If there is one subject every UTME candidate must pass comfortably, it is Use of English. No matter your course of choice, your JAMB score rises or falls with how well you handle comprehension, lexis and structure, oral English, and summary writing. That is why sticking to the JAMB recommended textbooks for Use of English 2026/2027 is not optional, rather strategic.
This guide breaks down the best English textbooks for JAMB, explains what each book covers, and shows how they directly support the JAMB Use of English syllabus. If you want clarity, confidence, and accuracy in UTME English, you are in the right place.
Recommended Textbooks for JAMB UTME Use of English 2026/2027
| S/N | BOOK TITLE | AUTHOR | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners | Attah, M. O. (2013) | Focuses on pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation. Very useful for mastering oral English questions in JAMB UTME. |
| 2 | English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges | Bamgbose, A. (2002) | Explains vocabulary usage, sentence structure, and grammar rules tested heavily in JAMB Use of English. |
| 3 | New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six | Banjo, A. et al (2004) | Covers comprehension, grammar, essay writing, and vocabulary development aligned with the JAMB English syllabus. |
| 4 | Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges | Caesar, O. J. (2003) | Builds confidence in phonetics, vowel and consonant sounds, and stress patterns for UTME oral English sections. |
| 5 | Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary | Daniel Jones (2011) | Authoritative reference for pronunciation and phonetic transcription, useful for tricky JAMB oral English questions. |
| 6 | Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills | Egbe, D. I. (1996) | Strengthens grammar usage, sentence clarity, and communication skills tested in objective English questions. |
| 7 | Oral English for Schools and Colleges | Elugbe, B. (2000) | Provides practical drills on pronunciation and sound patterns, helping students avoid common UTME oral traps. |
| 8 | Senior English Project 3 | Grant, N. J. H. et al (1998) | Comprehensive coverage of comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary for senior secondary and UTME English preparation. |
| 9 | Round-Up English: A Complete Guide | Idowu, O. O. et al (1998) | A revision-friendly text covering all major areas of the JAMB Use of English syllabus. |
| 10 | Oral English at Your Fingertips | Idris, U. (2001) | Simplifies oral English concepts with examples that mirror JAMB question patterns. |
| 11 | Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age | Igiligi, E. C. & Ogenyi, S. O. (2010) | Focuses on grammar accuracy and composition skills relevant for comprehension and sentence interpretation. |
| 12 | Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach | Jauro, L. B. (2013) | Structured teaching approach to spoken English and pronunciation practice. |
| 13 | Common Errors in English | Nnamonu, S. & Jowitt, D. (1989) | Highlights frequent grammatical mistakes students make in UTME English. |
| 14 | University Matriculation Use of English | Obinna, M. F. (2001) | Specifically written for UTME candidates, covering comprehension, lexis, and structure. |
| 15 | Countdown English Language | Ogunsanwo, O. et al (2005) | Exam-focused revision text with practice questions similar to JAMB English CBT format. |
| 16 | The Silent Teacher | Olatoye, S. (2006) | Improves pronunciation awareness and self-correction in spoken English. |
| 17 | Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3 | Oluikpe, B. O. A. et al (1998) | Strong grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary content aligned with UTME English topics. |
| 18 | Objective Tests for School Certificate English | Tomori, S. H. O. (2000) | Excellent for practicing lexis, structure, and idioms in objective format. |
| 19 | Catch-Up English for SSCE/UME | Ukwuegbu, C. et al (2002) | Designed to close learning gaps and boost confidence before JAMB. |
Recommended Posts:
- Recommended Textbooks for all JAMB Subjects 2026/2027
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- JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Chemistry 2026/2027
- JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Biology 2026/2027
How to Study Use of English for JAMB Using These Textbooks
The JAMB Use of English syllabus focuses on: Comprehension and summary, Lexis and structure, Oral English (stress, intonation, sounds), and Synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
These textbooks collectively cover all these areas, making them the best English books for JAMB 2026/2027, and to maximize your UTME English score, you are to combine one core grammar book with one oral English text, practice objective questions daily, read comprehension passages aloud, and revise common errors consistently.
This approach turns reading into real JAMB Use of English preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Are these the official JAMB recommended textbooks for Use of English 2026/2027?
Ans: Yes. They align with the officially approved JAMB syllabus.
Ques: Do I need to read all the books listed?
Ans: No. Choose 2–3 core texts and use others for reference.
Ques: Which book is best for oral English?
Ans: Practice in Spoken English by Attah and Essential Oral English by Caesar are excellent.
Ques: Which book is best for grammar and lexis?
Ans: Bamgbose’s English Lexis and Structure is highly recommended.
Ques: Can these books help me score above 70 in JAMB English?
Ans: Yes, with consistent practice and comprehension-based study.
Ques: Are these books useful for WAEC and NECO too?
Ans: Absolutely. Most are written for SSCE and UTME alignment.
Ques: Should I combine textbooks with past questions?
Ans: Yes. Past questions help you understand how JAMB sets English questions.
Ques: Is oral English compulsory in JAMB?
Ans: Yes. Oral English is a major component of UTME Use of English.
Ques: How early should I start studying?
Ans: At least 2–3 months before the exam for best results.