JAMB Syllabus for Economics: Comprehensive Guide for 2025/2026

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) syllabus for Economics provides a detailed outline of topics students need to study for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This syllabus serves as a roadmap to guide students in understanding the subject’s key areas, ensuring they are well-prepared for the exam.

Introduction to the JAMB Economics Syllabus

Economics is a critical subject in JAMB for students pursuing courses in social sciences, business, or related disciplines. The syllabus is divided into key sections, each covering specific areas of economic theory and practice. By following this syllabus, candidates can focus their preparation on topics that are likely to appear in the exam.

Objectives of the JAMB Economics Syllabus

The syllabus is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Equip students with foundational knowledge of Economics concepts and principles.
2. Help students apply economic theories to real-life situations.
3. Prepare students to analyze and interpret economic data accurately.
4. Foster critical thinking in evaluating economic issues at individual, national, and global levels.

Key Topics in the JAMB Economics Syllabus

Below is a breakdown of the major topics in the syllabus. Each section includes specific subtopics that candidates should study.

1. Basic Economic Concepts

• Meaning and scope of Economics
• Types of economic systems: Capitalism, Socialism, Mixed Economy
• Basic economic problems: Scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost
• Production possibility curve (PPC)

2. Principles of Demand and Supply

• Law of demand: Definition, determinants, and elasticity
• Law of supply: Definition, determinants, and elasticity
• Market equilibrium and price determination
• Effects of government policies (e.g., price controls, taxes, subsidies)

3. The Theory of Production

• Factors of production: Land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship
• Concepts of productivity and efficiency
• Types of production: Primary, secondary, and tertiary
• Scale of production: Internal and external economies of scale

4. Market Structures

• Perfect competition
• Monopoly
• Monopolistic competition
• Oligopoly
• Features, advantages, and limitations of each market structure

5. National Income

• Concepts: GDP, GNP, NNP, NI, PI, and DPI
• Methods of measuring national income: Output, income, and expenditure approaches
• Problems of measuring national income in developing countries
• Uses of national income data

6. Money and Banking

• Definition and types of money
• Functions of money
• Types and functions of banks: Commercial banks, Central banks
• Monetary policy and its instruments

7. Public Finance

• Meaning and objectives of public finance
• Types of taxes: Direct and indirect
• Government expenditure: Types and importance
• Budgeting: Deficit, surplus, and balanced budgets

8. Economic Growth and Development

• Meaning of economic growth and development
• Indicators of development
• Factors affecting economic development
• Problems of economic development in developing countries

9. International Trade

• Meaning and importance of international trade
• Theories of trade: Absolute advantage, comparative advantage
• Balance of trade and balance of payments
• Trade restrictions: Tariffs, quotas, embargoes

10. Economic Planning

• Meaning and objectives of economic planning
• Types of plans: Indicative, perspective, rolling plans
• Problems of economic planning in developing countries

11. Statistics and Data Analysis

• Meaning and importance of statistics in economics
• Types of data: Primary and secondary
• Methods of data presentation: Tables, charts, graphs
• Measures of central tendency: Mean, median, mode
• Measures of dispersion: Range, variance, standard deviation

Study Tips for JAMB Economics

To excel in JAMB Economics, follow these actionable strategies:

1. Understand Key Concepts
   Focus on grasping the fundamental principles of Economics. Use examples to relate theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
2. Master Graphical Representations
   Practice drawing and interpreting graphs such as the demand and supply curve, production possibility curve, and cost curves.
3. Solve Past Questions
   Familiarize yourself with JAMB past questions to identify common topics and question patterns.
4. Create a Study Schedule
   Allocate time to each section of the syllabus and stick to your plan. Prioritize challenging topics early in your preparation.
5. Use Recommended Textbooks
   Refer to textbooks aligned with the JAMB syllabus to enhance your understanding.

Conclusion

The JAMB syllabus for Economics is a vital tool for candidates aiming for high scores. By thoroughly studying the outlined topics, understanding the objectives, and implementing a structured study plan, students can approach the exam with confidence. Prioritize consistent practice, stay updated with economic trends, and utilize past questions to refine your knowledge. Success in JAMB Economics lies in preparation, focus, and application of learned concepts.

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