Did you arrive here seeking to know about the best Chemistry textbooks for JAMB UTME? Interestingly, all of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB recommended textbooks for Chemistry 2026/2027 has been solely provided in this news guide for you.
Before now, the educational board noticed that many students often spend hours studying only to struggle on the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination day, and this is because they rely on materials that don’t match the JAMB syllabus. To avoid this, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board recommends specific textbooks that cover the curriculum clearly and thoroughly.
In this guide, we have thoroughly provide; UTME Chemistry study materials, JAMB Chemistry syllabus textbooks, How to prepare for JAMB Chemistry, Approved Chemistry textbooks for JAMB, JAMB Chemistry reading guide, and Chemistry textbooks for Nigerian students preparing for JAMB, hence do well to go through all these information as seen.
Recommended Textbooks for JAMB UTME Chemistry 2026/2027
| S/N | BOOK TITLE | AUTHOR | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools (Fourth Edition) | Ababio, O. Y. (2009) | It covers all Chemistry topics from SS1 to SS3, with clear explanations, illustrations, solved examples, and practice questions. Simplifies topics such as electrochemistry, stoichiometry, energy changes, organic reactions, and separation techniques. |
| 2 | Senior Secondary Chemistry (Books 1–3) | Bajah, S. T.; Teibo, B. O.; Onwu, G.; Obikwere, A. (1999–2000) | This Longman series emphasises understanding using real-life examples, diagrams, and exercises. The books provide excellent coverage of bonding, periodicity, acids and bases, gas laws, redox reactions, and industrial chemistry. |
| 3 | Understanding Chemistry for Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition) | Ojokuku, G. O. (2012) | Topics are explained in straightforward language with illustrations, topic summaries, and numerous objective questions that reflect JAMB patterns. Very effective for quick comprehension, exam revision, and identifying concepts repeated in UTME questions. |
| 4 | Essential Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools (2nd Edition) | Odesina, I. A. (2008) | Known for its approachable style, this book uses diagrams, bullet points, and worked examples to make Chemistry easier to understand. It covers all topics in the JAMB syllabus and is very useful for students revising close to the exam. |
| 5 | Countdown to WASSCE/SSCE, NECO, JME Chemistry | Uche, I. O.; Adenuga, I. J.; Iwuagwu, S. L. (2003) | This book summarises the entire Chemistry curriculum and includes hundreds of practice questions with answers. It trains students to answer questions faster and more accurately, which is valuable for JAMB’s CBT format. |
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How to Study Chemistry for JAMB Using These Textbooks
1. Start with one major text: Starting New School Chemistry by Ababio or the Longman series can help you build a deep understanding.
2. Use a revision textbook alongside your main text: When it comes to this, Essential Chemistry or Understanding Chemistry helps reinforce learning and makes difficult topics easier to recall.
3. Treat Countdown Chemistry as your final-stage practice tool: It focuses on speed, accuracy, and exam-style questions. This is because once you have caught up with its terms, you have already sharpen your exam skills.
4. Read with the JAMB Chemistry syllabus in hand: This prevents unnecessary reading and ensures you cover what JAMB will test.
5. Practice calculations repeatedly: Topics like stoichiometry, concentration, gas laws, redox titrations, and energy changes regularly appear in UTME questions.
6. Make use of past questions: JAMB repeats concepts often, then practising past questions shows patterns and improves confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Can I pass JAMB Chemistry with only one of these textbooks?
Ans: Yes, but using at least two books gives a clearer understanding and better exam preparation.
Ques: Which textbook is considered the best overall?
Ans: Many students prefer Ababio’s New School Chemistry because of its depth and detailed explanations.
Ques: Do these textbooks cover the entire JAMB syllabus?
Ans: Yes, all five books cover the full senior secondary Chemistry curriculum, which aligns with JAMB requirements.
Ques: Which book is best for quick revision?
Ans: Essential Chemistry and Countdown Chemistry are particularly useful for short, intensive study sessions.
Ques: Are JAMB questions taken directly from these books?
Ans: Questions are not copied word-for-word, but the concepts, examples, and calculation styles come directly from these textbooks.
Ques: Can these textbooks help for WAEC and NECO as well?
Ans: Yes, they are standard texts for WAEC, NECO, and UTME preparation.
Ques: Is it necessary to buy all five textbooks?
Ans: No. Two or three are enough, depending on your reading style.
Ques: Which book should a beginner start with?
Ans: Essential Chemistry or Ababio is ideal for beginners because they explain basic concepts clearly.
Ques: How do I know the topics JAMB will test?
Ans: Check the official JAMB Chemistry syllabus and use it to guide your reading.
Ques: Are PDF versions of these books reliable?
Ans: Some PDFs online are incomplete or poorly scanned. Hard copies are more reliable.