JAMB SYLLABUS ART FOR UNIFIED TERTIARY MATRICULATION EXAMINATION (UTME) – Download the JAMB Art Syllabus 2025, including UTME topics, objectives, and recommended textbooks. Get the complete guide to ace your exam!
General Objectives
The JAMB UTME syllabus for Art is designed to prepare candidates for the examination by assessing their understanding of key concepts and techniques in visual and performing arts. The objectives of the syllabus are to ensure that candidates can:
- Understand the fundamental elements, principles, and terminologies of art.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the historical evolution of art, with a focus on Nigerian arts and crafts.
- Apply artistic techniques, processes, and materials effectively while maintaining tools and equipment.
- Develop aesthetic awareness and understand the significance of art in society.
Detailed Syllabus
Section A: Classification of Art
This section covers the various branches of art and their unique characteristics.
Topics:
- Categories of Art:
- Visual Arts: Fine Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Drawing) and Applied Arts (Textile, Ceramics, Graphic Design).
- Performing Arts: Music, Dance, Drama, and Theatre.
- Literary Arts: Poetry, Prose, and Recitals.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between Visual, Performing, and Literary Arts and their applications.
Section B: Elements and Principles of Design
This section focuses on the foundational aspects of art creation.
Topics:
- Elements of Design:
- Line, Color, Shape, Form, Texture, Tone, Value, Space, etc.
- Principles of Design:
- Balance, Rhythm, Proportion, Harmony, Contrast, Repetition, Dominance, Variety, etc.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify elements and principles of design in artworks.
- Analyze how these principles influence composition and aesthetics in art.
Section C: Art Terminologies
This section introduces candidates to essential terms used in various artistic disciplines.
Topics:
- Key Art Terms and Definitions:
- Pigments, Motif, Greenware, Armature, Silhouette, Chiaroscuro, Cire Perdue, Terracotta, etc.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Recognize and define essential art-related terms.
- Connect these terms to their respective art forms.
- Apply these terms when analyzing artworks.
Historical Dimensions, Nigerian & African Art
SECTION B: Historical and Traditional Art
This section explores art history, major art movements, traditional African and Nigerian art, as well as contemporary developments in the field.
1. Historical Dimensions of Art
Covers various art periods, styles, and notable artists from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Topics:
a) Prehistoric, Greek, and Roman Art – Early artistic expressions, sculpture, and architecture.
b) Medieval Art – Focus on architecture, surface decorations, and calligraphy.
c) Renaissance Art & Artists:
- Giotto di Bondone
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Raphael (Raffaello Santi)
d) 19th and 20th Century Art Movements: - Impressionism
- Realism
- Futurism
- Cubism
- Bauhaus
- Pop Art
- Abstract Expressionism
- Fauvism
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Compare different materials, styles, and techniques across historical periods.
- Classify various art periods and styles, emphasizing architecture, surface decoration, and calligraphy.
- Compare the works and styles of famous artists across different movements.
- Differentiate between major art movements and their influences.
2. Traditional African Art
Exploration of artistic traditions from different African regions.
Topics:
- Egyptian Art – Symbolism, monumental architecture, and hieroglyphs.
- West African Art Traditions – Ashanti, Dogon, Mossi, Fon, Senufo, Bambara, Mende, Kissi.
- Central African Art – Bamileke, Bakumba, and other cultural expressions.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Analyze the styles, materials, and techniques used in traditional African art.
- Classify artworks based on style, materials, and region.
- Identify the functions and characteristics of African artworks.
3. Traditional Nigerian Art
Exploring indigenous Nigerian artistic traditions.
Topics:
- Nok Art
- Igbo-Ukwu Art
- Ife Art
- Benin Art
- Esie, Igala, Jukun, Akwashi, and Mbari Art
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Trace the origins, locations, and stylistic differences of Nigerian traditional art.
- Categorize traditional Nigerian artworks based on their functions and cultural significance.
4. Nigerian Crafts
Traditional Nigerian craftsmanship and its role in the society.
Topics:
- Pottery
- Woodworks
- Cloth-weaving
- Carving
- Leatherworks
- Metalworks
- Beadworks
- Body decoration
- Mat and cane weaving
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between the techniques and materials used in Nigerian crafts.
- Analyze the cultural significance and artistic value of various Nigerian crafts.
5. Development of Contemporary Nigerian Art & Artists
Topics:
a) Art Schools & Movements in Nigeria
- Zaria School
- Nsukka School
- Osogbo Art Movement
b) Notable Nigerian Artists & Art Educators
- Aina Onabolu
- Ben Enwonwu
- S. I. Wangboje
- Jimoh Akolo
- Dele Jegede
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Assess the contributions of art schools and groups in shaping modern Nigerian art.
- Evaluate the specializations, techniques, and styles of notable Nigerian artists.
- Determine how Nigerian artists have influenced contemporary art on both national and global levels.
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Artistic Skills, Techniques, Materials & Festivals
SECTION C: Artistic Skills, Techniques & Processes
This section covers practical art skills, the use of tools and materials, perspective rules, and the impact of festivals on art and culture.
1. Artistic Skills, Techniques & Processes
a) Two-Dimensional Art
- Drawing
- Painting
- Graphics Design
- Textile Design
b) Perspective in Art
- Types of Perspective:
- Linear
- Angular
- Aerial
- Parallel
- Perspective Terms:
- Foreground
- Picture Plane
- Eye-Level
- Vanishing Point
- Foreshortening
- Optical Illusion
- Depth
c) Three-Dimensional Art
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Crafts
d) Computer Graphics & Digital Art
- CorelDraw & Other Digital Design Tools
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Master the techniques, skills, and processes of artistic creation, with emphasis on tone, composition, and color application.
- Understand different perspective types and rules.
- Apply perspective principles to create depth and optical effects in artworks.
2. Tools, Materials & Equipment in Art
a) Tools for Two-Dimensional Art
- Brushes
- Lino cutters
- Drawing instruments
- Calligraphy pens
- Sharpeners
b) Materials for Two-Dimensional Art
- Pencils
- Charcoal
- Pastel
- Crayon
- Fixative
- Fabric
- Dyes
- Lino
- Woodblocks
c) Equipment for Two-Dimensional Art
- Air Compressors
- Spray Guns
- Enlargers
- Computers
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify and use the basic tools of design.
- Maintain and properly handle art tools and materials.
- Operate and maintain art equipment efficiently.
3. Museums, Galleries & Art Centers
a) Museums, Galleries & Cultural Institutions
- Art Museums & Galleries – Preserving historical and contemporary artworks.
- Art Institutions & Cultural Centers – Developing talent and art education.
- National Art Organizations:
- Nigerian Society for Education through Arts (NSEA)
- Society for Nigerian Artists (SNA)
- National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Analyze the functions of museums, galleries, and art centers.
- Evaluate their impact on the development of art.
- Assess their roles in promoting cultural and artistic heritage.
4. Impact of Major Festivals on Art & Culture
a) Notable Nigerian Festivals & Their Cultural Significance
- Argungu Fishing Festival – Traditional river fishing and cultural performances.
- Eyo Festival – Masquerade procession in Lagos.
- Egungun Festival – Ancestral masquerade celebration.
- Iri-Ji (New Yam Festival) – Igbo festival celebrating the new yam harvest.
- Durbar Festival – Equestrian festival showcasing northern Nigerian culture.
- Igue Festival – Benin Kingdom royal festival.
- Ekpo & Odo Festivals – Traditional celebrations of ancestral spirits.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Examine the influence of major cultural festivals on art and society.
- Analyze how festivals contribute to traditional and contemporary artistic expressions.
Art Appreciation, Functions & Career Opportunities
SECTION D: Art Appreciation & Entrepreneurship
This section explores the meaning and functions of art, aesthetic appreciation, art in the media, and career opportunities in visual arts.
1. Aesthetic Appreciation in Art
a) Understanding Aesthetic Phenomena
- Natural Aesthetic Features: Zuma Rock, Ikogosi Warm Springs, waterfalls, landscapes, etc.
- Man-Made Aesthetic Features: Architecture, sculptures, monuments, and urban designs.
b) Improvisation of Art Tools & Materials
- Two-Dimensional Art: Colors, brushes, calligraphy pens, etc.
- Three-Dimensional Art: Spatula, kiln, beater, etc.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Appreciate the beauty of natural and man-made aesthetic phenomena in Nigeria.
- Differentiate between natural and man-made artistic expressions.
- Improvise alternative tools, materials, and equipment for creative work.
2. Meaning & Functions of Art in Society
a) Understanding Art & Its Role
- Definition & Meaning of Art – Art as a creative and expressive human activity.
- Functions of Art in Society:
- Religious Functions – Sacred art, rituals, and symbols.
- Social & Cultural Functions – Festivals, traditions, storytelling.
- Political Functions – Campaigns, propaganda, historical documentation.
- Therapeutic Functions – Art therapy, emotional healing, mental wellness.
- Economic Functions – Art as a source of income and industry growth.
b) Role of Art in the Media
- Advertising & Branding – Creating visual identities for businesses.
- Educational Art – Teaching through illustrations, animations, and exhibitions.
- Recreational & Entertainment Art – Comics, cartoons, photography, film, etc.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Define art and its significance in human life.
- Analyze the various functions of art in society.
- Assess the impact of art in media, including advertising, education, and entertainment.
3. Art Entrepreneurship & Career Opportunities
a) Job Prospects in Visual Arts
- Ceramist – Creating pottery and ceramic works.
- Curator – Managing museum and gallery collections.
- Textile Designer – Designing fabrics for fashion and home decor.
- Industrial Designer – Creating products and packaging designs.
- Sculptor – Producing three-dimensional artworks.
- Photographer – Capturing images for commercial and artistic purposes.
- Cartoonist & Illustrator – Creating comics, book illustrations, and animations.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify career opportunities in visual arts.
- Understand the entrepreneurial potential in various art fields.
- Use artistic skills to enhance economic and social values.
JAMB Art Syllabus 2025 – Recommended Textbooks for UTME Preparation
Official JAMB UTME Recommended Art Textbooks
To excel in the 2025 JAMB UTME Art examination, candidates are advised to study the following textbooks, which cover various aspects of the syllabus, including visual arts, art history, design, and creative techniques.
Recommended Textbooks for JAMB Art 2025
- Banjoko, I. (2000) – Visual Arts Made Easy: Textbook for Schools and Colleges, Lagos: Movic Publishing Company Ltd.
- Egonwa, O. D. (1991) – African Art: A Contemporary Source Book, Benin: Osasu Publishers.
- Egunlae, S. A. (1985) – The Essential Groundwork in Art and Design, Omotola Standard Press and Bookshop (Nig) Ltd.
- Erese, U. O. & Ogunsina, E. D. (1989) – Creative Arts and Crafts for JSS, Onibonoje Press.
- Nahab, S. J. (2003) – Art of the Millennium for Senior Secondary Schools, Ehindero (Nig.) Ltd.
- Ogumor, E. (1993) – Certificate Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Ibadan: University Press Plc.
- Olaosebikan, W. A. (1982) – Cultural and Creative Arts, Evans.
- Olurukooba, B. K. (1991) – Art for Senior Secondary Schools, ABU.
- Uzoagba, I. N. (1982) – Understanding Art in General Education, Onitsha: African Publishing Ltd.
- Wangboje, I. N. (1982) – A Textbook on Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Evans Publishers.