Are you preparing for the JAMB UTME 2025/2026 examination? If yes, then you need to familiarize yourself with the recommended novel for the Use of English paper – “The Life Changer” by Khadija Abubakar Jalli. This novel provides valuable insights into campus life, personal growth, and societal challenges.
In this blog post, we will provide a detailed summary, key themes, major characters, and possible JAMB questions and answers from The Life Changer to help you excel in your exam.
Summary of “The Life Changer”
“The Life Changer” is a captivating novel that portrays the realities of university life through the eyes of Salma, a female student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU). The story explores academic struggles, friendships, moral dilemmas, and personal growth.
Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown
- Prologue: Salma’s mother, Ummi, shares her own university experiences and encourages her daughter’s education.
- Bint’s Intelligence: Salma’s younger sister, Bint, impresses her teacher with her knowledge of French.
- University Beginnings: Salma meets her roommates (Ada, Nancy, Tomiwa) and friends (Sani, Ugochi, Labaran).
- Sexual Harassment: Labaran tries to harass Salma in the library, but she reports him.
- First Semester Exams: Salma studies hard, avoids exam malpractice, and succeeds.
- Visit to Sani’s House: Salma meets Sani’s family, including his sister Nana, who has sickle cell anemia.
- Admission Scam: Salma encounters a fake JAMB officer trying to defraud her.
- Campus Protest: Salma joins students in protesting unfair fees, facing police brutality.
- Quiz Competition: Salma, Sani, and Ugochi win an inter-departmental quiz.
- Graduation: Salma graduates with excellent results, celebrating with family and friends.
Key Themes in “The Life Changer”
- Education: The novel emphasizes education as a tool for empowerment and societal progress.
- Gender Equality: Challenges stereotypes, showing women as capable leaders.
- Corruption: Exposes fraud in admissions and exam malpractice.
- Violence: Highlights campus protests and police brutality.
- Love & Friendship: Celebrates supportive relationships.
Major Characters in “The Life Changer”
- Salma: The protagonist, a hardworking and intelligent student.
- Sani: Salma’s loyal friend and love interest.
- Ummi & Omar: Salma’s supportive parents.
- Bint, OJ, Teemah: Salma’s witty siblings.
- Ada, Nancy, Tomiwa: Salma’s diverse roommates.
- Ugochi: A bold and brilliant coursemate.
- Labaran: A dishonest student who harasses others.
- Nana: Sani’s sister battling sickle cell anemia.
Possible JAMB Questions & Answers
- Q: Who is the author of “The Life Changer”?
A: Khadija Abubakar Jalli. - Q: What is the main theme of the novel?
A: The importance of education and personal growth. - Q: How did Salma handle Labaran’s harassment?
A: She reported him to the librarian and sought help from Sani. - Q: What lesson does Bint’s story teach?
A: Intelligence and confidence can overcome challenges.
Download “The Life Changer” PDF
To read the full novel, you can download The Life Changer PDF here .
Need more JAMB prep tips? Check out our other guides on recommended textbooks and past questions!
