Geography is one of the most visual and map-heavy subjects in JAMB UTME. The topics span physical geography, human geography, regional geography of Nigeria and West Africa, and map reading. Candidates who study from books not aligned with the official syllabus often find themselves unprepared for the regional and map-based questions that regularly appear in the exam.
This page gives you the complete list of Geography textbooks for JAMB recommended by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for UTME candidates. These books cover the core Geography topics in the official syllabus including climate and vegetation, landforms, population, trade, Nigerian geography, West African geography, and map interpretation.
One important note: map reading is a significant part of JAMB Geography and many candidates neglect it. Make sure at least one of the books you study from covers map reading thoroughly. Map Reading of West Africa by Nimako is specifically on this list for that reason.
You can also check the complete list of JAMB recommended textbooks for all subjects to see the official books approved for Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, Government, Economics, and other UTME subjects.
Take note.
Other textbooks that are not on this list are also good to have and study.
But these JAMB Geography textbooks have been confirmed by JAMB to contain quality explanations on all the topics in the JAMB GEOGRAPHY SYLLABUS.
Table of Contents
List of Recommended Geography textbooks for JAMB
Below is the list of official JAMB Geography 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.
- A COMPREHENSIVE TEXT ON PHYSICAL, HUMAN AND REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY — Adegoke, M. A. (2013).
- A NEW GEOGRAPHY OF NIGERIA (NEW EDUCATION) — Iloeje, N. P. (1982).
- A NEW GEOGRAPHY OF WEST AFRICA — Iloeje, N. P. (1999).
- A REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA (NEW EDITION) — Okunrotifa, P. O. and Michael, S. (2000).
- CERTIFICATE PHYSICAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (WEST AFRICAN EDITION) — Adeleke, B. O., Areola, O. and Leong, G. C. (2002).
- COLLINS NEW SECONDARY ATLAS — Macmillan.
- CONTEMPORARY WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY — Bradshaw, M. et al (2004).
- GENERAL GEOGRAPHY IN DIAGRAMS FOR WEST AFRICA — Bunet, R. B and Okunrotifa, P. O. (1999).
- GEOGRAPHY: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH (2ND EDITION) — Waugh, D. (1995).
- GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS OF NIGERIA — Udo, R. K. (1970).
- INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY (7TH EDITION) — Fellman, D. et al (2005).
- INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY (9TH EDITION) — Getis, A. et al (2004).
- MAP READING OF WEST AFRICA — Nimako, D. A. (2000).
Source: JAMB
How to get these JAMB Geography textbooks
There are three straightforward ways to get any of the Geography textbooks for JAMB listed above.
The most direct option is visiting a nearby bookstore. Walk in and ask for the specific title and author you want. Geography textbooks are widely stocked in most Nigerian educational bookstores, especially titles like A New Geography of Nigeria by Iloeje which has been a staple in secondary schools for decades.
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. Several of the titles on this list are commonly found in secondary school libraries since they are standard Geography texts used in classroom teaching.
Remember. These JAMB Geography textbooks are only “recommended” not compulsory.
Other Geography textbooks (not on the above list) are good too. As long as they also contain good explanations to the JAMB Geography topics.
Download the list of JAMB Geography textbooks PDF
Click the button below to download the PDF list of the best Geography textbooks for JAMB and other JAMB recommended Geography textbooks for this year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Geography Textbooks for JAMB
What are the best Geography books for UTME?
The best Geography textbooks for JAMB are the ones officially recommended by JAMB and listed on this page. Among the most widely used are A New Geography of Nigeria by Iloeje, Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Adeleke, Areola and Leong, and General Geography in Diagrams for West Africa by Bunet and Okunrotifa. These three are thorough, widely available in Nigerian bookstores, and cover the major Geography topics that appear in JAMB UTME including physical geography, regional geography, and map reading. A New Geography of Nigeria by Iloeje in particular is considered essential for any candidate studying Geography because Nigerian geography features prominently in the exam.
Are JAMB Geography textbooks compulsory?
No, they are not compulsory. JAMB recommends these books because they align with the official Geography syllabus, but you are free to use other Geography textbooks as long as they cover the same topics clearly. What matters most is that you cover physical geography, human geography, regional geography of Nigeria and West Africa, and map reading before your exam. If you already have a solid Geography textbook from secondary school that covers these areas, it may be sufficient when combined with the JAMB syllabus and consistent past question practice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Geography textbooks for JAMB keeps your preparation focused on the topics that actually appear in UTME. Geography is a broad subject and without a structured textbook aligned to the official syllabus, it is easy to spend weeks preparing without covering the areas JAMB prioritises.
Pick one or two strong titles from the list above, pay particular attention to Nigerian and West African regional geography and map reading, and back your reading with consistent past question practice. Those are the areas where most marks are won and lost in JAMB Geography.
If you have questions about any of the textbooks listed or need help choosing the right one for your preparation level, drop a comment below and we will respond as quickly as possible.