It is released by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB); this is the body that conducts UTME in Nigeria.
If you are writing Physical and Health Education in 2026 or 2027, this syllabus tells you exactly what JAMB will set questions from. Nothing outside it.
So let me ask you something; are you reading randomly or are you reading with direction?
Many students just open textbooks and start reading from page one. But the thing is; JAMB does not ask everything in your textbook. They follow their syllabus.
Read also:
- JAMB Syllabus 2026/2027 for All Subjects Download PDF
- JAMB Registration 2026/2027: Dates, Requirements, How to Apply, and Full Guide
- JAMB registration requirements for foreign students 2026/2027
If a topic is not inside the syllabus, JAMB will not ask it.
That is why this document is powerful.
Why JAMB Releases an Official Syllabus
JAMB releases a syllabus every year so students can:
- Know the approved topics
- Focus on what matters
- Avoid wasting time
- Prepare in an organized way
Think about it like this.
If someone tells you to cook rice but does not tell you the ingredients, you may cook it wrongly. But if they give you the full recipe; you follow it and get it right.
The syllabus is your recipe for scoring high.
How the Syllabus Helps You Score Higher
Let me show you something important.
When examiners set questions, they sit with the syllabus. They tick topics and create questions from them.
So if you master:
- Human Anatomy
- Food and Nutrition
- Sports rules
- First Aid
- Communicable diseases
You are preparing exactly how JAMB wants you to prepare.
Students who study with the syllabus are more confident in the exam hall.
I have seen students who read hard but failed because they did not follow the syllabus. But students who followed it; even if they were not the smartest; they performed better.
So now I want to ask you:
Have you downloaded your copy yet?
Don’t worry; I will show you how to download the PDF safely later in this guide.
Overview of the JAMB PHE Syllabus 2026/2027
The JAMB PHE syllabus is divided into 12 major sections; from A to L.
Here is a simple table to help you understand the structure:
| Section | Topic Area |
|---|---|
| A | Foundations and Principles of PHE |
| B | Human Anatomy and Physiology |
| C | Theory and Practice of Sports and Games |
| D | Food, Nutrition and Drugs |
| E | Physical Fitness and Conditioning |
| F | Recreation, Leisure and Dance |
| G | First Aid and Safety Education |
| H | National and International Sports |
| I | Corrective and Adapted Physical Education |
| J | Personal and Community Health |
| K | Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases |
| L | Family Life and Human Sexuality Education |
Now let me break them down in simple words.
Section A; Foundations and Principles of Physical and Health Education
This section talks about:
- Meaning of Physical Education
- History of Physical Education
- Founding fathers like Thomas Wood and John Dewey
- Health Education and Health Promotion
You will learn how Physical Education started in ancient Greece and how it developed in Nigeria.
So if you hate history; don’t skip it. JAMB loves asking questions from here.
Section B; Human Anatomy and Physiology
This is one of the biggest parts.
You will read about:
- Cells and tissues
- Skeletal system
- Muscular system
- Nervous system
- Circulatory system
- Respiratory system
- Excretory system
- Body types and posture
Have you ever wondered why athletes train differently based on body type?
This section explains that.
It also teaches you about diseases related to posture like scoliosis and flat foot.
Section C; Theory and Practice of Sports and Games
This part focuses on:
- Athletics; track and field
- Football
- Basketball
- Table tennis
- Badminton
You will learn:
- Rules
- Equipment
- Officiating
- Techniques
For example; do you know the difference between visual and non-visual baton exchange in relay races?
That is inside this section.
Section D; Food, Nutrition and Drugs
Here you will study:
- Classes of food
- Balanced diet
- Diet planning
- Drug types
- Drug abuse
- Effects of drugs on the body
This section connects health to everyday life.
If you eat badly, it affects performance; JAMB wants you to understand that.
Section E; Physical Fitness and Conditioning
You will learn:
- Meaning of physical fitness
- Components of fitness
- Aerobic and anaerobic exercises
- Strength and endurance training
If you have ever done skipping rope or push-ups; you are already practicing what this section teaches.
Section F; Recreation, Leisure and Dance
This part covers:
- Indoor and outdoor recreation
- Importance of leisure
- Traditional dances in Nigeria
You may see questions about Ayo, draught, camping, or Nigerian cultural dances.
Section G; First Aid and Safety Education
This section is practical.
You will study:
- First aid principles
- Qualities of a first aider
- Burns, fractures, bleeding
- Safety at home and school
- Agencies like Nigerian Red Cross Society
Imagine someone fainting in school; what should you do first? That answer is here.
Section H; National and International Sports Competitions
You will learn about:
- National Sports Festival
- NUGA
- NIPOGA
- All Africa Games
- International bodies like FIFA and IOC
These questions test your awareness of sports administration.
Section I; Corrective and Adapted Physical Education
This section talks about:
- Disabilities
- Special needs
- Corrective exercises
It teaches inclusion and rehabilitation.
Section J; Personal and Community Health
You will study:
- Personal hygiene
- Eye defects
- Dental diseases
- Community health services
- Maternal care
This part connects directly to everyday Nigerian life.
Section K; Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
Here you will read about:
- Malaria
- Cholera
- Tuberculosis
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
Prevention and control measures are important here.
Section L; Family Life and Human Sexuality Education
This section covers:
- Types of family
- Reproductive rights
- Family planning
- Challenges facing Nigerian families
Some students skip this part because they feel shy.
But JAMB does not skip it.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Section in the JAMB PHE Syllabus 2026/2027
Read also:
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Section A; Foundations and Principles of Physical and Health Education
Meaning and History of Physical Education
Physical Education; often called PE; is the study of body movement, exercise, games, and fitness.
It is not just about running around the field. It teaches:
- Discipline
- Teamwork
- Body awareness
- Healthy living
You will read about early contributors like Thomas Wood and John Dewey. JAMB may ask:
- Who contributed to modern Physical Education?
- Where did organized sports start?
You will also study ancient Greece; especially Sparta and Athens. Sparta focused on military fitness; Athens focused on balanced education.
Then Nigeria’s own development; pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras.
If you ignore history, you may lose easy marks.
Health Education and Health Promotion
Health Education teaches people how to stay healthy.
Health Promotion is action taken to improve health.
Simple example:
- Teaching students about hand washing; Health Education.
- Building hand washing stations in schools; Health Promotion.
Can you see the difference?
JAMB likes asking that.
Section B; Human Anatomy and Physiology
This is heavy; but it gives many questions.
Cells, Tissues, and Body Systems
You must understand:
- Cell structure
- Types of tissues
- Difference between mitosis and meiosis
Mitosis; body growth.
Meiosis; reproduction.
If you mix them up; JAMB will catch you.
Skeletal and Muscular System
Know:
- Axial and appendicular skeleton
- Types of joints
- Types of bones
- Major muscles
For example:
- Hinge joint; elbow
- Ball and socket; shoulder
Also learn isometric and isotonic contraction.
Isometric; muscle tightens but no movement.
Isotonic; muscle tightens and movement happens.
Nervous, Circulatory, Respiratory, and Excretory Systems
You should be able to:
- Label the heart
- Explain systemic and pulmonary circulation
- Explain inspiration and expiration
- Describe kidney function
Section B alone can give you many questions in UTME.
Don’t rush it.
Section C; Theory and Practice of Sports and Games
Athletics
Know sprint races; 100m, 200m, 400m.
Know baton exchange in relay; visual and non-visual.
Know field events:
- Shot put
- Javelin
- Discus
- Long jump
- High jump
JAMB may test safety rules too.
Ball and Racket Games
Study:
- Football
- Basketball
- Table tennis
- Badminton
Know:
- Officials
- Equipment
- Rules
For example; how many players are on a basketball team on court?
These are direct questions.
Section D; Food, Nutrition and Drugs
Food and Balanced Diet
You must know:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Water
Balanced diet means correct amount of all nutrients.
JAMB may ask diet planning for:
- Athletes
- Pregnant women
- Children
Think about it; would an athlete eat the same quantity as a toddler?
Drugs and Abuse
Types:
- Stimulants
- Narcotics
- Hallucinogens
- Sedatives
Know difference between misuse and abuse.
Misuse; wrong use.
Abuse; harmful excessive use.
This section is common in exams.
Section E; Physical Fitness and Conditioning
Components of Physical Fitness
Two types:
Health-related:
- Strength
- Endurance
- Flexibility
- Body composition
Skill-related:
- Agility
- Balance
- Coordination
- Speed
You must differentiate them.
Training Programmes
Aerobic; uses oxygen; long duration.
Anaerobic; short burst; no oxygen use.
Strength training builds muscle.
Endurance training builds stamina.
Simple; but exam loves testing differences.
Section F; Recreation, Leisure and Dance
Recreation and Leisure
Recreation; fun activity.
Leisure; free time.
Examples:
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Watching TV
- Ayo
- Draught
Know difference between recreation and competitive sport.
Dance in Nigeria
You must know:
- Traditional dances
- Costumes
- Importance of dance
This shows cultural awareness.
Section G; First Aid and Safety Education
First Aid Basics
First aid is immediate help before medical care.
Know:
- Aims
- Principles
- First aid box items
Can you list at least five items in a first aid box?
If not; revise it.
Safety and Disaster
Know:
- Accident causes
- Disaster prevention
- Safety at home and school
JAMB may test agencies like Nigerian Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance.
Section H; National and International Sports
Know:
- National Sports Festival
- NUGA
- NIPOGA
- All Africa Games
Also know international bodies like:
- FIFA
- IOC
- FIBA
They may ask administrative structure or roles.
Section I; Corrective and Adapted Physical Education
This section teaches inclusion.
Know:
- Types of disabilities
- Adapted exercises
- Social and emotional problems
- Corrective exercises
You may see scenario questions here.
Section J; Personal and Community Health
Personal Health
Topics include:
- Personal hygiene
- Eye defects; myopia, hypermetropia
- Dental diseases
Know corrections too.
Community Health
Study:
- Maternal care
- Immunization
- Characteristics of elderly persons
- Common causes of death
These questions connect to real life.
Section K; Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
Communicable; spread from person to person.
Examples:
- Malaria
- Cholera
- Tuberculosis
Non-communicable; do not spread.
Examples:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cancer
Know prevention and control measures.
Section L; Family Life and Human Sexuality Education
Know:
- Types of family
- Characteristics of happy family
- Family planning methods
- Reproductive rights
Condom, pills, abstinence; advantages and disadvantages.
Many students skip this part. But questions come from here.
How to Download JAMB PHE Syllabus 2026/2027 PDF
Download From the Official JAMB Website
The safest place to get the syllabus is from www.jamb.gov.ng Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) official website.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official JAMB website
- Click on “Syllabus”
- Select Physical and Health Education
Always check that the website address starts with https://www.jamb.gov.ng
If the website name looks strange; leave it.
Avoid Random WhatsApp or Telegram PDFs
I know it is easy to download from WhatsApp groups. But be careful.
Some files:
- Are outdated
- Contain wrong topics
- Have viruses
You don’t want to damage your phone or read old information.
The thing is; your exam is too important to gamble.
How to Study the JAMB PHE Syllabus and Score High
Let me be honest with you.
Just downloading the PDF is not enough.
You must use it well.
Step 1: Use the Syllabus as a Checklist
Print it or save it on your phone.
As you finish each topic:
- Tick it
- Revise it
- Practice questions from it
Ask yourself; can I explain this topic to someone else?
If you cannot explain it; you have not mastered it.
Step 2: Focus on High-Question Areas
From experience, these sections often produce many questions:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Food and Nutrition
- First Aid
- Communicable Diseases
- Sports Rules
If you are short on time; start there.
But don’t ignore smaller sections; JAMB mixes questions.
Step 3: Practice Past Questions
After reading a topic:
- Solve at least 20 past questions from that topic
- Check corrections
- Understand why answers are correct
Many questions repeat in different forms.
If you master past questions; you increase your chances.
Step 4: Use Approved Textbooks
Here are recommended books from the syllabus:
| Author | Title |
|---|---|
| Afuekwe A. I. | Introductory Textbook of Physical Education |
| Nnabueze U. C. | Foundation of Health and Physical Education |
| Ofadeji A. A. | Comprehensive Textbook on PHE |
| Oyerinde O. O. et al | Textbook of Physical and Health Education |
Choose one clear textbook and stick to it.
Don’t read five books and confuse yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About JAMB PHE Syllabus 2026/2027
1. Is the JAMB PHE syllabus the same every year?
Not always. Some parts remain; but small updates can happen. That is why you should download the 2026/2027 version.
2. How many questions come from PHE in UTME?
JAMB usually sets 40 questions per subject in UTME. All questions come from the syllabus.
3. Is PHE easy in JAMB?
It can be easy if you read the syllabus well. But if you ignore Anatomy and First Aid; it can be tricky.
4. Can I read only past questions and skip the syllabus?
That is risky. Past questions help; but syllabus tells you full coverage. Use both.
5. Which section is the most difficult?
Many students struggle with Human Anatomy and Physiology because it is detailed. But if you study it slowly; it becomes clear.
6. Can I score above 250 with PHE?
Yes; but your other subjects must also be strong. PHE can give you good marks if you prepare properly.
Final Advice for 2026/2027 Candidates
Let me tell you something important.
Your success in JAMB is not about how many hours you read; it is about how well you read the right topics.
The syllabus is your map.
Without a map; you may move fast but go in the wrong direction.
With a map; even if you move slowly; you reach your destination.
So download the official JAMB PHE syllabus.
Print it or save it.
Follow it topic by topic.
Practice past questions.
Revise weak areas.
And always ask yourself; if JAMB sets questions from this topic today, am I ready?
If you stay consistent; you will see improvement.