JAMB Area of Concentration for Yorùbá Subject 2027/2028

The JAMB Area of Concentration for Yorùbá Subject 2027/2028 covers the main topics you need to study in Yorùbá language, literature and culture.

The subject tests more than your ability to speak Yorùbá. You should also be able to read and understand passages, write correctly, identify sounds and tones, use grammar properly, translate ideas, understand literary works and explain important aspects of Yorùbá culture.

The topics are grouped into three major areas: Language, Literature and Culture. Under these areas, you will study comprehension, essay writing, sound system, grammar, orthography, translation, oral and written literature, traditional beliefs, social practices, numerals, ceremonies, games, occupations and values.

As you revise, pay attention to both understanding and correct usage. This will help you build the language, literary and cultural knowledge needed for the subject.

Read also: Yoruba JAMB Syllabus 2026/2027 Download PDF

Yorùbá Language

The language section covers comprehension, essay writing, sound system, grammar, current orthography and translation.

You should be able to understand written Yorùbá, use the language correctly and recognize how sounds, words, phrases and sentences work.

Comprehension

Comprehension may be based on prose or verse.

You should be able to read a passage carefully and identify the main issue being discussed.

Important skills include:

• identifying central ideas;
• understanding important details;
• drawing reasonable conclusions;
• recognizing basic assumptions;
• understanding the meanings of words, phrases and sentences;
• identifying the functions of phrases and sentences.

Do not focus only on individual words. Try to understand how the different parts of the passage work together to communicate the main idea.

Essay Writing

You should understand the different types of essays and the techniques used in writing each one.

Good essay writing requires you to present your ideas clearly and in an acceptable written form.

Pay attention to:

• the type of essay required;
• organization of ideas;
• appropriate language;
• clear expression;
• correct writing conventions.

You should be able to choose a suitable approach according to the kind of essay you are writing.

Sound System

The Yorùbá sound system covers how speech sounds are produced and how they function in words.

You should understand the organs of speech and how they help in producing different sounds.

Consonants and Vowels

You should be able to identify consonant and vowel sounds and understand the features used to describe them.

You should also recognize correct and incorrect pronunciation.

Tones and Tone Change

Tone is important in Yorùbá because it can affect meaning.

You should understand the different tones and how tone changes may occur in speech.

Pay attention to the correct use of tones when reading and writing Yorùbá.

Syllable Structure

A syllable is a unit of pronunciation in a word.

You should understand how Yorùbá words are divided into syllables and be able to identify the components of a syllable.

Sound Processes

You should also understand some sound changes that can occur when words or sounds come together.

These include:

• co-vowel occurrence;
• elision;
• deletion.

You should be able to recognize these processes and understand how they affect pronunciation and word forms.

Grammar

Grammar deals with how words are formed and combined to make meaningful expressions.

You should understand both word formation and sentence structure.

Morphology and Word Formation

Morphology deals with the structure and formation of words.

You should understand word derivation and how new words are formed.

You should also understand how loan words are adopted and integrated into Yorùbá.

Word Classes

You should be able to identify different word classes and understand their functions.

Important word classes include:

• nouns;
• verbs;
• adjectives;
• adverbs;
• pronouns;
• conjunctions;
• prepositions.

A word should be identified according to the role it performs in a sentence.

Phrases and Clauses

You should understand the different types of phrases and clauses.

You should also be able to identify their:

• types;
• structures;
• functions.

Pay attention to how phrases and clauses combine to form larger grammatical units.

Sentences

You should understand different sentence types and how they are structured.

You should be able to identify:

• sentence types;
• sentence structures;
• sentence functions.

You should also understand how the parts of a sentence work together to express a complete idea.

Tense and Aspect

Tense and aspect help to show information about actions and events.

You should understand how they are used in Yorùbá grammar and recognize their functions in sentences.

You should also be familiar with other grammatical items that contribute to sentence meaning.

Current Yorùbá Orthography

Current orthography deals with the accepted way of writing Yorùbá.

You should be able to present your ideas in correct written form.

Pay attention to:

• correct spelling;
• tone marks;
• appropriate letters and symbols;
• accepted written forms.

Good orthography is important because incorrect writing can change the meaning of a word or sentence.

Translation

Translation requires you to express the meaning of a sentence or idea correctly in another language.

You should understand the message being communicated before translating it.

The aim is not simply to replace one word with another. You should preserve the intended meaning while following acceptable translation principles.

Careful understanding of grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure will help you translate ideas more accurately.

Yorùbá Literature

The literature section covers oral literature and written literature.

You should understand the main ideas in each work and be able to identify themes, moral lessons, figurative expressions, idiomatic expressions and narrative techniques where required.

Oral Literature

Oral literature includes works that are traditionally passed from one generation to another through speech and performance.

For this section, you should study both oral prose and oral poetry.

Oral Prose

The prescribed oral prose text is Àkójọpọ̀ Àlọ́ Àpagbè by Amọo A.

You should be able to:

• identify the central issues in the work;
• recognize the main problems presented;
• understand the different parts of the ideas expressed;
• draw appropriate conclusions.

Do not only read the stories for entertainment. Pay attention to the ideas being communicated and how the different parts of the story connect.

Oral Poetry

The prescribed oral poetry text is Àwọn Oríkì Orílẹ̀ Mẹ́tàdínlógún by Babalọla A.

You should be able to:

• draw logical conclusions from the ideas in the poems;
• understand the relationships between different ideas;
• identify figurative expressions;
• identify idiomatic expressions.

Pay attention to how meaning is created through language and how the expressions used go beyond their ordinary meanings.

Written Literature

Written literature covers prose, poetry and drama.

You should understand the main ideas in each text and be able to interpret the works correctly.

Written Prose

The prescribed prose text is Ìgbẹ̀yìn L’álàyọ̀ N Ta by Ajéwọlé O.

You should be able to:

• identify important ideas in the work;
• draw moral lessons from the text;
• recognize narrative techniques;
• identify figurative expressions;
• identify idiomatic expressions.

Pay attention to how the story is presented, the lessons that can be drawn from it and the language used by the writer.

Written Poetry

The prescribed poetry text is Ìyá Àtàtà by Fádíyà O.

You should be able to understand the meaning and importance of the poem.

You should also identify:

• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions;
• the main ideas presented in the poem.

Careful reading is important because poetry often communicates meaning through expressions that are not completely literal.

Drama

The prescribed drama text is Ègún Orí Ìkúnlẹ̀ by Tẹ̀là L.

You should be able to identify the central theme of the work and interpret it according to acceptable social values.

You should also understand:

• types of drama;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions;
• narrative techniques used in the drama.

When studying the play, pay attention to how the actions, characters and language help to communicate the central ideas.

What to Focus on in Yorùbá Literature

Across the oral and written literature texts, give attention to:

• central ideas;
• themes;
• moral lessons;
• conclusions and inferences;
• narrative techniques;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions.

The aim is to understand the works rather than memorize isolated lines or events.

Yorùbá Culture

Yorùbá culture covers beliefs, social organization, ceremonies, health practices, traditional games, occupations, food, communal support and acceptable behaviour.

You should understand the different cultural practices and know how they relate to life in Yorùbá society.

Èrò àti Ìgbàgbọ́

This area deals with traditional beliefs.

Important areas include:

• Olódùmarè;
• àkùdàáyà;
• emèrè;
• àjẹ́;
• àwọn irúnmọlẹ̀.

You should be able to distinguish between traditional practices and beliefs and ideas that are understood through modern knowledge and common sense.

Ètò Ìṣèlú àti Ààbò Ìlú

This area focuses on political organization and the protection of the community.

You should study:

• ẹgbẹ́ àti ọ̀gbà;
• oyè jíjẹ;
• àwọn ìjòyè;
• ogun jíjà.

You should understand the roles of individuals, chiefs and groups in maintaining peace, stability and continuity in society.

Ètò Ìsìnkú àti Ogún Pínpín

You should understand traditional funeral and inheritance practices.

Important areas include:

• òkú àgbà;
• òkú ọ̀fọ̀;
• òkú òòṣà;
• ìtúfọ̀;
• ilẹ̀ òkú gbígbẹ́;
• ìdí igi;
• mọ̀lẹ́bí;
• bàbá ìsìnkú.

You should be able to distinguish between the different practices and relate them to burial and inheritance.

Òǹkà Yorùbá

You should be able to count using Yorùbá numerals.

The number range covers from one up to 20,000.

You should also be able to apply:

• addition;
• subtraction;
• division.

Practise working with Yorùbá numbers so that you can recognize and use them correctly.

Ayẹyẹ

Yorùbá society has different social ceremonies and events.

You should study examples such as:

• ìgbéyàwó;
• ìsọmọlórúkọ;
• ìwúyè.

You should be able to relate each social activity or ceremony to the appropriate situation.

Ètò Ìwòsàn

This area covers health care practices.

You should understand areas such as:

• ìtọ́jú aláìsàn;
• care of pregnant women;
• childbirth care.

You should be able to identify appropriate health care practices and understand how they are used.

Eré Ìdárayá

Traditional games are also part of Yorùbá culture.

They include games played at different times and in different ways.

Examples include:

• àlọ́;
• bojúbojú;
• ìjàkadì;
• ayò;
• òkòtó;
• àrín.

You should be able to:

• identify different traditional games;
• understand the rules guiding each game;
• explain the values gained from them.

Iṣẹ́ Àbínibí

Traditional occupations are another important area.

Examples include:

• iṣẹ́-àgbẹ̀;
• ìṣọ̀nà;
• ìlù lílù.

You should understand the different traditional professions and be able to compare them.

Oúnjẹ Ilẹ̀ Yorùbá

You should also study traditional Yorùbá foods.

Examples include:

• àbàrí;
• ìyàn;
• ẹ̀wà.

You should understand how the different foods are prepared and know the nutritional value connected with them.

Ìrànra-ẹni-lọ́wọ́

Communal support is an important part of Yorùbá society.

Examples include:

• àáró;
• ẹ̀bẹ̀sẹ́;
• owó yíyá.

You should understand the different ways people can benefit from communal relationships and mutual assistance.

Ẹ̀kọ́ Ilé

Ẹ̀kọ́ ilé deals with behaviour and values taught within the home and society.

An important idea here is ìwà ọmọlúàbí.

You should be able to identify acceptable patterns of behaviour and attitudes that agree with the norms and values of society.

You should also understand the benefits of good character in personal and community life.

Structure of the JAMB Yorùbá Examination

The JAMB Yorùbá examination is divided into Language, Literature and Culture.

The examination contains 50 multiple-choice questions in total.

Language

The Language section covers:

• Comprehension: 10 items;
• Essay Writing: 1 item;
• Sound System: 4 items;
• Grammar: 6 items;
• Current Orthography: 2 items;
• Translation: 2 items.

For comprehension, you should be ready for both prose and verse.

This section tests your ability to understand written Yorùbá, use grammar correctly, recognize sounds and tones, write according to accepted orthography and interpret ideas through translation.

Literature

The Literature section is divided into:

• Oral Literature: 6 items;
• Written Literature: 9 items.

You should study the prescribed prose, poetry and drama texts carefully.

Pay attention to areas such as:

• themes;
• central ideas;
• moral lessons;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions;
• narrative techniques;
• conclusions and inferences.

Culture

The Culture section contains 10 items.

The questions cover important aspects of Yorùbá culture, including:

• traditional beliefs;
• political and social organization;
• funeral and inheritance practices;
• Yorùbá numerals;
• ceremonies;
• health practices;
• traditional games;
• occupations;
• food;
• communal assistance;
• ìwà ọmọlúàbí.

Total Number of Questions

The complete examination contains 50 questions covering all three major areas.

This means you should prepare for Language, Literature and Culture instead of concentrating on only one section.

How to Use the JAMB Yorùbá Topics for Revision

Yorùbá revision should cover Language, Literature and Culture together.

Do not spend all your time on only grammar or literature. Each section tests a different part of your knowledge, so your revision should be balanced.

Practise Comprehension Regularly

Read both prose and verse passages in Yorùbá.

As you read, practise how to:

• identify the central idea;
• understand important details;
• draw conclusions;
• recognize assumptions;
• explain the meaning of phrases and sentences.

Do not rush through a passage. Read carefully enough to understand how the different ideas are connected.

Work on Essay Writing

Practise different types of essays and learn the technique required for each one.

Your writing should be clear and properly organized.

Pay attention to:

• correct Yorùbá expressions;
• organization of ideas;
• appropriate vocabulary;
• correct orthography;
• clear sentence construction.

The type of essay should guide the way you arrange and present your ideas.

Revise the Sound System Carefully

Give enough attention to consonants, vowels, tones and syllables.

You should be able to recognize:

• speech sounds;
• organs of speech;
• tone differences;
• tone changes;
• syllable structure;
• sound processes such as elision and deletion.

Practise correct pronunciation and learn to recognize pronunciation errors.

Strengthen Your Grammar

Grammar should be revised through examples and complete sentences.

Important areas include:

• word formation;
• loan-word integration;
• nouns;
• verbs;
• adjectives;
• adverbs;
• pronouns;
• conjunctions;
• prepositions;
• phrases;
• clauses;
• sentence types;
• sentence structures;
• tense;
• aspect.

You should be able to identify both the form and function of grammatical items.

Pay Attention to Current Yorùbá Orthography

Correct writing is important in Yorùbá.

Practise:

• spelling;
• correct letters;
• tone marks;
• acceptable written forms.

Do not ignore tone marks because they can help distinguish words and meanings.

Practise Translation

Translation requires understanding before writing.

Read the full sentence or idea first and determine its meaning.

When translating, focus on communicating the correct idea rather than replacing each word directly with another word.

Knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure will help you translate more accurately.

Read the Literature Texts Carefully

Study all the prescribed oral and written literature texts.

As you read, pay attention to:

• central ideas;
• themes;
• moral lessons;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions;
• narrative techniques;
• conclusions and inferences.

For drama, also understand the important actions and how they support the themes of the work.

For poetry, give special attention to figurative and idiomatic language.

Connect Literary Ideas With the Whole Work

Do not memorize isolated events or expressions without understanding their place in the text.

Try to understand how characters, events, language and ideas work together.

This will make it easier to answer questions that require interpretation rather than simple recall.

Study Yorùbá Culture by Topic

Divide the culture section into smaller areas during revision.

You can study topics such as:

• beliefs;
• political organization;
• funeral and inheritance practices;
• numerals;
• ceremonies;
• health care;
• games;
• occupations;
• food;
• communal support;
• ìwà ọmọlúàbí.

Understanding the purpose and meaning of each practice will make the section easier to remember.

Practise Òǹkà Yorùbá

Yorùbá numerals require practice.

Work on counting from simple numbers to larger values and practise the required calculations involving:

• addition;
• subtraction;
• division.

Do not rely on memorizing a few number forms. Regular practice will help you understand how the numeral system works.

Give Attention to Traditional Games, Occupations and Food

For traditional games, know the types, rules and values connected with them.

For occupations, understand the different traditional professions and how they compare.

For food, know the different examples, how they are prepared and their nutritional value.

Review Ìwà Ọmọlúàbí

You should understand the behaviours and attitudes that are accepted in Yorùbá society.

Study the meaning and benefits of ìwà ọmọlúàbí and how good character supports personal and community life.

A good revision plan should help you move between Language, Literature and Culture regularly so that none of the three areas is neglected.

Recommended Texts for JAMB Yorùbá

The following books can support your JAMB Yorùbá revision.

Language Texts

• Abíọ́dún J. (1995), Àròkọ àti Àyàn Ògbufọ̀, MAJAB Publishers.
• Adéwọlé L. O. et al. (2000), Exam Focus – Yorùbá Language for WASSCE/SSCE, UP Plc.
• Awóbùlúyì O. (1978), Essentials of Yorùbá Grammar, UP Plc.
• Awóbùlúyì O. (ed.) (1990), Yorùbá Metalanguage (Èdè-Ìperí Yorùbá), Vol. II, UP Plc.
• Awóbùlúyì O. (2008), Ẹ̀kọ́ Ìṣẹ̀dá-Ọ̀rọ̀ Yorùbá, Montem Paperback.

Read also: Full List of JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Yoruba 2027/2028

Literature Texts

For literature, use the prescribed oral and written works already covered in the Literature section, including the selected prose, poetry and drama texts.

Culture Texts

• Adéoyè C. L. (1979), Àṣà àti Ìṣe Yorùbá, OUP.
• Adéoyè C. L. (1985), Ìgbàgbọ́ àti Ẹ̀sìn Yorùbá, Oníbọnọ̀jé Press.
• Ládélé T. A. et al. (1986), Àkójọpọ̀ Ìwádìí Ìjìnlẹ̀ Àṣà Yorùbá, Macmillan Publishers.

These books can help you strengthen your understanding of Yorùbá grammar, sound system, writing, literature and culture.

Key Points to Remember

• The JAMB Yorùbá topics are divided into Language, Literature and Culture.
• Under Language, focus on comprehension, essay writing, sound system, grammar, current orthography and translation.
• For comprehension, you should understand both prose and verse and be able to identify central ideas, meanings and conclusions.
• The sound system covers consonants, vowels, tones, tone changes, syllable structure and sound processes.
• Grammar includes word formation, loan words, word classes, phrases, clauses, sentence structures, tense and aspect.
• Pay close attention to current Yorùbá orthography, including correct spelling and acceptable written forms.
• Translation requires you to understand the complete idea before expressing it correctly in another language.
• Yorùbá Literature covers oral prose, oral poetry, written prose, written poetry and drama.
• When reading literature texts, pay attention to themes, central ideas, moral lessons, figurative expressions, idiomatic expressions and narrative techniques.
• Yorùbá Culture covers traditional beliefs, political organization, funeral and inheritance practices, numerals, ceremonies and health practices.
• You should also understand traditional games, occupations, foods, communal assistance and ìwà ọmọlúàbí.
• Practise Òǹkà Yorùbá, including counting and the required calculations.
• Do not neglect any of the three main areas. A balanced revision plan should cover Language, Literature and Culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The JAMB Area of Concentration for Yorùbá Subject 2027/2028 covers three major areas: Language, Literature and Culture.

To prepare well, make sure you understand comprehension, essay writing, sound system, grammar, orthography and translation. You should also study the prescribed literature texts carefully and revise the important areas of Yorùbá culture.

Give enough attention to tones, grammar, translation, literary interpretation, Yorùbá numerals and cultural practices because these areas require both understanding and correct application.

Use the topic areas to guide your revision and make sure you do not neglect any of the three main sections.

If you have any questions about the JAMB Yorùbá topics, you can ask in the comment section. You can also share this guide with other students who may find it useful.