JAMB Igbo Questions and Answers 2025/2026

Preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in Igbo language requires a strategic approach.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the JAMB Igbo syllabus for the 2025/2026 academic session, effective study techniques, and sample questions to enhance your preparation.

Understanding the JAMB Igbo Syllabus

The JAMB Igbo syllabus is a roadmap outlining the topics and subtopics that candidates are expected to study. It is divided into four main sections:

1. Language (Asụsụ)
2. Literature (Agụmagụ)
3. Customs and Institutions (Omenala na Ewumewu)
4. General and Current Affairs (Ihe Ndị na-eme Ugbua)

1. Language (Asụsụ)

This section focuses on the linguistic aspects of the Igbo language, including:

• Essay Writing (Edemede): Understanding different types of essays such as narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative, speech making, letter writing, and dialogue. Candidates should be able to identify the basic principles of essay writing and differentiate between various essay types.

• Comprehension (Aghọtaazaa): Ability to read and understand passages, explain difficult words, and deduce conclusions based on the passage.

• Sounds and Sound Patterns (Ụdaasụsụ na Usoro Ụdaasụsụ): Knowledge of vowels, consonants, syllabic nasals, syllable structure, vowel harmony, vowel assimilation, vowel and consonant elision, and tone marking.

• Spelling and Orthography (Nsupe na Mkpụrụedemede Igbo): Correct spelling of words, understanding spelling rules, and differentiating between standard Igbo and dialects.

• Grammar (Ụtọasụsụ): Parts of speech, morpheme structure, word formation, phrases, clauses, and sentence types.

• Translation (Ntụgharị): Translating sentences from English to Igbo and vice versa.

2. Literature (Agụmagụ)

This section covers:

• Literary Devices (Atụmatụokwu): Identifying and interpreting devices such as alliteration, assonance, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification, and proverbs.

• Oral Literature (Agụmagụ Ọnụ/Agụmagụ Ọdịnala): Understanding folktales, myths, legends, songs, chants, poems, riddles, oral drama, and tongue twisters.

• Written Literature (Agụmagụ Ederede): Analyzing themes, plots, characters, and settings in Igbo prose, poetry, and drama.

3. Customs and Institutions (Omenala na Ewumewu)

This section explores various aspects of Igbo culture, including:

• Greetings (Ekele): Different forms of greetings for various times of the day and occasions.

• Marriage and Divorce (Alụmdi na Nwunye, Ịgba Alụkwaghịm): Traditional marriage rites and divorce practices.

• Childbirth and Naming (Ọmụmụ na Ịgụ Aha): Customs surrounding childbirth, child upbringing, and naming ceremonies.

• Titles and Chieftaincy (Echichi): Understanding traditional titles such as Nze na Ọzọ, Eze/Obi/Igwe, and Iyọm/Lọọlọ.

• Funeral Rites (Ikwa Ozu): Traditional funeral practices and ceremonies.

• Family and Kinship (Ụmụnna, Ụmụada): Structure and roles within the extended family and community.

• Traditional Governance (Ọchịchị Ụzọ Dịnala): Roles of traditional rulers and councils.

• Beliefs and Taboos (Nkwenye na Nsọala): Traditional beliefs, taboos, and their significance.

4. General and Current Affairs (Ihe Ndị na-eme Ugbua)

This section addresses:

• Topical Issues: Discussions on contemporary issues affecting the Igbo language, literature, and culture, such as Ahịajiọkụ and Odenigbo lectures.

• Authors and Publications: Knowledge of notable Igbo authors, their works, publishers, and dates of publication.

• Igbo Studies Associations: Understanding the roles of organizations like Ọhaneze Ndị Igbo and the Igbo Studies Association (ISA).

Effective Study Techniques

To excel in the JAMB Igbo examination, consider the following study strategies:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus: Thoroughly review the syllabus to understand the scope of topics to be covered.

2. Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific time slots for each topic, ensuring consistent and comprehensive coverage.

3. Utilize Recommended Textbooks: Refer to textbooks endorsed by JAMB for accurate and detailed information.

4. Practice with Past Questions: Regularly solve past questions to get acquainted with the exam format and question styles.

5. Engage in Group Discussions: Collaborate with peers to discuss and clarify complex topics.

6. Seek Guidance: Consult teachers or mentors for explanations on challenging areas.

7. Immerse Yourself in the Language: Practice speaking, reading, and writing in Igbo to enhance fluency and comprehension.

Sample Questions and Answers

Practicing with sample questions can significantly boost your confidence and understanding. Below are examples of the types of questions you might encounter:

Question 1: Comprehension (Aghọtaazaa)

Ederede:

Chinedu bụ nwa okorobịa nwere ọgụgụ isi. Ọ na-agụ akwụkwọ nke ọma ma na-enyere ndị enyi ya aka n’ịmụ ihe. Otu ụbọchị, ọ kpebiri ịga n’ahịa iji zụta akwụkwọ ọhụrụ. N’ụzọ, ọ hụrụ otu agadi nwaanyị dara n’ala. Chinedu kwụsịrị ozugbo iji nyere ya aka. Agadi nwaanyị ahụ keleere ya nke ọma ma gọzie ya.

Ajụjụ:

Gịnị mere Chinedu ji kwụsị n’ụzọ?

Azịza:

Chinedu kwụsịrị n’ụzọ iji nyere agadi nwaanyị dara n’ala aka.

Question 2: Grammar (Ụtọasụsụ)

Ajụjụ:

Kedu ụdị ahịrịokwu dị na nke a: “Nneka na-eri nri mgbe Papa na-abịa ụlọ.”

Azịza:

Ahịrịokwu mgbagwoju (Complex sentence).

Question 3: Literature (Agụmagụ)

Ajụjụ:

Kedu ihe bụ isiokwu (theme) nke akwụkwọ “Ọdịnala Ndị Igbo” dere?

Azịza:

Isiokwu bụ omenala na nkwenye ndị Igbo.

Question 4: Customs and Institutions (Omenala na Ewumewu)

Ajụjụ:

Kedu ihe emume ịwa ji pụtara n’omenala ndị Igbo?

Azịza:

Ọ bụ emume e si na ya ekele Chineke maka ịkụkọ ọma na owuwe ihe ubi.

Conclusion

Excelling in the JAMB Igbo examination requires a deep understanding of the language, literature, and cultural practices. By