JAMB has published the syllabus for Agricultural Science. If you intend to sit for Agricultural Science in JAMB, obtaining and studying the syllabus should be your top priority. The JAMB Syllabus for Agricultural Science clearly outlines all the important topics you need to cover, helping you concentrate your revision on the most relevant areas.
In this article, we present the complete JAMB Agricultural Science syllabus in an easy-to-understand format. We have also included a selection of recommended textbooks to support your reading and deepen your understanding of key concepts.
Read on for full details regarding the JAMB syllabus for Agricultural Science 2025/2026 so you can focus on what truly matters.
JAMB Syllabus For Agricultural Science
Here is a detailed JAMB UTME syllabus for Agricultural Science.
| SECTION | TOPIC | SUB-TOPICS / CONTENT |
|---|---|---|
| A: General Agriculture | 1. Meaning and Scope of Agriculture | a. Definition of Agriculture b. Branches of Agriculture c. Types: Subsistence and Commercial |
| 2. Importance of Agriculture | i. Provision of raw materials for agro-allied industries ii. Provision of employment iii. Development of rural areas | |
| 3. Agricultural Ecology | a. Ecological zones of West Africa b. Agricultural products of each ecological zone c. Environmental factors and effects on crop & livestock production | |
| 4. Genetics | a. Mendel’s First and Second Laws b. Cell division c. Terminologies: locus, alleles, genotype, dominance | |
| 5. Farm Inputs | Planting materials, agrochemicals, etc. | |
| 6. History of Agricultural Development in West Africa | a. Agricultural systems: shifting cultivation, bush fallowing, etc. b. Problems: land tenure, infrastructure, finance, pollution c. National & International research institutes (e.g NCRI, IITA) d. Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs): RTEP, FADAMA e. National programmes: OFN, NAFPP, Green Revolution, etc. | |
| 7. Roles of Government and NGOs | a. Fiscal policies (import duties, bans) b. Agricultural laws and reforms (Land Use Act) c. Programmes: subsidies, credit d. Infrastructure provision e. NGO contributions | |
| B: Agronomy | 1. Rocks and Soil Formation | a. Factors affecting weathering and soil formation b. Physical soil properties: profile, texture, structure, c. Chemical soil properties: acidity/alkalinity, components like silicate |
| 2. Soil Water and Soil Conservation | a. Soil water: importance, sources, movement, management b. Soil conservation: causes, effects, prevention (leaching, erosion, burning, etc.) c. Irrigation and drainage methods | |
| 3. Soil Fertility | a. Macro/micronutrients and plant nutrition cycles b. Soil flora and fauna roles c. Soil fertility maintenance methods . Nutrient deficiency symptoms | |
| 4. Land Preparation and Soil Tillage | a. Principles/practices of land prep and tillage b. Factors influencing tillage method choice (zero, minimum tillage) | |
| 5. Plant Forms and Functions | a. Parts and functions of monocot/dicot plants b. Anatomy and morphology of storage organs | |
| 6. Growth, Development, and Reproduction | a. Gametogenesis b. Pollination c. Fertilization d. Embryo formation and development | |
| 7. Plant Propagation Methods | a. Sexual: seeds, viability, germination b. Asexual: cutting, budding, grafting, layering c. Nursery management | |
| 8. Cropping Systems, Planting Patterns, and Plant Densities | a. Cropping systems: monocropping, mixed, inter-, relay, strip, rotational b. Planting patterns: broadcasting, rows, drilling c. Plant densities: single, double, multiple | |
| 9. Crop Husbandry | Study of crop groups: cereals, legumes, tubers, vegetables/spices, fruits, beverages, oils, latex, fibres, sugars – morphology, propagation, husbandry, harvesting, processing, pests, diseases, economic importance | |
| 10. Pasture and Forage Crops | a. Morphology, propagation, husbandry of pasture grasses and legumes b. Natural grasslands of West Africa c. Range management | |
| 11. Floriculture | Identification, establishment, maintenance, and uses of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers | |
| 12. Weeds | a. Morphology, reproduction, dispersal, effects b. Control methods: weeding, mulching, herbicides, trap cropping | |
| 13. Crop Diseases | a. Identification of pathogens b. Diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses . Side effects of control methods | |
| 14. Crop Pests | a. Overview of pests b. Life cycles of common pests . Pesticides and side effects | |
| 15. Forest Management (Silviculture) | a. Importance: wood, pulp, fiber b. Conservation: regulation, exploitation, regeneration, afforestation, agroforestry | |
| 16. Crop Improvement | Methods: introduction, selection, crossing, quarantine | |
| C: Animal Production | 1. Forms and Classification of Farm Animals | a. Species, breeds, distribution b. External features of cattle, sheep, goat, pig, rabbit, poultry |
| 2. General Terminology in Animal Production | Common terms: calving, kidding, castrate, capon, veal, mutton, etc. | |
| 3. Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals | a. Functions of tissues and organs b. Body systems: digestive, reproductive, respiratory, urinary, nervous c. Environmental effects (climate) | |
| 4. Reproduction in Farm Animals | a. Gametogenesis, oestrus, heat signs, gestation, parturition, hormones b. Development and lactation c. Egg formation/incubation in poultry | |
| 5. Animal Nutrition | a. Nutrients and functions b. Feeds and feeding: ration formulation, pasture crops, hay, silage, c. Nutrient deficiencies and correction | |
| 6. Livestock Management | Housing, feeding, sanitation, and veterinary care of ruminants, pigs, rabbits, and poultry under various management systems | |
| 7. Animal Health | a. Diseases: causes, symptoms, transmission, control b. Parasites: life cycles, importance, prevention/control (dipping, spraying, deworming) | |
| 8. Fisheries and Wildlife | a. Fish culture systems: extensive, semi-intensive, intensive b. Fish harvesting/processing c. Wildlife management | |
| 9. Bee-keeping (Apiculture) | a. Meaning and importance b. Types of bees c. Methods: traditional and modern . Equipment and safety | |
| 10. Animal Improvement | Methods: introduction, breeding, quarantine, selection; breeding systems including artificial insemination | |
| D: Agricultural Economics and Extension | 1. Factors of Agricultural Production | a. Land ownership types b. Labour c. Capital d. Management |
| 2. Basic Economic Principles | a. Demand and supply b. Production functions: input-output relationships, stages of production, diminishing returns | |
| 3. Characteristic Features of Agricultural Production | Small farm holdings, biological limits, climate susceptibility, seasonality, price elasticity | |
| 4. Labour Management | a. Labour relations and supervision b. Labour types: permanent, etc. c. Labour laws and regulations | |
| 5. Farm Management | a. Manager qualities and problems b. Records and record-keeping c. Stock evaluation: profits, depreciation d. Agricultural insurance: types, importance, problems | |
| 6. Marketing of Agricultural Produce | a. Importance b. Marketing channels c. Features affecting marketing | |
| 7. Agricultural Extension | a. Meaning and importance b. Role of ADPs, universities, research, cooperatives, c. Extension methods . Problems and solutions | |
| E: Agricultural Technology | 1. Farm Surveying and Farmstead Planning | a. Meaning and importance b. Survey equipment, uses, care c. Survey methods d Farmstead layout principles |
| 2. Simple Farm Tools | ||
| 3. Farm Machinery and Implements | a. Types: machinery and implements b. Uses and maintenance | |
| 4. Mechanisation and Farm Power | a. Sources of power (animal, machines) b. Advantages/disadvantages c. Problems and prospects in West Africa | |
| 5. Processing and Storage | a. Food processing: traditional and modern methods b. Storage | |
| 6. Introduction to Biotechnology | Basic terms: tissue culture, anther culture, in vitro fertilisation, genetic engineering | |
| 7. Application of ICT in Agriculture | a. Computer features b. Uses: disease/weather forecasting, ration formulation, databases, c. Communication gadgets (mobile phones, the internet) |
JAMB Recommended Text For Agricultural Science
Candidates preparing for the Agricultural Science examination are strongly advised to study thoroughly using these recommended textbooks. These materials cover the syllabus comprehensively and reflect the standards expected by JAMB. Proper engagement with these books will significantly enhance your understanding and performance in the exam.
- Adeniyi, M. O., et al. (1999). Countdown to Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Agricultural Science. Ibadan: Evans.
- Akinsanmi, A. O. (2000). Junior Secondary Agricultural Science. UK: Longman.
- Akinsanmi, O. A. (2000). Senior Secondary Agricultural Science. UK: Longman.
- Anthonio, Q. B. O. (1999). General Agriculture for West Africa. London: George Allen.
- Are, L. A., et al. (2010). Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary School. University Press Plc.
- Egbuna, C. K., et al. (2014). Extension Modern Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools (2010). Extension Publication.
- Emmanuel, C. A. (2003). A Dictionary of Agriculture. Benue: Agitab Publisher Makurdi.
- Falusi, A. O., & Adeleye, I. O. A. (2000). Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools Books 1-3. Ibadan: Onibonoje.
- Komolafe, M. F., Adegbola, A. A., Are, L. A., & Ashaye, T. I. (2004). Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools 1, 2 and 3. Ibadan: University Press Ltd.
- Philips, T. A. (1986). Agricultural Notebook. Lagos: Longman.
- Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN). (1999). Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Longman.
Do not forget to practice past questions, as combining these with the syllabus and recommended texts will greatly improve your chances of passing the exam with flying colors.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us in the comments below. We will respond to you shortly. Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and fellow candidates to help everyone prepare well.
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