JAMB Syllabus for Yoruba 2026/2027

The JAMB Syllabus for Yoruba 2026/2027 outlines the approved topics candidates are expected to study for the UTME Yoruba examination. It clearly defines the scope of assessment and helps candidates focus only on relevant language and literature areas required for the exam.

Yoruba in JAMB tests language proficiency, grammar, comprehension, translation skills, oral literature, and cultural knowledge. The UTME Yoruba syllabus 2026/2027 is structured to assess candidates’ ability to understand written texts, apply correct grammatical rules, interpret proverbs and idioms, and appreciate Yoruba traditions reflected in literary works.

Using the JAMB Yoruba syllabus as a study guide allows candidates to prepare strategically, strengthen weak areas, and improve overall performance in the UTME.

Objectives of Yoruba Syllabus

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Yorùbá is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:

Stimulate and sustain their interest in Yorùbá language, literature and culture
Acquire basic knowledge and skill in Yorùbá language, literature and material and non-material
aspects of culture.

JAMB Syllabus for Yoruba 2026

The test will be of an objective type, candidates will answer forty (40) multiple-choice questions
covering all aspects of the syllabus:

LANGUAGE:
(a) Comprehension
(1 prose and 1 verse) 08 items
(b) Essay writing 01 item
(c) Sound system 04 items
(d) Grammar 05 items
(e) Current orthography 02 items
(f) Translation 01 item

LITERATURE:
(a) Oral 04 items
(b) Written 06 items

CULTURE: 09 items
TOTAL 40 items

S/N	TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES	JAMB EXPECTATIONS
1	SECTION A LANGUAGE: (a) Comprehension: (i) Prose (ii) Verse (b) Essay Writing: (i) Argumentative (ii) Descriptive (iii) Narrative (iv) Letter Writing (Formal and Informal) etc. (c) Sound System: (i) Production of sounds (consonants and vowels); (ii) Tones and tone change; (iii) Syllable structure; and (iv) Sound processes – co-vowel occurrence, elision, deletion, etc. (d) Grammar: (i) Morphology – Word-formation; (ii) Loan-word integration; (iii) Word classes – nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions, etc.; (iv) Phrases and clauses – types and functions; (v) Sentences – types, structures and functions. (e) Current Orthography (f) Translation	Candidates should be able to: 1. identify central issues in a passage and draw appropriate conclusions; 2. determine basic assumptions and express ideas 3. identify the meanings and functions of given phrases and sentences. 4. identify different types of essay 5. apply different types of techniques associated with each type. 6. identify organs of speech, speech sounds and parameters for describing each speech sound; 7. determine their correct usages; 8. detect linguistic errors (pronunciations and wrong usages); 9. determine the syllable components of words 10. demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles underlying the relationship between sounds. 11. demonstrate good knowledge of word derivation; 12. demonstrate knowledge of word adoption; 13. identify the appropriate class a word belongs to; 14. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Yorùbá syntax; 15. identify the types, structures and functions of sentences. 16. Candidates should be able to present ideas in acceptable written form. 17. interpret sentences and ideas in accordance with acceptable principles.
2	LITERATURE: (a) Oral Literature: (i) Prose (Ìtàn Àròsọ): Babalọlá, A. (2023). Àkójọpọ̀ Àlọ́ Ìjàpá (Apá Kejì). Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc. (ii) Drama (Eré Oníṣe): Ògúnníran, L. (2022). Eégún Aláré. Ìbàdàn: Golden Pen Publishers. (b) Written Literature: (i) Prose (Ìtàn Àròsọ): Ìṣo ̣̀ lá, A. (2023). Ogún Ọmọdé. Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc. (ii) Poetry (Ewì): Àdéwọlé, O. (2023). Èdè Abínibí àti Àwọn Àròfo ̀ Mìíràn. Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc. pp 1-50 (2026) pp 51-83 (2027) pp 84-116 (2028) pp 117-152 (2029) pp 153-216 (2030) (iii) Drama (Eré Onítàn): Fádíyà, O. (2023). Ò te ̀ Oyè. Ìbàdàn: Genius Books Publishers.	Candidates should be able to: 1. identify central issues, problems and the component parts of ideas presented in the work of art; 2. draw moral lessons from the text; 3. identify the figurative and idiomatic expressions in the text; and 4. draw appropriate conclusions. 5. identify the type of drama; 6. extract the narrative techniques in the drama; 7. identify the figurative and idiomatic expressions in the drama; 8. Identify the central theme of the work; and 9. Interpret same in accordance with acceptable principles of the society. 10. demonstrate good knowledge of ideas in the work of art; 11. draw moral lessons from the text; 12. identify the narrative techniques in the text; and 13. identify the figurative and idiomatic expressions in the text. 14. deduce the import of written works of art and genres 15. identify the figurative and idiomatic expressions in the poem. 16. identify the central theme of the work; 17. interpret same in accordance with acceptable principles of the society; 18. identify types of drama; 19. identify the figurative and idiomatic expressions in the drama 20. extract the narrative techniques in the drama.
3	CULTURE: (a) Èrò àti Ìgbàgbọ́: Olódùmarè, àkùdàáyà, emèrè, àjẹ́, àwọn irúnmọlẹ̣̀, abbl. (b) Ètò Ìṣèlú àti Ààbò Ìlú: Ẹgbẹ́ àti ọgbà, oyè jíjẹ àti àwọn ìjòyè, ogun jíjà, abbl. (c) Ètò Ìsìnkú àti Ogún Pínpín: Òkú àgbà, òkú ọ̣̀fọ̣̀, òkú òòṣà, ìtúfọ̣̀, ilẹ̣̀ òkú gbígbẹ́, ìdí igi, mọ̣̀ lẹ́bí, bàbá ìsìnkú, abbl. (d) Òǹkà Yorùbá: Oókan títí dé ọ̣̀kẹ́ kan (1-20,000). (e) Ètò Ìgbéyàwó àti Ìsọmọlórúkọ: Gbogbo ohun tó rọ̀ mó ìgbéyàwó àti ìsọmọlórúkọ. (f) Ètò Ìwòsàn: Ìtọ́ jú aláìsàn, ìtọ́ jú àti ìgbẹ̣̀bí aboyún, abbl. (g) Eré Ìdárayá: (i) eré òṣùpá – àlọ́ bojúbojú, abbl; (ii) eré ojúmọmọ – ìjàkadì, ayò, òkòtó, àrín, abbl. (h) Iṣẹ́Abínibí àti Oúnjẹ Ilẹ̀Yorùbá: (i) Iṣẹ́-àgbẹ̣̀ ìṣọ̣̀nà, ìlù lílù, abbl; (ii) Oúnjẹ – àbàrí, iyán, ẹ̣̀wà, abbl. (i) Ẹ̀kọ́Ilé: Ìwà ọmọlúàbí àti àǹfààní rẹ̣̀.	Candidates should be able to: 1. distinguish traditional practices and acceptable ways of life from modern and common sense beliefs. 2. assess the functions and roles of individuals, chieftains, and groups in ensuring peace, stability and continuity of society. 3. distinguish between traditional practices 4. relate them to funerals and inheritance. 5. count in Yorùbá numerals apply addition, deduction and division methods in Yorùbá. 6. relate social activities and events to appropriate situations. 7. demonstrate knowledge of the best way of using the appropriate health care practices. 8. identify types of Yorùbá traditional games; 9. identify rules and regulations guiding each game 10. mention values derived from each game. 11. demonstrate adequate knowledge of the various traditional professions; 12. compare various traditional professions; 13. demonstrate knowledge of preparing each type of Yorùbá food 14. mention nutritional values of each food. 15. identify acceptable patterns of behaviour and attitude that conform with societal norms and values.

Download Yoruba Syllabus 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Yoruba 2026/2027?

Ans: The syllabus covers comprehension, grammar, vocabulary development, translation, oral literature, written literature, and Yoruba culture.

Ques: Is translation included in UTME Yoruba?

Ans: Yes. Candidates may be required to translate short phrases or sentences between Yoruba and English.

Ques: Are proverbs important in JAMB Yoruba?

Ans: Yes. Proverbs and idiomatic expressions are essential parts of the syllabus and may appear in objective questions.

Ques: Does the Yoruba syllabus include grammar?

Ans: Yes. Candidates must understand sentence construction, parts of speech, tone marks, and correct usage of words.

QUES: Is Yoruba culture tested in the UTME?

Ans: Yes. Cultural practices, traditional institutions, and societal values may appear in comprehension and literature questions.

Ques: Are comprehension passages compulsory in JAMB Yoruba?

Ans: Yes. Comprehension questions test reading ability, interpretation, and understanding of context.

Ques: Is oral literature included in the syllabus?

Ans: Yes. Folktales, praise poetry, chants, songs, and traditional narratives are part of the syllabus.

Ques: Can I pass JAMB Yoruba without studying literature?

Ans: No. Literature is a key component of the syllabus and contributes significantly to exam questions.

Ques: Is spoken Yoruba tested in UTME?

Ans: The exam is written, but understanding spoken expressions helps in answering vocabulary and comprehension questions.

Ques: What is the best way to prepare for UTME Yoruba 2026/2027?

Ans: Candidates should study grammar rules carefully, read Yoruba texts regularly, revise oral literature, practice translation, and solve past UTME questions consistently.