JAMB Novel The Life Changer Questions and Answers 2025/2026

By SP Team October 14, 2024 JAMB Textbooks 0 Comments

JAMB Novel The Life Changer Questions and Answers 2025/2026: Are you preparing for the JAMB 2025/2026 examination and looking for the questions and answers on the recommended novel, The Life Changer, by Khadija A. Jalli? If yes, then you are in the right place. In this post, I will summarize the novel, the possible questions and answers, and some tips on how to ace the Use of English paper.

Table of Contents

Summary of The Life Changer

The Life Changer is a novel that tells the story of Salma, a young girl who gains admission to study law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The novel follows her experiences and challenges as she navigates the academic and social life on campus. Along the way, she meets and befriends other students, such as Bint, Omar, Teemah, and Jamila, who also have their own stories to tell.

The novel is divided into nine chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Salma’s life. The chapters are:

Chapter 1: Ummi’s Family
Chapter 2: Ummi’s Admission
Chapter 3: Talle’s Story
Chapter 4: Salma’s Arrogance
Chapter 5: Salma’s Roommates
Chapter 6: Notes of Salvation
Chapter 7: The Cult Boys
Chapter 8: The Accident
Chapter 9: The Life Changer

The novel explores various themes, such as education, family, friendship, love, morality, culture, religion, and violence. It also highlights the importance of self-confidence, determination, and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges.

Questions and Answers on The Life Changer

Here are some of the questions and answers on The Life Changer that you may encounter in the JAMB examination. Note that these are not the actual questions that will be asked, but they are based on the content and themes of the novel. You should read the novel carefully and understand the main points and messages.

The Life Changer – Chapter 1

How old is Bint?
- Bint is five years old.
Which subject is optional in Bint’s school?
- French.
How many siblings does Bint have?
- Bint has two sisters.
What was the first question Mallam Salihu asked the classroom?
- He asked them to translate ‘Good morning’ in French.
Who answered Mallam Salihu’s question?
- Bint answered his question.
What question did Bint ask Mallam Salihu?
- How do you say ‘’that’s very good in French”.
Who did Mallam Salihu call to answer Bint’s Question?
- A senior French Mistress.
Translate ‘’Good morning’’ in French.
- “Bonjour’’.
Translate ‘’That’s very good’’ in French.
- ‘’C’est très bien’’.
Who often says ‘’what you teach a child is like writing on a rock and when dried, it would be difficult to erase’’?
- Ummi’s grandmother.
Why does Ummi often enter her children’s room unannounced?
- She does this to ensure they maintain good hygiene by keeping their room clean and to get used to her presence.
Who is Jamila?
- Jamila is Bint’s immediate elder sister and the third child of the family.
What position is Bint in the family?
- Bint is the last child of the family.
Who is the first and only son of the family?
- Omar is the first and only son.
What is the meaning of the name “Ummi’’ in Arabic?
- Ummi is translated in Arabic as ‘’my mother’’.
Ummi was named after whom?
- Ummi was named after her paternal grandmother.
Translate ‘’Goodbye, until we meet again’’ in French?
- “Au revoir’’.
Who is Bint’s Social studies teacher?
- Mallam Salihu is Bint’s Social Studies teacher.
What do Ummi’s children call her?
- “Mummy,” except Omar who calls her “Mum”.
What was Ummi’s Occupation?
- Ummi used to be a teacher.
Who is Teemah?
- Teemah is the second child but the first daughter of the family.
How old is Omar?
- Omar is eighteen years old.
What course was Omar offered at the university?
- Omar was given admission to study law at the Kongo campus in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
What course did Ummi’s Husband study at the university?
- Ummi’s Husband read accounting in the university.
What course had Ummi’s Husband wanted to study?
- Ummi’s husband had wanted to study Law.
What time does Ummi’s Husband close from work?
- He closes from work at five o’clock.
Where does Ummi’s Husband work?
- He works at the only bank in the community.
How did Omar want to be referred to by his siblings?
- “My learned brother”.
Who suggested they all go outside and why?
- Jamila suggested they all went outside because there was no power supply and it was getting hot and stuffy inside.
What reward was Omar expecting from his dad for his achievement?
- Omar was expecting a Phone.
What was Omar JAMB score?
- Omar scored 230 out of 400 in the matriculation exam.
Who offered to pay for the Zobo drinks?
- Ummi offered to pay.
Who went to buy the Zobo drinks?
- Teemah went to buy the drinks.
Who asked Ummi to tell them a story?
- Bint asked Ummi to tell them a story.
Who calls Omar William Shakespeare?
- Teemah, after Omar uses the idiom “no means a small feat”.
How long did the family have to wait for the arrival of daddy?
- Two to three hours.
What does ‘’no means a small feat’’ imply?
- Omar made this statement, and it means “a laudable triumph of great difficulty’’.
How many credits did Omar get in his WAEC?
- Omar scored seven credits, including Mathematics and English, in his first attempt.
Why did Omar have to wait for two days before checking his admission status?
- Omar had to wait because he did not have a smartphone, unlike his friends.
How did Omar check his admission status?
- Omar had to go to a cyber café to check his admission status.

The Life Changer – Chapter 2

What condition did Ummi’s father agree to?
- Ummi gets married to him before graduation..
When did Ummi get married to her husband?
- Ummi got married to him before school registration.
What was the double celebration in Lafayette?
- Ummi’s admission and marriage.
What is the dress code for students in the law faculty?
- Black trousers, white shirts, and black ties for the boys and dittos and skirt for girls.
According to Ummi, what is the first thing one is likely to notice on campus?
- Difference in dressing or Freedom of dressing.
How would you describe Salma according to the text?
- Salma is a fair-complexioned girl, tall, slim, and rather busty.
Where did Ummi and Salma first meet?
- Faculty registration office.
How long did Salma arrive at the office before she started complaining?
- Barely fifteen minutes.
Who was last on the queue at the faculty registration office?
- Salma.
Who engages Salma in a discussion on the queue?
- The lecturer in charge of the faculty registration.
Why did Salma create a similarity between policemen and lecturers?
- They both can be bribed.
Why did Salma suggest policemen are better than lecturers?
- Lecturers do not have a stand.
What was Salma’s animalistic description of the lecturer in charge of the faculty registration?
- Monkey.
What is Salma’s surname?
- Mohammed.
How much did Salma claim would be enough to win the lecturer’s favor?
- Two or three thousand naira.
Who was in the office while the students waited in the queue?
- John, the office cleaner.
Who was bereft of words and fidgeting and why?
- Salma, after discovering the man she had been conversing with was not a student but the lecturer in charge of the registration.
Who is described as a woman of few words?
- The secretary to the HOD.
Why was Ummi shocked when she saw the HOD?
- The HOD was a young person.
What is the name of Ummi’s HOD?
- Samuel Johnson.
What is Ummi’s full name?
- Ummi Ahmad.
Why did Ummi develop a feeling of claustrophobia?
- The HOD had asked her if she needed something to drink.
What is Ummi’s matric number?
- UG0001.
Why did Ummi leave the HOD’s office angry?
- She thought the HOD was trying to make a pass at her.
Who assisted Ummi’s Husband with Ummi’s admission?
- Dr. Samuel Johnson.
Ummi’s Husband calls the HOD ____?
- Dr. SamJohn.
What tribe is the HOD?
- Yoruba.
How is the HOD described by Ummi and her husband?
- He has a tribal mark and he looks like an Igala or Yoruba man.

The Life Changer – Chapter 3

Who apologizes to the HOD on behalf of Ummi?
- Ummi’s husband.
Who told Ummi the story about “the quiet one”?
- Ummi’s husband.
What lesson did Ummi intend to teach Omar from the story of the quiet one?
- Never judge a book by its cover. Never judge anyone on the face level. Learn to trust sparingly.
What tradition was established in Lafayette?
- No stranger was hosted or given accommodation without the knowledge of the district head.
The district head is called _______
- Hakimi.
What was the reason for Lafayette established tradition?
- To ensure that no criminal or fugitive from justice was harbored or accommodated in the village.
Who is a boka?
- A traditional medicine man.
Who dies while giving birth?
- Talle’s mother.
How many children did Talle’s stepmother bear?
- None.
Who is referred to as the quiet one?
- Talle.
Who has a reticent nature?
- Talle.
Who died in a car accident?
- Talle’s Father and Stepmother.
Where does Talle work?
- He works at the Local government Office, as a driver.
When does Talle resume and close from work?
- 8 am – 4 pm.
When did Talle stop being quiet?
- When his usual request doubled.
The market women reports Talle to whom?
- The Hakimi.
What was Talle guilty of?
- Talle was guilty of kidnap and extortion.
Who said “inna liilahi wa inna ilaihir rajiún”?
- The courtier, meaning from Allah we came and unto him is our returning.
Who did not give the Hakimi the respect strangers were supposed to give?
- The leading police officer who is also the IPO.
The Hakimi had been ruling for how long?
- Over 30 years.
Who suggested the idea of abducting a boy?
- Zaki.
Talle and Zaki were sentenced to how many years of imprisonment?
- Some years with hard labor.
The ransom demanded by Zaki was _____
- Initially, One million but later Two hundred and fifty thousand naira was bargained.
Where was Zaki arrested?
- At the point of collecting the ransom.
The full meaning of the acronym EMAL is ____
- Examination Malpractice.
Why were Zaki and Talle considered amateur kidnappers?
- The abducted boy’s father reasoned they were amateurs because the ransom was one million and later reduced to Two hundred and fifty thousand naira.

The Life Changer – Chapter 4

How long have Dr. Dabo been in the university?
- More than a decade.
“Don’t come in after me” was whose principle?
- Dr. Dabo.
Who is Dr. Dabo?
- The level coordinator.
What was Salma’s mission in Dr. Dabo’s Office?
- To have her forms signed.
How did Dr. Dabo feel about Salma?
- He was instantly attracted to her.
What inappropriate question did Dr. Dabo ask Salma?
- “I want to know you intimately.”
What was Salma’s response to Dr. Dabo’s request?
- She refuses to give in to his request, dismisses his intentions, and insults him.
Why was Dr. Dabo vulnerable after Salma left his Office?
- He feared Salma would report him to the school authorities and tarnish his image and reputation.
How many girls were allocated to a room in the hostel?
- Four girls.
Where does Salma come from?
- North.
Where does Tomiwa come from?
- The West, Ibadan.
Where does Ngozi come from?
- Umunze, Imo state.
Where does Ada hail from?
- Benue state, Middle belt.
What is the name of Salma’s hostel?
- Queen Amina Hall.
What was Salma’s issue with the room allocated to her?
- The composition of her roommates.
How long does it take to change roommates?
- Two semesters at least.
Who is generous to a fault?
- Ngozi.
What food is considered students’ favorite?
- Indomie jollof.
What is Ada’s hometown delicacy?
- Rat.
What is Tomiwa’s hometown delicacy?
- Snail.
What is Salma’s special delicacy?
- Danwake.
What can be eaten with Danwake?
- Groundnut oil or stew.
What religion do Salma and Tomiwa practice?
- Islam.
What religion do Ada and Ngozi practice?
- Christianity.
Where and what time of the day did Salma get a ride from a black Mercedes Benz?
- Kwangila, 8 p.m.
Who appears to be voluble?
- Labaran.
Who appears to be less voluble?
- Habib.
Who did Salma believe was the owner of the car?
- Habib.
Why did Salma plan to decline Habib’s proposal?
- To add up to her list of influential people she had turned down.

The Life Changer – Chapter 5

What time did Tomiwa receive a phone call from Habib?
- Tomiwa received a phone call from Habib at 8 p.m.
Why did no guy attempt to go out with Tomiwa?
- No guy attempted to go out with Tomiwa due to her overconfidence.
Where did Habib pick Tomiwa from?
- Habib picked Tomiwa up from Kwangila.
Who made the statement: “I made a space for you in the front so you can sit near your hearthrod”?
- Labaran made this statement to Tomiwa.
What does “hearthrod” refer to?
- “Hearthrod” refers to Habib.
What particular thrilling story did Tomiwa read?
- Tomiwa read Mario Puzo’s Godfather, a thrilling story.
Where did Habib park his car?
- Habib parked his car near the Faculty of Suya shop.
What statement made Tomiwa angry?
- The statement that made Tomiwa angry was: ‘’You are not Tomiwa?’’
Whose idea was it to pick up Salma?
- It was Labaran’s idea to pick up Salma.
Tomiwa accuses Habib of being an expert at what?
- Tomiwa accuses Habib of being an expert at picking up girls by the roadside.
Who is Labaran?
- Labaran is Habib’s driver.
Why didn’t Tomiwa reject Habib’s call?
- Tomiwa didn’t reject Habib’s call out of curiosity.
‘’They are like spindle’’. Who makes this statement, to whom, and who is being compared?
- Tomiwa makes this statement to Habib, comparing politicians.
How much did Habib hand over to Tomiwa?
- Habib handed over five hundred naira bills, a total of fifty thousand naira to Tomiwa.
How much was to be given to Salma’s roommates?
- Ten thousand naira each was to be given to Salma’s roommates.
Salma compares Tomiwa to a _____.
- Salma compares Tomiwa to a chameleon.
Salma and her roommates are regarded as what grade of students?
- Salma and her roommates are regarded as B students.
What was the last General paper during Salma’s final year?
- The last General paper during Salma’s final year was Moral Philosophy.
What are the most valued rituals of students who cook in the hostel?
- The most valued rituals of students who cook in the hostel are to lock their door to avoid sharing.

The Life Changer – Chapter 6

When are the General studies examinations taken?
- At the end of the examination time table.
What were the contents of Moral philosophy?
- Parental, Islamic, and Christian moral teachings.
Who was more stunning on the day of the General studies examination?
- Salma.
According to the law, when are students expected to be settled in the examinations hall?
- Thirty minutes before the examination.
What is the easiest course in the university?
- Moral philosophy.
What course does Salma find very difficult?
- Moral philosophy.
What guaranteed Salma of passing Moral Philosophy?
- The lecturer had been recycling the same questions with very minor modification.
Who was sitting next to Salma during her final examination?
- Kolawole Abdul.
Why is Kola famous?
- He is the brightest student.
Why does the female invigilator not like Salma?
- She doesn’t like her because she is intimidated by Salma’s appearance.
Who gives Salma a cheat note?
- Kola.
Who signed the second witness form?
- A female student sitting on the other side of Salma.
What is the name of the female invigilator that caught Salma cheating?
- Dr. Amina.
When did a new HOD arrive?
- Six months before the examination started.
What was Salma’s punishment for cheating?
- She was expelled.
‘’Mum this reads like a story of fiction”. Who made this statement?
- Omar.
Who implicated Kolawole?
- Salma.

The Life Changer – Chapter 7

What do most students do when caught cheating?
- Pack their belongings, leave the school, and sit for other qualifying exams in another school.
Who did Salma confide in when she had to face the EMEC?
- Tomiwa.
Why did Salma seek Habib’s help?
- Habib was an influential person.
What was the inscription on Habib’s desk?
- HABIB LAWAL SPEAKER.
What was Habib’s political title?
- He was the Speaker of the House.
Who did Habib suggest could help Salma?
- Professor Dabo.
What is the full meaning of EMEC?
- Examination Malpractice and Ethics Committee.
Professor Dabo is a professor of?
- Biological Sciences.
How much does Habib offer to give Salma to bribe the chairman of EMEC?
- Two or three hundred thousand naira.
What does Habib want in return for the money he gives Salma?
- He wants to have an affair with her.
What is the name of the Chairman Salma meets in person?
- Dr. Kabir.
How much did Dr. Kabir request from Salma?
- Two hundred thousand naira.
How much did Salma give to Dr. Kabir?
- One hundred thousand Naira.
Who was not a member of the EMEC?
- Dr. Kabir.
Who is Kolawole Abdul?
- Salma’s classmate.
What conclusion did Salma sum up about men except her father?
- No man was worthy to be called a man.

The Life Changer – Chapter 8

Who is Mohammed Kabir?
- He is a Laboratory technologist in the University.
What was Mohammed Kabir’s weakness?
- Easy money.
Who did Labaran propose to deal with Kabir?
- Zaki.
What was Zaki’s failed mission?
- The abduction of Alhaji Adamu’s son.
How much did Zaki’s failed mission cost Honourable Habib?
- Over a quarter of a million.
Who became a smuggler after being released from prison?
- Talle.
What business was Zaki into?
- Importing and exporting spare parts of cars.
What song was Zaki entertaining himself with at the gambling spot?
- “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers.
Who is the leader of the gambling group?
- Kartagi.
How much did Kabir take to the gambling spot?
- Fifty thousand naira only.
How much did Kabir leave with?
- Three hundred thousand Naira.
What is the name of the thug sent to Kabir?
- Gumuzu.
Who was no match for Zaki?
- Gumuzu.
What happened to Kabir after his encounter with Zaki?
- Kabir fainted.
How much was Zaki paid for the success of the mission with Kabir?
- Fifty thousand Naira.
What was Labaran’s reason for not giving Habib the money retrieved from Kabir?
- Labaran justifies his act by giving three reasons:
  - i. Habib was a wealthy man.
  - ii. Habib wouldn’t know if he lied because gamblers are believed to never have money.
  - iii. Labaran believed Habib and Salma must have betrayed him.
“All the worst for wears” implies?
- In a poor condition.
How many days after Salma’s father’s funeral did Salma return to the hostel?
- Eight days.
What is Tomiwa’s reason for burying corpses as soon as they die?
- To avoid delaying the meeting of the dead and the Creator.
What is Ngozi’s reason for delaying corpses’ burial?
- To ascertain people are not buried alive. For family members to perform their last rites, pay their last respect, and bid a final farewell.
What does Omar love about Salma and her roommates?
- The way they relate with one another.
What made Salma change her ways?
- The death of her father.
Who begins a courtship with Salam?
- Salim.
When did Ummi and Salim become friends?
- When Ummi saw Salim’s level of seriousness.

The Life Changer – Chapter 9

What is the name of Salim’s first smartphone?
- Note series
What was Salma’s advice to Salim concerning the smartphone?
- Salma encourages him to enjoy his money before marriage responsibilities ensnare him
Who is Salim’s Friend?
- Lawal
According to Salim, Salma is technically his _______?
- Wife
What TV programme was Lawal watching in the living room?
- A wrestling programme
What was Salim’s reason for visiting Lawal?
- Salim wanted Lawal to accompany him to visit his new girlfriend
What tribe is Salim’s new girlfriend?
- Fulani
How long has Salim been chatting with his new girlfriend?
- One week
Lawal refers to Salim’s new girlfriend as?
- India princess
Why was Salim disappointed after visiting his new girlfriend?
- He was disappointed because the girl he met was a different person from the pictures he received
Who was the antecedent to Lawal’s Indian girlfriend?
- Natasha
Who sends Lawal a friend request?
- Natasha
According to Natasha’s description, where was Salim directed to?
- A cul-de-sac
What style did Salim park his car?
- Military-style
Whose vehicle did Salim visit Natasha with?
- His father’s SUV
What brand of car did Salim visit Natasha with?
- The sport utility car
How did Salim know Natasha was part of the conspiracy?
- He noticed the self-distancing in her first statement “Don’t hurt him”
Which Social media did Salim meet Natasha and his ugly princess?
- Facebook
Who got engaged to Salma?
- Salim
Who was the family waiting for?
- Daddy

Tips on How to Pass the Use of English Paper

The Use of English paper is one of the compulsory subjects that you must take in the JAMB examination. It tests your knowledge and skills in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, summary, oral English, and literature. To score high in this paper, you should follow these tips:

Read widely and regularly. Reading will expose you to different types of texts and styles of writing. It will also improve your vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
Practice past questions and mock tests. Practicing will help you familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the paper. It will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them.
Review your grammar rules and conventions. Grammar is essential for effective communication and expression. You should review the basic rules and conventions of grammar, such as parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, pronouns, modifiers, clauses, etc.
Learn new words and their meanings. Vocabulary is vital for understanding and interpreting texts. You should learn new words and their meanings regularly. You can use a dictionary or a thesaurus to help you with this. You should also learn how to use words in different contexts and sentences.
Summarize texts in your own words. Summary is a skill that requires you to identify the main points and ideas of a text and express them in a concise and clear manner. You should practice summarizing texts in your own words without changing their meaning or leaving out important details.
Answer comprehension questions carefully. Comprehension questions test your ability to read and understand texts. You should answer them carefully by reading the texts thoroughly and paying attention to the keywords and instructions. You should also use evidence from the texts to support your answers.
Study the recommended literature texts. Literature questions test your knowledge and appreciation of literary works. You should study the recommended literature texts for your examination year. You should know the plot, characters, themes, settings, styles, techniques, etc., of each text.
Listen to good spoken English. Oral English questions test your ability to recognize and produce sounds, stress patterns, intonation patterns, etc., of spoken English. You should listen to good spoken English from sources such as radio, television, podcasts, etc. You should also practice speaking English with correct pronunciation and expression.

Conclusion

The Life Changer is a novel you must read and understand for the JAMB 2024/2026 examination. It is an interesting and inspiring story that teaches valuable lessons about life on campus and beyond. Following the tips above, you can prepare well for the Use of English paper and score high marks.

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JAMB Novel The Life Changer Questions and Answers 2025/2026

Summary of The Life Changer