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JAMB Christian Religious Studies syllabus.

52 topics, with subtopics and objectives.

About this syllabus official

Summarised from the examining body's own published syllabus. 52 topics, verified 2026-10-24.

Current UTME syllabus as served by IBASS on 2026-10-24; JAMB does not print the applicable years in this document.

Structure (sections, topics, contents and objectives) summarised from JAMB's publicly published UTME syllabus, with citation and link. The document itself is not reproduced or redistributed.

Source: https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng/static/media/CRS.7f96f8e535ca408ca474.pdf

Source: https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng/e-syllabus

General objectives

acquire the 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

Topics

1. The sovereignty of God (SS 1-3)

God as Creator and Controller of the universe (Gen. 1 and 2) cf. Amos 9:5-6; Is. 45:5-12; Ps. 19:1-6; Jer. 18:1-16; Rom. 8:28

You should be able to:

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
recognize the sovereignty of God in the affairs of man and nations

2. The covenant (SS 1-3)

the flood and God's covenant with Noah (Gen. 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17)
God's covenant with Abraham (Gen. 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13; 25:19-26)
God's covenant with Israel (Ex. 19; 20; 24:1-11) cf. Deut. 28:1-19
the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-28)

You should be able to:

explain the concept of covenant
examine the importance and implication of the covenants
distinguish between God's covenants with Noah, Abraham and Israel
distinguish between the old and the new covenants

Practice this topic →

3. Leadership qualities (SS 1-3)

Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)
Moses (Ex. 1; 2; 3; 4:1-17; 5; 12; Num. 13:1-20; 14:1-19)
Joshua (Num. 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Josh. 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31)
Judges: Deborah (Judges 4:1-24), Gideon (Judges 6:11-40), Samson (Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31)

You should be able to:

examine the circumstances that gave rise to the leadership of Joseph, Moses, Joshua and the Judges
identify the major talents of these leaders
assess God's role in the works of these leaders
analyse the achievements of these leaders

4. Divine providence, guidance and protection (SS 1-3)

guidance (Ex. 13:17-22; Josh. 8:1-22; Heb. 1:1; Matt. 11:27-30)
protection (Ex. 14:10-31; Dan. 6:16-23; Ps. 91)
provision (Ex. 16:1-21; 17:1-7; 13:20-22; 1 Kgs 17:1-16; Num. 20:1-13)

You should be able to:

identify the different ways by which God guided and protected the people of Israel
specify how God provided for His people
identify the different occasions when God provided for Israel
recognize that God still provides for people today

5. Parental responsibility (SS 1-3)

Eli and Samuel (1 Sam. 2:11-36; 3:2-18; 4:10-22; 8:15)
David (II Sam. 13; 15:1-29; 18; 19:1-8)
Asa (1 Kings 15:9-15; 22:41-44) cf. Deut. 6:4-9; Prov. 4:1-10; 13:1; 24; 22:6; 23:13-14; 31:10-31

You should be able to:

determine the extent to which Eli, Samuel and David were responsible for the short-comings of their children
describe how Asa pleased God

6. Obedience and disobedience (SS 1-3)

obedience and rewards: Abraham (Gen. 22:1-19), the Three Hebrew Youths (Dan. 3:1-30), David (1 Sam. 30:1-20)
disobedience and consequences: Adam (Gen. 2:15-25; 3), collection of manna (Ex. 16:22-30), the golden calf (Ex. 32), Moses (Num. 20:7-12; Deut. 34:1-6), Saul (1 Sam. 10:1-16; 15:1-25; 16:14-23; 31:1-13)

You should be able to:

determine why Abraham, the Three Hebrew Youths and David obeyed God
identify the rewards for obedience
compare the disobedience of Adam, the people of Israel, Moses and Saul
indicate the reasons for their disobedience
identify the consequences of disobedience

7. A man after God's own heart (SS 1-3)

the early life of David (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 17; 18:17-30; 22:1-5; 24:1-23; II Sam. 2:1-7; 3:1-39)
David's submission to the will of God (I Sam. 26:1-25; II Sam. 12:15-25)
David's repentance and forgiveness (II Sam. 11; 12:1-15) cf. Ps. 51

You should be able to:

identify David's anointing experience
specify how David submitted to the will of God
examine the situations that led to David's sin and repentance
identify the consequences of David's sin
identify why God forgave David

8. Decision-making (SS 1-3)

reliance on a medium (I Sam. 28:3-25)
the wisdom of Solomon (I Kings 3:3-28; 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53)
unwise policies of Solomon and Rehoboam (I Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40; 12:1-20)

You should be able to:

identify the source of Solomon's wisdom
compare the different ways used by Saul and Solomon in making decisions
analyse the decisions made by Saul, Solomon and Rehoboam
assess the consequences of Solomon and Rehoboam's unwise decisions

9. Greed and its effects (SS 1-3)

Ahab (I Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; II Kings 9:30-37)
Gehazi (II Kings 5:1-27) cf. Josh. 7

You should be able to:

deduce the meaning of greed
distinguish between Ahab and Gehazi's greed
analyse the consequences of Ahab and Gehazi's greed

10. The supremacy of God (SS 1-3)

religious tension and the power of God on Mount Carmel (I Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18; 19:1-18)

You should be able to:

assess the religious situation in Israel at the time of Elijah and Ahab
identify the characters involved in the contest on Mount Carmel
differentiate between God's power and that of Baal

11. Religious reforms in Judah (SS 1-3)

cleansing of the Temple (II Kings 22)
renewal of the covenant (II Kings 23:1-30)

You should be able to:

analyse Josiah's religious reforms
determine the reasons for the renewal of the covenant
assess the significance of the reforms

12. Concern for Judah (SS 1-3)

the fall of Jerusalem (II Kings 24; 25:1-17)
condition of Judah (Neh. 1:1-11; Ezra 1:1-11)
response to the state of Judah (Neh. 2; 4:1-23; Ezra 3:4; 5; 6; 7)

You should be able to:

identify the reasons for the fall of Jerusalem
examine the condition of Judah during the exile
analyse the people's response to the call of Nehemiah and Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem
distinguish between Nehemiah and Ezra's responses to the opposition of their enemies

13. Faith, courage and protection (SS 1-3)

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan. 3:1-30; 6:1-28)

You should be able to:

analyse the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel
determine the occasions in which the four men demonstrated faith
analyse the effects of the faith of the four men on the Babylonians
identify the qualities of faith of the four men worthy of emulation

14. God's message to Nineveh (SS 1-3)

Jonah and his message (Jonah 1; 2; 3 and 4)

You should be able to:

analyse the story of Jonah's call
describe the consequences of Jonah's disobedience
assess the effect of Jonah's message on the Ninevites
emulate the example of the Ninevites

15. Social justice, true religion and divine love (SS 1-3)

social justice and true religion (Amos 2:6-8; 4; 5:1-25; 6:1-14; 7:10-17; 8:4-14) cf. James 1:19-27
divine love and human response (Hosea 1; 2; 3; 4; 6:1-11; 14)

You should be able to:

determine what true religion is
identify the ills that led to the call for social justice in Amos' time
identify the punishment meted for evil deeds
examine the condition in Israel during Hosea's time
analyse Hosea's portrayal of divine love and human response

16. Holiness and divine call (SS 1-3)

Isaiah 6:1-13; Ezek. 2; 3:1-11; Jer. 1:4-10

You should be able to:

analyze the vision of Isaiah on God's holiness
distinguish the calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah
compare the assignments given to these prophets
determine the need for God's people to be holy

17. Punishment and hope (SS 1-3)

Jer. 3:11-18; 32:26-35; Ezek. 18; 37:1-14; Isaiah 61; Jer. 4:5-8

You should be able to:

describe the situations that led to the punishment of Israel
identify the conditions for hope
determine the benefits of restoration

18. The birth and early life of Jesus (SS 1-3)

John, the forerunner of Jesus (Lk. 1:5-25, 57-66; 3:1-20; 7:18-35; Mk. 1:1-8; 6:14-29; Mt. 3:1-12; 11:2-19; Jn. 1:6-8, 19-37; 3:22-36)
the birth and boyhood of Jesus (Mt. 1:18-25; 2; Lk. 1:26-45; 2)

You should be able to:

compare the stories of the births of John and Jesus
assess the importance of John as the forerunner of Jesus
describe the boyhood of Jesus

19. The baptism and temptation of Jesus (SS 1-3)

Mt. 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mk. 1:9-13; Lk. 3:21-22; 4:1-13

You should be able to:

determine the meaning and purpose of the baptism of Jesus
enumerate the temptations of Jesus
examine the significance of the temptations of Jesus
describe how Jesus overcame the temptations

20. Discipleship (SS 1-3)

the call of the first disciples (Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9-13; Mk. 1:16-20; 2:13-17; Lk. 5:1-11, 27-32)
the demands of discipleship (Mt. 8:19-22; Lk. 9:57-63; 14:25-33)

You should be able to:

identify the first disciples to be called by Jesus
determine the demands of discipleship

21. Miracles (SS 1-3)

nature miracles: stilling the storm (Mt. 8:23-27; Mk. 4:35-41; Lk. 8:22-25); feeding of the five thousand (Mt. 14:13-24; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-13); walking on the sea (Mt. 14:22-26; Mk. 6:45-52; Jn. 6:16-21); changing water to wine (Jn. 2:1-11)
miracles of resuscitation: Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-45); Jairus' daughter (Lk. 8:41-42, 49-56; Mk. 5:21-43); the widow's son at Nain (Lk. 7:11-17)
healing miracles: the lepers (Mt. 8:1-4; Mk. 1:40-45; Lk. 5:12-16; 17:11-19); the paralytic at the pool (Jn. 5:1-17); the centurion's servant (Mt. 8:5-13; Lk. 7:1-10); the blind (Jn. 9:1-12; Mk. 10:46-52; Lk. 18:35-43)
exorcism: the Gerasene (Gadarene) demoniac (Mt. 8:28-34; Mk. 5:1-20; Lk. 8:26-39); the epileptic boy (Mk. 9:14-29; Lk. 9:37-43a; Mt. 17:14-21)

You should be able to:

classify the different miracles of Jesus
indicate the occasion of each of the miracles
examine the significance of each of the miracles

22. The parables (SS 1-3)

parables of the kingdom: the sower (Mt. 13:1-23; Mk. 4:1-20); the weeds (Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43); the drag-net (Mt. 13:47-50); the wedding garment (Matt. 22:1-14)
parables about love of God (Mt. 18:12-14; Lk. 15:1-32)
parables about love for one another (Lk. 10:25-37; 16:19-31)
parable about wealth: the rich fool (Lk. 12:13-21)
parables on prayer (Lk. 18:2-14)

You should be able to:

define a parable
classify the different parables of Jesus
identify the occasion of each parable
interpret the meaning of each parable
give reasons why Jesus taught in parables

23. Sermon on the Mount (SS 1-3)

Mt. 5; 6; Lk. 6:17-26

You should be able to:

analyse the teachings on the Mount
identify the demands of the Kingdom
determine the consequences of placing worldly possessions above heavenly treasures
associate the rewards for obedience with the Sermon on the Mount

24. Mission of the disciples (SS 1-3)

the mission of the twelve (Mt. 10:5-15; Mk. 6:7-13; Lk. 9:1-16)
the mission of the seventy (Lk. 10:1-24)

You should be able to:

distinguish between the mission of the twelve and the seventy
specify the instructions to the disciples
assess the outcomes of the missions

25. The Great Confession (SS 1-3)

Mt. 16:13-20; Mk. 8:27-30; Lk. 9:18-22

You should be able to:

analyse the confession by Peter
identify the occasion of the Great Confession
examine the significance of the Great Confession

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26. The Transfiguration (SS 1-3)

Mt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36

You should be able to:

trace the events leading to the Transfiguration
identify the personalities involved in the Transfiguration account
determine the significance of the Transfiguration to the disciples

27. The Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple (SS 1-3)

Mt. 21:1-17; Mk. 11:1-19; Lk. 19:29-48

You should be able to:

recount the Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple
determine the significance of the Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple
examine how the cleansing of the Temple caused hostility towards Jesus

28. The Last Supper (SS 1-3)

Mt. 26:17-30; Mk. 14:10-26; Lk. 22:7-23; Jn. 13:2-38

You should be able to:

trace the story of the Last Supper
evaluate the significance of the Last Supper

29. The trials and the death of Jesus (SS 1-3)

trial before the High Priest (Mt. 26:36-75; Mk. 14:53-72; Lk. 22:66-71)
trial before Pilate (Mt. 27:11-26; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-5, 13-25; Jn. 18:28-40; 19:1-16)
trial before Herod (Lk. 23:6-12)
crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Mt. 27:32-66; Lk. 23:26-56; Mk. 15:16-47; Jn. 19:17-42)

You should be able to:

analyse the different trials of Jesus
describe the crucifixion and burial of Jesus
deduce the lessons of the death of Jesus
recount the statements of Jesus on the cross

30. Resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus (SS 1-3)

Mt. 28:1-20; Mk. 16:1-20; Lk. 24:1-53; Jn. 20:1-31; Acts 1:1-11

You should be able to:

trace the stories of the resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus
compare the personalities involved in the stories
analyse the relevance of the resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus

31. Jesus' teachings about Himself (SS 1-3)

the Bread of Life and the Living Water (Jn. 4:7-15; 6:25-58)
the Light of the World (Jn. 1:4-8; 3:19-21; 8:12; 9:1-5; 12:35-36; 1 Jn. 1:5-7)
the Door, the Lamb and the Good Shepherd (Jn. 1:29-34; 10:1-18)
the True Vine (Jn. 15:1-11)
the Resurrection (Jn. 11:25)

You should be able to:

analyse the different teachings of Jesus about Himself
deduce the reasons for Jesus' teachings about Himself
interpret the meanings of the symbols used by Jesus about Himself

32. Love (SS 1-3)

God's love for man (Jn. 3:16-18)
love for one another (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12-13; 1 Cor. 13) cf. I Jn. 4:7-21

You should be able to:

describe God's love for man
identify various types of love
specify the ways they can love one another
evaluate the significance of love

33. Fellowship in the Early Church (SS 1-3)

communal living (Acts 1:15-26; 2:41-47; 4:32-37)
problems of communal living and solutions (Acts 5:1-11; 6:1-6)

You should be able to:

identify the reasons for communal living in the Early Church
identify the problems of communal living and their solutions
examine how communal living helped the growth of the Early Church

34. The Holy Spirit and the mission of the Church (SS 1-3)

the Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:1-41)
the mission of the Church (Acts 8:4-40)

You should be able to:

trace the story of the Pentecost
identify the signs associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit
examine the significance of the Pentecost experience
analyse the mission of the Church

35. Opposition to the Gospel message (SS 1-3)

the arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John (Acts 3; 4:1-22; 5:17-42; 12:1-24)
the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7)
persecution by Saul (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2) cf. Gal. 1:11-17
persecution of Paul (Acts 16:11-40; 19:23-41; 21:27-36) cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-33

You should be able to:

trace the story of the arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John
trace the events that led to the martyrdom of Stephen
describe the role of Saul in the persecution of the Church
evaluate the importance of persecution to the growth of the Church
account for the persecution of Paul

36. Mission to the Gentiles (SS 1-3)

conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-30; 22:4-21; 26:9-18)
conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)
the commissioning and mission of Paul (Acts 13; 14:1-20)
the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35; Gal. 2:1-21)

You should be able to:

compare the conversions of Saul and Cornelius
analyse the commissioning and mission of Paul
examine the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem
identify the personalities involved at the Council of Jerusalem
examine the relevance of the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem
assess Paul's role in the mission to the Gentiles

37. Justification by faith (SS 1-3)

Rom. 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13; Gal. 2:16-21

You should be able to:

interpret the phrase 'justification by faith'
identify the basic conditions for justification
determine the fruits of justification

38. The Law and grace (SS 1-3)

Rom. 4:13-25; 5:18-21; Gal. 3:10-14, 19-29; Rom. 3:24

You should be able to:

examine the purpose and significance of the law and grace
identify the place of the Law among the Jews

39. New life in Christ (SS 1-3)

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

You should be able to:

describe the characteristics of the old life
analyse the new life in Christ
identify the conditions of the new life
examine the benefits of the new life

40. Christians as joint heirs with Christ (SS 1-3)

Gal. 3:23-29; 4:1-7

You should be able to:

describe how Christians are joint heirs with Christ
recognize that males and females are all children of God
indicate the benefits of being joint heirs with Christ

41. Humility (SS 1-3)

Phil. 2:1-11; I Pet. 5:5-11; James 4:10; Matt. 23:12

You should be able to:

determine the meaning of humility
identify the requirements of humility
identify the rewards of humility

42. Forgiveness (SS 1-3)

Philemon; II Cor. 2:5-11; Matt. 7:14-15 (as printed)

You should be able to:

analyse Paul's teaching on forgiveness
assess the benefits of forgiveness
recognize the need to forgive others

43. Spiritual gifts (SS 1-3)

I Cor. 12; Rom. 12:3-18; I Cor. 14

You should be able to:

identify the different spiritual gifts
analyse the benefits of spiritual gifts to the individual and the church
differentiate between spiritual gifts and talents

44. Christian giving (SS 1-3)

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

You should be able to:

interpret the concept of Christian giving
relate the teachings of Paul on Christian giving
identify the importance of Christian giving

45. Civic responsibility (SS 1-3)

Rom. 13; I Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-17

You should be able to:

identify the need for obedience to authority
specify the requirements of good citizenship

46. Dignity of labour (SS 1-3)

Matt. 20:1-16; II Thess. 3:6-15; Col. 3:23-25

You should be able to:

interpret the concept of dignity of labour
analyse the benefits of labour
recognize that no particular kind of work leads to loss of respect for personal dignity

47. The second coming of Christ (SS 1-3)

the signs of the coming of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; II Thess. 2:1-12)
preparation for His coming (Matt. 25:31-46; I Thess. 5:1-11; II Pet. 3:1-13)

You should be able to:

identify the signs of the Second Coming of Christ
specify the preparations for His coming
indicate what will happen during His Second Coming
examine the importance of His coming

48. Impartiality (SS 1-3)

James 2:1-13 cf. Acts 10:34-35; Matt. 7:1-5; Luke 6:31

You should be able to:

interpret the concept of impartiality
identify causes of partiality
examine the consequences of partiality

49. Effective prayer (SS 1-3)

James 1:2-8; 4:1-3; 5:13-18 cf. Matt. 6:5-13

You should be able to:

identify the requirements of effective prayer
distinguish between effective and ineffective prayer
identify the importance of prayer
identify types of prayer

50. Christian living in the community (SS 1-3)

interpersonal relationships among Christians (I Pet. 5:1-4; Rom. 12:3-21; 2 Pet. 1:3-11; Heb. 13:1-21)
Christians living among non-Christians (I Pet. 2:3-25; Rom. 15:1-2)
Christian attitude to persecution (I Pet. 1:5-9; 4:1-19; 3:13-22)
relationship in the Christian family (Eph. 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-21; I Pet. 3:1-7)

You should be able to:

determine interpersonal relationships among Christians
analyse Christian living among non-Christians
relate Christian attitude to persecution
determine the relationship in the Christian family
examine the importance of maintaining good relationships

51. Corruption (SS 1-3)

1 Tim. 6:6-11; 2 Tim. 3:8; 2 Pet. 1:4-11; James 5:1-6

You should be able to:

define the term corruption
identify the causes of corruption
determine the effects and consequences of corruption
identify ways of curbing corruption

52. Sexual immorality (SS 1-3)

prostitution (1 Cor. 6:16-20 cf. Prov. 7:10-27; 23:27-28)
adultery and fornication (Heb. 13:4; Eph. 5:3-10 cf. Matt. 5:28-32; Deut. 22:22; Lev. 20:10)
homosexuality (Rom. 1:24-32 cf. Lev. 18:21-30; 20:13)

You should be able to:

identify what constitutes sexual immorality
determine the causes of sexual immorality
examine the effects and consequences of sexual immorality
identify ways of curbing sexual immorality

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