JAMB has officially released the 2026 syllabus for Physical and Health Education, and it is now available on their website. If you are preparing for the UTME, this syllabus will help you know what topics to focus on during your preparation. Find out how to download the syllabus below:
| Examination Type | UTME/Direct Entry |
| Examination Year | 2026/2027 |
| Syllabus | Physical and Health Education |
| File Format | |
| File Size | 311KB |
General Objectives
- Acquire basic knowledge and practical skills in motor activities, fitness, body maintenance and self-awareness;
- 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;
- Stimulate and sustain their interest in Physical and Health Education.
JAMB Syllabus for Physical and Health Education 2026
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
|---|---|
| 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. | Candidates should be able to: i. state the meaning, nature, objectives and scope of PE; ii. narrate the philosophy of the Founding Fathers; iii. trace the historical development of PE in ancient Greece, Rome and Nigeria. iv. trace the origin and development of the ancient Greek festivals (Isthmian, Pythian, Nemian and the Olympian). |
| 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: i. define health education; ii. state the philosophy and objectives of health education; iii. differentiate between the meanings of health promotion and health education. |
| 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 | Candidates should be able to: i. identify cell structures and their functions ii. identify types of cell, tissue, organ and system in human; iii. differentiate between mitosis and meiosis; iv. explain cell differentiation v. list organs and systems in 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 | Candidates should be able to: i. identify the structure of the human skeleton and their functions; ii. identify types of bone that make up the human skeleton; iii. differentiate types of joint using appropriate examples; iv. identify the different kinds of movement permitted at joints |
| 3. Muscular System a. Major muscles of the body and their functions b. Isometric and Isotonic contractions | Candidates should be able to: i. identify by name and location the major muscles in human; ii. state the functions of major muscles in human; iii. differentiate between isometric and isotonic contractions |
Download JAMB 2026 Syllabus for Physical and Health Education
Click the button below to download the full 2026 Physical and Health Education syllabus on your smartphone or laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I prepare with this syllabus?
Study anatomy, sports techniques, health education, and practice past questions.
Has the 2026/2027 syllabus changed from last year’s?
There are no major changes reported yet, but always check JAMB’s official updates for the latest information.
Can I use Physical and Health Education to study Medicine or Nursing?
No. Medicine and Nursing typically require Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Physical and Health Education is not accepted for those courses.
Is Physical and Health Education a compulsory subject for UTME?
No, it is an optional subject, usually taken by candidates applying for courses like Physical Education, Health Education, Human Kinetics, and related disciplines.
