JAMB Computer Studies Syllabus 2027: Full Topics, Objectives and Recommended Textbooks

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Last updated: October, 2026

Writing Computer Studies in the 2027 UTME? The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) syllabus tells you exactly what the examiners can ask, so you can focus on what counts instead of reading everything.

This page lists every section and topic in the official JAMB Computer Studies syllabus, the skills you are expected to show on each one, and the textbooks JAMB recommends. You will also find a six-week study plan, sample questions and answers to frequently asked questions.

Quick Facts

• Exam: Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), computer-based
• Subject: Computer Studies
• Syllabus sections: 9 (Sections A to I)
• Total topics: 36 main topics across the nine sections
• Biggest sections: Section F, Information and Communication Technology (7 topics), followed by Section C, Computer Application Packages, and Section G, Developing Problem-Solving Skills (6 topics each)
• Newer content: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (Section H) and cyber security (Section I)
• Source: Official JAMB syllabus

In This Guide

1. Aim and objectives of the syllabus
2. The nine sections at a glance
3. Detailed syllabus (topics and what you should be able to do)
4. Recommended textbooks
5. Six-week study plan
6. Sample questions
7. Subject combinations
8. FAQs

Aim and Objectives

The aim of the UTME Computer Studies syllabus is to prepare candidates for the Board’s examination. The objectives test the candidate’s understanding, knowledge and acquisition of:

• The evolution of computing systems.
• Basic concepts of the computer and its operations.
• Problem-solving skills, data processing and practical skills in computing.
• System software and application software.
• The operations of basic computer hardware: input, output, memory and the central processing unit.
• The application of online resources and online skills.
• Ethics and human issues in computing.
• Career prospects in computing.

The Nine Sections at a Glance

• Section A: Evolution of Computing (2 topics): history of computing and classification of computing devices
• Section B: Fundamentals of Computing (2 topics): overview of computing systems, and data and information
• Section C: Computer Application Packages (6 topics): word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, presentation and web design
• Section D: Managing Computer Files (2 topics): concept of files and handling files
• Section E: Computer Maintenance and Safety Measures (3 topics): booting and shutting down, maintenance, and computer room management
• Section F: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (7 topics): communication systems, application areas, the Internet, e-mail, networking, the World Wide Web, and cables and connectors
• Section G: Developing Problem-Solving Skills (6 topics): programming languages, high-level languages, algorithms and flowcharts, language structure, program development and the SDLC
• Section H: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics (4 topics)
• Section I: Computer Ethics and Human Issues (4 topics): ethical issues, computer security, cyber risks and protection, and potentials for higher studies in computing

Detailed Syllabus

Section A: Evolution of Computing

1. History of Computing
   • Pre-computing age to the 19th century, computing devices of the 20th century, and the history behind each device
   • You should be able to: identify the early computing devices (abacus, slide rule, Napier’s bones, Pascal calculator, Leibnitz multiplier, Jacquard loom, Babbage’s Analytical Engine, Hollerith census machine and Burroughs’ machine), and discuss the contributions of the founders of devices such as ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC 1 and desktop personal computers.
2. Classification of Computing Devices
   • By generation, size, purpose and type
   • You should be able to: relate each generation (first to current) to its characteristic features, year, technology, speed and storage; explain classification by size (micro, mini, mainframe, super); differentiate modern computers (personal computers, desktops, laptops, tablets, hand-held, servers, workstations, mainframes, wearables, supercomputers); tell digital, analog and hybrid computers apart, and special-purpose from general-purpose; and state their importance and uses.

Section B: Fundamentals of Computing

1. Overview of Computing Systems
   • The two main constituents of a computer (hardware and software), characteristics of computers (electronic, accuracy, speed, interactive, reliability, consistency, large storage), types and uses of hardware, logic circuits, and types and uses of software
   • Hardware: the CPU, peripherals (input and output devices) and storage media. You should be able to explain the functions of input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, voice, digital camera), the classification of keys, output devices (monitor, printer, speaker, plotter), and the differences among inkjet, laser and line printers.
   • CPU and memory: the ALU, control unit and registers; primary memory (RAM and ROM) versus secondary storage; examples of secondary storage (floppy disks, magnetic tape, hard disks, CD, DVD, USB); and the units of storage (bit, byte, nibble, word, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte).
   • Registers and buses: the functions of MDR, MAR, MBR, the accumulator, the program counter and CIR; the difference between registers and main memory; the input, process, output cycle; and the factors affecting data transfer speed (bus speed and bus width).
   • Logic gates: AND, NOT, OR, NOR and NAND; their symbols, logic equations and truth tables; and a simple comparator built with XOR and NOR.
   • Software: system software versus application software; operating systems (functions, user interfaces such as command line, menu and GUI; examples such as Windows, Linux and UNIX; phone and tablet systems such as Android and iOS); utility software (editors, anti-virus and others); and translators (interpreter, assembler, compiler).
   • Application software: examples and uses, open source versus proprietary software, in-house versus off-the-shelf acquisition, and examples of packages such as word processing (MS Word), spreadsheet (Excel), database (Access), presentation (PowerPoint), graphics (Photoshop), accounting and payroll (Sage), statistics (SPSS), and educational and hospital software.
2. Data and Information
   • Differences between data and information, data representation and methods of digitisation
   • You should be able to: define data and information and list the properties of information, list the data types (integers, real numbers, strings, multimedia), work with number bases (binary, decimal, hexadecimal), define digitisation, explain its processes (manual, heads-up, interactive tracing, automatic), and list digitised data formats (image, audio, video, text and others).

Section C: Computer Application Packages

1. Word Processing Package
   • General concept, creating and saving, editing, formatting and insertion, printing, and MS Word (features, launching, basic and other operations)
   • You should be able to: define word processing and give examples, identify its features and application areas, and launch MS Word, create, edit, save, retrieve, print, copy and move text, use fonts, format and justify, spell check and merge files, and close MS Word.
2. Spreadsheet Package
   • General concept, creating, editing, formatting and printing, and MS Excel
   • You should be able to: define spreadsheet and give examples (MS Excel, VisiCalc, SuperCalc, Calc), identify its features and application areas (accounting, engineering, statistics, what-if scenarios), define worksheet, workbook, cell and range, use data types (number, label, formula), perform calculations with formulas and built-in functions, format and print, draw charts, and close MS Excel.
3. Database Package
   • Definition and examples (dBase, FoxBase, MS Access, Oracle), database organisations (hierarchical, network, relational), features of database format, and basic operations in MS Access
   • You should be able to: define file, record, field, key, form and table, explain tables made of rows and columns, create a database in MS Access (define the structure, set field types, enter and save data), and search, modify, sort, report, select and insert in an existing database.
4. Graphics Package
   • Definition and examples (Paint, Harvard Graphics, Photoshop, CorelDraw, AutoCAD), features of CorelDraw, and simple designs
   • You should be able to: explain the features of CorelDraw, open an existing file, and design items such as a business card, school logo, national flag, invitation card and certificate.
5. Presentation Package
   • Definition and examples (MS PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker, Macromedia Flash, Impress, Apple Keynote), the PowerPoint environment, and PowerPoint operations
   • You should be able to: explain the features of the PowerPoint environment, open an existing presentation, create a new one, insert pictures, text, graphs and animations, add slides, save, run a slide show, print and close.
6. Web Design Package
   • Definition and examples (HTML, XML, Dreamweaver, Rapidweaver, Google Web Designer and others), uses of web design packages, and elements of web design using Dreamweaver
   • You should be able to: define and give examples of web design packages, and list the elements of web design (navigation, visual design, content, interaction, accessibility, intuitiveness, branding and others).

Section D: Managing Computer Files

1. Concept of Computer Files
   • Basic terms (file, record, field, data item), file organisation (serial, sequential, indexed, random), methods of accessing files, classification into master, transaction and reference files, and the criteria for classifying files (nature of content, organisation method, storage medium, date, size)
   • You should be able to: explain the relationship from data item to field, record, file and database, and classify and access files appropriately.
2. Handling Computer Files
   • Basic operations (create, delete, retrieve, insert, copy, view, update, open, close), causes of data loss (overwriting, accidental deletion, hardware failure, virus attack, theft, fire, natural disaster), data security (backup, anti-virus, PIN, biometrics, passwords, labelling, CCTV, physical security, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms), and computer versus manual files
   • You should be able to: perform file operations, identify the causes of data loss, use security methods to protect data, and compare computer and manual files by security, speed, cost and electricity supply.

Section E: Computer Maintenance and Safety Measures

1. Booting and Shutting Down
   • You should be able to: define booting, tell cold booting from warm booting, and explain the steps of booting and shutting down.
2. Computer Maintenance
   • You should be able to: clean the system, charge and replace batteries for portable systems and UPS, clean the drive lens, perform simple hardware and software maintenance, and recover data from a crashed system.
3. Computer Room Management
   • You should be able to: define proper sitting arrangement, position the monitor, keyboard, CPU, mouse and peripherals correctly, ensure proper lighting, keep the room dust-free and keep liquids away, and follow laboratory rules.

Section F: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

1. Communication Systems
   • Definition and acronym of ICT, and types and examples
   • You should be able to: state the meaning of ICT and list its types: broadcasting (radio, television, satellite), telecommunication (PSTN landline, mobile, satellite and fixed wireless telephone systems), data networks (PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN, intranet, Internet) and information systems (data processing, GPS).
2. Application Areas of ICT
   • Teleconferencing, video conferencing, telecommuting, messaging, and information search, retrieval and archival
   • ICT devices: mobile phones, computers, ATMs, dispensing machines, point-of-sale machines, automated cash registers, radio and television sets, scanners
3. Internet
   • Definitions (home page, browse, browser, chatroom, cybercafe, HTTP, HTML, ISP, webpage, website), browsers (Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, Google Chrome and others), browser features (title bar, menu bar, toolbar, address bar, icons, search bar, URL and hypertext links), and Internet services (e-learning, telemedicine, e-commerce, e-government, e-library, e-mail, discussion groups, instant messaging, virtual meetings, FTP, the WWW and search engines)
4. Electronic Mail
   • Definition, e-mail services (creating an address, composing, sending and receiving, attachments, chatting, mailing lists) and the features of an e-mail address (user@domainname, and the parts of a domain name)
5. Networking
   • Definitions, types (PAN, LAN, WAN, MAN, intranet, extranet, Internet), topologies (star, bus, ring) and devices (hub, modem, switch, router, gateway, repeater, access point, network interface card)
6. World Wide Web (WWW)
   • Full meanings of WWW, HTTP, HTTPS, HTML and XML, a brief history of the web, basic terms, protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP), uses and benefits, disadvantages (data and identity theft, cyberbullying, fake news, hacking, spam), navigating websites, web development software (FrontPage, WordPress, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Google Web Designer), and the difference between e-mail and a website
7. Cables and Connectors
   • Network cables (twisted pair, coaxial, fibre optic) and connectors (RJ45, RJ11, T-connectors), and computer cables (power, data, printer, USB, monitor, serial, parallel) with male and female connectors

Section G: Developing Problem-Solving Skills

1. Programming Languages
   • Definition and classification: machine language, assembly language and high-level languages (BASIC, C, Java, Fortran, Python and others), with their advantages and disadvantages
2. High-Level Languages
   • Classification (scientific, general purpose, business, object-oriented, procedural, artificial intelligence, string processing, domain specific, scripting, systems, visual, esoteric), their characteristics, and translators (interpreters and compilers)
3. Algorithms and Flowcharts
   • Definitions, functions of algorithms (calculation, data processing, automated reasoning), properties (input, output, definiteness, effectiveness, finiteness), flowchart symbols (start, input and output, process, decision, stop, loop, continuation), and drawing a flowchart for a given problem
4. Programming Language Structure
   • Keywords, variable types, constants and literals, basic statements (input, output, processing, comments, loops, conditionals, assignment), subunits (functions, procedures, methods, subroutines), arithmetic and string operators, built-in functions, primitive data (integer, float, Boolean, character), non-primitive data (arrays, classes, strings) and complex data structures (trees, graphs, linked lists, objects)
5. Program Development
   • Definition, characteristics of a good program (accuracy, readability, maintainability, efficiency, generality, clarity), precautions, the steps of development (problem definition, analysis, design, coding, compilation, testing and debugging, documentation, maintenance), and examples of interpreted and compiled languages
6. System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
   • Definition and stages: preliminary study, feasibility, analysis, design, implementation (coding, testing, documentation and delivery), maintenance and review
   • You should be able to: define and describe the SDLC, explain its stages and draw its diagram.

Section H: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics

1. Definition of AI
2. Branches of AI
   • Machine learning (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement), neural networks, expert systems, fuzzy logic, natural language processing and deep learning
3. Applications of AI
   • Robotics, e-commerce, navigation, human resources, healthcare, agriculture, gaming, automobiles, social media and marketing
4. Fundamentals of Robotics
   • Definition of robotics and robots, main components (control system, sensors, actuators, power supply, end effectors), types of robots (humanoid, autonomous, teleoperated, augmenting), application areas (logistics, manufacturing, home, travel, healthcare, security, space exploration, entertainment, agriculture, food preparation, military, customer service), and the advantages and disadvantages of robots

Section I: Computer Ethics and Human Issues

1. Ethical Issues
   • Computer-related crime (hacking, theft, compromising systems), responsibility for computer failure, protection of computer property, records and software, and privacy of companies, workers and customers
   • You should be able to: define computer-related crime, give examples, and list ways to prevent unauthorised use and protect resources and privacy by law and electronically.
2. Computer Security
   • Types of security (network, internet or cyber, application, data, information and end-user security), security tools (firewalls, anti-virus software, encryption), the basic dimensions of information security (confidentiality, integrity and availability, the CIA triad) and network security methods (anti-virus, firewalls, VPN, email and web security, wireless security, network access control and others)
3. Cyber Risks and Protection
   • Types of cyber threats (cybercrime, cyber-attack, cyberterrorism, malware, viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware, adware, botnets, SQL injection, phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, denial of service and romance scams) and safety tips (update software, use anti-virus, strong passwords, avoid attachments and links from unknown senders, avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi)
4. Potentials for Higher Studies in Computing
   • Career paths: software developer, software test engineer, systems analyst, web developer, database administrator, system administrator, network engineer, business analyst, data analyst or scientist, AI and robotics, system security analyst, digital forensic analyst, mobile app developer, ICT manager, e-marketer, social media manager, ICT educator, academia, entrepreneurship, IT support officer, ICT librarian and computer instructor

Recommended Textbooks

JAMB lists these texts for Computer Studies:

• Sharma, B., Singh, S. and Singh, V. A Textbook for Year 11: Computer Studies. Technology and Employment Skills Training, Ministry of Education, Fiji.
• Addan, E. (2013). My Computer for Senior Secondary Schools 1, 2, 3 with Practical Training CD. Valueplus Publication Limited.
• Adebisi, A. J. (2013). Fundamentals of Computer Studies. Nigeria: Expert Consults.
• Adedapo, F. O., Mitchell, A. S. and Agunbiade, D. A. Online with Computer, Senior Secondary 2. Rasmed Publications.
• Brookshear, J. G. (1991). Computer Science: An Overview. Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Co. Inc.
• Chiemeke, S. C., Boukari, S. and Longe, O. B. Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Schools. University Press Plc.
• Doyle, S. (1995). Computer Studies for You (2nd Edition). USA: Nelson Thomas Ltd.
• Driscoll, T. and Dolden, R. (1998). Computer Studies and Information Technology (The Motivate Series). Nigeria: Macmillan Education.
• Henderson, P. (1987). Modern Introductory Computer Science. Proceedings of the eighteenth SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer Science education, pp. 183 to 190.
• HiiT@School. Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Education. HiiT.
• Ojo, D. J. (2018). Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination on Data Processing: Past Questions and Answers (2014 to 2020). TONAD Publishers Limited.
• Otuka, J. O. E., Akande, A. F. and Iginla, S. I. (2019). New Computer Studies 1 to 3. LearnAfrica.
• SSCE and NECO past questions and answers on Computer Studies (theory and objectives).
• Sloan, R. H. and Troy, P. (2008). CS 0.5: a better approach to introductory computer science for majors. ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 40(1), 271 to 275.

Six-Week Study Plan

• Week 1: Sections A and B. Learn the computer generations, hardware, CPU and memory, logic gates, software types, and number bases.
• Week 2: Section C. Learn the features and basic operations of each application package.
• Week 3: Sections D and E, then Section F topics 1 to 4 (ICT, the Internet and e-mail).
• Week 4: Section F topics 5 to 7 (networking, the web, cables and connectors), then Section G topics 1 to 3.
• Week 5: Section G topics 4 to 6, then Sections H and I.
• Week 6: Revise weak topics and practise past questions under timed conditions.

Tips:

• Practise truth tables for AND, OR, NOT, NOR and NAND until you can draw them from memory.
• Practise converting between binary, decimal and hexadecimal.
• Learn the acronyms (ALU, CU, RAM, ROM, MAR, MDR, LAN, WAN, URL, HTTP, ISP, SDLC and the rest). Many questions test the full meaning.
• Practise drawing flowcharts for simple problems, such as adding two numbers or finding the larger of two numbers.
• If you can, practise on a computer. The syllabus asks about the actual operations of MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and CorelDraw.
• Use the syllabus objectives as a checklist. If you cannot do what an objective says, you are not ready on that topic.

Sample Questions

1. Which of the following is an early counting device that uses beads? A. Abacus B. ENIAC C. UNIVAC D. Tablet Answer: A
2. Which part of the CPU performs arithmetic and logical operations? A. Control Unit B. ALU C. Register D. Bus Answer: B
3. Which of the following is volatile memory? A. ROM B. RAM C. Hard disk D. DVD Answer: B
4. A translator that converts a whole high-level program into machine code before it runs is a A. compiler B. interpreter C. text editor D. utility program Answer: A
5. In which network topology are all devices connected to a central hub or switch? A. Bus B. Ring C. Star D. Mesh Answer: C

Subject Combinations

Computer Studies is commonly accepted for courses such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Systems and Cyber Security. Always check your chosen course and university in the JAMB brochure for the exact combination, because many computing courses require other subjects as well.

Related: JAMB Subject Combination for Science Students | JAMB Brochure | JAMB Recommended Textbooks for All Subjects | JAMB UTME Registration Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the JAMB Computer Studies syllabus?

It is the official JAMB document that lists the sections, topics and learning objectives candidates must cover for Computer Studies in the UTME.

How many sections are in the JAMB Computer Studies syllabus?

Nine, labelled A to I, from Evolution of Computing to Computer Ethics and Human Issues.

Does the syllabus include programming?

Yes. Section G covers programming languages, high-level languages, algorithms and flowcharts, language structure, program development and the system development life cycle.

Does the syllabus include Artificial Intelligence and cyber security?

Yes. Section H covers AI and robotics, and Section I covers computer security, cyber threats and safety tips.

Do I need to know how to use MS Office packages?

Yes. Section C covers the features and basic operations of MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, plus CorelDraw and web design software.

Where can I get past questions for Computer Studies?

Click here

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