JAMB Computer Science syllabus.

About this syllabus official

Summarised from the examining body's own published syllabus. 36 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/Computer.ea1ead8cea82f53d3717.pdf

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

General objectives

• evolution of computing systems
• basic concepts of computer and its operations
• problem solving skills, data processing and practical skills in computing
• system software and application software
• operations of basic computer hardware: input, output, memory and CPU
• application of online resources and online skills
• ethics and human issues in computing
• career prospects in computing

Topics

1. History of computing (SS 1-3)

• pre-computing age (to the 19th century): features and components
• computing devices of the 20th century
• the history behind each device: abacus, slide rule, Napier's bones, Pascal calculator, Leibniz multiplier, Jacquard loom, Charles Babbage's analytical engine, Hollerith census machine, Burroughs machine; ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC 1, desktop personal computers

You should be able to:

• identify the computing devices since the early beginning of counting/computing
• discuss the contributions and uses of each of the founders of these devices

2. Classification of computing devices (SS 1-3)

• by generation: first, second, third, fourth to current
• by size
• by purpose
• by type

You should be able to:

• relate each generation to its characteristic features
• describe each generation by year of development, basic components/technology, speed of operation and storage capacity
• explain classification by size (micro, mini, mainframe, super)
• differentiate modern computer systems by size, components, data and usage (personal computers, desktops, laptops, tablets, hand-held, servers, workstations, mainframes, wearable, supercomputers; digital, analog, hybrid; special and general purpose)
• state the importance and use of these computing systems

3. Overview of computing systems (SS 1-3)

• two main constituents of a computer (hardware and software)
• characteristics of computers
• types, examples and uses of computer hardware
• logic circuits
• types, examples and uses of software

You should be able to:

• define a computer system in relation to its nature and programmability and list its functional parts
• explain the characteristics of computers (electronic, accuracy, speed, interactive, reliability, consistency, large storage)
• identify the differences between hardware and software
• list components of computer hardware and their functions: CPU, peripherals (input and output devices), storage media
• explain the functions and examples of major input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, voice, digital camera) and the classification of keyboard keys
• define and give examples of output devices (monitor, printer, speaker, plotter) and compare inkjet, laser and line printers
• list the components of the CPU (ALU, control unit, registers) and explain their functions
• distinguish between primary and secondary memory; explain the uses and differences of RAM and ROM
• give examples of secondary storage (floppy disk, magnetic tape, hard disk, CD, DVD, USB) and compare them by size, speed, cost and technology
• list units of storage and their relationships (bit, nibble, byte, word, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte)
• define register, bus and address; explain the functions of MDR, MAR, MBR, AC, PC and CIR
• explain the differences between register and main memory
• state the steps by which a computer converts data to information (input-process-output)
• enumerate factors affecting speed of data transfer (bus speed and bus width)
• define the types and uses of AND, NOT, OR, NOR and NAND gates
• interpret logic equations, list symbols and construct truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates
• define comparator and construct a simple comparator with XOR and NOR gates
• differentiate between system and application software
• list types of system software (operating systems, utility software, middleware, device drivers, translators)
• define operating system, list its functions and user interfaces (command line, menu, GUI) and give examples (MS Windows, Linux, Unix; Android, Blackberry, iPhone)
• define utility software, list its functions, types and examples (editors, anti-virus)
• define translators and explain the differences among interpreter, assembler and compiler
• list examples of application software and their usage
• differentiate between open source and proprietary software
• describe methods of acquiring application software (built in-house and off-the-shelf)
• explain the differences between user application programs and general-purpose application packages
• give examples of off-the-shelf packages (word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, graphics, accounting, payroll, government, banking, statistics, educational, hospital)

4. Data and information (SS 1-3)

• differences between data and information
• data representation
• methods of digitisation

You should be able to:

• define data and information
• list properties of information
• list data types (integers, real numbers, strings, multimedia)
• identify ways of representing data in number bases, especially binary, decimal and hexadecimal
• define digitization
• explain the process of digitization (manual, heads-up, interactive tracing, automatic)
• list formats of digitized data (image, audio, video, motion, text, multimedia)

5. Word processing package (SS 1-3)

• general concept
• creating and saving documents
• editing, formatting and insertion
• printing
• MS Word: features, launching, basic and other operations

You should be able to:

• define word processing and give examples of packages (MS Word, WordStar, WordPerfect, Open Word)
• identify features of word processing packages (create, save, edit, insert, print, share)
• list application areas (office, publishing, journalism, education)
• launch MS Word
• perform basic operations: create, edit, save, retrieve, print, copy and move
• use different types and sizes of fonts
• format, justify, search, spell-check and merge files
• close MS Word

6. Spreadsheet package (SS 1-3)

• general concept
• creating and saving documents
• editing, formatting and insertion
• printing
• MS Excel: features, launching, basic and other operations

You should be able to:

• define spreadsheet and give examples of packages (MS Excel, VisiCalc, SuperCalc, SPSS, Calc)
• identify features of spreadsheet packages (environment, status bar, menu bar, formula bar)
• list application areas (accounting, engineering, statistics, calculation, what-if scenarios, education)
• launch MS Excel and define basic terms (worksheet, workbook, cells, cell ranges)
• create, edit, save, retrieve and print spreadsheet documents
• use data types (numbers, labels, formulae)
• perform arithmetic calculations using formulae and inbuilt functions
• perform formatting, editing, printing and drawing charts
• close MS Excel

7. Database package (SS 1-3)

• definition of database and examples of database packages
• database organizations
• features of database format
• basic operations of database using MS Access
• creating a database using MS Access
• operations on an existing database using MS Access

You should be able to:

• define database and give examples of packages (dBase, FoxBase, MS Access, Oracle)
• define basic database terms (file, record, field, key, form, table)
• list and explain types of database organisation (hierarchical, network, relational)
• list application areas of databases
• explain the database format in MS Access (tables, rows as records, columns as fields)
• create a database in MS Access: define structure, indicate field types, enter and save data
• search, modify, sort, report, select and insert in an existing MS Access database
• close the MS Access database

8. Graphics package (SS 1-3)

• definitions and examples of graphics packages
• features of CorelDraw
• simple design using CorelDraw

You should be able to:

• define graphics and give examples of packages (Paint, Harvard Graphics, Photoshop, CorelDraw, AutoCAD)
• explain features of CorelDraw
• use CorelDraw features to open an existing file
• use CorelDraw to design a business card, school logo, national flag, invitation card, certificate, etc.

9. Presentation package (SS 1-3)

• definition and examples of presentation packages
• PowerPoint: features of the environment; activating an existing presentation; operations

You should be able to:

• define presentation and give examples of packages (MS PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker, Macromedia Flash, Impress, Apple Keynote)
• explain features of the PowerPoint environment
• explain steps in activating a PowerPoint presentation
• create a presentation; insert pictures, text, graphs, animations and slides; save, run slide show, print and close

10. Web design package (SS 1-3)

• definition and examples of web design packages
• uses of web design packages
• elements of web design

You should be able to:

• define and give examples of web design packages (HTML, XML, Dreamweaver, RapidWeaver, Google Web Designer, Microsoft SharePoint Designer, NetObjects Fusion, Xara Web Designer)
• list elements of web design (navigation, visual design, content, web-friendliness, interaction, information accessibility, intuitiveness, branding, turnaround time, conversion)
• use Dreamweaver for social media management and marketing, website design and development, pay-per-click management

11. Concept of computer files (SS 1-3)

• definitions of basic terms
• file organisations
• methods of accessing files
• file classifications
• criteria for classifying files

You should be able to:

• define file, record, field and data item
• identify and use basic data types (numeric, alphabetic, alphanumeric)
• explain the relationship among data item, field, record, file and database
• classify files by organisation (serial, sequential, indexed, random)
• access files as appropriate (serial, sequential, random)
• classify files into master, transaction and reference
• explain criteria for classifying files (nature of content, organization method, storage medium, date, size)

12. Handling computer files (SS 1-3)

• basic operations
• data loss
• security
• computer versus manual files

You should be able to:

• perform basic file operations (create, delete, retrieve, insert, copy, view, update, open, close)
• identify causes of data loss (overwriting, inadvertent deletion, hardware malfunction, virus attack, theft, arson, natural disaster)
• use methods of securing data and maintaining integrity (backup, antivirus, PIN, biometrics, passwords, labelling storage devices, CCTV, physical security, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms)
• compare advantages and disadvantages of computer and manual files

13. Booting and shutting down process (SS 1-3)

You should be able to:

• define booting
• list the two types of booting (cold and warm) and explain their difference
• explain the steps in booting and shutting down a computer system

14. Computer maintenance (SS 1-3)

You should be able to:

• perform general cleaning of the computer system
• charge and replace batteries for portable systems and UPS
• clean drive lens
• perform simple hardware and software maintenance
• recover data from a crashed system

15. Computer room management (SS 1-3)

You should be able to:

• define proper sitting arrangement
• position the monitor, keyboard, CPU, mouse and peripherals appropriately
• ensure proper illumination of the computer room
• maintain a dust-free environment
• keep liquids away from the computer room
• keep strictly to laboratory rules and regulations

16. Communication systems (SS 1-3)

• definitions and acronym of ICT
• types and examples of ICT

You should be able to:

• state the full meaning of ICT and define it
• list types of ICT (broadcasting, telecommunication, data network, information systems, satellite communication)
• give examples of broadcasting (radio, television, satellite)
• list types of telecommunications (PSTN land line, mobile phone, circuit-switched packet telephone, satellite telephone, fixed wireless telephone)
• list types of data network (PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN, intranet, internet)
• list types of information system (data processing system, GPS)

17. Application areas of ICT (SS 1-3)

• application areas
• ICT-based devices

You should be able to:

• define application areas of ICT (teleconferencing, video conferencing, telecommuting, telecomputing, messaging, information search, retrieval and archival, e-learning, telemedicine, e-commerce, e-government, e-library)
• list ICT devices (mobile phones, computers, ATMs, dispensing machines, point-of-sale machines, automated cash registers, radio, television, scanners)

18. Internet (SS 1-3)

• definition of terms
• internet browsers
• features of internet browsers
• internet services

You should be able to:

• define the internet
• define and illustrate home page, browse, browser, chatroom, cybercafe, HTTP, HTML, ISP, webpage, website
• access the internet through a browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, Google Chrome)
• explain browser features (title bar, menu bar, tool bar, address bar, icons, search bar, URL/hypertext link)
• describe internet services (e-mail, discussion groups, instant messaging, virtual meeting platforms, FTP, WWW, search engines)

19. Electronic mail (SS 1-3)

• definition
• e-mail service
• steps in creating and opening mail (mailbox and chatting)
• features of an e-mail address

You should be able to:

• define electronic mail and chatting
• list e-mail services (creating an address, composing, sending/receiving, attachments, chatting, mailing lists)
• explain the features of an e-mail address (user@domainname)
• explain the components of a domain name

20. Networking (SS 1-3)

• definitions
• network types
• network topologies
• network devices

You should be able to:

• define computer network
• list and define types of network (PAN, LAN, WAN, MAN, intranet, extranet, internet)
• explain the differences in star, bus and ring topologies
• define and explain the use of network devices (hub, modem, switch, router, gateway, repeater, access point, network interface card)

21. World Wide Web (WWW) (SS 1-3)

• definition and full meanings of acronyms
• brief history of WWW
• basic terminologies
• protocols
• advantages and disadvantages of WWW
• navigation through websites
• software for web development
• differences between e-mail and website

You should be able to:

• give the full meanings of WWW, HTTP, HTTPS, HTML, XML
• explain the history of the WWW
• explain basic terminologies (website, webpage, homepage, protocol)
• define protocol and list types (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP)
• list uses and benefits of the WWW
• list disadvantages of the WWW (data and identity theft, cyberbullying, fake news, hacking, spam, paedophiles)
• navigate through websites (e.g. www.jamb.org.ng, www.waec.org.ng, www.neco.org.ng)
• use software for web development (FrontPage, WordPress, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Google Web Designer)
• differentiate between an e-mail address and a website address

22. Cables and connectors (SS 1-3)

• network cables and connectors
• computer cables and connectors

You should be able to:

• identify network cables (twisted pair, coaxial, fibre optics) and connectors (RJ45, RJ11, T-connectors)
• identify computer cables (power, data, printer, USB, monitor, serial, parallel) and connectors (male and female)

23. Programming language (PL) (SS 1-3)

• definition and classification of PL
• advantages and disadvantages of different levels of PL

You should be able to:

• define programming language
• identify classifications of PL: machine language, assembly language, high-level languages (e.g. BASIC, C, Java, Fortran 2008, Python, Perl)
• give advantages and disadvantages of machine, assembly and high-level languages

24. High-level languages (HLL) (SS 1-3)

• classifications of HLL
• characteristics of HLL
• translators

You should be able to:

• classify high-level languages (scientific, general purpose, business, object-oriented, procedural, artificial intelligence, string processing, domain-specific, scripting, systems, visual, esoteric)
• explain the characteristics of high-level languages (require translation, portable, easier to read and maintain, data types and structures, selection and iteration, built-in operators and functions)
• define translators and their two basic types: interpreters and compilers

25. Algorithm and flowcharts (SS 1-3)

• definitions
• functions of algorithm
• properties of algorithm
• flowchart symbols

You should be able to:

• define algorithm and flowchart
• state functions of algorithms (calculations, data processing, automated reasoning)
• state and explain properties of algorithms (input specified, output specified, definiteness, effectiveness, finiteness)
• identify flowchart symbols (start, input/output, process, decision, stop, loop, continuation)
• draw a flowchart for a given programming problem

26. Programming language structure (SS 1-3)

• basic statements
• arithmetic/string operators
• subunits
• primitive and non-primitive data

You should be able to:

• identify features/syntax of a programming language (keywords, variable types, constants/literals)
• identify basic statements (input, output, processing, comments, subunits, iteration, conditional, assignment, dimension)
• use arithmetic and string operators and expressions
• use built-in functions
• identify primitive data types (integer, float, Boolean, character)
• identify non-primitive data types (arrays, classes, strings)
• identify complex data structures (trees, graphs, linked lists, objects)

27. Program development (SS 1-3)

• definition
• characteristics of programs
• precautions
• steps involved in developing a program

You should be able to:

• define a program
• list characteristics of a good program (accuracy, readability, maintainability, efficiency, generality, clarity)
• state precautions in program development
• state the steps in program development (problem definition, analysis, design, coding, compilation, testing/debugging, documentation, maintenance)
• give examples of interpreted and compiled programs

28. System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) (SS 1-3)

• definition of SDLC
• stages of SDLC

You should be able to:

• define and describe SDLC
• explain the stages of SDLC (preliminary study, feasibility, analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, review)
• draw a diagram of the SDLC

29. Definition of AI (SS 1-3)

You should be able to:

• define AI

30. Branches of AI (SS 1-3)

• machine learning (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement)
• neural network
• expert systems
• fuzzy logic
• natural language processing
• deep learning

You should be able to:

• identify branches of AI

31. Applications of AI (SS 1-3)

• robotics, e-commerce, navigation, human resource, healthcare, agriculture, gaming, automobiles, social media, marketing

You should be able to:

• list application areas of AI

32. Fundamentals of robotics (SS 1-3)

• definition of robotics
• main components of robots
• types of robots
• application areas of robotics
• advantages and disadvantages of robots

You should be able to:

• define robotics and robots
• identify the main components of robots (control system, sensors, actuators, power supply, end effectors)
• mention types of robots (humanoid, autonomous, teleoperated, augmenting)
• itemise application areas of robots (logistics, manufacturing, home, travel, healthcare, security, space exploration, entertainment, agriculture, food preparation, military, customer service)
• state advantages and disadvantages of using robots

33. Ethical issues (SS 1-3)

• computer-related crime
• responsibility for computer failure
• protection of computer property, records and software
• privacy of the company, workers and customers

You should be able to:

• define computer-related crime and state examples (compromising systems, hacking, theft)
• list methods to prevent unauthorised use of a computer system (user identification, passwords)
• list electronic and manual methods to protect computer resources
• list legal and electronic methods to protect the privacy of individuals

34. Computer security (SS 1-3)

You should be able to:

• define computer security
• identify types of computer security and their characteristics (network, internet, application, data, information, end-user security)
• identify appropriate security tools (firewalls, antivirus software, encryption)

35. Cyber risks and protection (SS 1-3)

You should be able to:

• identify categories of application threats (input, authorisation, session management, parameter tampering)
• identify the basic dimensions of information security: confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA)
• mention network security issues and methods (antivirus, application security, behavioural analytics, data loss prevention, email security, firewalls, mobile device security, network segmentation, SIEM, VPN, web and wireless security, NAC)
• list types of cyber security threats (cybercrime, cyber-attack, cyberterrorism, malware, virus, trojans, spyware, ransomware, adware, botnets, SQL injection, phishing, man-in-the-middle, denial of service, Dridex, romance scams, Emotet)
• list cyber security safety tips (update software, use anti-virus, strong passwords, avoid unknown attachments and links, avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi)

36. Potentials for higher studies in computing (SS 1-3)

You should be able to:

• list possible career paths in computing (e.g. software developer, test engineer, web developer, systems/database/network administrator or engineer, data analyst/scientist, AI and robotics, security analyst, digital forensic analyst, mobile app developer, ICT educator, entrepreneur, IT support)

Try free JAMB Computer Science practice questions →