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:
Attaining knowledge and understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith as outlined in the Bible.
Interpreting biblical teachings and themes.
Applying biblical teachings and tenets to life in society.
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:
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.
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.
Leadership Qualities Topics:
Examples of (a) Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
14. Christian Living in the Community: (a) Interpersonal Relationships among Christians (I Pet. 5:1-4; Rom. 12:3-21; Heb.13:1-21) (b) Christians Living among Non-Christians (I Pet. 2:3-25; Rom. 15:1-2) (c) Christian Attitude to Persecution (I Pet. 1:5-9; 4:1-19; 1 Pet. 3:13-22) (d) Relationships in the Christian Family (Eph. 6: 1-9; Col. 3:18-21; I Pet. 3:1-7)
Objectives:
(i) Determine interpersonal relationships among Christians.
(ii) Analyze Christian living among non-Christians.
(iii) Relate Christian attitude to persecution.
(iv) Determine the relationship in the Christian family.
(v) Examine the importance of maintaining good relationships.
15. Corruption: (1 Tim 6:6-11; 2 Tim 3:8; 2 Pet. 1:4-11; James 5:1-6)
Objectives:
(i) Define the term corruption.
(ii) Identify the causes of corruption.
(iii) Determine the effects and consequences of corruption.
(iv) Identify ways of curbing corruption.
16. Sexual Immorality: (a) Prostitution (1Cor.6:16-20) cf. Prov.7:10-27;23:27-28 (b) Adultery and Fornication (Heb. 13:4, Eph. 5:3-10) cf. Matt 5:28-32;Deut. 22:22; Lev. 20:10 (c) Homosexuality (Rom. 1:24-32) cf. Lev.18:21-30; 20:13
Objectives:
(i) Identify what constitutes sexual immorality.
(ii) Determine the causes of sexual immorality.
(iii) Examine the effects and consequences of sexual immorality.
(iv) Identify ways of curbing sexual immorality.
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Adetunji, P.G. et al (2000) ExamFocus Christian Religious Knowledge for WASSCE and SSCE. Ibadan: University Press Plc.
Adeyemo, I. O. et al (1998) Christian Religious Knowledge for Secondary Schools Books1 – 3. Ibadan: Onibonoje.
Adeyinka, A. A. et al (1991) Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1 – 3. Lagos: Longman.
Adigwe, H.A et’al (2004) Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools. Onitsha: Africana Publishers.
Aghaeghuna, E. O. N (1988) Senior Secondary School Christian Religious Knowledge: Themes from Selected Epistles, Vol 1 – III. Awka: Jet Publishers.
Dopamu A. Et al (1990) Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1 – 3. Lagos: Nelson.
Ilori J. A. et al (1980) Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools Books 1 – 3. Ibadan: Evans.
Izuchukwu, A.E. et’al (1997) Round-Up for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Christian Religious Knowledge: A Complete Guide. Lagos: Longman.
Throckmorton, B.H, Jr. (ed) (1966) Gospel Parallels: A Synopsis of the First Three Gospels. New York: Thomas Nelson.
THE BIBLE:Revised Standard Version, Stonechill Green: Bible Society Publishing House (1971).
07062822440 || 
07062822440 
Leave a Reply