Chemistry is one of the most challenging subjects in JAMB UTME. The topics are technical, the calculations require precision, and candidates who go into the exam without studying from the right materials often struggle with questions that seem unfamiliar even after months of preparation.
This page gives you the complete list of Chemistry textbooks for JAMB recommended by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for UTME candidates. These books cover the core Chemistry topics in the official syllabus including atomic structure, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, and quantitative analysis.
You do not need to study every book on this list. The most effective approach is to pick one strong title, work through the syllabus topics chapter by chapter, and combine your reading with consistent past question practice. That combination is what produces high Chemistry scores in JAMB.
You can also check the complete list of JAMB recommended textbooks for all subjects to see the official books approved for Mathematics, English, Biology, Physics, Government, Economics, and other UTME subjects.
Table of Contents
List of Recommended Chemistry Textbooks for JAMB
Below is the list of official JAMB Chemistry books recommended for candidates preparing for the UTME examination.
Click on any of the textbooks listed (in RED) below to purchase it online and have it in a few days delivered to wherever you are.
- COUNTDOWN TO WASSCE / SSCE / NECO / JUTME CHEMISTRY — Uche, I. O., Adenuga, I. J. and Iwuagwu, S. L. (2003).
- ESSENTIAL CHEMISTRY FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (2ND EDITION) — Odesina, I. A. (2008).
- NEW SCHOOL CHEMISTRY FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (FOURTH EDITION) — Ababio, O. Y. (2009).
- SENIOR SECONDARY CHEMISTRY (BOOKS 1–3)— Bajah, S.T., Teibo, B. O., Onwu, G. and Obikwere, A. (1999-2000).
- UNDERSTANDING CHEMISTRY FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES (REVISED EDITION) — Ojokuku, G. O. (2012).
Source: JAMB IBASS.
How to get these JAMB Chemistry textbooks
There are three straightforward ways to get any of the Chemistry textbooks for JAMB listed above.
The most direct option is visiting a nearby bookstore. Walk in and ask for the specific title and author. Most educational bookstores in Nigerian cities stock JAMB recommended textbooks during the exam preparation season, and Chemistry titles are among the most commonly available.
If there are no bookstores near you or you prefer home delivery, click any of the linked titles above to purchase online. Orders are typically delivered within a few days depending on your location in Nigeria.
You can also check your school library or borrow from a classmate who already has one of the books. If you only need the book to revise specific syllabus topics before your exam, borrowing is a perfectly practical option.
Remember. These JAMB Chemistry textbooks are only “recommended” not compulsory.
Other Chemistry textbooks (not on the above list) are good too. As long as they also contain good explanations to the JAMB Chemistry topics.
Download the list of JAMB Chemistry textbooks PDF
Click the button below to download the PDF list of the best Chemistry books for UTME and other recommended Chemistry textbooks for JAMB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chemistry Textbooks for JAMB
What are the best Chemistry books for UTME?
The best Chemistry textbooks for JAMB are the ones officially recommended by JAMB and listed on this page. Among the most widely used is New School Chemistry by Osei Yaw Ababio, which is considered the most popular JAMB Chemistry textbook in Nigeria. It covers virtually every topic in the JAMB Chemistry syllabus with clear explanations and worked examples. Other strong options include Essential Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by Odesina and Understanding Chemistry by Ojokuku. Any of these three will give you a solid foundation for your UTME Chemistry preparation.
Which textbooks are listed as official JAMB Chemistry books?
The official Chemistry textbooks for JAMB are the five books listed on this page, sourced directly from the JAMB IBASS platform. They are the books JAMB has approved as recommended reading for UTME Chemistry candidates. Using any of them gives you confidence that your preparation aligns with the official syllabus and the topics JAMB tests in the exam.
Can I pass JAMB Chemistry using the recommended textbooks?
Yes, absolutely. Studying from the recommended Chemistry textbooks for JAMB alongside the official syllabus and practicing past questions consistently is one of the most reliable preparation strategies available. The textbooks cover the theory, the syllabus tells you what to prioritise, and past questions show you exactly how JAMB frames their questions. Used together, these three resources are enough to score high in JAMB Chemistry.
Why should I use JAMB recommended Chemistry textbooks?
Because they are aligned with what JAMB actually tests. JAMB recommends these books specifically because their content matches the official Chemistry syllabus. Studying from them means you are not wasting time on topics that will not appear in your exam. They also tend to explain concepts at the right level for UTME, which makes them more useful than more advanced university-level Chemistry books that go beyond what JAMB requires.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Chemistry textbooks for JAMB is one of the most practical steps you can take to improve your UTME score. Chemistry rewards candidates who understand concepts deeply, not those who memorise without understanding. The books on this list are built to help you do exactly that.
Pick one strong title from the list, follow the JAMB Chemistry syllabus as your guide, and back your reading with regular past question practice. That is the formula that works.
If you have questions about any of the textbooks listed or need help deciding which one suits your current preparation level, drop a comment below and we will respond as quickly as possible.