Yoruba JAMB Syllabus 2027/2028 Download PDF

The JAMB Yoruba syllabus 2027/2028 shows the main areas you need to study in Yoruba Language, Literature and Culture.

The syllabus is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the Yoruba language, prescribed literary works and important aspects of Yoruba culture.

For the language section, you will study areas such as comprehension, essay writing, sound system, grammar, current orthography and translation.

The literature section covers both oral and written literature, including prose, poetry and drama.

The culture section focuses on topics such as traditional beliefs, political and social organization, burial and inheritance practices, Yoruba numerals, festivals, health practices, traditional games, occupations, food, communal relationships and ìwà ọmọlúàbí.

The examination covers all these areas, so your revision should include both language skills and your understanding of Yoruba literature and culture.

This guide covers the JAMB Yoruba syllabus topics and objectives, the examination structure, PDF download section, prescribed texts, recommended books and revision guidance.

Download JAMB Yoruba Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF

You can save the JAMB Yoruba syllabus 2027/2028 PDF on your phone or computer and use it as a guide while preparing for the examination.

The PDF covers the three main areas of Language, Literature and Culture.

In the language section, you will study comprehension, essay writing, sound system, grammar, current orthography and translation.

The literature section covers both oral and written literature, while the culture section includes Yoruba beliefs, social organization, burial and inheritance practices, numerals, festivals, health practices, traditional games, occupations, food, communal relationships and ìwà ọmọlúàbí.

Download the JAMB Yoruba Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF here:

Tap or click it to open the PDF and save it to your device.

You can use the syllabus as a checklist to track the areas you have completed and identify the language, literature or culture topics that still need more revision.

JAMB Yoruba Examination Structure

The JAMB Yoruba examination contains 50 multiple-choice questions covering Language, Literature and Culture.

Language

The Language section covers:

• Comprehension: 10 items
  • 1 prose passage
  • 1 verse passage
• Essay Writing: 1 item
• Sound System: 4 items
• Grammar: 6 items
• Current Orthography: 2 items
• Translation: 2 items

Literature

The Literature section covers:

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

Culture

The Culture section contains:

• Culture: 10 items

Total Number of Questions

The complete JAMB Yoruba examination contains:

50 multiple-choice questions

This structure shows that you need to revise all three areas rather than concentrating on only Language or Literature.

1. Comprehension

This topic covers comprehension in prose and verse.

You may be required to read a passage carefully and show that you understand the ideas, expressions and message presented in it.

Prose

For prose passages, focus on:

• identifying the central issues;
• drawing appropriate conclusions;
• determining basic assumptions;
• expressing the ideas presented in the passage.

You should also pay attention to how words, phrases and sentences contribute to the meaning of the passage.

Verse

For verse passages, the same careful reading is required.

Focus on:

• the main idea of the verse;
• important details;
• conclusions that can be drawn;
• meanings and functions of phrases and sentences.

The key aim is to understand what the passage or verse is saying and interpret its ideas correctly.

2. Essay Writing

This topic focuses on the different types of essays and the techniques used in writing each one.

You need to understand that different essay types require different approaches to structure, expression and organization.

Focus on:

• identifying the type of essay given;
• understanding the purpose of the essay;
• organizing ideas clearly;
• using the appropriate writing technique for each type;
• presenting ideas in a logical and acceptable form.

The main aim is to recognize different essay types and apply the correct method when writing each one.

3. Sound System

This topic covers the production and organization of sounds in Yoruba.

Production of Sounds

Study the organs of speech and how they are used to produce different sounds.

Focus on:

• consonants;
• vowels;
• the features used to describe each speech sound.

You should also be able to recognize correct and incorrect pronunciation.

Tones and Tone Change

Tone is an important part of Yoruba pronunciation and meaning.

Study:

• the main tones used in Yoruba;
• how tones are represented;
• how tone changes can occur in words and expressions.

Syllable Structure

A syllable is a unit of sound within a word.

Focus on identifying the components and structure of Yoruba syllables and how sounds combine within words.

Sound Processes

The syllabus also covers sound processes such as:

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

Understand how these processes affect pronunciation and the relationship between sounds in Yoruba words.

The main focus is to identify speech sounds, use them correctly, detect pronunciation errors and understand the basic principles that govern Yoruba sound patterns.

4. Grammar

This topic covers the main areas of Yoruba grammar, including word formation, word classes, phrases, clauses, sentences and grammatical categories.

Morphology and Word Formation

Morphology deals with the structure and formation of words.

Focus on how Yoruba words are formed and how different word elements contribute to meaning.

Loan-Word Integration

The syllabus also covers how words borrowed from other languages are adopted into Yoruba.

Study how such words are integrated and used correctly within the language.

Word Classes

Important word classes include:

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

You should be able to identify the class to which a word belongs and understand how it functions in a sentence.

Phrases and Clauses

Study the different types and functions of phrases and clauses in Yoruba.

Pay attention to how they are formed and the roles they play within sentences.

Sentences

The syllabus covers:

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

Focus on identifying how sentences are formed and how their structures affect meaning and use.

Grammatical Categories

You should also study grammatical categories such as:

• tense;
• aspect.

The main focus is to understand Yoruba word formation and syntax, identify word classes correctly, and recognize the types, structures and functions of phrases, clauses and sentences.

5. Current Orthography

This topic focuses on the accepted system of writing Yoruba correctly.

You need to understand how Yoruba words, expressions and sentences should be written using the current orthographic rules.

Focus on:

• correct spelling of Yoruba words;
• proper use of Yoruba letters and symbols;
• correct placement of tone marks where required;
• writing words and sentences in an acceptable form;
• avoiding common writing errors.

The main aim is to present ideas clearly in correct written Yoruba using the accepted orthographic conventions.

6. Translation

This topic focuses on interpreting sentences and ideas correctly between Yoruba and another language.

The main aim is to preserve the original meaning while expressing it in an acceptable and natural form.

Focus on:

• understanding the meaning of the original sentence;
• choosing suitable words and expressions;
• preserving the intended idea;
• avoiding translation that changes the meaning;
• presenting the translated sentence clearly and correctly.

Translation requires more than replacing words one by one. The meaning of the complete sentence or expression should guide the final version.

7. Oral Literature

This topic covers Yoruba oral prose and oral poetry.

Oral Prose

The prescribed oral prose text is:

Amọo, A. (2010), Àkójọpọ̀ Àlọ́ Àpagbè.

Focus on:

• the central issues in the work;
• the problems presented;
• the main parts of the ideas;
• conclusions that can be drawn from the work.

You should understand the message of the work and how its different ideas are connected.

Oral Poetry

The prescribed oral poetry text is:

Babalọla, A. (2001), Àwọn Oríkì Orílẹ̀ Mẹ́tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n.

Focus on:

• the main ideas in the poems;
• logical conclusions that can be drawn;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions.

The main aim is to understand the ideas presented in the prescribed oral literature works and interpret their expressions correctly.

8. Written Literature

This topic covers Yoruba written prose, poetry and drama.

Prose

The prescribed prose text is:

Ajéwọlé, O. (2005), Ìgbẹ̀yìn L’áláyò N Ta.

Focus on:

• the main ideas in the work;
• moral lessons;
• narrative techniques;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions.

You should understand how the story develops and how the writer presents its major ideas.

Poetry

The prescribed poetry text is:

Fádíyà, O. (2008), Ìyá Àtàtà.

Study:

• the meaning and message of the poems;
• the ideas presented;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions.

Pay attention to how language is used to communicate meaning.

Drama

The prescribed drama text is:

Tẹ̀là, L. (2007), Ègún Orí Ìkúnlẹ̀.

Focus on:

• the central theme;
• interpretation of the work;
• types of drama;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions;
• narrative techniques.

The main aim is to understand the prescribed written works, identify their important ideas and interpret the literary techniques used in them.

9. Èrò àti Ìgbàgbọ́

This topic covers important areas of traditional Yoruba beliefs and practices.

Study concepts such as:

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

Focus on understanding these beliefs within Yoruba culture and distinguishing traditional practices and ways of life from modern beliefs and ideas based on common sense.

The main aim is to recognize the place of traditional beliefs in Yoruba culture and understand how they differ from present-day ways of thinking.

10. Ètò Ìṣèlú àti Ààbò Ìlú

This topic covers traditional Yoruba political organization, leadership and community security.

Important areas include:

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

Ẹgbẹ́ àti Ọ̀gbà

Study the roles of organized groups and associations within Yoruba communities.

Focus on how they contribute to cooperation, order and continuity in society.

Oyè Jíjẹ àti Àwọn Ìjòyè

Traditional titles and chiefs play important roles in community administration.

Understand the functions and responsibilities of individuals who hold positions of authority.

Ogun Jíjà

This area covers the place of warfare and defence in traditional Yoruba society.

Focus on how communities protected themselves and maintained security.

The main aim is to understand the roles of individuals, chiefs and groups in promoting peace, stability and continuity in society.

11. Ètò Ìsìnkú àti Ogún Pínpín

This topic covers traditional Yoruba burial practices and inheritance.

Important areas include:

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

Ètò Ìsìnkú

Study the different traditional practices connected with burial and the treatment of different types of death in Yoruba society.

Focus on how customs may differ depending on the circumstances surrounding the death and the status of the person who died.

Ogún Pínpín

This area deals with the traditional sharing of inheritance within the family.

Understand how burial customs and inheritance practices are connected with family responsibilities and Yoruba tradition.

The main focus is to distinguish between the different traditional practices and relate them correctly to funerals and inheritance.

12. Òǹkà Yorùbá

This topic covers Yoruba numerals and basic calculations using Yoruba number expressions.

You need to study Yoruba numbers from one up to 20,000.

Focus on:

• reading Yoruba numerals correctly;
• writing Yoruba numerals correctly;
• counting in Yoruba;
• applying addition;
• applying subtraction;
• applying division.

The main aim is to understand how Yoruba numbers are formed and use them correctly in simple calculations.

13. Àwọn Ayẹyẹ

This topic covers important Yoruba social and traditional ceremonies.

Examples include:

• ìgbéyàwó;
• ìsọmọlórúkọ;
• ìwúyè.

Ìgbéyàwó

Ìgbéyàwó refers to marriage ceremonies in Yoruba society.

Focus on the main activities connected with the occasion and the situations in which they take place.

Ìsọmọlórúkọ

Ìsọmọlórúkọ is the naming ceremony performed for a child.

Study its place in Yoruba social life and the activities associated with it.

Ìwúyè

Ìwúyè refers to ceremonies connected with the installation or recognition of a person in a position of authority or honour.

The main focus is to understand these social activities and relate each one to the appropriate situation in Yoruba society.

14. Ètò Ìwòsàn

This topic covers important health care practices in Yoruba society.

Areas to study include:

• ìtọ́jú aláìsàn;
• ìtọ́jú àti ìgbẹ̀bí aboyún;
• other related health care practices.

Ìtọ́jú Aláìsàn

This area focuses on the care given to people who are sick.

Study the appropriate ways of caring for an ill person and the practices connected with maintaining the person’s well-being.

Ìtọ́jú àti Ìgbẹ̀bí Aboyún

This covers the care of pregnant women and practices associated with childbirth.

Focus on the appropriate health care practices used during pregnancy and delivery.

The main aim is to understand the proper ways of applying suitable health care practices in different situations.

15. Eré Ìdárayá

This topic covers traditional Yoruba games and recreational activities.

The games are grouped into two main types:

• eré òṣùpá;
• eré ojúmọmọ.

Eré Òṣùpá

Examples include:

• àlọ́;
• bojúbojú.

These are traditional activities associated with evening or moonlight recreation.

Eré Ojúmọmọ

Examples include:

• ìjàkadì;
• ayò;
• òkòtó;
• àrín.

Study the different types of traditional games, the rules that guide them and the values people can gain from taking part in them.

The main focus is to identify Yoruba traditional games, understand their rules and recognize the values connected with each one.

16. Iṣẹ́ Àbínibí àti Oúnjẹ Ilẹ̀ Yorùbá

This topic covers traditional Yoruba occupations and foods.

Iṣẹ́ Àbínibí

Examples of traditional occupations include:

• iṣẹ́-àgbẹ̀;
• ìṣọ̀nà;
• ìlù lílu;
• other traditional professions.

Focus on identifying the different occupations and comparing them.

Oúnjẹ Ilẹ̀ Yorùbá

Examples of Yoruba foods include:

• àbàrí;
• iyán;
• ẹ̀wà.

Study how the different foods are prepared and the nutritional value connected with each one.

The main aim is to understand common Yoruba traditional occupations and foods, how they differ and their importance in everyday life.

17. Ìrànra-ẹni-lọ́wọ́

This topic covers traditional ways Yoruba people support one another within the community.

Important examples include:

• àáró;
• ẹ̀bẹ̀sẹ́;
• owó yíyá.

Àáró

Àáró is a form of communal assistance in which people support one another with work or labour when needed.

Focus on how cooperation helps individuals and families complete important tasks.

Ẹ̀bẹ̀sẹ́

Ẹ̀bẹ̀sẹ́ is another form of mutual support within the community.

Study how this type of assistance strengthens relationships among members of society.

Owó Yíyá

Owó yíyá involves borrowing money or receiving financial help when necessary.

Understand how financial assistance can form part of communal support.

The main aim is to understand the different ways people benefit from cooperation, mutual assistance and communal relationships in Yoruba society.

18. Ẹ̀kọ́ Ilé

This topic covers home training and acceptable behaviour in Yoruba society.

The main area to study is:

• ìwà ọmọlúàbí;
• àǹfààní ìwà ọmọlúàbí.

Ìwà Ọmọlúàbí

Ìwà ọmọlúàbí refers to behaviour and attitudes that agree with accepted social norms and values.

Focus on recognizing the qualities and conduct expected of a well-behaved person in Yoruba society.

Àǹfààní Ìwà Ọmọlúàbí

Study the benefits of good behaviour and how proper upbringing can support peaceful relationships within the family and community.

The main aim is to identify patterns of behaviour and attitudes that conform with accepted societal norms and values.

How to Use the JAMB Yoruba Syllabus for Revision

Use the JAMB Yoruba syllabus as a checklist so you can revise Language, Literature and Culture without leaving out any important area.

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

Start with the Language section because it covers several skills, including:

• comprehension;
• essay writing;
• sound system;
• grammar;
• current orthography;
• translation.

For comprehension, practise identifying the main idea, supporting points, assumptions, meanings of expressions and conclusions in both prose and verse passages.

For the sound system, revise:

• consonants and vowels;
• organs of speech;
• tones;
• syllable structure;
• sound processes.

Grammar revision should include word formation, loan words, word classes, phrases, clauses, sentence structures, tense and aspect.

For Literature, study all the prescribed oral and written texts. Pay attention to:

• central themes;
• major ideas;
• moral lessons;
• narrative techniques;
• figurative expressions;
• idiomatic expressions.

Do not only read the stories or poems. Make sure you understand how the ideas are presented and what can be learned from each work.

For Culture, revise each topic separately, including traditional beliefs, political organization, burial and inheritance, Yoruba numerals, festivals, health practices, traditional games, occupations, food, communal support and ìwà ọmọlúàbí.

Practise Yoruba numerals carefully, especially how to count and apply addition, subtraction and division.

Use the objectives under each topic to check whether you can identify, explain, distinguish, interpret, compare and apply the required knowledge.

Since the examination covers all three sections, avoid spending all your revision time on only one area.

Recommended Texts for JAMB Yoruba

The recommended books are grouped into Language, Literature and Culture.

Language Texts

1. Abíọ́dún, J. (1995), Àròkọ àti Àyàn Ògbufọ̀. Lagos: MAJAB Publishers.
2. Adéwọlé, L. O. et al. (2000), Exam Focus – Yorùbá Language for WASSCE/SSCE. Ìbàdàn: UP Plc.
3. Awóbùlúyì, O. (1978), Essentials of Yorùbá Grammar. Ìbàdàn: UP Plc.
4. Awóbùlúyì, O. (ed.) (1990), Yorùbá Metalanguage (Èdè-Ìperí Yorùbá), Vol. II. Ìbàdàn: UP Plc.
5. Awóbùlúyì, O. (2008), Ẹ̀kọ́ Ìṣẹ̀dá-Ọ̀rọ̀ Yorùbá. Akurẹ: Montem Paperback.
6. Awóbùlúyì, O. (2013), Ẹ̀kọ́ Gírámà Èdè Yorùbá. Oṣogbo: Atman Ltd.

Prescribed Literature Texts

For Literature, use the prescribed works already listed under the Oral Literature and Written Literature sections of the syllabus.

These include the prescribed prose, poetry and drama texts.

Culture Texts

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

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

These texts can support your study of Yoruba language, literature and culture.

Key Points to Remember

• The JAMB Yoruba syllabus is divided into Language, Literature and Culture.
• The examination contains 50 multiple-choice questions across the three sections.
• Language topics include comprehension, essay writing, sound system, grammar, current orthography and translation.
• For comprehension, focus on identifying central ideas, assumptions, meanings of expressions and appropriate conclusions.
• Essay writing requires knowledge of different essay types and the techniques used for each one.
• The sound system covers consonants, vowels, tones, syllable structure and sound processes.
• Grammar includes word formation, loan-word integration, word classes, phrases, clauses, sentence structures, tense and aspect.
• Current orthography focuses on presenting Yoruba ideas in an acceptable written form.
• Translation requires accurate interpretation of sentences and ideas.
• Oral Literature includes prescribed prose and poetry.
• Written Literature includes prescribed prose, poetry and drama.
• In Literature, study themes, moral lessons, narrative techniques, figurative expressions and idiomatic expressions.
• Culture topics include traditional beliefs, political organization, burial and inheritance practices, Yoruba numerals, ceremonies, health care, games, occupations, food, communal support and ìwà ọmọlúàbí.
• Yoruba numerals should be studied from one to 20,000, including addition, subtraction and division.
• Traditional games should be studied together with their rules and values.
• Traditional occupations and Yoruba foods are also important culture topics.
• Ìwà ọmọlúàbí focuses on acceptable behaviour and attitudes that conform with social norms and values.
• Revise all three sections because the examination covers Language, Literature and Culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The JAMB Yoruba syllabus 2027/2028 gives you a clear guide to the main areas you need to study in Language, Literature and Culture.

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

The Literature section includes both oral and written literature, while the Culture section covers important areas such as traditional beliefs, political organization, burial and inheritance, Yoruba numerals, ceremonies, health practices, traditional games, occupations, food, communal support and ìwà ọmọlúàbí.

To prepare well, revise all three sections and pay attention to interpretation, correct language use, literary ideas, cultural knowledge and Yoruba numerals.

You can also use the JAMB Yoruba syllabus PDF as a checklist to track the topics you have completed and the areas that still need more revision.

If you have any questions about the JAMB Yoruba syllabus, leave a comment. You can also share this guide with other students who may find it useful.