Use of English is the only subject compulsory for every UTME candidate, regardless of course or institution. Because of this, it carries a lot of weight in the JAMB examination. To perform well, candidates need more than random study materials, they need textbooks that follow the official JAMB syllabus.
For the 2026/2027 UTME, JAMB has recommended specific textbooks to help candidates prepare properly for Use of English. This post explains those textbooks and what they cover.
JAMB 2026/2027 Recommended Use of English Textbooks
1. Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners
- Author(s):Â Attah, M. O. (2013)
- Description:Â Focuses on spoken English skills, pronunciation, and clarity for everyday and academic communication.
2. English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition)
- Author(s):Â Bamgbose, A. (2002)
- Description:Â Covers vocabulary, lexis, grammar, and structure with exercises aligned with exam patterns.
3. New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools
- Author(s):Â Banjo, A. et al. (2004)
- Description:Â Provides comprehensive lessons on grammar, comprehension, and writing for senior learners.
4. Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges
- Author(s):Â Caesar, O. J. (2003)
- Description:Â Addresses phonetics, stress patterns, and oral English concepts tested in JAMB.
5. Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary
- Author(s):Â Daniel Jones (2011)
- Description:Â A standard reference dictionary for pronunciation, word stress, and phonetic transcription.
6. Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills
- Author(s):Â Egbe, D. I. (1996)
- Description:Â Explains spoken and written English rules with practical communication examples.
7. Oral English for Schools and Colleges
- Author(s):Â Elugbe, B. (2000)
- Description:Â Introduces oral English theory, transcription, intonation, and common JAMB-related topics.
8. Senior English Project 3 (New Edition
- Author(s):Â Grant, N. J. H., Nnamonu, S., Jowitt, D. (1998)
- Description:Â Builds grammar, reading comprehension, and vocabulary strength for examination purposes.
9. Round-up English: A Complete Guide
- Author(s):Â Idowu, O. O., Sogbesan, T. S., Adofo, A. K., Burgess, D. F., Burgess, L. J. (1998)
- Description:Â A complete reference for grammar, writing, comprehension, and lexis and structure.
10. Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges
- Author(s):Â Idris, U. (2001)
- Description:Â Breaks down vowels, consonants, stress, and essential oral English topics.
11. Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age
- Author(s):Â Igiligi, E. C., Ogenyi, S. O. (2010)
- Description:Â Focuses on grammar usage, composition skills, and modern writing patterns.
12. Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach
- Author(s):Â Jauro, L. B. (2013)
- Description:Â Provides classroom-friendly explanations of oral English concepts and phonetics.
13. Common Errors in English
- Author(s):Â Nnamonu, S., Jowitt, D. (1989)
- Description:Â Highlights the most frequent mistakes made by students and how to avoid them.
14. University Matriculation Use of English (Fourth Edition)
- Author(s):Â Obinna, M. F. (2001)
- Description:Â Tailored to JAMB standards, covering comprehension, summary, and grammar usage.
15. Countdown English Language (Revised Edition)
- Author(s):Â Ogunsanwo, O., Duruaku, A. B. C., Ezechukwu, J., Nwachukwu, U. I. (2005)
- Description:Â Offers detailed lessons, practice questions, and key exam-type activities.
16. The Silent Teacher
- Author(s):Â Olatoye, S. (2006)
- Description:Â Enhances grammar and essay writing through structured examples and exercises.
17. Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3
- Author(s):Â Oluikpe, B. O. A., Nnaemeka, B. A., Obah, T. Y., Otagburuagu, E. J., Onuigbo, S., Ogbonna, E. A. (1998)
- Description:Â Covers composition, grammar, and comprehension with detailed illustrations.
18. Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure and Idiom (Reprinted Edition)
- Author(s):Â Tomori, S. H. O. (2000)
- Description: Provides objective-style practice questions similar to JAMB’s format.
19. Catch-up English for SSCE/UME
- Author(s):Â Ukwuegbu, C., Okoro, O., Idris, A. U., Okebukola, F. O., Owokade, C. O. (2002)
- Description:Â A revision-focused book that reinforces grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Use of English tests communication and comprehension skills, which are required for every course of study in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Yes, when combined with the syllabus and past questions, the recommended textbooks are enough to prepare you adequately.
Yes. JAMB usually prescribes literature texts, and questions are set from them. Candidates are expected to read and understand these texts.
Yes. Most of the recommended textbooks explain concepts step by step, making them suitable for beginners and weak students.
They are available in bookstores, online bookshops, school libraries, and sometimes as e-books.
Not always. However, candidates should always check the latest JAMB brochure to confirm any updates or changes.
