology WAEC and JAMB textbooks.
How to Study Biology for JAMB Using These Textbooks
Below are the most effectively tips on how to prepare for JAMB Biology 2026:
1. Use a major reference textbook as your foundation: Modern Biology or Ndu’s Longman series gives the thorough understanding needed for high-level questions.
2. Supplement with a simplified text: Essentials of Biology is excellent for quick revisions and clarifying confusing topics.
3. Build your knowledge: Usua’s Handbook improves your understanding of diagrams, experiments, and biological illustrations.
4. Always read with the JAMB Biology syllabus beside you: The syllabus guides your reading and helps you prioritise the topics JAMB focuses on most.
5. Practice objective questions repeatedly: Biology is content-heavy, so consistent revision helps you retain facts and definitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Do these textbooks cover the entire JAMB Biology syllabus?
Ans: Yes, each recommended book aligns with the Nigerian senior secondary Biology curriculum used by JAMB.
Ques: Which Biology textbook is the most detailed?
Ans: Modern Biology by Ramalingam is widely regarded as the most detailed and authoritative.
Ques: Which book is best for beginners?
Ans: Essentials of Biology by Odunfa is the simplest and easiest to understand.
Ques: Do I need more than one textbook for JAMB Biology?
Ans: Using at least two textbooks ensures better understanding and broader coverage.
Ques: Are questions set directly from these textbooks?
Ans: Not word for word, but JAMB draws concepts, definitions, and examples from them.
Ques: Which book is best for diagrams and illustrations?
Ans: Modern Biology and Usua’s Handbook provide excellent and clear drawings.
Ques: Is the Handbook of Practical Biology necessary for CBT?
Ans: While JAMB is CBT, practical knowledge strengthens your understanding and improves accuracy in related questions.
Ques: Can I use PDF versions of these textbooks?
Be cautious. Many online PDFs are incomplete. Hard copies are more dependable.
Ques: Are these books also suitable for WAEC and NECO?
Ans: Yes, all listed books are standard texts for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.
Ques: How much time should I dedicate to Biology weekly?
Ans: Three to five study sessions per week, with at least one hour each, is ideal for consistent progress.