Hausa JAMB Syllabus 2027/2028 Download PDF

The JAMB Hausa syllabus 2027/2028 covers the major areas you need to study in Hausa for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The syllabus is designed to help you read and write Hausa competently, understand the basic features of Hausa grammar, study both oral and written Hausa literature, and appreciate the culture, customs and institutions of the Hausa people.

The syllabus is divided into three major areas:

• Harshe (Language);
• Al’adu (Culture);
• Adabi (Literature).

Under Harshe, you will study areas such as orthography, comprehension, phonology, morphology, syntax and meaning.

Under Al’adu, the syllabus covers Hausa rites of passage, social institutions, traditional occupations, material culture, festivals, traditional beliefs, traditional authority and traditional medicine.

Under Adabi, you will study both oral and written literature, including narratives, folk sayings, songs, traditional drama, prose, poetry and drama.

As you revise, focus on understanding both the rules of the Hausa language and how they are used in communication.

For literature, pay attention to themes, style, structure, characters and important messages. For culture, understand the meaning and importance of the customs and institutions you study.

This guide covers the main JAMB Hausa syllabus topics and objectives, the PDF download section, prescribed and recommended texts, and revision guidance to help you prepare effectively.

Download JAMB Hausa Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF

The JAMB Hausa syllabus 2027/2028 PDF can help you organize your revision and keep track of the topics you have covered.

The syllabus is grouped into three major areas:

• Harshe (Language);
• Al’adu (Culture);
• Adabi (Literature).

Under these areas, you will study topics such as Hausa orthography, comprehension, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, Hausa customs, traditional occupations, cultural festivals, traditional beliefs, oral literature and written literature.

Keeping the PDF on your phone, tablet or computer makes it easier to check each topic while studying.

Download the JAMB Hausa Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF here:

You can download, tap or click it to open the PDF and save it on your device.

You can also use the syllabus as a checklist. Mark each topic after studying it so you can easily see the areas you have completed and the ones that still need attention.

1: Hausa Orthography and Comprehension

This section covers Ƙa’idojin Rubutu (Orthography) and Auna Fahimta (Comprehension). You should understand the rules of standard Hausa writing and be able to read and interpret unseen passages correctly.

Hausa Orthography

Study the basic rules that guide correct Hausa writing.

Important areas include:

• alphabetization;
• spelling;
• word merger;
• word division;
• punctuation;
• paragraphing.

These rules should be applied in line with Standard Hausa.

You should be able to recognize correct forms and detect errors involving grammar, spelling and inappropriate word choice.

Alphabetization and Spelling

Focus on the correct arrangement and spelling of Hausa words.

You should understand how Hausa words are written according to accepted spelling rules and be able to identify forms that are incorrect.

Word Merger and Division

Some Hausa expressions require words to be joined or separated correctly.

Study the rules that guide:

• word combination;
• word separation;
• correct written forms.

Incorrect division can change the meaning or grammatical structure of an expression, so this area requires careful attention.

Punctuation and Paragraphing

Study the correct use of punctuation marks and paragraph organization in Hausa writing.

You should be able to use punctuation appropriately and organize written ideas into clear paragraphs.

Detecting Language Errors

The syllabus expects you to recognize errors such as:

• grammatical mistakes;
• incorrect word choice;
• spelling mistakes;
• other forms that do not follow Standard Hausa.

Focus on understanding why a form is wrong and identifying the correct alternative.

Auna Fahimta

The comprehension section uses short unseen passages of about 300 words.

You should be able to read a passage carefully and understand the main ideas it presents.

Understanding Words in Context

Comprehension questions may require you to:

• explain the meaning of words;
• identify how a word is used in context;
• distinguish between different meanings of the same word;
• build your Hausa vocabulary.

Do not study words only in isolation. Pay attention to the meaning they carry within a complete sentence or passage.

Identifying Main Ideas

You should be able to recognize the central issue or major idea in a passage.

Focus on separating:

• main ideas;
• supporting details;
• examples and explanations.

Drawing Conclusions

Some questions may require you to draw a conclusion from the information given in the passage.

Your answer should be based on the evidence available in the text rather than on unrelated personal knowledge.

The main focus of this section is to develop your ability to write Hausa correctly, recognize language errors, understand written passages and interpret vocabulary and ideas from context.

2: Hausa Phonology and Sound Patterns

This section covers Tsarin Sauti (Phonology), including consonants, vowels, tone, syllables, vowel length and the main sound processes found in Hausa.

Consonants

Study how Hausa consonants are produced and classified.

Focus on:

• phonation;
• place of articulation;
• manner of articulation.

You should be able to distinguish between different consonant sounds and explain how they are formed.

Vowels

Study the production and classification of Hausa vowels.

Important areas include:

• position of the tongue;
• position of the lips;
• monophthongs;
• diphthongs.

You should understand how vowel differences can affect pronunciation and meaning in Hausa.

Tone

Hausa makes use of different tone patterns.

The main ones covered are:

• high tone;
• low tone;
• falling tone.

Focus on recognizing these tone patterns and understanding how tone contributes to meaning.

Syllable Structure

Study the different types of syllables in Hausa.

These include:

• open syllables;
• closed syllables;
• light syllables;
• heavy syllables.

You should be able to identify the number and type of syllables in Hausa words.

Syllabic Categories of Words

Words may also be classified according to the number of syllables they contain.

Examples include:

• monosyllabic words;
• disyllabic words;
• words containing more syllables.

Focus on identifying the syllabic structure of different Hausa words.

Vowel Length

Hausa distinguishes between:

• long vowels;
• short vowels.

You should understand the importance of vowel length and how it can contribute to differences in meaning.

Phonological Processes

The syllabus includes both assimilatory and non-assimilatory sound processes.

Assimilatory processes include:

• palatalization;
• labialization;
• vowel harmony.

Non-assimilatory processes include:

• insertion;
• deletion.

You should be able to recognize these processes and explain the changes they produce in Hausa sounds and words.

The main focus of this section is to understand how Hausa sounds are produced, classified and combined, and how tone, syllable structure, vowel length and phonological processes contribute to meaning in the language.

3: Hausa Morphology and Word Formation

This section covers Ƙirar Kalma (Morphology), which deals with how Hausa words are formed and how their structures can change to express different meanings or grammatical functions.

Roots and Stems

Study:

• roots;
• stems.

A root is the basic part of a word from which other forms can develop, while a stem is the form to which grammatical elements may be added.

Focus on recognizing roots and stems in Hausa words and understanding their roles in word formation.

Affixation

Affixation involves adding elements to a word.

The main types include:

• prefix;
• infix;
• suffix.

You should understand where each type occurs in a word and how it contributes to forming new grammatical or lexical forms.

Derivational and Inflectional Functions

Affixes can perform either derivational or inflectional functions.

Derivational processes may create a new word or change its grammatical category.

Inflectional processes modify a word to express grammatical information without necessarily creating a completely new word.

You should be able to distinguish between these two processes.

Gender Inflection

Study how Hausa words can change according to gender.

Focus on recognizing forms connected with:

• masculine gender;
• feminine gender.

You should understand how gender can affect the structure of Hausa words.

Number Inflection

Study how words change to show number.

Important areas include:

• singular forms;
• plural forms.

Focus on identifying the differences between singular and plural word forms and understanding how number is expressed through morphology.

Derivation from Verbs

The syllabus includes the formation of:

• nouns from verbs;
• adjectives from verbs.

You should understand how a word belonging to one grammatical class can be transformed into another through derivational processes.

Derivation from Nouns

You should also study the formation of:

• adjectives from nouns;
• verbs from nouns.

Focus on identifying the changes involved and the grammatical category produced after derivation.

Understanding Hausa Word Formation

When revising morphology, make sure you can:

• identify roots and stems;
• recognize prefixes, infixes and suffixes;
• distinguish derivation from inflection;
• identify gender and number changes;
• explain how words move from one grammatical class to another.

The main focus of this section is to understand how Hausa words are built and how morphological processes change their form, meaning and grammatical function.

4: Hausa Grammar, Sentence Structure and Meaning

This section covers Ginin Jumla (Syntax) and Ma’ana (Semantics). You should understand how Hausa words combine to form phrases, clauses and sentences, and how meaning is expressed in communication.

Word Classes

Study the main word classes in Hausa, including:

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

You should be able to identify these word classes and explain the functions they perform in sentences.

Grammatical Categories

Important grammatical categories include:

• tense;
• aspect;
• mood;
• gender;
• number.

The tense and aspect forms covered include:

• general past;
• relative past;
• general continuous;
• relative continuous;
• first future;
• second future;
• habitual.

For mood, study:

• subjunctive;
• negative.

For gender and number, focus on:

• masculine;
• feminine;
• neuter;
• singular;
• plural.

You should understand how these categories affect sentence structure and meaning in spoken and written Hausa.

Phrase Structure

Study the difference between:

• nominal phrases;
• verbal phrases.

Focus on how words combine to form these phrases and the roles the phrases play within complete sentences.

Sentence Structure

The syllabus covers different Hausa sentence structures.

These include:

• verbal sentences;
• nominal phrase + verbal phrase;
• non-verbal sentences;
• nominal phrase + stabilizer;
• nominal phrase + complement + stabilizer;
• structures involving the continuous frame such as yana/yake.

You should be able to distinguish between these sentence structures and identify their components.

Types of Sentences

Study:

• simple sentences;
• compound sentences;
• complex sentences.

Focus on how these sentence types differ in structure and how they are used to express ideas.

Clauses

Study the main types of clauses, including:

• relative clauses;
• subjunctive clauses.

You should also understand their functions as:

• main clauses;
• subordinate clauses.

Focus on identifying the type and function of a clause within a sentence.

Correct Sentence Construction

You should be able to construct meaningful Hausa sentences for effective communication.

Pay attention to:

• correct tense;
• appropriate gender;
• correct number;
• suitable word order;
• punctuation;
• grammatical accuracy.

You should also be able to recognize and correct linguistic errors in sentences.

Ma’ana (Semantics)

Semantics deals with meaning in language.

Study lexical relationships such as:

• ambiguity;
• synonymy;
• antonymy.

You should understand how one word or expression may have different meanings depending on context.

Figures of Speech

The syllabus also covers specialized or figurative meanings of words and phrases.

Focus on recognizing when an expression is being used figuratively rather than literally and explaining the meaning it communicates.

Meaning in Communication

When revising this section, make sure you can:

• identify the meaning and function of words;
• understand the meaning of complete sentences;
• use vocabulary suitable for a particular purpose;
• construct clear and meaningful expressions;
• distinguish between different sentence and clause types.

The main focus of this section is to understand how Hausa grammar organizes words into meaningful structures and how vocabulary, sentence patterns and figurative expressions create meaning in communication.

5: Hausa Rites of Passage and Social Institutions

This section covers important aspects of Rayuwar Hausawa and Zamantakewa, especially birth, marriage, death, family relationships, neighbourhood, communal activities, friendship, greetings and hospitality.

Birth and Early Childhood Customs

Study the customs connected with haihuwa (birth).

Important areas include:

• pregnancy;
• support during pregnancy;
• childbirth;
• breastfeeding;
• customs during the first week after birth;
• bathing;
• ɓanti;
• weaning;
• circumcision;
• adolescence.

You should understand the customs that guide the period from pregnancy through childbirth and early childhood.

Marriage

Study aure (marriage) and the customs connected with it.

Important areas include:

• types of marriage;
• marriage proposal;
• engagement;
• marriage ceremony;
• wedding celebrations;
• married life;
• divorce;
• widowhood.

Focus on the stages from seeking a marriage partner through the establishment of married life.

Death and Burial Customs

The syllabus also covers mutuwa (death) and the customs that follow it.

Study:

• announcement of death;
• washing of the deceased;
• funeral prayer;
• burial;
• mourning;
• charity connected with death;
• widowhood;
• inheritance.

You should understand the sequence of customs from the announcement of death to the distribution of inheritance.

Hausa Family Structure

Study the traditional Hausa family system and the relationships that exist within it.

Important areas include:

• family organization;
• zaman gandu;
• relationships between co-wives;
• kinship;
• barantaka;
• agolanci.

Focus on how these relationships help shape family and social life among the Hausa people.

Neighbourhood Relations

Maƙwabtaka deals with relationships between neighbours.

Study the importance of good neighbourly relations and how cooperation between households contributes to social unity.

Communal Work

Traditional Hausa society includes forms of collective labour such as:

• aikin gandu;
• aikin gayya.

You should understand how these forms of work are organized and their importance to families and communities.

Friendship and Social Relationships

Study:

• abota;
• ƙawance.

Focus on how friendship and social bonds support cooperation and peaceful relationships within Hausa society.

Greetings and Hospitality

Gaisuwa da karimci are important parts of Hausa social life.

Study the role of:

• greetings;
• respect;
• hospitality;
• welcoming visitors.

These practices help strengthen relationships and reflect important social values.

The main focus of this section is to understand the customs surrounding birth, marriage and death, as well as the family and social institutions that guide relationships and community life among the Hausa people.

6: Hausa Traditional Occupations and Material Culture

This section covers Sana’o’in Gargajiya (Traditional Occupations) and Kayayyakin Buƙatun Rayuwa (Material Culture). You should understand the different occupations practiced among the Hausa, how they are carried out, the tools involved and the goods they produce.

Traditional Occupations

Important Hausa traditional occupations include:

• Noma, farming;
• Ƙira, blacksmithing;
• Jima, leatherwork;
• Kasuwanci, trading;
• Wanzanci, barbering;
• Sassaƙa, carving;
• Farauta, hunting;
• Dukanci;
• Saƙa, weaving;
• Kitso, hairdressing;
• Rini, dyeing;
• Fawa, butchering;
• Fafar ƙorai;
• other related occupations.

You should be able to identify these occupations and explain the nature of each one.

How Traditional Occupations Are Practised

Study the main features of traditional occupations, including:

• how they may be inherited;
• tools and equipment used;
• stages involved in carrying them out;
• their importance to individuals and society.

Some occupations are passed from one generation to another, while others depend on special skills and training.

Products of Traditional Occupations

Different occupations produce different goods and services.

You should understand:

• the products made through each occupation;
• the practical uses of these products;
• the contribution of traditional occupations to everyday Hausa life.

Focus on matching each occupation with the tools it uses and the goods or services it provides.

Occupational Titles

The syllabus also covers sarautun sana’o’i, or traditional titles connected with occupations.

Study the titles associated with different occupations and understand the roles or status attached to them.

Gender-Related Occupations

Some traditional occupations may be associated more closely with men or women.

Examples mentioned include:

• aikatau;
• ƙwadago;
• kitso;
• aski.

You should be able to distinguish occupations linked with different genders within traditional Hausa society.

Kayayyakin Buƙatun Rayuwa

Material culture refers to the physical items people use in everyday life.

The syllabus divides these into:

• household needs;
• other material needs.

Household Materials

Study items used within the home, including:

• clothing;
• household equipment and furnishings.

You should be able to identify these materials and explain their uses.

Other Material Needs

Other examples include:

• buildings;
• cooking materials and equipment;
• other items used in everyday life.

Focus on how these materials support the daily needs of Hausa families and communities.

The main focus of this section is to understand the occupations that support traditional Hausa economic life and the material items used to meet household and everyday needs.

7: Hausa Festivals, Beliefs, Traditional Authority and Medicine

This section covers Bukukuwa da Wasanni, Camfe-camfe da Bauta, Sarautun Gargajiya, and Magungunan Gargajiya.

You should understand the different cultural activities, beliefs, leadership structures and traditional health practices found in Hausa society.

Hausa Festivals and Games

Study the different types of Bukukuwa da Wasanni, including:

• religious festivals;
• traditional festivals;
• occupational festivals;
• recreational activities;
• children’s games.

Examples include:

• Bikin Salla;
• Takutaha (Sallar Gani);
• Cika-ciki;
• Saukar Karatu;
• Kalankuwa;
• Buɗar Dawa;
• fishing festivals;
• Dambe;
• Kokuwa;
• hunting games;
• blacksmithing games;
• Hawan Ƙaho;
• Sukuwa.

Children’s games include examples such as:

• Shalle;
• Kulli-kurciya;
• A-sha-ruwan-tsuntsaye;
• Gaɗa;
• Carafke.

You should understand how these festivals and games are carried out, their importance and ways they can be preserved.

Traditional Beliefs and Worship

Study Camfe-camfe da Bauta, including traditional beliefs and worship practices such as:

• Kangida;
• Camfi;
• Bori;
• Maita;
• Tsafi;
• Duba;
• Tsibbu;
• Kambun baka.

Focus on identifying the different practices, how they are viewed within traditional Hausa culture and their perceived roles in society.

Traditional Authority

Study Sarautun Gargajiya, or traditional leadership.

Important positions include:

• Sarki;
• Hakimai;
• Dagatai;
• Masu Unguwanni.

The syllabus also includes palace officials such as:

• Shantali;
• Jakadiya;
• Baraya.

Religious offices connected with traditional society include:

• Liman;
• Alƙali.

You should be able to identify these titles and explain the duties and importance of each position.

Traditional Medicine

Study Magungunan Gargajiya, including the different forms of traditional remedies and the roles they have played in Hausa society.

The syllabus includes forms such as:

• sassaƙe-sassaƙe;
• sauyoyi;
• powdered forms;
• liquid forms;
• layu;
• rubutu.

You should understand their classifications, the cultural ideas connected with their use, and the effects of modernization on traditional medicine.

For this topic, focus on the cultural and historical knowledge expected in the syllabus rather than treating traditional remedies as a substitute for qualified medical care.

Effects of Modernization

Modern life has affected some traditional beliefs, institutions and health practices.

You should understand how modernization has influenced:

• festivals and games;
• traditional authority;
• traditional beliefs;
• traditional medicine.

The main focus of this section is to understand how Hausa festivals, beliefs, leadership systems and traditional health practices form part of Hausa cultural life and how some of them have changed over time.

8: Hausa Oral Literature

This section covers Adabin Baka (Oral Literature), including narratives, folk sayings, songs and traditional drama.

You should understand the different forms of oral literature, their features, the people who perform them, the language used and the lessons they communicate.

Zuben Baka (Narratives)

Important forms of oral narratives include:

• Tatsuniya;
• Almara;
• Hikaya;
• Ƙissa;
• Tarihi.

You should be able to distinguish between these forms and explain their main characteristics.

Focus on:

• type of narrative;
• subject matter;
• language used;
• important ideas and lessons.

Maganganun Azanci (Folk Sayings)

The syllabus covers different forms of traditional expressions, including:

• Take;
• Kirari;
• Habaici;
• Zambo;
• Karin magana;
• Kacici-kacici;
• Salon magana;
• Adon harshe.

You should understand how these expressions are used and the meanings they communicate.

Pay attention to the situations in which each form is appropriate.

Hausa Oral Songs

Study the different types of Waƙoƙin Baka (Oral Songs).

These include:

• court songs;
• public songs;
• songs associated with men;
• other traditional song forms.

When studying oral songs, focus on:

• jigo, theme;
• salo, style;
• zubi da tsari, form and structure;
• the singer;
• musical instruments;
• the person, activity or subject being praised or discussed.

Work Songs

The syllabus also covers Waƙoƙin Aiki, or songs associated with work.

Examples include songs connected with:

• grinding;
• floor work;
• pounding;
• hawking;
• other forms of labour.

You should be able to identify different work songs and the people who perform them.

Children’s Songs

Study Hausa children’s songs, including those associated with:

• boys;
• girls;
• marriage activities;
• dandali;
• other children’s activities.

Focus on distinguishing the features of the different song types.

Traditional Drama

Wasannin Kwaikwayo na Gargajiya includes traditional dramatic performances for children and adults.

Children’s forms include examples such as:

• Langa;
• Wasan ’Yartsana;
• Tashe;
• Wasan Gauta;
• Dokin Kara.

For these, study:

• the different types;
• how they are performed;
• their importance.

Traditional Drama for Adults

Examples include:

• ’Yan Kama;
• Kalankuwa;
• Hoto;
• Wowwo;
• Tashe.

Focus on how these performances are carried out and the roles they play in Hausa society.

The main focus of this section is to understand the different forms of Hausa oral literature and how narratives, folk sayings, songs and traditional drama communicate ideas, preserve culture and provide entertainment.

9: Hausa Written Literature and Prescribed Texts

This section covers Rubutaccen Adabi (Written Literature), including Zube (Prose), Waƙa (Poetry), and Wasan Kwaikwayo (Drama).

You should study the prescribed texts closely and pay attention to their themes, structure, style, characters, setting, vocabulary and important messages.

Zube (Prose)

For prose, focus on:

• structure of the story;
• major themes;
• style;
• important events;
• characters;
• vocabulary and sentence meaning;
• important messages in the text.

You should also be able to analyse the story and make judgments about the ideas presented by the writer.

The prescribed prose texts are:

1. Abdullahi, J. – Nagari Na Kowa. Zaria: NNPC, 1970.
2. Ibrahim, S. K. – Tura Ta Kai Bango. Zaria: NNPC, 1983.

Waƙa (Poetry)

For poetry, study:

• jigo, theme;
• salo, style;
• siga, form;
• zubi, structure;
• vocabulary;
• sentence meaning;
• important messages.

You should understand how the poet’s choice of words and expressions contributes to the meaning of the poem.

The prescribed poetry texts are:

1. Aliyu, A. A. – Fasaha Aƙiliya. Zaria: NNPC, 1980.
2. Isma’ila, J. – Ciza Ka Busa. Longman Nigeria, 1981.

Selected Poems from Fasaha Aƙiliya

The selected poems are:

• ‘Yar Gagara
• Hausa Mai Ban Haushi
• Kadaura Babbar Inuwa

For each poem, focus on the theme, style, structure and important message.

Selected Poems from Ciza Ka Busa

The selected poems are:

• Al’adun Gargajiya
• Gaskiya Mai Ɗaci
• Koƙon Mabarata

You should be able to explain the major ideas in each poem and relate the language used to its overall message.

Wasan Kwaikwayo (Drama)

For drama, study:

• setting;
• themes;
• style;
• characters;
• structure;
• language;
• major events;
• important messages.

You should understand how the setting, characters and events contribute to the development of the play.

The prescribed drama texts are:

1. Maƙarfi, S. – Zamanin Nan Namu. Zaria: NNPC, 1983.
2. Idris, Ɗ. – Matsolan Attajiri. Zaria: NNPC.

How to Study the Prescribed Texts

Do not focus only on memorizing the titles and authors.

Make sure you can:

• identify the main themes;
• explain important characters;
• analyse the structure and style;
• understand difficult words and expressions;
• explain important events;
• identify the major messages;
• make judgments about the ideas presented in the texts.

The main focus of this section is to understand how Hausa prose, poetry and drama use language, structure, characters and themes to communicate important ideas and messages.

10: Selected Hausa Poems

This section focuses on the selected poems from the prescribed Hausa poetry texts.

You should study each poem carefully and pay attention to its theme, style, structure, vocabulary and major message.

Selected Poems from Fasaha Aƙiliya

The selected poems from Fasaha Aƙiliya are:

• ‘Yar Gagara
• Hausa Mai Ban Haushi
• Kadaura Babbar Inuwa

For each poem, focus on:

• the main theme;
• important ideas;
• style;
• structure;
• important words and expressions;
• the message of the poem.

You should understand how the poet uses language to develop the central idea of each poem.

‘Yar Gagara

When revising ‘Yar Gagara, pay attention to:

• the main subject of the poem;
• its central message;
• the language used;
• the way the poem is arranged.

You should be able to explain how the words and expressions used contribute to the overall meaning.

Hausa Mai Ban Haushi

For Hausa Mai Ban Haushi, focus on:

• the theme;
• the poet’s main ideas;
• style and expression;
• the message communicated through the poem.

Study the poem as a complete work and connect its language with the ideas being presented.

Kadaura Babbar Inuwa

For Kadaura Babbar Inuwa, pay attention to:

• theme;
• structure;
• style;
• important expressions;
• the major message.

You should be able to explain the main ideas and make a judgment about the message presented in the poem.

Selected Poems from Ciza Ka Busa

The selected poems from Ciza Ka Busa are:

• Al’adun Gargajiya
• Gaskiya Mai Ɗaci
• Koƙon Mabarata

As with the poems from Fasaha Aƙiliya, study the themes, styles, structures and messages of each selected poem.

Al’adun Gargajiya

For Al’adun Gargajiya, focus on:

• its central theme;
• important ideas;
• language and style;
• structure;
• major message.

You should understand how the poet develops the subject through the words and expressions used.

Gaskiya Mai Ɗaci

When studying Gaskiya Mai Ɗaci, pay attention to:

• the theme;
• style;
• vocabulary;
• structure;
• the main lesson or message.

Make sure you can connect important words and expressions with the overall meaning of the poem.

Koƙon Mabarata

For Koƙon Mabarata, study:

• the main theme;
• important ideas;
• style;
• structure;
• major message.

Focus on how the language used helps communicate the poet’s ideas.

How to Revise the Selected Poems

For every selected poem, make sure you can:

• identify the theme;
• explain the poet’s main idea;
• identify important stylistic features;
• analyse the structure;
• explain difficult words and expressions;
• relate words and sentences to the poem’s message;
• identify the major lesson or message.

The main focus of this section is to understand how the selected Hausa poems use language, style and structure to communicate their themes and important messages.

How to Use the JAMB Hausa Syllabus for Revision

Use the JAMB Hausa syllabus as a revision checklist and study one major area at a time.

Read also: JAMB Area of Concentration for Hausa Subject 2027/2028

The three main areas are:

• Harshe (Language);
• Al’adu (Culture);
• Adabi (Literature).

For Harshe, focus on:

• orthography;
• comprehension;
• phonology;
• morphology;
• syntax;
• semantics.

Make sure you can apply Hausa spelling and punctuation rules, understand unseen passages, identify sound patterns, explain word formation and construct correct sentences.

For Al’adu, revise:

• rites of passage;
• family and social institutions;
• traditional occupations;
• material culture;
• festivals and games;
• traditional beliefs;
• traditional authority;
• traditional medicine.

Do not only memorize the names of customs and institutions. Understand their meanings, functions, importance and the changes brought by modernization.

For Adabi, study:

• oral narratives;
• folk sayings;
• oral songs;
• work songs;
• children’s songs;
• traditional drama;
• prose;
• poetry;
• written drama.

When reading the prescribed literary texts, pay attention to:

• themes;
• style;
• structure;
• characters;
• setting;
• important events;
• vocabulary;
• major messages.

For the selected poems, make sure you can identify the main theme, explain important expressions and connect the poet’s language with the overall message.

You should also practise comprehension regularly. Read Hausa passages and try to identify:

• central ideas;
• meanings of words in context;
• supporting details;
• conclusions based on the passage.

For grammar, practise constructing sentences and identifying:

• word classes;
• tense and aspect;
• gender and number;
• phrases;
• clauses;
• sentence types.

Use the objectives attached to each topic to check whether you can identify, explain, distinguish, analyse, construct and apply what you have studied.

A useful revision method is to study one topic, answer practice questions on it, correct your mistakes and mark that part of the syllabus as completed before moving to another area.

Prescribed and Recommended Texts for JAMB Hausa

The JAMB Hausa syllabus includes prescribed literary works as well as recommended books for language, literature, culture and dictionary reference.

Prescribed Prose Texts

The prescribed prose works are:

1. Abdullahi, J. (1970), Nagari Na Kowa. Zaria: NNPC.
2. Ibrahim, S. K. (1983), Tura Ta Kai Bango. Zaria: NNPC.

Prescribed Poetry Texts

The prescribed poetry books are:

1. Aliyu, A. A. (1980), Fasaha Aƙiliya. Zaria: NNPC.
2. Isma’ila, J. (1981), Ciza Ka Busa. Longman Nigeria.

Selected poems from Fasaha Aƙiliya include:

• ‘Yar Gagara
• Hausa Mai Ban Haushi
• Kadaura Babbar Inuwa

Selected poems from Ciza Ka Busa include:

• Al’adun Gargajiya
• Gaskiya Mai Ɗaci
• Koƙon Mabarata

Prescribed Drama Texts

The prescribed drama works are:

1. Maƙarfi, S. (1983), Zamanin Nan Namu. Zaria: NNPC.
2. Idris, Ɗ., Matsolan Attajiri. Zaria: NNPC.

Recommended Hausa Language Books

Recommended books for Hausa language and grammar include:

1. Galadanci, M. K. M. (1976), Introduction to Hausa Grammar. Zaria: Longman.
2. Junju, M. H. (1980), Rayayyen Nahawun Hausa. Zaria: NNPC.
3. Muhammad, Y. M. (2005), Fassarar Hausa. Zaria: ABU Press.
4. Sani, M. A. Z. (1999), Tsarin Sauti Da Nahawun Hausa. Ibadan: University Press Plc.

Recommended Literature and Culture Books

Recommended books for Adabi da Al’adu include:

1. Bichi, A. Y. (1979), Waƙoƙin Bikin Aure. Lagos: Nelson.
2. Dangambo, A. (1984), Rabe-Raben Adabin Baka da Muhimmancinsa Ga Rayuwar Hausawa. Kano: T.P.C.
3. Gusau, S. M. (1991), Makaɗa Da Mawaƙan Hausa. Kaduna: Fisbas Media Service.
4. Ibrahim, M. S. (1977), Kowa Ya Sha Kiɗa. Zaria: Longman.

Recommended Hausa Dictionaries

Useful dictionaries include:

1. Bargery, G. P. (1951), A Hausa-English Dictionary and English-Hausa Vocabulary. London: OUP.
2. Newman, R. M. (1997), An English-Hausa Dictionary. Ibadan: Longman.

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

These prescribed and recommended books can support your study of Hausa grammar, comprehension, phonology, literature, culture, vocabulary and prescribed literary texts.

Key Points to Remember

• The JAMB Hausa syllabus covers three major areas: Harshe (Language), Al’adu (Culture), and Adabi (Literature).
• Hausa orthography includes alphabetization, spelling, word merger and division, punctuation and paragraphing.
• Comprehension questions test your ability to understand passages, interpret words in context, identify main ideas and draw conclusions.
• Hausa phonology covers consonants, vowels, tone, syllables, vowel length and phonological processes.
• Important tone patterns include high, low and falling tones.
• Syllables may be open or closed, light or heavy.
• Important phonological processes include palatalization, labialization, vowel harmony, insertion and deletion.
• Hausa morphology includes roots, stems, prefixes, infixes, suffixes, derivation and inflection.
• You should understand how words change according to gender and number.
• Hausa syntax covers word classes, tense, aspect, mood, phrases, clauses and sentence types.
• Important word classes include nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections and ideophones.
• Sentence types include simple, compound and complex sentences.
• Semantics includes ambiguity, synonymy, antonymy and figures of speech.
• Hausa culture covers major rites of passage such as birth, marriage and death.
• Social institutions include family relationships, neighbourhood, communal labour, friendship, greetings and hospitality.
• Traditional occupations include farming, blacksmithing, leatherwork, trading, barbering, carving, hunting, weaving, hairdressing, dyeing and butchering.
• Material culture includes clothing, household items, buildings and cooking materials.
• Cultural festivities include religious, traditional, occupational and recreational celebrations.
• Children’s games and traditional sports are also part of Hausa culture.
• Traditional beliefs and worship include practices such as Bori, Maita, Tsafi and Duba.
• Traditional authority includes positions such as Sarki, Hakimai, Dagatai and Masu Unguwanni.
• Religious and judicial offices include Liman and Alƙali.
• Traditional medicine is studied through its forms, uses and the effect of modernization.
• Hausa oral literature includes Tatsuniya, Almara, Hikaya, Ƙissa and Tarihi.
• Folk sayings include Take, Kirari, Habaici, Zambo, Karin magana and Kacici-kacici.
• Oral songs should be studied for their theme, style, structure, performer and musical elements.
• Traditional drama includes performances for both children and adults.
• Written literature covers prose, poetry and drama.
• Prescribed prose texts include Nagari Na Kowa and Tura Ta Kai Bango.
• Prescribed poetry texts include Fasaha Aƙiliya and Ciza Ka Busa.
• Prescribed drama texts include Zamanin Nan Namu and Matsolan Attajiri.
• Selected poems include ‘Yar Gagara, Hausa Mai Ban Haushi, Kadaura Babbar Inuwa, Al’adun Gargajiya, Gaskiya Mai Ɗaci, and Koƙon Mabarata.
• For literature, focus on themes, style, structure, characters, setting, vocabulary and major messages.
• Revision should combine language rules, cultural knowledge and literary analysis, rather than concentrating on only one part of the syllabus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The JAMB Hausa syllabus 2027/2028 covers the major areas you need to study in Hausa language, culture and literature.

The syllabus is divided into:

• Harshe (Language);
• Al’adu (Culture);
• Adabi (Literature).

Important language topics include orthography, comprehension, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.

The culture section covers Hausa rites of passage, social institutions, traditional occupations, material culture, festivals, beliefs, traditional authority and traditional medicine.

The literature section includes oral narratives, folk sayings, songs, traditional drama, prose, poetry and written drama.

As you revise, do not focus only on memorizing definitions. Make sure you can read, write, explain, identify, analyse and apply the different language and cultural concepts covered in the syllabus.

For literature, study the prescribed texts closely and pay attention to their themes, characters, style, structure, setting, vocabulary and major messages.

Use the JAMB Hausa syllabus PDF as a checklist and mark each topic after you have studied and practised it.

A good understanding of the syllabus will help you prepare across the key areas of Hausa language use, cultural knowledge and literary analysis.