JAMB Art Syllabus

General Objectives

The Art syllabus is designed to enable candidates to:

• Exhibit knowledge of the fundamental elements, principles and terminologies of art.
• Show knowledge of historical dimensions of art with emphasis on Nigerian arts and crafts.
• Demonstrate knowledge of artistic techniques, processes, the use of materials and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Display aesthetic awareness of the environment, meaning and functions of art in society.

Detailed Art Syllabus

13 topics. For each topic: what to study (contents) and the objectives you should be able to meet.

1. Classification of Art

   Contents

   • Visual Arts (Fine and Applied Arts)
   • Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama)
   • Literary Arts (Poetry, Prose, Recitals)

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • differentiate between the three branches of art

2. Elements and Principles of Design

   Contents

   • Elements of design: line, colour, shape, form, texture, tone, value, space
   • Principles of design: balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, contrast, repetition, dominance, variety

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • identify the elements of design
   • analyze the principles of design

3. Art Terms

   Contents

   • Pigments, motif, greenware, armature, silhouette, chiaroscuro, cire perdue, terracotta

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • identify art terms
   • link art terms to their respective art areas
   • use art terms in analyzing artworks

4. Historical Dimensions of Art

   Contents

   • Prehistoric, Greek and Roman Art
   • Medieval Art (architecture, surface decoration, calligraphy)
   • Renaissance Art and artists: Giotto di Bondone, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael
   • 19th-20th century art movements: Impressionism, Realism, Futurism, Cubism, Bauhaus, Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, Fauvism

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • compare materials, styles and techniques
   • classify art periods and styles
   • compare artists and their works
   • differentiate between art movements
   • analyze styles, techniques, innovations and influences

5. Traditional African Art

   Contents

   • Egypt, Ashanti, Dogon, Mossi, Fon, Senufo, Bambara, Mende, Kissi, Bamileke, Bakumba

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • categorize the works according to their styles, materials and locations

6. Traditional Nigerian Art

   Contents

   • Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, Benin, Esie, Igala, Jukun, Akwashi, Mbari

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • analyze the works in relation to their functions, characteristics and locations

7. Nigerian Crafts

   Contents

   • Pottery, woodworks, cloth-weaving, carving, leather works, metal works, beadworks, body decoration, mat and cane weaving

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • trace the origins, locations and styles of the crafts

8. Development in Contemporary Nigerian Arts and Artists

   Contents

   • Art Schools: Zaria, Nsukka, Osogbo group
   • Nigerian artists and art educators: Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, S.I. Wangboje, Jimoh Akolo, Dele Jegede
   • Museums, galleries and art centres
   • Art institutions and organizations: NSEA, SNA, NCAC
   • Major Festivals: Argungu Fishing, Eyo, Egungun, Iri-ji, Durbar, Igue, Ekpo, Odo

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • determine the influences of the art schools
   • assess the artists by their works, specializations, techniques and styles
   • analyze the functions of museums, galleries and art centres
   • evaluate the impact of art institutions and organizations on art development
   • examine the impact of the major festivals

9. Artistic Skills, Techniques and Processes

   Contents

   • Two-Dimensional Art: drawing, painting, graphics, textile design
   • Perspective: linear, angular, aerial and parallel; foreground, picture plane, eye-level, vanishing point, foreshortening, optical illusion, depth
   • Sculpture, Ceramics and Crafts
   • Computer Graphics (e.g. CorelDraw)

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • demonstrate techniques, skills and processes with emphasis on tone, composition and colour
   • understand the types of perspective
   • apply the rules and terms of perspective
   • master the use of basic design tools

10. Tools, Materials and Equipment

    Contents

    • Two-Dimensional tools: brushes, lino cutters, drawing instruments, calligraphic pens, sharpeners
    • Two-Dimensional materials: pencils, charcoal, pastel, crayon, fixative, fabric, dyes, lino, wood blocks
    • Two-Dimensional equipment: air compressor, spray gun, enlarger, computer
    • Improvisation of tools and materials for both 2D and 3D art

    Objectives — candidates should be able to:

    • maintain tools and materials
    • use art materials and tools
    • operate and maintain equipment
    • improvise alternatives where necessary

11. Art Appreciation

    Contents

    • Man-made objects (architecture, sculpture)
    • Natural phenomena (e.g. Zuma Rock, Ikogosi Warm Springs)

    Objectives — candidates should be able to:

    • appreciate the aesthetic qualities of natural and man-made phenomena in the Nigerian environment
    • differentiate between natural and man-made phenomena

12. Meaning and Functions of Art in Society

    Contents

    • Definition of art
    • Functions of art: religious, social, cultural, political, therapeutic, economic
    • Functions of art in the media: advertisement, education, recreation

    Objectives — candidates should be able to:

    • examine the meaning and functions of art
    • use art to enhance societal values
    • assess the role of art in the media

13. Art Entrepreneurship

    Contents

    • Job prospects in visual arts: Ceramist, Curator, Textile designer, Industrial designer, Sculptor, Photographer, Cartoonist, Illustrator

    Objectives — candidates should be able to:

    • identify job opportunities in visual arts

Recommended Texts

• Banjoko, I. (2000). Visual Arts Made Easy: Textbook for Schools and Colleges. Lagos: Movic Publishing Company.
• Egonwa, O.D. (1991). African Art: A Contemporary Source Book. Benin City: Osasu Publishers.
• Egunlae, S.A. (1985). The Essential Groundwork in Art and Design. Ibadan: Omotola Standard Press.
• Erese, U.O. & Ogunsina, E.D. (1989). Creative Arts and Crafts for J.S.S. Ibadan: Onibonoje Press.
• Nahab, S.J. (2003). Art of the Millennium for Senior Secondary Schools. Jos: Ehindero (Nig.) Ltd.
• Ogumor, E. (1993). Certificate Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press.
• Olaosebikan, W.A. (1982). Cultural and Creative Arts. Ibadan: Evans.
• Olurukooba, B.K. (1991). Art for Senior Secondary Schools. Zaria: ABU Press.
• Uzoagba, I.N. (1982). Understanding Art in General Education. Onitsha: African Publishing.
• Wangboje, I.N. (1982). A Textbook on Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: Evans Publishers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many topics are in the JAMB Art syllabus?

The JAMB UTME Art syllabus contains 13 topics organized into four sections (A to D): foundational concepts (classification, elements/principles, art terms), historical and cultural dimensions, artistic skills/techniques/materials, and art appreciation/societal functions/entrepreneurship.

How is the JAMB Art syllabus structured?

It is divided into four sections. Section A covers foundational concepts (classification of art, elements and principles of design, art terms). Section B covers historical and cultural dimensions (world art history, traditional African and Nigerian art, Nigerian crafts, contemporary Nigerian art). Section C covers artistic skills, techniques, tools and materials. Section D covers art appreciation, the meaning and functions of art in society, and art entrepreneurship.

What are the main focus areas of the JAMB Art syllabus?

The four overarching aims are: knowledge of the fundamental elements, principles and terminologies of art; the historical dimensions of art with emphasis on Nigerian arts and crafts; artistic techniques, processes, materials and tool maintenance; and aesthetic awareness of the environment plus the meaning and functions of art in society.

Is Nigerian art emphasized in the JAMB Art syllabus?

Yes. The syllabus places strong emphasis on Nigerian art and crafts, including traditional art forms (Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, Benin, Esie, Igala, Jukun, Akwashi, Mbari), Nigerian crafts (pottery, weaving, carving, beadwork, etc.), the Zaria, Nsukka and Osogbo art schools, key Nigerian artists, and major Nigerian cultural festivals.

Which artists and art movements should I study for JAMB Art?

For world art history, study Renaissance masters such as Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, and 19th-20th century movements including Impressionism, Realism, Futurism, Cubism, Bauhaus, Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism and Fauvism. For Nigerian art, study pioneers and educators such as Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, S.I. Wangboje, Jimoh Akolo and Dele Jegede.

Does the JAMB Art syllabus include computer graphics?

Yes. Under artistic skills, techniques and processes, the syllabus lists computer graphics (for example, CorelDraw) alongside drawing, painting, graphics, textile design, sculpture and ceramics, and it includes the computer among 2D equipment.

Is the JAMB Art exam practical or theory based?

The JAMB UTME is a multiple-choice (objective) examination, so Art is tested through theory questions. Candidates must know elements and principles of design, art terms, art history, techniques, tools and materials, and the functions of art, but the UTME itself does not require producing practical artwork.

Why does the JAMB Art syllabus cover art entrepreneurship?

The syllabus includes art entrepreneurship so candidates can identify career opportunities in the visual arts, such as ceramist, curator, textile designer, industrial designer, sculptor, photographer, cartoonist and illustrator, reflecting the economic function of art in society.