Get the full JAMB Christian Religious Studies Syllabus 2025 with recommended textbooks, topics, and objectives. JAMB SYLLABUS CRS/CRK FOR UNIFIED TERTIARY MATRICULATION EXAMINATION (UTME), JAMB CRS Syllabus 2025. Download now for exam success!

General Objectives

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus for Christian Religious Studies (CRS) is designed to prepare candidates for the examination by testing their understanding of:

• The core beliefs and teachings of the Christian faith as contained in the Bible.
• The interpretation of biblical themes and messages.
• The application of biblical principles to daily life and society.
• The evaluation of how biblical teachings influence individuals and communities.

Syllabus Structure

The syllabus is divided into four sections:

1. Section A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom
2. Section B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets
3. Section C: Themes from the Four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
4. Section D: Themes from Selected Epistles

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Detailed Syllabus

SECTION A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom

1. The Sovereignty of God

• Topics/Content:

  • God as Creator and Controller of the Universe
  • Bible References: Genesis 1 & 2, Amos 9:5-6, Isaiah 45:5-12, Psalm 19:1-6

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Define the term “sovereignty”.
  2. Explain God’s process of creation.
  3. Interpret the sequence of creation.
  4. Identify man’s role in fulfilling God’s purpose in creation.

2. The Covenant

• Topics/Content:

  • The Flood and God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17)
  • God’s Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Explain the concept of covenant.
  2. Examine the importance and implications of biblical covenants.
  3. Differentiate between God’s covenants with Noah and Abraham.

CRS/CRK JAMB Topics, Contents, and Notes

1. God’s Covenant

• Topics/Content:

  • God’s Covenant with Noah (Genesis 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17)
  • God’s Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13; 25:19-26)
  • God’s Covenant with Israel (Exodus 19; 20; 24:1-11; Deuteronomy 28:1-19)
  • The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-28)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Explain the meaning of covenant.
  2. Differentiate between God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Israel.
  3. Compare the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.

2. Leadership Qualities

• Examples of Leaders:

  • Joseph (Genesis 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)
  • Moses (Exodus 1-5; 12; Numbers 13:1-20; 14:1-19)
  • Joshua (Numbers 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Joshua 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31)
  • Judges:
    • Deborah (Judges 4:1-24)
    • Gideon (Judges 6:11-40)
    • Samson (Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Explain the circumstances that led to the leadership of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and the Judges.
  2. Identify their leadership qualities.
  3. Assess God’s role in their success.
  4. Analyze their achievements.

3. Divine Providence, Guidance, and Protection

• Topics/Content:

  • Guidance and Protection (Genesis 24:1-61; 28:10-22; 46:1-7; Exodus 13:17-22; 14:1-4, 10-31)
  • Provision (Genesis 21:14-18; 22:1-14; Exodus 16:1-21; 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13; 1 Kings 17:1-16)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify the different ways in which God guided and protected Israel.
  2. Explain how God provided for His people.

4. Parental Responsibility

• Examples:

  • Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 2:11-36; 3:2-18; 4:10-22; 8:15)
  • David (2 Samuel 13; 15:1-29; 18; 19:1-8)
  • Asa (1 Kings 15:9-15; 22:41-44; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Proverbs 4:1-10; 13:1-24; 22:6; 23:13-14; 31:10-31)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Evaluate the parenting roles of Eli, Samuel, and David.
  2. Analyze the consequences of their parenting styles.
  3. Describe how Asa pleased God.

5. Obedience and Disobedience

(i) Obedience and Rewards

• Examples:

  • Abraham (Genesis 22:1-19)
  • Hebrew Midwives (Exodus 1:8-22)
  • David (1 Samuel 30:1-20)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Explain why Abraham, the Hebrew midwives, and David obeyed God.
  2. Identify the rewards of obedience.

(ii) Disobedience and Consequences

• Examples:

  • Adam (Genesis 2:15-25; 3)
  • Collection of Manna (Exodus 16:22-30)
  • The Golden Calf (Exodus 32)
  • Moses (Numbers 20:7-12; Deuteronomy 34:1-6)
  • Saul (1 Samuel 10:1-16; 15:1-25; 16:14-23; 31:1-13)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Compare the disobedience of Adam, the Israelites, Moses, and Saul.
  2. Identify the reasons for their disobedience.
  3. Analyze the consequences of disobedience.

6. A Man After God’s Own Heart (David)

• Topics/Content:

  • David’s Early Life (1 Samuel 16:1-13; 17; 18:17-30; 22:1-5; 24:1-23; 2 Samuel 2:1-7; 3:1-39)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Describe David’s childhood experiences.
  2. Explain how David submitted to God’s will.
  3. Analyze the situations that led to David’s sins.

7. David’s Relationship with God

• Topics/Content:

  • David’s Submission to God’s Will (1 Samuel 26:1-25; 2 Samuel 12:15-25)
  • David’s Repentance and Forgiveness (2 Samuel 11; 12:1-15; Psalm 51:1-30)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Analyze David’s attitude towards God’s will.
  2. Examine David’s repentance after his sins.
  3. Identify the reasons why God forgave David.

8. Decision-Making

• Topics/Content:

  • Reliance on Mediums (1 Samuel 28:3-25)
  • The Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 3:3-28; 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53)
  • Unwise Policies of Solomon and Rehoboam (1 Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40; 12:1-20)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify the source of Solomon’s wisdom.
  2. Compare Saul’s and Solomon’s decision-making methods.
  3. Analyze the decisions made by Saul, Solomon, and Rehoboam.
  4. Assess the consequences of Solomon and Rehoboam’s poor decisions.

SECTION B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets

1. Greed and Its Effects

• Examples:

  • Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; 2 Kings 9:30-37)
  • Gehazi (2 Kings 5:1-27; cf. Joshua 7)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Define greed.
  2. Differentiate between Ahab’s and Gehazi’s greed.
  3. Analyze the consequences of greed in both cases.

2. The Supremacy of God

• Topics/Content:

  • Religious Tension and God’s Power on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18; 19:1-18)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Evaluate the religious state of Israel during Elijah and Ahab’s time.
  2. Identify key characters in the Mount Carmel contest.
  3. Compare God’s power to Baal’s power.

3. Religious Reforms in Judah

• Topics/Content:

  • Cleansing of the Temple (2 Kings 22)
  • Renewal of the Covenant (2 Kings 23:1-30)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Analyze Josiah’s religious reforms.
  2. Explain the importance of the covenant renewal.
  3. Assess the significance of these reforms.

4. Concern for Judah

• Topics/Content:

  • The Fall of Jerusalem (2 Kings 24; 25:1-17)
  • The Condition of Judah During Exile (Nehemiah 1:1-11; Ezra 1:1-11)
  • Response to the State of Judah (Nehemiah 2; 4:1-23; Ezra 3:4; 5; 6; 7)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify the causes of Jerusalem’s fall.
  2. Evaluate Judah’s condition during exile.
  3. Analyze Nehemiah’s and Ezra’s efforts to rebuild Jerusalem.
  4. Compare Nehemiah’s and Ezra’s responses to opposition.

5. Faith, Courage, and Divine Protection

• Examples:

  • Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:1-30; 6:1-28)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Analyze the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
  2. Identify instances where they demonstrated faith.
  3. Assess the impact of their faith on the Babylonians.

6. God’s Message to Nineveh

• Topics/Content:

  • Jonah and His Message (Jonah 1; 2; 3; 4)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Analyze the story of Jonah’s call.
  2. Describe the consequences of Jonah’s disobedience.
  3. Assess the impact of Jonah’s message on the Ninevites.
  4. Emulate the repentance of the Ninevites.

7. Social Justice, True Religion, and Divine Love

• Topics/Content:

  • Social Justice and True Religion (Amos 2:6-8; 4; 5:1-25; 6:1-14; 7:10-17; 8:4-14; cf. James 1:19-27)
  • Divine Love and Human Response (Hosea 1; 2; 3; 4; 6:1-11; 14)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Define true religion.
  2. Identify the social injustices that Amos condemned.
  3. Examine the state of Israel during Hosea’s time.
  4. Analyze Hosea’s message on divine love and human response.

8. Holiness and the Divine Call

• Topics/Content:

  • The Calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah (Isaiah 6:1-13; Ezekiel 2; 3:1-11; Jeremiah 1:4-10)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Compare the calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah.
  2. Analyze the assignments given to these prophets.
  3. Determine the importance of holiness for God’s people.

9. Punishment and Hope

• Topics/Content:

  • Israel’s Punishment and Future Hope (Jeremiah 3:11-18; 32:26-35; Ezekiel 18; 37:1-14; Isaiah 61)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Explain the reasons for Israel’s punishment.
  2. Identify the conditions for hope and restoration.
  3. Analyze the benefits of Israel’s restoration.

SECTION C: Themes from the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles

1. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus

• Topics/Content:

  • John, the Forerunner of Jesus (Luke 1:5-25, 57-66; 3:1-20; 7:18-35; Mark 1:1-8; 6:14-29; Matthew 3:1-12; 11:2-19; John 1:6-8, 19-37; 3:22-36)
  • The Birth and Boyhood of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25; 2; Luke 1:26-45; 2)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Compare the birth stories of John and Jesus.
  2. Assess the importance of John as the forerunner of Jesus.
  3. Describe the boyhood of Jesus.

2. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus

• Topics/Content:

  • Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation (Matthew 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-13; Luke 3:21-22; 4:1-13)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Explain the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ baptism.
  2. Enumerate the temptations of Jesus.
  3. Analyze the significance of Jesus’ temptations.

3. Discipleship

• Topics/Content:

  • The Call of the First Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22; 9:9-13; Mark 1:16-20; 2:13-17; Luke 5:1-11; 27-32)
  • The Demands of Discipleship (Matthew 8:19-22; Luke 9:57-63; 14:25-33)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:

  1. Identify the first disciples called by Jesus.
  2. Determine the demands of discipleship.

4. Miracles of Jesus

• Topics/Content:

(a) Nature Miracles

1. Stilling the Storm (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25)
2. Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-24; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13)
3. Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-26; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21)
4. Changing Water to Wine (John 2:1-11)

(b) Miracles of Resurrection

1. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-45)
2. The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Luke 8:41-42, 49-56; Mark 5:21-43)
3. The Raising of the Widow’s Son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17)

(c) Healing Miracles

1. Healing of the Lepers (Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16; 17:11-19)
2. Healing the Paralytic at the Pool (John 5:1-17)
3. Healing the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10)
4. Healing the Blind (John 9:1-12; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43)

(d) Exorcisms

1. The Gerasene (Gadarene) Demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39)
2. Healing of the Epileptic Boy (Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43a; Matthew 17:14-21)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:
  1. Classify the different miracles of Jesus.
  2. Identify the occasion of each miracle.
  3. Analyze the significance of each miracle.

5. The Parables of Jesus

• Topics/Content:

(a) Parables of the Kingdom

1. The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20)
2. The Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43)
3. The Dragnet (Matthew 13:47-50)
4. The Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:1-14)

(b) Parables About the Love of God

1. The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:1-32)

(c) Parables About Love for One Another

1. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
2. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

(d) Parable About Wealth

1. The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)

(e) Parables on Prayer

1. The Persistent Widow and The Pharisee & The Tax Collector (Luke 18:2-14)

• Objectives: Candidates should be able to:
  1. Classify the different parables of Jesus.
  2. Identify the occasion of each parable.
  3. Interpret the meaning of each parable.
  4. Explain why Jesus used parables in His teachings.

18. Opposition to the Gospel Message

(a) The Arrest and Imprisonment of Peter and John

• Scripture References: Acts 3; 4:1-22; 5:17-42; 12:1-24

(b) The Martyrdom of Stephen

• Scripture References: Acts 6:8-15; 7

(c) Persecution by Saul

• Scripture References: Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2 (cf. Galatians 1:11-17)

(d) Persecution of Paul

• Scripture References: Acts 16:11-40; 19:23-41; 21:27-36 (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-33)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Trace the story of the arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John.
2. Outline the events leading to the martyrdom of Stephen.
3. Describe Saul’s role in the persecution of the Church.
4. Evaluate the importance of persecution in the growth of the Church.
5. Account for Paul’s persecution.

19. Mission to the Gentiles

(a) Conversion of Saul

• Scripture References: Acts 9:1-30; 22:4-21; 26:9-18

(b) Conversion of Cornelius

• Scripture References: Acts 10:1-48

(c) The Commissioning and Mission of Paul

• Scripture References: Acts 13; 14:1-20

(d) The Council of Jerusalem

• Scripture References: Acts 15:1-35; Galatians 2:1-21

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Compare the conversions of Saul and Cornelius.
2. Analyze the commissioning and mission of Paul.
3. Examine the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem.
4. Identify the key personalities at the Council of Jerusalem.
5. Evaluate the relevance of the decisions made at the Council of Jerusalem.
6. Assess Paul’s role in the mission to the Gentiles.

SECTION D: Themes from Selected Epistles

1. Justification by Faith

• Scripture References: Romans 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Interpret the phrase “justification by faith”.
2. Identify the basic conditions for justification.
3. Determine the fruits of justification.

2. The Law and Grace

• Scripture References: Romans 4:13-25; 5:18-21; Galatians 3:10-14; 19-29

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Examine the purpose and significance of the Law and Grace.
2. Identify the place of the Law among the Jews.

3. New Life in Christ

• Scripture References: Romans 6:1-4; 12-14; Colossians 3:1-17; Galatians 5:16-26; 2 Corinthians 5:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Romans 12

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Describe the characteristics of the old life.
2. Analyze the new life in Christ.
3. Identify the conditions of the new life.
4. Examine the benefits of the new life.

TOPICS, CONTENTS, AND NOTES

4. Christians as Joint Heirs with Christ

• Scripture References: Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-7

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Describe how Christians are joint heirs with Christ.
2. Indicate the benefits of being joint heirs with Christ.

5. Humility

• Scripture References: Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Peter 5:5-11

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Determine the meaning of humility.
2. Identify the requirements of humility.
3. Recognize the rewards of humility.

6. Forgiveness

• Scripture References: Philemon; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Analyze Paul’s teaching on forgiveness.
2. Assess the benefits of forgiveness.

7. Spiritual Gifts

• Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:3-18; 1 Corinthians 14

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Identify the different spiritual gifts.
2. Analyze the benefits of spiritual gifts to individuals and the church.

8. Christian Giving

• Scripture References: Philippians 4:14-20; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9 (cf. Matthew 6:2-4)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Interpret the concept of Christian giving.
2. Relate the teachings of Paul on Christian giving.
3. Identify the importance of Christian giving.

9. Civic Responsibility

• Scripture References: Romans 13; 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Identify the need for obedience to authority.
2. Specify the requirements of good citizenship.

10. Dignity of Labour

• Scripture References: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; Colossians 3:23-25

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Interpret the concept of dignity of labour.
2. Analyze the benefits of labour.

11. The Second Coming of Christ

(a) Signs of His Coming

• Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

(b) Preparation for His Coming

• Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Peter 3:1-13

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Identify the signs of the Second Coming of Christ.
2. Specify the preparations needed for His coming.
3. Indicate what will happen during His Second Coming.
4. Examine the importance of His coming.

12. Impartiality

• Scripture References: James 2:1-13 (cf. Acts 10:34-35; Matthew 7:1-5)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Interpret the concept of impartiality.
2. Identify the causes of partiality.
3. Examine the consequences of partiality.

13. Effective Prayer

• Scripture References: James 1:2-8; 4:1-3; 5:13-18 (cf. Matthew 6:5-13)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Identify the requirements of effective prayer.
2. Distinguish between effective and ineffective prayer.
3. Recognize the importance of prayer.

14. Christian Living in the Community

(a) Interpersonal Relationships Among Christians

• Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:1-4; Romans 12:3-21; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Hebrews 13:1-21

(b) Christians Living Among Non-Christians

• Scripture References: 1 Peter 2:3-25; Romans 15:1-2

(c) Christian Attitude to Persecution

• Scripture References: 1 Peter 1:5-9; 4:1-19; 1 Peter 3:13-22

(d) Relationships in the Christian Family

• Scripture References: Ephesians 6:1-9; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Analyze interpersonal relationships among Christians.
2. Evaluate Christian living among non-Christians.
3. Relate the Christian attitude to persecution.
4. Determine the relationship in the Christian family.
5. Examine the importance of maintaining good relationships.

15. Corruption

• Scripture References: 1 Timothy 6:6-11; 2 Timothy 3:8; 2 Peter 1:4-11; James 5:1-6

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Define the term corruption.
2. Identify the causes of corruption.
3. Determine the effects and consequences of corruption.
4. Suggest ways of curbing corruption.

16. Sex-ual Immorality

(a) Prostitution

• Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 6:16-20 (cf. Proverbs 7:10-27; 23:27-28)

(b) Adultery and Fornication

• Scripture References: Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:3-10 (cf. Matthew 5:28-32; Deuteronomy 22:22; Leviticus 20:10)

(c) Homosex-uality

• Scripture References: Romans 1:24-32 (cf. Leviticus 18:21-30; 20:13)

Objectives:

Candidates should be able to:

1. Identify what constitutes se-xual immorality.
2. Determine the causes of se-xual immorality.
3. Examine the effects and consequences of se-xual immorality.
4. Identify ways of curbing sexu-al immorality.

Recommended Texts for Christian Religious Studies

For a comprehensive understanding of Christian Religious Studies, the following texts are recommended:

1. Adetunji, P.G. et al. (2000)
   Exam Focus: Christian Religious Knowledge for WASSCE and SSCE

   • Publisher: University Press Plc, Ibadan.

2. Adeyemo, I. O. et al. (1998)
   Christian Religious Knowledge for Secondary Schools (Books 1–3)

   • Publisher: Onibonoje Publishers, Ibadan.

3. Adeyinka, A. A. et al. (1991)
   Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools (Books 1–3)

   • Publisher: Longman, Lagos.

4. Adigwe, H. A. et al. (2004)
   Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools

   • Publisher: Africana Publishers, Onitsha.

5. Aghaeghuna, E. O. N. (1988)
   Senior Secondary School Christian Religious Knowledge: Themes from Selected Epistles (Vol. I–III)

   • Publisher: Jet Publishers, Awka.

6. Dopamu, A. et al. (1990)
   Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools (Books 1–3)

   • Publisher: Nelson Publishers, Lagos.

7. Ilori, J. A. et al. (1980)
   Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools (Books 1–3)

   • Publisher: Evans Brothers, Ibadan.

8. Izuchukwu, A. E. et al. (1997)
   Round-Up for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination: Christian Religious Knowledge – A Complete Guide

   • Publisher: Longman, Lagos.

9. Throckmorton, B. H., Jr. (ed.) (1966)
   Gospel Parallels: A Synopsis of the First Three Gospels

   • Publisher: Thomas Nelson, New York.

10. The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version, 1971)

• Publisher: Bible Society Publishing House, Stonehill Green.