2026 JAMB Christian Religious Studies Syllabus (UTME) – Complete Topics & Objectives

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 2026 syllabus in Christian Religious Studies is to prepare candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:

• Acquire knowledge and understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith as contained in the Bible
• Interpret biblical teachings and themes
• Apply biblical teachings and tenets to life in society
• Evaluate the level of application of biblical teachings and tenets to life in society

Below is the 2026 JAMB Christian Religious Studies Syllabus;

SECTION A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom:

1. The Sovereignty of God:

Topics:

• God as Creator and Controller of the Universe (Gen. 1–2); cf. Amos 9:5–6; Isa. 45:5–12; Ps. 19:1–6

Objectives:

• Define the term sovereignty.
• Analyse God’s process of creation.
• Interpret the sequence of creation.
• Identify man’s role in advancing God’s purpose in creation.

2. The Covenant:

Topics:

• The Flood and God’s covenant with Noah (Gen. 6–9)
• God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 11:31–32; 12:1–9; 17; 21:1–13; 25:19–26)
• God’s covenant with Israel (Exod. 19–20; 24:1–11); cf. Deut. 28:1–19
• The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31–34; Ezek. 36:25–28)

Objectives:

• Explain the concept of covenant.
• Examine the importance and implications of the covenants.
• Distinguish between God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham and Israel.
• Distinguish between the Old and the New Covenants.

3. Leadership Qualities:

Topics:

• Joseph (Gen. 37; 41; 45)
• Moses (Exod. 1–5; 12; Num. 13–14)
• Joshua (Num. 13; 27:15–23; Josh. 1; 6–7; 24)
• Judges: Deborah (Judg. 4), Gideon (Judg. 6), Samson (Judg. 13; 16)

Objectives:

• Examine circumstances that led to their leadership.
• Identify major talents of these leaders.
• Assess God’s role in their leadership.
• Analyse their achievements.

4. Divine Providence, Guidance and Protection:

Topics:

• Guidance and protection (Gen. 24; 28; 46; Exod. 13–14)
• Provision (Gen. 21; 22; Exod. 16–17; Num. 20; 1 Kgs. 17)

Objectives:

• Identify ways God guided and protected Israel.
• Specify how God provided for His people.
• Identify occasions of divine provision.

5. Parental Responsibility:

Topics:

• Eli and Samuel (1 Sam. 2–4; 8)
• David (2 Sam. 13; 15; 18–19)
• Asa (1 Kgs. 15; 22); cf. Deut. 6:4–9; Prov. 22:6

Objectives:

• Determine parental responsibility for children’s shortcomings.
• Describe how Asa pleased God.

6. Obedience and Disobedience:

Topics:

• Obedience and rewards: Abraham (Gen. 22); Hebrew midwives (Exod. 1); David (1 Sam. 30)
• Disobedience and consequences: Adam (Gen. 2–3); Manna (Exod. 16); Golden Calf (Exod. 32); Moses (Num. 20; Deut. 34); Saul (1 Sam. 10; 15; 31)

Objectives:

• Explain reasons for obedience.
• Identify rewards of obedience.
• Compare cases of disobedience.
• Identify reasons and consequences of disobedience.

7. A Man after God’s Own Heart:

Topics:

• Early life of David (1 Sam. 16–24; 2 Sam. 2–3)
• Submission to God’s will (1 Sam. 26; 2 Sam. 12)
• Repentance and forgiveness (2 Sam. 11–12; Ps. 51)

Objectives:

• Identify David’s early experiences.
• Explain David’s submission to God.
• Examine causes of his sin and repentance.
• Explain why God forgave David.

8. Decision-Making:

Topics:

• Reliance on a medium (1 Sam. 28)
• Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kgs. 3–5; 8)
• Unwise policies of Solomon and Rehoboam (1 Kgs. 9; 11–12)

Objectives:

• Identify the source of Solomon’s wisdom.
• Compare decision-making styles of Saul and Solomon.
• Analyse decisions and consequences of unwise leadership.

SECTION B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets:

1. Greed and Its Effects:

Topics:

• Ahab (1 Kgs. 21–22; 2 Kgs. 9)
• Gehazi (2 Kgs. 5); cf. Josh. 7

Objectives:

• Define greed.
• Distinguish Ahab’s and Gehazi’s greed.
• Analyse consequences of greed.

2. The Supremacy of God:

Topics:

• Mount Carmel encounter (1 Kgs. 16–19)

Objectives:

• Assess Israel’s religious situation.
• Identify characters on Mount Carmel.
• Differentiate God’s power from Baal’s.

3. Religious Reforms in Judah:

Topics:

• Cleansing of the Temple (2 Kgs. 22)
• Renewal of the Covenant (2 Kgs. 23)

Objectives:

• Analyse Josiah’s reforms.
• Explain reasons for covenant renewal.
• Assess significance of the reforms.

4. Concern for Judah:

Topics:

• Fall of Jerusalem (2 Kgs. 24–25)
• Condition during exile (Neh. 1; Ezra 1)
• Response to rebuilding (Neh. 2; 4; Ezra 3; 5–7)

Objectives:

• Identify reasons for Jerusalem’s fall.
• Examine Judah’s condition in exile.
• Analyse responses of Nehemiah and Ezra.

5. Faith, Courage and Protection:

Topics:

• Daniel and the three Hebrews (Dan. 1; 3; 6)

Objectives:

• Analyse their stories.
• Identify demonstrations of faith.
• Examine effects on Babylonians.

6. God’s Message to Nineveh:

Topics:

• Jonah’s mission (Jonah 1–4)

Objectives:

• Analyse Jonah’s call and disobedience.
• Assess Nineveh’s response.
• Emulate the Ninevites.

7. Social Justice, True Religion and Divine Love:

Topics:

• Social justice (Amos 2–8); cf. James 1:19–27
• Divine love (Hosea 1–6; 14)

Objectives:

• Define true religion.
• Identify causes of social injustice.
• Analyse Hosea’s message of love.

8. Holiness and Divine Call:

Topics:

• Calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah (Isa. 6; Ezek. 2–3; Jer. 1)

Objectives:

• Distinguish prophetic calls.
• Compare assignments.
• Explain need for holiness.

9. Punishment and Hope:

Topics:

• Punishment and restoration (Jer. 3; 32; Ezek. 18; 37; Isa. 61)

Objectives:

• Identify causes of punishment.
• State conditions for hope.
• Explain benefits of restoration.

SECTION C: Themes from the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles:

1. Birth and Early Life of Jesus:

Topics:

• John the Baptist (Luke 1; 3; Mark 1; John 1)
• Birth and boyhood of Jesus (Matt. 1–2; Luke 1–2)

Objectives:

• Compare the births of John and Jesus.
• Assess John’s role as forerunner.
• Describe Jesus’ boyhood.

2. Baptism and Temptation of Jesus:

Topics:

• Baptism and temptation (Matt. 3–4; Mark 1; Luke 3–4)

Objectives:

• Explain purpose of baptism.
• Enumerate temptations.
• Examine their significance.

3. Discipleship:

Topics:

• Call of first disciples (Matt. 4; 9; Mark 1–2; Luke 5)
• Demands of discipleship (Matt. 8; Luke 9; 14)

Objectives:

• Identify first disciples.
• State demands of discipleship.

4. Miracles:

Topics:

• Nature, resuscitation, healing and exorcism miracles (Matt.; Mark; Luke; John)

Objectives:

• Classify miracles.
• State occasions.
• Explain significance.

5. Parables:

Topics:

• Kingdom, love, wealth and prayer parables (Matt. 13; 18; 22; Luke 10; 12; 15; 18)

Objectives:

• Classify parables.
• Interpret meanings.
• Explain reasons for parables.

6. Sermon on the Mount:

Topics:

• Teachings on the Mount (Matt. 5–6; Luke 6)

Objectives:

• Analyse teachings.
• Identify kingdom demands.
• Relate rewards to obedience.

7. Mission of the Disciples:

Topics:

• Mission of the Twelve and the Seventy (Matt. 10; Mark 6; Luke 9–10)

Objectives:

• Distinguish missions.
• State instructions.
• Assess outcomes.

8. The Great Confession:

Topics:

• Peter’s confession (Matt. 16; Mark 8; Luke 9)

Objectives:

• Analyse confession.
• Explain its significance.

9. Transfiguration:

Topics:

• The Transfiguration (Matt. 17; Mark 9; Luke 9)

Objectives:

• Trace events.
• Explain significance.
• Identify personalities.

10. Triumphal Entry and Cleansing of the Temple:

Topics:

• Entry and cleansing (Matt. 21; Mark 11; Luke 19)

Objectives:

• Recount events.
• Explain significance.
• Analyse resulting hostility.

11. The Last Supper:

Topics:

• The Last Supper (Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13)

Objectives:

• Trace the account.
• Evaluate significance.

12. Trials and Death of Jesus:

Topics:

• Trials before religious and civil authorities; crucifixion and burial (Matt. 26–27; Mark 14–15; Luke 22–23; John 18–19)

Objectives:

• Analyse trials.
• Describe crucifixion and burial.
• Deduce lessons.

13. Resurrection, Appearances and Ascension:

Topics:

• Resurrection and ascension (Matt. 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20; Acts 1)

Objectives:

• Trace events.
• Compare personalities.
• Analyse relevance.

14. Jesus’ Teachings about Himself:

Topics:

• Bread of Life, Light, Good Shepherd, True Vine, Resurrection (John)

Objectives:

• Analyse teachings.
• Interpret symbols.

15. Love:

Topics:

• God’s love and love for others (John 3; 13; 15; 1 John 4)

Objectives:

• Describe God’s love.
• State ways to love others.
• Evaluate significance of love.

16. Fellowship in the Early Church:

Topics:

• Communal living and challenges (Acts 1–6)

Objectives:

• Identify reasons for communal living.
• State problems and solutions.
• Explain its role in church growth.

17. The Holy Spirit and the Mission of the Church:

Topics:

• Pentecost and mission (Acts 1–2; 8)

Objectives:

• Trace Pentecost.
• Explain significance.
• Analyse church mission.

18. Opposition to the Gospel:

Topics:

• Arrests, martyrdom and persecutions (Acts 3–21; Gal. 1; 2 Cor. 11)

Objectives:

• Trace persecutions.
• Evaluate their impact on church growth.

19. Mission to the Gentiles:

Topics:

• Conversions, Paul’s mission and Jerusalem Council (Acts 9–15; Gal. 2)

Objectives:

• Compare conversions.
• Analyse Paul’s mission.
• Explain decisions of the Jerusalem Council.

SECTION D: Themes from Selected Epistles:

1. Justification by Faith:

(Rom. 3:21–24; 5:1–11; 10:1–13)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) interpret the phrase ‘justification by faith’;
• (ii) identify the basic conditions for justification;
• (iii) determine the fruits of justification.

2. The Law and Grace:

(Rom. 4:13–25; 5:18–21; Gal. 3:10–14; 19–29)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) examine the purpose and significance of the law and grace;
• (ii) identify the place of the Law among the Jews.

3. New Life in Christ:

(Rom. 6:1–4; 12–14; Col. 3:1–17; Gal. 5:16–26; II Cor. 5:16–19; I Thess. 4:1–8; Rom. 12)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) describe the characteristics of the old life;
• (ii) analyse the new life in Christ;
• (iii) identify the conditions of the new life;
• (iv) examine the benefits of the new life.

4. Christians as Joint Heirs with Christ:

(Gal. 3:23–29; 4:1–7)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) describe how Christians are joint heirs with Christ;
• (ii) indicate the benefits of being joint heirs with Christ.

5. Humility:

(Phil. 2:1–11; I Pet. 5:5–11)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) determine the meaning of humility;
• (ii) identify the requirements of humility;
• (iii) identify the rewards of humility.

6. Forgiveness:

(Philemon; II Cor. 2:5–11)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) analyse Paul’s teaching on forgiveness;
• (ii) assess the benefits of forgiveness.

7. Spiritual Gifts:

(I Cor. 12; Rom. 12:3–18; I Cor. 14)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) identify the different spiritual gifts;
• (ii) analyse the benefits of spiritual gifts to the individual and the Church.

8. Christian Giving:

(Phil. 4:14–20; II Cor. 8:1–5; 9) cf. Matt. 6:2–4

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) interpret the concept of Christian giving;
• (ii) relate the teachings of Paul on Christian giving;
• (iii) identify the importance of Christian giving.

9. Civic Responsibility:

(Rom. 13; I Tim. 2:1–4)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) identify the need for obedience to authority;
• (ii) specify the requirements of good citizenship.

10. Dignity of Labour:

(II Thess. 3:6–15; Col. 3:23–25)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) interpret the concept of dignity of labour;
• (ii) analyse the benefits of labour.

11. The Second Coming of Christ:

Topics:

• (a) The signs of the Coming of Christ
  (I Thess. 4:13–18; II Thess. 2:1–12)
• (b) Preparation for His coming
  (I Thess. 5:1–11; II Pet. 3:1–13)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) identify the signs of the Second Coming of Christ;
• (ii) specify the preparations for His coming;
• (iii) indicate what will happen during His Second Coming;
• (iv) examine the importance of His coming.

12. Impartiality:

(James 2:1–13) cf. Acts 10:34–35; Matt. 7:1–5

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) interpret the concept of impartiality;
• (ii) identify causes of partiality;
• (iii) examine the consequences of partiality.

13. Effective Prayer:

(James 1:2–8; 4:1–3; 5:13–18) cf. Matt. 6:5–13

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) identify the requirements of effective prayer;
• (ii) distinguish between effective and ineffective prayer;
• (iii) identify the importance of prayer.

14. Christian Living in the Community:

Topics:

• (a) Interpersonal relationships among Christians
  (I Pet. 5:1–4; Rom. 12:3–21; Heb. 13:1–21)
• (b) Christians living among non-Christians
  (I Pet. 2:3–25; Rom. 15:1–2)
• (c) Christian attitude to persecution
  (I Pet. 1:5–9; 4:1–19; I Pet. 3:13–22)
• (d) Relationship in the Christian family
  (Eph. 6:1–9; Col. 3:18–21; I Pet. 3:1–7)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) determine interpersonal relationships among Christians;
• (ii) analyse Christian living among non-Christians;
• (iii) relate Christian attitude to persecution;
• (iv) determine the relationship in the Christian family;
• (v) examine the importance of maintaining good relationships.

15. Corruption:

(I Tim. 6:6–11; II Tim. 3:8; II Pet. 1:4–11; James 5:1–6)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) define the term corruption;
• (ii) identify the causes of corruption;
• (iii) determine the effects and consequences of corruption;
• (iv) identify ways of curbing corruption.

16. Sexual Immorality:

Topics:

• (a) Prostitution
  (I Cor. 6:16–20) cf. Prov. 7:10–27; 23:27–28
• (b) Adultery and Fornication
  (Heb. 13:4; Eph. 5:3–10) cf. Matt. 5:28–32; Deut. 22:22; Lev. 20:10
• (c) Homosexuality
  (Rom. 1:24–32) cf. Lev. 18:21–30; 20:13

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

• (i) identify what constitutes sexual immorality;
• (ii) determine the causes of sexual immorality;
• (iii) examine the effects and consequences of sexual immorality;
• (iv) identify ways of curbing sexual immorality.