JAMB Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) Curriculum

The objective of the Christian Religious Studies syllabus for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 2024 is to prepare candidates for the examination by assessing their attainment of specific course objectives. These objectives include:

1. Attaining knowledge and understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith as outlined in the Bible.
2. Interpreting biblical teachings and themes.
3. Applying biblical teachings and tenets to life in society.
4. Evaluating the application of biblical teachings and tenets to life in society.

The syllabus is organized into four sections:

SECTION A: Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom SECTION B: Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets SECTION C: Themes from the four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles SECTION D: Themes from selected Epistles

Within each section, specific topics are covered with corresponding objectives. For example, in Section A, “Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom,” the topics include:

1. The Sovereignty of God Topics:
   • (a) God as Creator and Controller of the Universe (Gen. 1 and 2) cf. Amos 9:5-6; Is. 45:5-12, Ps. 19:1-6 Objectives:
   • i. Define the term ‘sovereignty.
   • ii. Analyze God’s process of creation.
   • iii. Interpret the sequence of creation.
   • iv. Identify man’s role in advancing God’s purpose in creation.
2. The Covenant Topics:
   • (a) The flood and God’s covenant with Noah (Gen. 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17)
   • (b) God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13; 25:19-26)
   • (c) God’s covenant with Israel (Ex. 19; 20; 24:1-11) cf. Deut. 28:1-19
   • (d) The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek 36:25-28) Objectives:
   • i. Explain the concept of the covenant.
   • ii. Examine the importance and implication of the covenants.
   • iii. Distinguish between God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Israel.
   • iv. Distinguish between the old and the new covenants.
3. Leadership Qualities Topics:
   • Examples of (a) Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)
   • (b) Moses (Ex. 1; 2; 3; 4:1-17; 5; 12; Num. 13:1-20; 14:1-19)
   • (c) Joshua (Num. 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Josh. 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31)
   • (d) Judges (Deborah – Judges. 4:1-24; Gideon: Judges 6:11-40; Samson: Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31) Objectives:
   • i. Examine the circumstances that gave rise to the leadership of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and the Judges.
   • ii. Identify the major talents of these leaders.
   • iii. Assess God’s role in the works of these leaders.
   • iv. Analyze the achievements of these leaders.
4. Divine Providence, Guidance, and Protection Topics:
   • (a) Guidance and Protection (Gen. 24:1-61; 28:10-22; 46:1-7: Ex. 13:17-22; 14:1-4; 10-31)
   • (b) Provision (Gen. 21:14-18; 22:1-14; Ex. 16:1-21; 17:1-7; Num. 20:1-13; 1 Kings 17:1-16)

Objectives:

Candidates are expected to:

1. Divine Guidance and Provision:
   • i. Identify the various means by which God guided and protected the people of Israel.
   • ii. Specify instances of God’s provision for His people.
   • iii. Recognize different occasions when God provided for Israel.
2. Parental Responsibility: Topics:
   • Examples of (a) Eli and Samuel (1 Sam. 2:11-36; 3:2-18; 4:10-22: 8:15) (b) David (11 Sam. 13; 15:1-29; 18; 19:1-8) (c) Asa (1 Kings 15:9-15; 22:41-44; cf. Deut. 6:4-9; Prov. 4:1-10; 13:1; 24; 22:6; 23:13-14; 31:10-31)

   Objectives:

   • i. Assess the responsibility of Eli, Samuel, and David in their children’s shortcomings.
   • ii. Describe how Asa pleased God.
3. Obedience and Disobedience: Topics:
   • (i) Obedience and Rewards:
     • Examples of (a) Abraham (Gen. 22:1-19) (b) Hebrew Midwives (Ex. 1:8-22) (c) David (1 Sam. 30:1-20)
   • (ii) Disobedience and Consequences:
     • Examples of (a) Adam (Gen. 2:15-25; 3) (b) Collection of Manna (Ex. 16:22-30) (c) The Golden Calf (Ex. 32) (d) Moses (Num. 20:7-12; Deut. 34:1-6) (e) Saul (1 Sam. 10:1-16; 15:1-25; 16:14-23; 31:1-13)

   Objectives:

   • i. Determine the motivations behind the obedience of Abraham, the Hebrew midwives, and David.
   • ii. Identify the rewards associated with obedience.
   • iii. Compare instances of disobedience among Adam, the people of Israel, Moses, and Saul.
   • iv. Specify the reasons for their disobedience.
   • v. Recognize the consequences of disobedience.
4. A Man after God’s Own Heart: Topics:
   • (a) The early life of David (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 17; 18:17-30; 22:1-5; 24:1-23; II Sam. 2:1-7; 3:1-39)
   • (b) David’s submission to the will of God (I Sam. 26:1-25); II Sam 12:15-25
   • (c) David’s repentance and forgiveness (II Sam. 11; 12:1-15, cf. Ps. 51:130)

   Objectives:

   • i. Identify David’s formative experiences during childhood.
   • ii. Specify how David demonstrated submission to the will of God.
   • iii. Examine the circumstances leading to David’s sin and subsequent repentance.
   • iv. Identify the reasons for God’s forgiveness toward David.
5. Decision-Making: Topics:
   • (a) Reliance on a medium (I Sam. 28:3-25)
   • (b) The wisdom of Solomon (I Kings 3:3-28; 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53)
   • (c) Unwise policies of Solomon and Rehoboam (I Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40; 12:1-20)

   Objectives:

   • i. Identify the source of Solomon’s wisdom.
   • ii. Compare the decision-making approaches of Saul and Solomon.
   • iii. Analyze the decisions made by Saul, Solomon, and Rehoboam.
   • iv. Assess the consequences of Solomon and Rehoboam’s unwise decisions.

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

1. Greed and its Effects: Topics:
   • Examples of (a) Ahab (I Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; II Kings 9:30-37) (b) Gehazi (II Kings 5:1-27 cf (Josh 7)

   Objectives:

   • i. Derive the meaning of greed.
   • ii. Differentiate between the manifestations of greed in Ahab and Gehazi.
   • iii. Analyze the consequences arising from the greed displayed by Ahab and Gehazi.
2. The Supremacy of God: Topics:
   • (a) Religious tension and the power of God on Mount Carmel (I Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18; 19:1-18)

   Objectives:

   • i. Evaluate the religious landscape in Israel during the era of Elijah and Ahab.
   • ii. Identify the key figures involved in the Mount Carmel confrontation.
   • iii. Differentiate between the divine power of God and the influence of Baal.
3. Religious Reforms in Judah: Topics:
   • (a) Cleansing of the Temple (II Kings 22)
   • (b) Renewal of the Covenant (II Kings 23:1-30)

   Objectives:

   • i. Analyze the religious reforms implemented by Josiah.
   • ii. Determine the motivations behind the covenant’s renewal.
   • iii. Assess the significance of Josiah’s reforms in the religious context.
4. Concern for Judah: Topics:
   • (a) The fall of Jerusalem (II kings 24; 25:1-17)
   • (b) Condition of Judah (Neh. 1:1-11; Ezra 1:1-11)
   • (c) Response to the state of Judah (Neh. 2; 4:1-23 Ezra 3:4; 5; 6; 7)

   Objectives:

   • i. Identify the contributing factors to the fall of Jerusalem.
   • ii. Examine the state of Judah during the exile period.
   • iii. Analyze the reactions of the people to Nehemiah and Ezra’s call for the reconstruction of Jerusalem.
   • iv. Differentiate the responses of Nehemiah and Ezra to opposition from their adversaries.
5. Faith, Courage, and Protection: Topics:
   • (a) Examples of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan. L; 3:1-30: 6:1-28)

   Objectives:

   • i. Analyze the narratives of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel.
   • ii. Identify instances where the four individuals demonstrated faith.
   • iii. Assess the impact of the faith displayed by these individuals on the Babylonians.

6. God’s Message to Nineveh: Topics:
   • Jonah and his message (Jonah 1; 2; 3 and 4)

   Objectives:

   • i. Analyze the narrative of Jonah’s divine calling.
   • ii. Describe the consequences resulting from Jonah’s disobedience.
   • iii. Assess the impact of Jonah’s message on the people of Nineveh.
   • iv. Emulate the example set by the Ninevites in responding to Jonah’s message.
7. Social Justice, True Religion, and Divine Love: Topics:
   • (a) 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
   • (b) Divine love and human response (Hosea 1; 2; 3; 4; 6:1-11; 14)

   Objectives:

   • i. Determine the essence of true religion.
   • ii. Identify the societal issues that prompted the call for social justice during Amos’ time.
   • iii. Examine the conditions prevailing in Israel during Hosea’s era.
   • iv. Analyze Hosea’s depiction of divine love and the corresponding human response.
8. Holiness and Divine Call: Topics:
   • (Isaiah 6:1-13; Ezek. 2; 3:1-11; Jer. 1:4-10)

   Objectives:

   • i. Distinguish between the calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah.
   • ii. Compare the missions assigned to these prophets.
   • iii. Determine the significance of God’s people embracing holiness.
9. Punishment and Hope: Topics:
   • (Jer. 3:11-18; 32:26-35; Ezek. 18; 37:1-14; Isaiah 61)

   Objectives:

   • i. Describe the circumstances leading to the punishment of Israel.
   • ii. Identify the conditions fostering hope.
   • iii. Determine the benefits associated with the restoration.

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

1. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus: Topics:
   • (a) John, the forerunner of Jesus (Lk. 1:5-25; 57-66; 3:1-20; 7:18-35; Mk. 1:1-8; 6:14-29; Mt. 3:1-12: Matt.11:2-19 Jn. 1:6-8; 19-37; 3:22-36)
   • (b) The birth and boyhood of Jesus (Mt. 1:18-25; 2; Lk. 1:26-45:2)

   Objectives:

   • i. Compare the narratives of the births of John and Jesus.
   • ii. Assess the significance of John as the forerunner of Jesus.
   • iii. Describe the boyhood of Jesus.
2. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus: Topics:
   • (Mt. 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mk. 1:9-13; Lk. 3:21-22; 4:1-13)

   Objectives:

   • i. Determine the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ baptism.
   • ii. Enumerate the temptations faced by Jesus.
   • iii. Examine the significance of the temptations experienced by Jesus.
3. Discipleship: Topics:
   • (a) The call of the first disciples (Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9-13; Mk. 1:16-20; 2:13-17; Lk. 5:1-11; 27-32)
   • (b) The demands of discipleship (Mt. 8:19-22; Lk. 9:57-63; 14:25-33)

   Objectives:

   • i. Identify the initial disciples called by Jesus.
   • ii. Determine the expectations and challenges associated with discipleship.

4. Miracles: Topics:
   • (a) Nature Miracles (i) Stilling the storm (Mt. 8:23-27; Mk. 4:35-41; Lk.8:22-25) (ii) Feeding of the five thousand (Mt. 14:13-24; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk, 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-13) (iii) Walking on the sea (Mt. 14:22-26; Mk. 6:45-52; Jn. 6:16-21) (iv) Changing water to wine (Jn. 2:1-11)
   • (b) Miracles of Resuscitation (i) The raising of Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-45) (ii) The raising of Jairus’ daughter (Lk. 8:41-42, 49-56; Mk. 5:21-43) (iii) The raising of the widow’s son at Nain (Lk. 7:11-17)
   • (c) Healing Miracles (i) The lepers (Mt. 8:1-4; Mk. 1:40-45; Lk. 5:12-16; 17:11-19) (ii) The paralytic at the pool (Jn. 5:1-17) (iii) The centurion’s servant (Mt. 8:5-13; Lk. 7:1-10) (iv) The blind (Jn. 9:1-12; Mk. 10:46-52; Lk. 18:35-43)
   • (d) Exorcism (i) The Gerasene (Gadarene) demoniac (Mt. 8:28-34; Mk. 5:1-20; Lk. 8:26-39) (ii) The epileptic boy (Mk. 9:14-29; Lk. 9:37-43a; Mt. 17:14-21)

   Objectives:

   • i. Classify the various miracles of Jesus.
   • ii. Indicate the circumstances surrounding each miracle.
   • iii. Examine the significance of each miracle.
5. The Parables: Topics:
   • (a) Parables of the Kingdom (i) The sower (Mt. 13:1-23; Mk. 4:1-20) (ii) The weeds (Mt. 13:24-30; 36-43) (iii) The drag-net (Mt. 13:47-50) (iv) The wedding garment (Matt 22:1-14)
   • (b) Parables about Love of God (Mt. 18:12- 14; Lk. 15:1-32)
   • (c) Parables about Love for One Another (Lk.10:25-37; 16:19-31)
   • (d) Parable about Wealth: The Rich Fool (Lk. 12:13-21)
   • (e) Parables on Prayer (Lk 18:2-14)

   Objectives:

   • i. Classify the different parables of Jesus.
   • ii. Identify the occasions for each parable.
   • iii. Interpret the meaning of each parable.
   • iv. Explain the reasons behind Jesus teaching in parables.
6. Sermon on the Mount: (Mt. 5; 6; Lk. 6:17-26)Objectives:
   • i. Analyze the teachings delivered during the Sermon on the Mount.
   • ii. Identify the demands of the Kingdom presented in the sermon.
   • iii. Determine the consequences of worldly possessions as outlined in the sermon.
   • iv. Associate the rewards for obedience with the Sermon on the Mount.
7. Mission of the Disciples: Topics:
   • (a) The Mission of the Twelve (Mt. 10:5-15; Mk. 6:7-13; Lk. 9:1-16)
   • (b) The Mission of the Seventy (Lk. 10:1-24)

   Objectives:

   • i. Distinguish between the missions of the twelve and the seventy.
   • ii. Specify the instructions given to the disciples.
   • iii. Assess the outcomes of the missions.
8. The Great Confession: (Mt. 16:13-20; Mk. 8:27-30; Lk. 9:18-22)Objectives:
   • i. Analyze Peter’s confession.
   • ii. Identify the occasion of the Great Confession.
   • iii. Examine the significance of the Great Confession.

9. The Transfiguration: (Mt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36)Objectives:
   • i. Trace the events leading to the Transfiguration.
   • ii. Determine the significance of the Transfiguration for the disciples.
   • iii. Identify the personalities involved in the account of the Transfiguration.
10. The Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple: (Mt. 21:1-17; Mk. 11:1-19; Lk. 19:29-48)Objectives:
    • i. Recount the events of the Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple.
    • ii. Determine the significance of both the Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple.
    • iii. Examine how the cleansing of the Temple provoked hostility towards Jesus.
11. The Last Supper: (Mt. 26:17-30; Mk. 14:10-26, Lk. 22:7-23; Jn. 13:2-38)Objectives:
    • i. Trace the narrative of the Last Supper.
    • ii. Evaluate the significance of the Last Supper.
12. The Trials and the Death of Jesus: Topics:
    • (a) The trials of Jesus before (i) the High Priest (Mt. 26:36-75; Mk. 14:53-72. Lk. 22:66-71) (ii) Pilate (Mt. 27:11-26; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-5; 13-25; Jn. 18:28-40; 19:1-16) (iii) Herod (Lk. 23:6-12)
    • (b) Crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Mt. 27:32-66; Lk. 23:26-56; Mk. 15:16-47; Jn. 19:17-42)

    Objectives:

    • i. Analyze the different trials of Jesus.
    • ii. Describe the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.
    • iii. Deduce the lessons from the death of Jesus.
13. Resurrection, Appearances, and Ascension of Jesus: (Mt. 28:1-20; Mk. 16:1-20; Lk. 24:1-53; Jn. 20:1-31; Acts 1:1-11)Objectives:
    • i. Trace the stories of the resurrection, appearances, and ascension of Jesus.
    • ii. Compare the personalities involved in the stories.
    • iii. Analyze the relevance of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
14. Jesus’ Teachings about Himself: Topics:
    • (a) The Bread of Life and the Living Water (Jn. 4:7-15; 6:25-58)
    • (b) The Light of the World (Jn. 1:4-8; 3:19-21; 8:12 9:1-5; 12:35-36 1 Jn. 1:5-7)
    • (c) The Door, the Lamb, and the Good Shepherd (Jn 1:29-34; 10:1-18)
    • (d) The True Vine (Jn. 15:1-11)
    • (e) The Resurrection (Jn.11:25)

    Objectives:

    • i. Analyze the different teachings of Jesus about Himself.
    • ii. Deduce the reasons for Jesus’ teachings about Himself.
    • iii. Interpret the meanings of the symbols used by Jesus about Himself.
15. Love: Topics:
    • (a) God’s love for man (Jn. 3:16-18)
    • (b) Love for one another (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12-13 cf. I Jn. 4:7-21)

    Objectives:

    • i. Describe God’s love for man.
    • ii. Specify the ways individuals can express love for one another.
    • iii. Evaluate the significance of love.

16. Fellowship in the Early Church: Topics:
    • (a) Communal living (Acts 1:15-26; 2:41-47; 4:32-37)
    • (b) Problems of communal living and solutions (Acts 5:1-11, 6:1-6)

    Objectives:

    • (i) Identify the reasons for communal living in the Early Church.
    • (ii) Identify the problems of communal living and their solutions.
    • (iii) Examine how communal living contributed to the growth of the Early Church.
17. The Holy Spirit and the Mission of the Church: Topics:
    • (a) The Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:1-41)
    • (b) The mission of the Church (Acts 8:4-40)

    Objectives:

    • (i) Trace the story of Pentecost.
    • (ii) Examine the significance of the Pentecost experience.
    • (iii) Analyze the mission of the Church.
18. Opposition to the Gospel Message: Topics:
    • (a) The arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John (Acts 3; 4:1-22; 5:17-42 12:1-24)
    • (b) The martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7)
    • (c) Persecution by Saul (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2) cf. Gal. 1:11-17
    • (d) Persecution of Paul (Acts 16:11-40;19:23- 41;21:27-36) cf 2 Cor:11:23-33

    Objectives:

    • (i) Trace the story of the arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John.
    • (ii) Trace the events leading to the martyrdom of Stephen.
    • (iii) Describe Saul’s role in the persecution of the Church.
    • (iv) Evaluate the importance of persecution to the growth of the Church.
    • (v) Account for the persecution of Paul.
19. Mission to the Gentiles: Topics:
    • (a) Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-30;22:4-21;26:9-18)
    • (b) Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)
    • (c) The commissioning and mission of Paul (Acts 13; 14:1-20);
    • (d) The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35; Gal. 2:1-21)

    Objectives:

    • (i) Compare the conversions of Saul and Cornelius.
    • (ii) Analyze the commissioning and mission of Paul.
    • (iii) Examine the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem.
    • (iv) Identify the personalities involved at the Council of Jerusalem.
    • (v) Examine the relevance of the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem.
    • (vi) Assess Paul’s role in the mission to the Gentiles.

SECTION D: Themes from Selected Epistles

1. Justification by Faith: (Rom. 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13)Objectives:
   • (i) Interpret the phrase ‘justification’ by faith.
   • (ii) Identify the basic conditions for justification.
   • (iii) Determine the fruits of justification.
2. The Law and Grace: (Rom. 4:13-25; 5:18-21; Gal. 3:10-14; 19-29)Objectives:
   • (i) Examine the purpose and significance of the law and grace.
   • (ii) Identify the place of the Law among the Jews.
3. New Life in Christ: (Rom. 6:1-4; 12-14; Col. 3:1-17; Gal. 5:16-26; II Cor. 5:16-19; I Thess. 4:1-8; Rom. 12)Objectives:
   • (i) Describe the characteristics of the old life.
   • (ii) Analyze the new life in Christ.
   • (iii) Identify the conditions of the new life.
   • (iv) Examine the benefits of the new life.