the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released its recommended literature texts for candidates preparing for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Literature in English. this year’s selection encompasses a diverse array of African and non-African works across drama, prose, and poetry, aiming to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various literary traditions and themes. Recommended Texts for 2025:
Drama:
- African Drama:
- “Harvest of Corruption” by Frank Ogodo Ogbeche: his play delves into the themes of corruption and abuse of power within a fictional African society, highlighting the societal impacts of unethical leadership.
- Non-African Drama:
- “Othello” by William Shakespeare: classic tragedy that explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and racial prejudice, centered around the Moorish general Othello and his descent into mistrust and vengeance. Prose:
- African Prose:
- “Faceless” by Amma Darko: his novel addresses pressing social issues such as street children, gender inequality, and systemic neglect, providing a poignant look into the lives of marginalized individuals in urban Ghana.
- Non-African Prose:
- “Native Son” by Richard Wright: seminal work that examines the systemic racism and poverty experienced by African Americans in the early 20th century, following the life of Bigger Thomas in Chicago. Poetry:
- African Poetry:
- “Vanity” by Birago Diop: reflective piece on the neglect of ancestral wisdom and the consequences of ignoring one’s heritage. – “Ambush” by Gbemisola Adeoti: metaphorical poem discussing the unforeseen challenges and obstacles that impede progress. – “Piano and Drums” by Gabriel Okara: his poem contrasts traditional African culture with Western influences, symbolized through musical instruments. – “The Dining Table” by Gbanabam Hallowell: vivid portrayal of the aftermath of conflict, using the dining table as a metaphor for war. – “The Panic of Growing Older” by Lenrie Peter: contemplation on the passage of time and the anxieties associated with aging. – “The Anvil and the Hammer” by Kofi Awoonor: explores the fusion of traditional African values and Western culture, and the identity struggles that arise from it.
- Non-African Poetry:
- “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Tennyson: a meditation on death and the transition from life to the hereafter, using the metaphor of a sea voyage. – “The Pulley” by George Herbert: religious poem reflecting on the relationship between humanity and the divine, and the concept of restlessness leading one towards God. – “The School Boy” by William Blake: ritiques the formal education system and its suppression of a child’s natural joy and freedom. – “The Proud King” by William Morris: narrative poem about humility, recounting the tale of a king who learns a valuable lesson about pride and human frailty. Study Tips for Candidates:
- Obtain the Texts Early: nsure you have access to all the recommended texts well in advance. They can be sourced from reputable bookstores, online retailers, or academic libraries.
- Read Actively: ngage with each text by taking notes, highlighting key themes, and analyzing character developments and literary devices.
- Understand Contexts: esearch the historical, cultural, and biographical backgrounds of each work and its author to gain deeper insights into the texts.
- Practice Past Questions: amiliarize yourself with the types of questions asked in previous exams related to these texts to identify patterns and important focus areas.
- Join Study Groups: iscussing the texts with peers can provide diverse perspectives and enhance understanding through shared insights.
- Consult Supplementary Materials: tilize study guides, critical essays, and analyses to further explore interpretations and critical viewpoints of the texts. y immersing themselves in these selected works, candidates will not only prepare effectively for the examination but also gain a richer appreciation of literature’s role in reflecting and shaping societal values and human experiences.
