The JAMB Syllabus for Physical and Health Education 2026/2027 outlines the approved topics candidates are expected to study for the UTME Physical and Health Education examination. It defines the scope of examinable content and helps candidates focus on relevant areas without studying outside the official framework.
Physical and Health Education (PHE) in JAMB covers human anatomy and physiology, sports and games, personal health, safety education, nutrition, first aid, and physical fitness principles. The UTME Physical and Health Education syllabus 2026/2027 is structured to test both theoretical knowledge and understanding of practical health and sports concepts.
Using the JAMB Physical and Health Education syllabus as a study guide enables candidates to prepare effectively, understand the likely areas of questions, and improve their overall performance in the UTME.
Objectives of Physical and Health Education Syllabus
The aim of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Physical & Health Education is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement in the course objectives, which are to:
- Stimulate and sustain their interest in Physical and Health Education.
- Acquire basic knowledge and practical skills in motor activities, fitness, body maintenance and selfawareness
- Acquire basic knowledge required to practice positive health habits and maintenance of health
- Understand relationship between human movement and biological, physical and social sciences
- Appreciate ecological relationship between man and his environment with a view to preventing the spread of diseases
JAMB Syllabus for Physical and Health Education 2026
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | JAMB EXPECTATIONS |
| 1 | SECTION A: FOUNDATIONS AND PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION 1. Principles, meaning, scope and philosophy of Physical Education (PE) a. Definition, nature, scope and objectives of PE. b. Philosophy of the Founding Fathers of PE (Hetherington, Dudley Sergent, Thomas Wood, John Dewey). c. History and Development of PE in; i. ancient Greece (Sparta, Athens) and Rome. ii. Pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial eras in Nigeria. 2. Philosophy, objectives and settings of Health Education a. Meaning, philosophy and objectives of Health Education b. Settings of Health Education i. home-based ii. school-based iii.community based iv. health facility-based v. workplace-based c. Meaning of Health Promotion | Candidates should be able to: 1. state the meaning, nature, objectives and scope of PE; 2. narrate the philosophy of the Founding Fathers; 3. trace the historical development of PE in ancient Greece, Rome and Nigeria. 4. trace the origin and development of the ancient Greek festivals (Isthmian, Pythian, Nemian and the Olympian). 5. define health education; 6. state the philosophy and objectives of health education; 7. differentiate between the meanings of health promotion and health education. |
| 2 | SECTION B: HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY IN RELATION TO PHE 1. Cells, Tissues and Systems of the Human Body a. Structure and functions of a typical human cell b. Types of cell and tissue – Epithelial, connective, muscle and nerve. c. Cell division and differentiation – mitosis, meiosis d. Organs and systems of the human body. 2. Skeletal system a. Axial and appendicular skeletons and their functions b. Bones and joints involved in movement i. Structure and types of bone ii. Structure and types of joint iii. Movements at the joints 3. Muscular System a. Major muscles of the body and their functions b. Isometric and Isotonic contractions | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify cell structures and their functions 2. identify types of cell, tissue, organ and system in human; 3. differentiate between mitosis and meiosis; 4. explain cell differentiation 5. list organs and systems in human body. 6. identify the structure of the human skeleton and their functions; 7. human skeleton; 8. differentiate types of joint using appropriate examples; 9. identify the different kinds of movement permitted at joints. 10. identify by name and location the major muscles in human; 11. state the functions of major muscles in human; 12. differentiate between isometric and isotonic contractions |
| 3 | SECTION C: THEORY OF PRACTICE OF SPORTS AND GAMES 1. Athletics (Track and Field Events) a. Track Events i. Short distance races/sprints -50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, hurdles and relay races. ii. Sprints start styles–bullet/bunch, medium and elongated. iii. Visual and non-visual baton take-over and take over zone in relay. iv. Flight over hurdles and distancing in high and low hurdle events. v. The start, stride and finish in middle distance races -800m and 1,500m. vi. The start, stride and finish in long distance races -3,000m, 5,000m, 10,000m, marathon and cross-country. vii. Rules, regulation and officiating. b. Field Events i. Throwing events –discus, javelin and shotput. -Facilities and equipment with specification -Styles and techniques -Rules, regulations and officiating -Safety measures. ii. Jumping events –high jump, long jump, pole vault and triple jump -Facilities and equipment with specification -Style and techniques -Rule, regulations and officiating. | Candidates should be able to: 1. name the events that make up the shot distance/sprint races; 2. identify starting styles in sprint races; 3. differentiate the visual and non-visual types of baton take-over; 4. explain the relay take-over zone; 5. explain the different distances and clearance in hurdling; 6. describe the start, stride and finish in middle and long distance races. 7. name the events which make up the middle distance and long distance races; 8. differentiate the rules, regulations and officiating as applicable to each track events. 9. name the events which make up throwing and jumping events; 10. identity various facilities, equipment and specifications; 11. explain the styles and techniques in throwing and jumping events; 12. explain the rules and regulations in throwing and jumping events; 13. discuss safety precautions in throwing events. |
| 4 | SECTION D: FOOD, NUTRITION AND DRUGS 1. Food a. Classes, sources and importance of food nutrients. b. Definition and composition of balanced diet. c. Diet planning for different groups of people –children, adolescents, athletes, pregnant women and aged; d. Food preservation, hygiene, preservation and storage. 2. Nutrition a. Definition and nutritional values of beverages. b. Common nutritional deficiencies and their remedies c. Importance of water in human nutrition. 3. Drugs a. Meaning and types –stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogen, sedatives and ergogenic aids; b. Use, misuse and abuse; c. Causes and prevention of drug misuse and abuse; d. Effects of drug misuse, abuse and self-medication on the body. | Candidates should be able to: 1. indicate the sources and importance of the various classes of food nutrients; 2. define balanced diet and state its importance; 3. draw up and specify dietary requirements for different groups of people; 4. explain methods for food preparation, preservation and storage; 5. explain the principles of food hygiene. 6. define nutrition and state the nutritional values of beverages; 7. state the common nutritional deficiencies and their remedies; 8. highlight the importance of water in human nutrition. 9. define drug and state the types; 10. differentiate between drug misuse and abuse; 11. state causes and prevention of drug misuse and abuse; 12. explain the effects of drug misuse, abuse and self-medication on the body. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Physical and Health Education 2026/2027?
Ans: The syllabus covers anatomy and physiology, physical fitness, sports and games, health education, nutrition, safety education, and first aid.
Ques: Is anatomy included in UTME Physical and Health Education?
Ans: Yes. Basic knowledge of body systems and their functions is part of the syllabus.
Ques: Are sports rules tested in JAMB PHE?
Ans: Yes. Candidates are expected to understand rules and regulations of major sports and games.
Ques: Does the syllabus include first aid?
Ans: Yes. Basic first aid principles and emergency response procedures are included.
Ques: Is nutrition part of the UTME Physical and Health Education syllabus?
Ans: Yes. Balanced diet, nutrients, and their functions in the body are key topics.
Ques: Are practical activities tested in the UTME?
Ans: The exam is objective-based, but questions may test understanding of practical skills and techniques.
Ques: Is personal hygiene included in the syllabus?
Ans: Yes. Personal and community health practices are important areas in the syllabus.
Ques: Does JAMB PHE include training principles?
Ans: Yes. Candidates should understand principles such as overload, progression, and regularity in physical training.
Ques: Can I pass PHE without studying health education topics?
Ans: No. Health education is a major component of the syllabus and contributes significantly to exam questions.
Ques: What is the best way to prepare for UTME Physical and Health Education?
Ans: Candidates should study the syllabus carefully, revise key health concepts, understand sports rules, and practice past UTME questions regularly.