JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Arabic 2026/2027

Arabic is one of the subjects offered in the UTME, especially by candidates interested in Islamic studies, law, and related courses. To perform well in Arabic, it is important to study with textbooks that follow the official JAMB syllabus. Random materials may help, but they often leave gaps that can affect your final score.

For the 2026/2027 UTME, JAMB has provided recommended textbooks to guide candidates offering Arabic.

JAMB 2026 Recommended Textbooks for Arabic

1. Comprehension, Composition and Translation Textbooks

1. المطالعة الواضحة — بشير أحمد محيي الدين و المرضي مختار المرضي
   A structured reading text designed to improve comprehension skills using graded passages.
2. الإنشاء العربي المتوسط (للمدارس الثانوية) — سيد حمرة مالك
   A composition guide that trains students to write clearly using model essays and guided practice.
3. القراءة الرشيدة (الجزء 1–4) — عبد الفتاح صبري و علي عمر بك
   A four-part reading and translation series suitable for progressive comprehension development.
4. سمير التلاميذ (الجزء 1–2) — عبد الله الطيب
   Features simple to intermediate reading passages accompanied by comprehension questions.
5. كيف تكتب الإنشاء — غرب ط. زاريا
   A text focused on writing techniques and structured Arabic composition.
6. العربية الميسرة الجديدة للمرحلة الثانوية — محمد الأول أبوبكر و آخرون
   Combines comprehension, grammar, and translation in a simplified format for secondary learners.
7. العربية الجديدة في نيجيريا (الكتاب 1–3) — محمد بديع شريف، سليم حكيم، الحاج حسين آدمو
   A course designed for Nigerian Arabic students, offering comprehension and language drills.
8. Learning Arabic Language by Adekilekun, A. L. A.
   Focuses on basic comprehension, vocabulary, and elementary translation exercises.
9. A Modern Arabic Course Book 1 by Balogun, I. A. B. & Oseni, Z. I.
   A beginner-friendly course combining grammar, reading, and translation.
10. A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language by Haywood, J. A. & Nahmad, H. M.
    A globally respected grammar and translation reference for all proficiency levels.
11. A Guide to Arabic Composition, Books I & II by Malik, S. H. A.
    Provides step-by-step techniques for writing different forms of Arabic composition.
12. Arabic newspapers, magazines and journals
    Useful for real-life reading practice, vocabulary building, and translation training.

2. Grammar Textbooks

1. النحو الواضح (الجزء 1–3) — علي الجارم و مصطفى أمين
   A classic simplified grammar series with clear explanations and examples.
2. متن الأجرومية — محمد أجروم الصنهاجي
   Introduces essential Arabic syntax principles in a concise format.
3. التحفة السنية بشرح المقدمة الأجرومية — محمد محيي الدين عبد الحميد
   A detailed explanation of Ajrumiyyah for deeper grammar study.
4. A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language by Haywood, J. A. & Nahmad, H. M.
   A comprehensive grammar reference used globally for classical and modern Arabic.

3. Arabic Literature Textbooks

1. المأدبة الأدبية للطلاب العربية في إفريقيا — زكريا حسين
   Contains selected prose and poetry designed for African Arabic learners.
2. الطبقة العليا — زكريا حسين
   A continuation of literature studies with advanced texts and analysis.
3. العبرات — مصطفى لطفي المنفلوطي
   A classical prose text rich in emotional stories and expressive Arabic language.
4. ادفع بالتي هي أحسن — جميل عبد الله الكنوي
   An instructive text that uses simple but rich Arabic narrative.
5. المفصل في تاريخ الأدب العربي — أحمد الاسكندري و آخرون
   Covers the history of Arabic literature across major historical periods.

4. Transliteration Editions

1. Al-Ma’dubat Al-Adabiyyah by Zakariyau I. Oseni
   Roman transliteration of المأدبة الأدبية.
2. Al-Tabaqat Al-Ulya (The Upper Class) by Zakariyau I. Oseni
   Roman transliteration of الطبقة العليا.
3. Al-Abarat by Mustapha Lutfi Al-Manfaluti
   Roman transliteration of العبرات.
4. Idfa’a Bil Lati Hiya Ahsan by Jamil Abdullahi Al-Kanawi
   Transliteration of ادفع بالتي هي أحسن.
5. Al-Mufassal Fi Tarikh Al-Adab Al-Arabi by Ahmad Al-Askandari & Others
   Transliteration of the major Arabic literature history book.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)