The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Chemistry syllabus for 2025 outlines the required knowledge and skills students need to perform well in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The syllabus covers 18 key sections in Chemistry, ranging from fundamental concepts to more advanced topics such as organic chemistry and electrolysis. Each section includes specific topics and objectives aimed at helping candidates understand the subject and apply their knowledge effectively in the exam.
This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of all 18 sections, detailing the topics and learning objectives for each, along with a list of recommended texts to support your preparation.
Section 1: Separation of Mixtures and Purification of Chemical Substances
Topics:
- Types of mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous).
- Methods of separation (filtration, distillation, crystallization, and chromatography).
- Purification processes.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify and describe methods of separating and purifying chemical substances.
- Explain the principle behind each method of separation.
Section 2: Chemical Combination
Topics:
- Atomic structure and electron configuration.
- Laws of chemical combination (Law of Conservation of Mass, Law of Constant Composition, etc.).
- Types of bonding (ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds).
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Explain the laws governing chemical combination.
- Understand the different types of chemical bonds.
Section 3: Kinetic Theory of Matter and Gas Laws
Topics:
- States of matter (solid, liquid, gas).
- Assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases.
- Gas laws (Boyle’s, Charles’, and Ideal Gas Law).
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Understand the kinetic theory and how it applies to different states of matter.
- Apply gas laws to solve related problems.
Section 4: Acids, Bases, and Salts
Topics:
- Properties of acids and bases.
- Neutralization reactions.
- Preparation and uses of salts.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Describe the properties and uses of acids, bases, and salts.
- Carry out simple neutralization reactions.
Section 5: Water
Topics:
- Composition and structure of water.
- Hardness of water and methods of softening.
- Water as a universal solvent.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Explain the unique properties of water.
- Discuss the causes and methods for treating hard water.
Section 6: Solubility
Topics:
- Factors affecting solubility (temperature, pressure, and nature of solute/solvent).
- Solubility curves.
- Crystallization and precipitation.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Understand the factors that affect solubility.
- Interpret solubility curves.
Section 7: Environmental Chemistry
Topics:
- Pollution (air, water, and soil).
- Greenhouse gases and global warming.
- Methods of reducing pollution.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Explain the causes and effects of different types of pollution.
- Discuss ways to mitigate environmental pollution.
Section 8: Atomic Structure and Bonding
Topics:
- Structure of the atom (protons, neutrons, and electrons).
- Isotopes.
- Types of chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, and metallic).
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Describe the structure of an atom.
- Differentiate between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.
Section 9: Chemical Reactions
Topics:
- Types of chemical reactions (combination, decomposition, displacement, and redox reactions).
- Energy changes in reactions (endothermic and exothermic reactions).
- Catalysis.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify and describe different types of chemical reactions.
- Explain the role of catalysts in chemical reactions.
Section 10: Stoichiometry and Chemical Calculations
Topics:
- Mole concept.
- Empirical and molecular formulas.
- Stoichiometric calculations.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Use the mole concept in chemical calculations.
- Perform stoichiometric calculations based on chemical equations.
Section 11: The Periodic Table
Topics:
- History of the periodic table.
- Periodic trends (atomic size, ionization energy, electron affinity).
- Group properties (alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, and noble gases).
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Understand the periodic trends and their implications.
- Compare the properties of elements in the same group or period.
Section 12: Electrolysis
Topics:
- Principles of electrolysis.
- Electrochemical cells and electroplating.
- Applications of electrolysis (extraction of metals, electroplating).
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Explain the process of electrolysis and its applications.
- Understand the function of electrolytic and galvanic cells.
Section 13: Metals and Their Compounds
Topics:
- Properties of metals and non-metals.
- Extraction of metals (iron, aluminum).
- Reactivity series of metals.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Discuss the physical and chemical properties of metals.
- Explain the extraction processes of metals from their ores.
Section 14: Non-Metals and Their Compounds
Topics:
- Properties of non-metals (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur).
- Industrial uses of non-metals and their compounds.
- Hydrogen and its compounds.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Describe the properties and uses of non-metals.
- Understand the industrial applications of non-metals and their compounds.
Section 15: Carbon and Its Compounds
Topics:
- Allotropes of carbon (diamond, graphite, fullerenes).
- Organic compounds (hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes).
- Isomerism.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify the allotropes of carbon and their properties.
- Understand the concept of isomerism in organic chemistry.
Section 16: Organic Chemistry
Topics:
- Introduction to organic chemistry (functional groups, homologous series).
- Aliphatic hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes).
- Aromatic hydrocarbons and their properties.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify and name simple organic compounds.
- Describe the chemical properties of hydrocarbons.
Section 17: Polymers
Topics:
- Natural and synthetic polymers (cellulose, proteins, plastics).
- Polymerization processes.
- Uses of polymers.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between natural and synthetic polymers.
- Explain the process of polymerization.
Section 18: Chemistry in Industry
Topics:
- Industrial production of chemicals (ammonia, sulfuric acid).
- Petrochemicals and their uses.
- Environmental impact of chemical industries.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Understand the processes involved in the industrial production of chemicals.
- Discuss the environmental effects of industrial activities.
Recommended Texts for JAMB Chemistry 2025 Preparation:
- Comprehensive Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by N. N. Sido
- New School Chemistry by Osei Yaw Ababio
- Essential Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by O. A. Iwuala
- Modern Approach to Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by Ramalingam
- A Practical Approach to Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by P. N. Okeke
- Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee
- Organic Chemistry by T.W. Graham Solomons