The question “How many years does JAMB use one novel?” is one of the most common questions asked by UTME candidates every year. Many students want to know whether the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) changes its recommended novel annually or continues using the same novel for several years.
Understanding how many years JAMB uses one novel can help candidates prepare effectively, avoid studying outdated materials, and focus on the correct text for the Use of English examination. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about JAMB’s novel selection process, how long a novel typically remains in use, reasons for changes, historical examples, and what candidates should expect in future UTME examinations.
What Is the JAMB Novel?
Before discussing how many years JAMB uses one novel, it is important to understand what the JAMB novel is.
The JAMB novel is a compulsory reading text prescribed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for all UTME candidates. Questions from the novel are included in the Use of English section of the examination.
Candidates are expected to:
- Read the novel thoroughly.
- Understand the plot and themes.
- Know the major and minor characters.
- Study literary devices used in the text.
- Answer objective questions based on the novel.
The novel contributes significantly to candidates’ scores because multiple questions are usually drawn directly from it. According to various JAMB preparation resources, questions from the prescribed novel often account for between 10 and 15 marks in the Use of English paper.
How Many Years Does JAMB Use One Novel?
The Short Answer
JAMB generally uses one novel for two to four years before replacing it with another text. There is no officially fixed duration announced by JAMB, but historical patterns show that a prescribed novel is usually retained for multiple examination years.
Most education experts and historical JAMB records indicate that a novel commonly remains in use for:
- 2 years
- 3 years
- Occasionally 4 years
Therefore, if you are asking how many years does JAMB use one novel, the practical answer is usually between 2 and 4 years, depending on JAMB’s decision.
Historical Analysis of JAMB Novels Over the Years
Looking at previous JAMB novels helps us understand the pattern.
In Dependence
The novel “In Dependence” by Sarah Ladipo Manyika was introduced in 2017.
It was used for:
- JAMB 2017
- JAMB 2018
Several educational sources at the time predicted its continued use because JAMB rarely changes a novel after only one year.
Duration
Approximately 2 years
Sweet Sixteen
After “In Dependence,” JAMB introduced “Sweet Sixteen” by Bolaji Abdullahi.
The novel was used for:
- 2019
- 2020
Educational discussions and JAMB observers noted that the novel remained relevant throughout this period before a new one was introduced.
Duration
Approximately 2 years
The Life Changer
One of the most popular JAMB novels in recent history is “The Life Changer” by Khadija Abubakar Jalli.
The novel was introduced in:
- 2021
It continued to be used in:
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
Many sources confirm that JAMB retained the novel for four consecutive years before changing it.
Duration
4 years
The Lekki Headmaster
In 2025, JAMB officially replaced “The Life Changer” with “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba. The change ended the four-year run of “The Life Changer.”
Current Status
As of recent JAMB updates, “The Lekki Headmaster” is the prescribed text for UTME candidates.
Why Doesn’t JAMB Change the Novel Every Year?
Many students assume JAMB changes its novel annually, but that is rarely the case.
There are several reasons why JAMB retains a novel for multiple years.
1. Accessibility for Candidates
Keeping the same novel for several years allows:
- Schools to acquire sufficient copies.
- Students to access study materials.
- Teachers to prepare comprehensive lesson plans.
Changing the novel every year could create unnecessary difficulties for candidates and schools.
2. Stability in Examination Preparation
Students preparing for UTME benefit when the prescribed text remains unchanged.
Benefits include:
- More revision materials.
- Better summaries.
- More practice questions.
- Improved understanding of the text.
This consistency helps candidates focus on mastering the novel rather than constantly adapting to new texts.
3. Cost Considerations
Many Nigerian students rely on second-hand copies or shared educational resources.
If JAMB changed the novel every year:
- Students would need to buy new books annually.
- Schools would spend more on learning materials.
- Preparation costs would increase significantly.
Retaining a novel for multiple years reduces this burden.
4. Wider Assessment Opportunities
Using the same novel for several years allows JAMB to test different aspects of the text.
Questions can be created from:
- Characters
- Themes
- Plot development
- Setting
- Literary techniques
This provides a richer pool of examination questions over multiple years.
How Does JAMB Decide When to Change a Novel?
JAMB does not publicly announce a strict formula for changing novels.
However, educational analysts believe several factors influence the decision.
Novel Longevity
If a novel has been used for several years, JAMB may decide it has served its purpose and introduce a fresh text.
Educational Objectives
JAMB often seeks to expose students to different literary styles, authors, and themes.
For this reason, new novels are occasionally introduced to broaden candidates’ literary knowledge.
Curriculum Adjustments
Changes in educational goals may also influence novel selection.
A new novel may better align with:
- Contemporary issues.
- Educational standards.
- National values.
- Reading comprehension objectives.
Can JAMB Use a Novel for Only One Year?
Historically, this is uncommon.
Evidence from previous JAMB novels shows that prescribed texts are typically retained beyond a single examination cycle.
Educational observers have repeatedly noted that JAMB usually keeps a novel for at least two years before replacing it.
Therefore, while JAMB technically could use a novel for one year, past patterns suggest this is unlikely.
How Many Questions Does JAMB Set from the Novel?
This is another important reason candidates ask how many years JAMB uses one novel.
The novel contributes directly to examination performance.
Educational resources indicate that JAMB frequently sets:
- 10 questions
- 15 questions
- Sometimes more
from the prescribed text.
These questions may focus on:
Character Identification
Examples:
- Who said a particular statement?
- What role did a character play?
Themes
Examples:
- Education
- Family values
- Corruption
- Leadership
Plot Events
Examples:
- Major turning points.
- Significant incidents.
Literary Devices
Examples:
- Irony
- Symbolism
- Foreshadowing
What Should Candidates Do When JAMB Changes the Novel?
Whenever JAMB announces a new novel, candidates should immediately begin studying it.
Recommended steps include:
Get the Official Text
Always obtain the approved novel from reliable sources.
The official JAMB website can be checked through:
Read the Complete Book
Avoid relying solely on summaries.
Although summaries help with revision, many examination questions come from detailed sections of the novel.
Study Character Profiles
Create notes on:
- Major characters
- Supporting characters
- Character relationships
Practice Past Questions
Review previous novel-based questions to understand JAMB’s style of testing comprehension.
Join Discussion Groups
Group discussions can improve understanding and help identify important themes and events.
Will JAMB Continue Using The Lekki Headmaster?
Many candidates preparing for future UTME examinations wonder whether The Lekki Headmaster will remain the prescribed text.
While only JAMB can officially confirm this, historical patterns suggest that a newly introduced novel often remains in use for multiple years. Since The Lekki Headmaster was introduced in 2025, there is a reasonable possibility that it may continue for subsequent examination cycles unless JAMB announces otherwise.
However, candidates should always verify the current prescribed novel through official JAMB communications before beginning preparation.
Common Misconceptions About JAMB Novels
Myth 1: JAMB Changes the Novel Every Year
False.
Historical records show that JAMB usually retains novels for multiple years.
Myth 2: Reading the Summary Is Enough
False.
Many questions test detailed understanding of the text, not just general summaries.
Myth 3: Novel Questions Are Not Important
False.
Novel questions contribute valuable marks that can significantly improve your overall score.
Myth 4: Old Novels Can Be Studied Instead
False.
Candidates should always study the currently approved novel because JAMB only sets questions from the prescribed text for that examination year.
Tips for Scoring High in JAMB Novel Questions
Read Early
Do not wait until examination week.
Take Notes
Write down:
- Characters
- Themes
- Important events
Revise Frequently
Consistent revision improves retention.
Answer Practice Questions
Practice helps identify weak areas.
Understand Rather Than Memorize
JAMB increasingly tests understanding instead of simple memorization.
Conclusion
So, how many years does JAMB use one novel?
Based on historical trends, JAMB typically uses a prescribed novel for two to four years before introducing a new one. Examples include In Dependence (about 2 years), Sweet Sixteen (about 2 years), and The Life Changer (4 years). More recently, The Lekki Headmaster replaced The Life Changer in 2025.
Because JAMB does not follow a fixed timeline, candidates should always verify the current prescribed novel through official announcements. Studying the correct novel thoroughly can provide easy marks in the Use of English examination and improve overall UTME performance.
Also Read: Which School Can I Go to Without JAMB in Nigeria? (Complete Guide for 2026 Students)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does JAMB change its novel every year?
No. JAMB usually retains a novel for between two and four years before replacing it.
2. How many questions come from the JAMB novel?
The novel section commonly contributes around 10–15 questions or marks in the Use of English examination.
3. What is the current JAMB novel?
Recent JAMB announcements indicate that The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba replaced The Life Changer beginning from the 2025 UTME cycle.
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