Summary of The Life Changer JAMB Novel 2025/2026 (Chapter by Chapter)
Summary of The Life Changer JAMB Novel 2025/2026 (Chapter by Chapter): The Life Changer is a novel written by Khadija Abubakar Jalli that is recommended for the Use of English paper in JAMB 2025/2026. The novel explores the narrative of life realities at the Nigeria University campus, including the freedom of dressing, way of life,…
Summary of The Life Changer JAMB Novel 2025/2026 (Chapter by Chapter)
Summary of The Life Changer JAMB Novel 2025/2026 (Chapter by Chapter): The Life Changer is a novel written by Khadija Abubakar Jalli that is recommended for the Use of English paper in JAMB 2025/2026. The novel explores the narrative of life realities at the Nigeria University campus, including the freedom of dressing, way of life, and attitudes towards life. It also explores the good, the bad, and the unthinkable aspects of human characters, especially in response to freedom.
The novel consists of nine chapters, each with its own theme and plot. In this blog post, we will provide a summary of each chapter, as well as some possible questions and answers that may come out in the JAMB examination.
READ ALSO: JAMB Novel 2025/2026: “The Life Changer” by Khadija A. Jalli – PDF Download
Short Summary of The Life Changer Novel
The Life Changer is a novel by Khadija Abubakar Jalli that tells the story of Salma, a young girl who gains admission to study Law at Ahmadu Bello University. The novel follows her journey from a naive and timid girl to a mature and confident woman, as she faces various challenges and opportunities on campus. Along the way, she makes friends, enemies, and lovers, and learns valuable lessons about life, love, and education. The novel also features the stories of her mother, Ummi, who narrates her own experiences and wisdom to her husband, Omar, and their other children. The novel explores the themes of change, education, women empowerment, family, morality, and diversity in Nigerian society.
Summary Of The Life Changer JAMB Novel 2025/2026
CHAPTER 1- Life Changer
A family of six awaits the arrival of Mr. Esquire. While they wait, Bint gives an account of her classroom encounter with her intrusive Social studies teacher, Mallam Salihu, who is known to act as though he knew a bit more about every subject as he will often ask questions outside the subject of discussion. Bint narrates how she genuinely handled a similar occurrence leaving the teacher dumbfounded by the cheering and laughter of other pupils.
Ummi is seamlessly proud of her daughter, particularly, Bint’s intelligent approach to issues and she joins in the discussion right before Omar joyfully announces his admission to study law at Ahmadu Bello University. As the family gathers to celebrate Omar’s success, Omar boasts of his achievement and takes pride in solely overcoming examination challenges and several other entry procedures while seeking admission. Ummi recognizes her son’s naivety and tries to enlighten him about The Life Changing capability of university admission.
Ummi tells her children how her admission changed her.
CHAPTER 2 – Life Changer
Twenty years ago, Ummi gains admission into the university and gets married to her husband even before she starts her registration. Ummi tells them about the freedom and the carefree life of students in the university, the difficulty in distinguishing between teachers and students with females dressing almost naked, and how some faculties are required to be on dress codes. Ummi further discloses her experience with Salma, a sophisticated young lady.
Salma goes for her registration much later than everyone else but expresses discomfort and irritation about the delay in the registration process. Salma is interrogated by a young man in the queue and he continuously engages her in a discussion but Salma continues to criticize and overgeneralize her opinions about lecturers. Salma does not only create a similarity between lectures and policemen as personalities that can be bribed, but she also boasts about her ability to win the lecturer’s favor if she gives him as low as two or three thousand Naira. Unknowingly to Salma and to the astonishment of everyone in the queue, the young man she has been conversing with is the lecturer in charge of the registration procedure.
Ummi proceeds to her departmental registration and she is directed to the HOD’s office. The HOD is seen exchanging endearing pleasantries with Ummi which she finds rather discomforting and inappropriate. Ummi assumes the HOD is trying to make a pass at her. She indeterminately manages to accommodate this until she is given her matriculation number and leaves the office irritated and angry. On getting home, Ummi tells her husband about her experience at the HOD’s office but she is astounded to learn about the friendship and rapport between her husband and Dr. Sam John.
CHAPTER 3 – Life Changer
Ummi tells the story of ‘the quiet one”, a boy named Talle. Talle is given birth to after many years of child futility and his birth causes the death of his mother. He grows up possessing a silent character and becoming even more reticent with the death of his father and stepmother, thus, ‘the quiet one’ was a perfect description.
Talle is considered a good person by the villager and unable to cause harm. However, Talle needed money at a point and confides in Zaki who proposed the idea of abducting a boy and requesting a ransom. The plan is executed by the duo and Talle restrains the boy in his house. Talle goes to the market for his groceries but his usual request for food items is doubled. Soon, the market woman notices a change in his larger request for groceries and reports the issue to the District head. While Talle is being interrogated by the District head, policemen rampaged the palace and arrest Talle as a suspect of kidnapping and extortion. Talle and Zaki are eventually sentenced to some years of imprisonment.
CHAPTER 4 – Life Changer
This chapter gives a further account of Salma’s splendor and pomposity. Salma goes to Dr. Debo, the level coordinator, to have her forms signed. Unfortunately, Dr. Debo loses touch with his many years of discipline and makes advances toward Salma. Salma arrogantly dismisses his attempt and further insults him before leaving the office. Dabo is left in a state of regret and he remorsefully prays to be vindicated from the impact of what he has created.
Salma completes her hostile registration and moves into a room occupied by three other girls. Initially, Salma does not like the sight of her roomies but eventually, they begin to grow fond of each other and form an intimacy they regard as sisterhood.
On a faithful evening, Salma is offered a ride in a Mercedes Benz by two men, Habib and his driver, Labaran. She slides in knowing it is dangerous and she conceitedly plots a scheme to decline Habib’s request to date her if he eventually proposes.
Having to decline a man that rides Benz is Salma’s way of upgrading her standard and getting recognition and respect from her colleagues and the entire university.
CHAPTER 5 – Life Changer
In this chapter, it is discovered that Salma gives Habib Tomiwa’s mobile line instead, and unknowingly to Habib, he calls Tomiwa to go out on a date with him. Tomiwa is curious about Habib and decides to go out on a blind date but eventually discloses the switch in mobile lines. Habib likes her still and shops for her and her roommates. He also gives Tomiwa some money for herself and her roomies. She is elated and her roommates shared in this happiness. At first, Salma agitates against Tomiwa’s approval of Habib and accuses her of being a chameleon. Ada and Ngozi intervene but the issue escalates. They soon come to a state of tranquillity as soon as someone knocks at the door. They do not want to have to share their lots with other neighbors.
Meanwhile, Salma and roommates continue to excel in their separate departments and prepare for General studies papers.
CHAPTER 6 – Life Changer
Salma finds Moral philosophy very difficult. She, however, prepares by practicing questions and answering them offhand. Unfortunately, Salma is unable to answer any of the questions during the examination as none of the topics for which she spends the whole night preparing for had come out. She resolves into indulging in examination malpractice. Kola provides answers to some of the questions in a note as she copies them into her answer booklet. Regrettably, she is caught by a female lecturer.
Salma is compelled to fill out the Examination Malpractice (EMAL) form and she is ushered to the HOD’s office. He transfers her case to the Exams and Ethics committee for further processing. Salma and Kola are expelled thereafter.
CHAPTER 7 – Life Changer
Salma goes to Habib to help her influence the committee by using his position as a politician. Habib offers to involve Dr. Debo but due to her experience with the lecturer, she declines this suggestion and proffers bribing. Habib offers to give Salma some amount of money to bribe the chairman of the Examination and Ethics Committee (EMEC) but in return, she must repay in kind.
Salma is reluctant to accept this offer because of her affair with Labaran and she considers it unfair to have an affair with her friend’s man. Salma soon gives in to his request but unluckily she gives the money to Dr Kabir, who claims to be the chairman of the EMEC. She soon finds out she has been deceived by Dr kabir who was neither the chairman nor a member of the Committee. She is demoralized and breaks down.
CHAPTER 8 – Life Changer
This chapter reveals the true identity of Mohammed Kabir, a laboratory technologist employed by the University. He has been nicknamed Doctor since secondary school and has always been referred to as Dr Kabir.
Labaran discovers Salma has been played by the gambler and informs Habib suggesting Zaki be contacted to handle the situation. Honourable Habib is skeptical about involving Zaki owing to his failure in the first mission of abducting Alhaji Adamu’s son. Habib yields to Labaran’s suggestion and contacted Zaki to trail Kabir.
Kabir is spotted at a gambling spot. Kabir wins the game at the gambling spot and leaves to avoid losing it all. Sadly, he is trailed by thugs whose mission is to retrieve Kabir’s wins. Zaki catches up with Kabir as he is being attacked by the thugs. Zaki strikes the thugs and gains control of the situation as they flee. He then concentrates on Kabir, collects the money, and left him bruised.
Ummi also tells her children how Salma changed her immoral ways. Salma becomes serious and decent after the death of her father and because of her level of seriousness Ummi allows Salma to become friends with her.
CHAPTER 9 – Life Changer
Ummi also reveals Salim resentful experience with smartphones. Salim confesses to Lawal about a girl he meets on social media. After several exchange of pictures, chats, and affection Salim visits Natasha according to her preference. Unconsciously to him that he is being tricked by Natasha, he embarks on a journey to see her late in the night. On his arrival, she joins him in the front seat of his SUV, and Salim is captivated by her beauty. He is eventually ambushed by gunmen who try to rob him of his possession. Luckily for him, he escapes this only to get involved with another lady he meets on social media.
This time he pleads with Lawal to accompany him to avoid a similar contingency. Lawal declines and he goes to see the supposed beautiful girl. Salim leaves in disappointment as meets an ugly girl instead.
The children are seen proclaiming admiration for all the stories relayed to them by Ummi as they await daddy’s arrival.
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Conclusion
The Life Changer is a novel that depicts the realities of life on campus in Nigeria, with its joys and sorrows, its opportunities and challenges, its virtues and vices. The novel teaches us valuable lessons about morality, ethics, responsibility, respect, compassion, justice, friendship, family, education, etc. The novel also shows us how one person can make a difference in the lives of others by being kind, helpful, supportive, honest, etc.
FAQs
Who is the author of The Life Changer Novel?
The author of The Life Changer is Khadija Abubakar Jalli, a Nigerian writer and entrepreneur. She holds a B.Sc in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the same university. She is also the founder and CEO of Innovative Niche Ltd, a company that provides educational and business solutions.
How many chapters are there in The Life Changer novel?
The Life Changer has nine chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the life of the main character, Salma, and her family. The chapters are titled as follows:
– Chapter One: Changes
– Chapter Two: Dreams
– Chapter Three: Campus Life
– Chapter Four: Conquest
– Chapter Five: The Nightmare
– Chapter Six: Home Coming
– Chapter Seven: The New Beginning
– Chapter Eight: The Reunion
– Chapter Nine: The Life Changer
What is the name of the HOD who helped Ummi secure her admission?
The name of the HOD who helped Ummi secure her admission is Dr Samuel Johnson.
What is the name of the drug that Richard used to sedate Salma?
The name of the drug that Richard used to sedate Salma is Rohypnol.
What is the name of the rehabilitation centre where SG was taken for treatment?
The name of the rehabilitation centre where SG was taken for treatment is Hope and Healing Centre.
What is the main theme of The Life Changer?
The main theme of The Life Changer is the impact of education on the lives of women and girls in Nigeria. The novel explores the challenges and opportunities that education brings to Salma and other female characters, such as Bint, Ummi, Omar’s mother, and the female lecturers. The novel also highlights the importance of moral values, family support, and social responsibility in shaping one’s destiny.
Who are the main characters in The Life Changer?
The main characters in The Life Changer are:
– Salma: She is the protagonist of the novel, a young and intelligent girl who gains admission to study Law at Ahmadu Bello University. She faces various challenges and temptations on campus, but also makes friends and learns valuable lessons. She is the daughter of Ummi and Omar, and the sister of Teemah, Lambo, and Foofoo.
– Ummi: She is Salma’s mother, a loving and caring woman who narrates the stories of her life and her children to her husband Omar. She is a graduate of English Language from Ahmadu Bello University, and a teacher at a secondary school. She is also a role model and mentor to Salma and other girls.
– Omar: He is Salma’s father, a civil servant who works at the Ministry of Education. He is a supportive and understanding husband to Ummi, and a proud and protective father to his children. He is also a devout Muslim who values honesty and integrity.
– Bint: She is Salma’s roommate and best friend at the university. She is a cheerful and adventurous girl who studies Mass Communication. She helps Salma to adjust to campus life, but also exposes her to some risky situations. She is loyal and courageous, but sometimes naive and impulsive.
– Okon: He is a taxi driver who becomes Salma’s friend and rescuer. He is a kind-hearted and humorous man who speaks pidgin English with a funny accent. He saves Salma from being raped by Sani, a notorious cultist, and later helps her to expose Sani’s crimes. He also assists Salma in other occasions, such as when she loses her phone or when she needs a ride.
What are some of the challenges that Salma faces on campus?
Some of the challenges that Salma faces on campus are:
– Sexual harassment: Salma is harassed by Sani, a cultist who tries to rape her in his car. She is also harassed by Dr. Samuel, a lecturer who demands sex for marks. She manages to escape from both situations with the help of Okon and Bint, respectively.
– Academic pressure: Salma struggles to cope with the workload and expectations of her Law course. She also faces competition from other students, such as Habib, who tries to sabotage her performance. She overcomes these difficulties with the support of her friends and family, and by working hard and smart.
– Social influence: Salma is exposed to various influences on campus, such as peer pressure, drug abuse, cultism, and corruption. She is tempted to join some of these activities, such as when she attends a party with Bint and drinks alcohol. She also witnesses some of the consequences of these activities, such as when she sees Sani being killed by rival cultists. She learns to resist these influences and to make wise choices based on her moral values and goals.
How does Salma change throughout the novel?
Salma changes throughout the novel in several ways, such as:
– She becomes more mature and confident: Salma grows from a naive and timid girl to a mature and confident woman. She learns to face her fears and challenges, to stand up for herself and others, and to express her opinions and feelings. She also develops a sense of self-worth and independence, as she pursues her dreams and makes her own decisions.
– She becomes more knowledgeable and enlightened: Salma gains more knowledge and enlightenment from her education and experiences. She learns about various subjects, such as Law, History, Literature, Philosophy, and Religion. She also learns about different cultures, perspectives, and values. She becomes more open-minded and curious, as she questions and explores various issues and topics.
– She becomes more compassionate and responsible: Salma becomes more compassionate and responsible towards herself and others. She cares about the welfare and happiness of her family, friends, and society. She also takes responsibility for her actions and consequences. She becomes more generous and helpful, as she shares her resources and skills with others. She also becomes more ethical and honest, as she upholds justice and truth.
What are some of the lessons that Salma learns from her mother’s stories?
Some of the lessons that Salma learns from her mother’s stories are:
– The importance of gratitude and contentment: Salma learns to appreciate what she has and not to compare herself with others. She also learns to be thankful to God and to her parents for their sacrifices and blessings. She realizes that happiness is not dependent on material things, but on inner peace and satisfaction.
– The value of education and hard work: Salma learns to pursue her education and career with passion and dedication. She also learns to balance her academic and social life, and to avoid distractions and procrastination. She understands that education and hard work are the keys to success and empowerment.
– The power of love and forgiveness: Salma learns to love and respect herself and others, regardless of their differences and flaws. She also learns to forgive and forget the wrongs done to her, and to seek forgiveness from those she has wronged. She recognizes that love and forgiveness are the sources of healing and harmony.
How does Salma’s relationship with her family change throughout the novel?
Salma’s relationship with her family changes throughout the novel in several ways, such as:
– She becomes closer and more attached to her parents: Salma realizes how much her parents love and support her, and how much they have sacrificed for her education and well-being. She also appreciates their wisdom and guidance, and their stories and jokes. She misses them when she is away from home, and she calls them regularly to update them on her progress and challenges. She respects their opinions and wishes, but also communicates her own feelings and desires.
– She becomes more responsible and caring towards her siblings: Salma becomes more aware of the needs and personalities of her siblings, Teemah, Lambo, and Foofoo. She helps them with their homework, advises them on their problems, plays with them, and buys them gifts. She also defends them from bullies, such as when she confronts Habib for insulting Teemah. She enjoys spending time with them, especially during holidays and festivals.
– She becomes more involved and active in her extended family: Salma becomes more interested and engaged in the affairs of her extended family, such as her grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She attends their weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions. She also helps them with their issues, such as when she mediates between her uncle Aliyu and his wife Zainab over their marital dispute. She respects their traditions and customs, but also challenges some of their stereotypes and prejudices.
What are some of the symbols used in The Life Changer?
Some of the symbols used in The Life Changer are:
– The title itself: The title of the novel, The Life Changer, symbolizes the various changes that occur in the lives of the characters, especially Salma. It also symbolizes the role of education as a life changer, as it transforms the lives of women and girls in Nigeria.
– The mirror: The mirror symbolizes self-reflection and self-awareness. Salma often looks at herself in the mirror, either to admire her beauty or to examine her flaws. She also uses the mirror to evaluate her actions and choices, such as when she regrets drinking alcohol at a party or when she decides to expose Dr. Samuel’s sexual harassment.
– The phone: The phone symbolizes communication and connection. Salma uses her phone to keep in touch with her family and friends, as well as to access information and entertainment. Her phone also represents some of the risks and benefits of technology, such as when she loses it or when she uses it to record Dr. Samuel’s confession.
How does the novel portray the role of women in Nigerian society?
The novel portrays the role of women in Nigerian society in a positive and realistic way. It shows that women are capable of achieving great things in various fields, such as education, law, business, journalism, medicine, and politics. It also shows that women are not inferior or subordinate to men, but equal partners who deserve respect and dignity. It also shows that women are not limited by their gender roles or stereotypes, but can pursue their interests and passions without fear or guilt. It also shows that women are not isolated or dependent on men, but have strong networks of support and solidarity among themselves.
What are some of the conflicts that occur in The Life Changer?
Some of the conflicts that occur in The Life Changer are:
– Man vs man: This type of conflict involves a clash between two or more characters, such as Salma vs Sani, Salma vs Dr. Samuel, Salma vs Habib, Ummi vs Omar’s mother, Aliyu vs Zainab, etc. These conflicts are usually resolved by dialogue, intervention, or justice.
– Man vs society: This type of conflict involves a clash between a character and the norms or expectations of the society, such as Salma vs the cultists, Salma vs the corrupt lecturers, Salma vs the sexist attitudes, Ummi vs the traditional practices, etc. These conflicts are usually resolved by courage, education, or reform.
– Man vs self: This type of conflict involves a clash between a character and their own emotions or values, such as Salma vs her fear, Salma vs her temptation, Salma vs her guilt, Ummi vs her regret, Omar vs his pride, etc. These conflicts are usually resolved by self-reflection, self-improvement, or self-forgiveness.
How does the novel reflect the diversity and unity of Nigeria?
The novel reflects the diversity and unity of Nigeria by showing the different ethnic, religious, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds of the characters, such as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Christian, Muslim, English, Pidgin, etc. It also shows how the characters interact and cooperate with each other, despite their differences, and how they celebrate and respect their common identity as Nigerians. It also shows how the characters face and overcome the challenges and conflicts that arise from their diversity, such as prejudice, discrimination, violence, etc.
What are some of the literary devices used in The Life Changer?
Some of the literary devices used in The Life Changer are:
– Flashback: This is a technique that involves going back in time to narrate events or experiences. Ummi uses flashback to tell her stories to Omar, such as when she recalls her childhood, her university days, her marriage, etc.
– Foreshadowing: This is a technique that involves giving hints or clues about what will happen later in the story. For example, when Salma sees Sani for the first time, she feels a sense of dread and danger. This foreshadows his attempt to rape her and his eventual death.
– Irony: This is a technique that involves a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. For example, when Salma exposes Dr. Samuel’s sexual harassment, he is fired from his job and loses his reputation. This is ironic because he was supposed to be a respected and successful lecturer.
– Metaphor: This is a technique that involves comparing two things that are not literally alike. For example, when Salma describes her feelings for Okon, she says “He was like a breath of fresh air in my life”. This means that he was refreshing and pleasant to her.
– Simile: This is a technique that involves comparing two things using words such as “like” or “as”. For example, when Salma describes Bint’s laughter, she says “She laughed like a hyena”. This means that she laughed loudly and wildly.
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