The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for the 2026/2027 session is a critical step for Nigerian students aspiring to gain admission into higher institutions. Commerce, as one of the core subjects in the social sciences category, plays a vital role in preparing candidates for careers in business, economics, accounting, and related fields. The JAMB areas of concentration for Commerce outline the key topics that candidates must master to perform well in the exam. These areas are derived from the official JAMB syllabus, which remains consistent across sessions unless otherwise updated by the board.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the areas of concentration for Commerce in the 2026/2027 UTME. By focusing on these topics, candidates can streamline their study efforts, understand the objectives, and apply concepts to real-world scenarios in the Nigerian economy.
The syllabus aims to equip students with basic knowledge of commerce, its relationship to other fields, practical applications, and an appreciation for evolving commercial practices. Expect about 50 objective questions in the Commerce section, each carrying 2 marks, contributing significantly to your overall score.
Key Objectives of the Commerce Syllabus
Before diving into the topics, it is essential to grasp the broader goals of studying Commerce for JAMB:
- Acquire foundational knowledge of commerce principles and practices.
- Examine how commerce interconnects with economics, marketing, and management.
- Apply commerce concepts to everyday business activities in Nigeria.
- Recognize and adapt to dynamic changes in commercial environments, such as digital advancements and global trade.
These objectives guide the structure of the exam questions, which test both theoretical understanding and practical application.
Detailed Areas of Concentration
The JAMB Commerce syllabus is divided into 15 main topics. Each topic includes sub-themes, expected knowledge, and candidate abilities. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you prioritize your preparation.
1. Commerce
This foundational topic introduces the nature and scope of commerce. Candidates should understand commerce as the exchange of goods and services to satisfy human wants. Key sub-themes include the distinction between trade and commerce, functions of commerce (e.g., removing hindrances of time, place, and person), and its role in economic development. Be able to explain how commerce facilitates specialization and division of labor in society.
2. Occupation
Focus on various economic occupations and their contributions to commerce. Sub-topics cover primary (e.g., farming, fishing), secondary (e.g., manufacturing), and tertiary (e.g., banking, transportation) occupations. Candidates must differentiate between extractive, manufacturing, commercial, and services occupations, and discuss their interdependence in the production-distribution-consumption chain.
3. Production
Explore the factors of production: land, labor, capital, and entrepreneur. Sub-themes include types of production (primary, secondary, tertiary), division of labor, and production possibilities. Understand how production creates utility (form, time, place) and its link to commerce through distribution channels.
4. Trade
This is a core area covering home trade (retail and wholesale) and foreign trade (import and export). Key elements include types of retailers (e.g., unit shops, chain stores), wholesalersā functions, and trade barriers like tariffs and quotas. Candidates should analyze the advantages and disadvantages of different trade scales and the role of entrepots in international trade.
5. Purchase and Sale of Goods
Study the processes involved in buying and selling. Sub-topics encompass terms of trade (e.g., FOB, CIF), trade documents (invoices, bills of lading), and sales procedures. Be prepared to describe small-scale, wholesale, and retail trade operations, including credit sales and hire purchase systems.
6. Aids to Trade
These are services that facilitate trade, such as banking, insurance, transportation, and warehousing. Discuss the functions of each aid: for instance, how insurance covers risks and transportation overcomes distance barriers. Candidates need to evaluate the importance of advertising and communication in modern trade.
7. Business Units
Examine forms of business ownership: sole proprietorship, partnership, cooperative societies, and limited liability companies. Sub-themes include formation procedures, advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for different scales. Understand public enterprises and privatization in the Nigerian context.
8. Financing Business
Cover sources of finance for businesses, from personal savings to loans, shares, and debentures. Key areas include short-term versus long-term financing, role of financial institutions (e.g., Central Bank of Nigeria, commercial banks), and trade credit. Candidates should know how to calculate simple interest and evaluate financing options.
9. Trade Associations
Focus on organizations that support businesses, such as manufacturersā associations (e.g., Cocoa Farmersā Association) and Chambers of Commerce. Sub-topics include objectives (e.g., standardization, lobbying), functions (e.g., training, dispute resolution), and benefits to members. Discuss the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
10. Money
Understand moneyās functions (medium of exchange, unit of account, store of value) and types (commodity, fiat). Sub-themes cover demand deposits, characteristics of money, and inflation/deflation effects. Be able to explain the role of money in commerce and the Nigerian currency system.
11. Stock Exchange
This topic deals with the capital marketās operations. Key elements include stock exchange functions, types of securities (shares, bonds), stockbrokers, and bull/bear markets. Candidates must know procedures for listing securities and the Nigerian Stock Exchangeās role in business financing.
12. Elements of Business Management
Cover planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. Sub-topics include management levels (top, middle, supervisory), leadership styles, and motivation theories. Understand how effective management ensures business efficiency and profitability.
13. Elements of Marketing
Explore the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion). Sub-themes include market segmentation, consumer behavior, and distribution channels. Candidates should analyze marketing strategies for goods and services, including branding and packaging.
14. Legal Aspects of Business
Study laws governing business: contracts, sales of goods, agency, and hire purchase acts. Key areas include rights and duties of parties, consumer protection, and bankruptcy. Focus on Nigerian laws like the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
15. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Discuss ICTās impact on commerce, such as e-commerce, online banking, and digital marketing. Sub-topics include advantages (speed, global reach), challenges (cybersecurity, digital divide), and applications like POS systems and blockchain in trade.
16. Business Environment and Social Responsibility
Examine internal (e.g., management, finance) and external (e.g., economic policies, competition) environments. Sub-themes cover corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics, and sustainability. Candidates should evaluate how businesses respond to environmental changes, like government regulations or globalization.
Preparation Strategies
To excel in Commerce, integrate these strategies:
- Study Actively: Read each topic thoroughly, noting definitions, examples, and Nigerian contexts. Use mnemonics for lists, like aids to trade.
- Practice Past Questions: Solve questions from previous UTMEs to identify patterns. Aim for 80% accuracy.
- Revise Regularly: Allocate weekly sessions to weak areas, such as trade documents or financing calculations.
- Group Study: Discuss topics like stock exchange with peers to deepen understanding.
- Time Management: During the exam, allocate 40-50 minutes for Commerce, answering easy questions first.
- Mock Exams: Simulate CBT conditions to build speed and confidence.
By concentrating on these areas, candidates can aim for scores above 70, boosting their aggregate for competitive courses.
READ ALSO:Ā Updated JAMB Areas of Concentration for Agricultural Science 2026/2027
FAQs
How many questions come from each topic in JAMB Commerce?
JAMB does not specify exact numbers, but trade, aids to trade, and business units often have more questions (8-12 each), while niche topics like stock exchange may have 4-6.
Is the 2026/2027 syllabus different from previous years?
No major changes are expected; the core topics remain stable, with possible emphasis on ICT and digital commerce.
What if I miss a topic during preparation?
Prioritize high-weight topics first, but aim for full coverage. Even partial knowledge can help in multiple-choice questions.
Can I use calculators in the exam?
No, but basic calculations (e.g., interest) are straightforward and do not require advanced math.
How does Commerce relate to other subjects like Economics?
Commerce focuses on practical business activities, while Economics covers theory; together, they build a strong foundation for management courses.
What score is needed to pass Commerce?
A minimum of 40% (20/50 questions) is advisable, but target 60%+ for better admission chances.
Are there recommended textbooks?
Yes, consult standard texts like āCommerceā by O.A. Lawal or āEssential Commerceā by J.O. Odetunde for in-depth coverage.