JAMB Yoruba Syllabus
This is the JAMB UTME syllabus for Yoruba, covering 20 topics. Each topic lists what you are expected to study and the objectives — what you should be able to do — based on the official JAMB syllabus.
General Objectives
The Yoruba syllabus is designed to enable candidates to:
- Stimulate and sustain candidates' interest in the Yorùbá language, literature and culture.
- Enable candidates to acquire basic knowledge and skill in the Yorùbá language, in literature, and in both the material and non-material aspects of Yorùbá culture.
- Prepare candidates to demonstrate competence across the three syllabus components — Language, Literature and Culture — in the Board's examination.
Detailed Yoruba Syllabus
-
Comprehension (Language)
Contents
- Prose passage
- Verse (poetry) passage
- Identification of central issues in a passage
- Meanings and functions of phrases and sentences
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify central issues and draw appropriate conclusions
- Determine the basic assumptions and express ideas
- Identify the meanings and functions of given phrases and sentences
-
Essay Writing (Language)
Contents
- Types of essay
- Techniques associated with each essay type
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify different types of essay
- Apply the techniques associated with each type
-
Sound System (Language)
Contents
- Production of sounds (consonants and vowels)
- Tones and tone change
- Syllable structure
- Sound processes: co-occurrence of vowels, elision and deletion
- Organs of speech and parameters for describing sounds
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the organs of speech and the parameters for describing sounds
- Determine correct usages
- Identify linguistic errors in pronunciations and usages
- Determine the syllable components of words
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of sound relationships
-
Grammar (Language)
Contents
- Morphology and word-formation
- Loan-word integration / word adoption
- Word classes: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions
- Phrases and clauses — types and functions
- Sentences — types, structures and functions
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Demonstrate good knowledge of word derivation
- Demonstrate knowledge of word adoption (loan words)
- Identify the appropriate word classes
- Demonstrate understanding of Yorùbá syntax
- Identify the types, structures and functions of sentences
-
Current Orthography (Language)
Contents
- The current standard Yorùbá orthography
- Acceptable written conventions
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Present ideas in the acceptable written form
-
Translation (Language)
Contents
- Principles of translation
- Translation of sentences and ideas between Yorùbá and English
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Interpret sentences and ideas according to acceptable principles of translation
-
Oral Literature — Prose (Literature)
Contents
- Prescribed oral prose text (e.g. Babalọlá, A. — Àkójọpọ̀ Àlọ́ Ìjàpá)
- Central issues, problems and component parts of the ideas presented
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the central issues, problems and component parts of the ideas presented
- Draw appropriate conclusions
-
Oral Literature — Poetry (Literature)
Contents
- Prescribed oral poetry text (e.g. Babalọlá, A. — Àwọn Oríkì Orílẹ̀ Mẹ́tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n)
- Abstract relations of the component ideas
- Figurative and idiomatic expressions
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Deduce logical inferences from the abstract relations of the component ideas
- Identify figurative and idiomatic expressions
-
Written Literature — Prose (Literature)
Contents
- Prescribed written prose text (e.g. Awe, D. — Moremi Ajasoro)
- Artistic ideas in the work
- Moral lessons
- Narrative techniques
- Figurative and idiomatic expressions
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Demonstrate good knowledge of the artistic ideas in the work
- Draw moral lessons from the text
- Identify narrative techniques
- Identify figurative and idiomatic expressions
-
Written Literature — Poetry (Literature)
Contents
- Prescribed written poetry text (e.g. Akanji — Oro Enu Akewi)
- Import of the written work and its genre
- Figurative and idiomatic expressions
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Deduce the import of written works and their genres
- Identify figurative and idiomatic expressions
-
Written Literature — Drama (Literature)
Contents
- Prescribed drama text (e.g. Isola, A. — Nitori Owo)
- Central theme of the work
- Types of drama
- Narrative techniques
- Figurative and idiomatic expressions
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the central theme of the works
- Interpret the work according to acceptable societal principles
- Identify the types of drama
- Identify figurative and idiomatic expressions
- Extract narrative techniques
-
Èrò àti Ìgbàgbọ́ — Beliefs and Worldview (Culture)
Contents
- Olódùmarè
- Àkùdàáyà
- Emèrè
- Àjẹ́
- Àwọn irúnmọlẹ̀
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish traditional practices and acceptable ways of life from modern beliefs
-
Ètò Ìṣèlú àti Ààbò Ìlú — Political System and Community Security (Culture)
Contents
- Ẹgbẹ́ àti ọgbà (age-grades and associations)
- Oyè jíjẹ àti àwọn ìjòyè (chieftaincy and chiefs)
- Ogun jíjà (warfare and defence)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Assess the functions and roles of individuals, chieftains and groups in ensuring peace, stability and continuity of the society
-
Ètò Ìsìnkú àti Ogún Pínpín — Funeral Rites and Inheritance (Culture)
Contents
- Òkú agbà
- Òkú ọ̀fọ́
- Òkú òòṣà
- Ìtúfọ̀
- Ilẹ̀ òkú gbígbẹ́
- Ìdí igi
- Mọ̀lẹ́bí
- Bàbá ìsìnkú
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between the various traditional practices
- Relate them to funerals and the sharing of inheritance
-
Òǹkà Yorùbá — Yorùbá Numerals (Culture)
Contents
- Counting from one to twenty thousand (1–20,000)
- Methods of addition, deduction (subtraction) and division in Yorùbá numerals
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Count in Yorùbá numerals
- Apply the methods of addition, deduction and division
-
Ayẹyẹ — Ceremonies and Festivals (Culture)
Contents
- Ìgbéyàwó (marriage)
- Ìsọmọlórúkọ (naming ceremony)
- Ìwúyè (chieftaincy installation / title-taking)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Relate social activities and events to the appropriate situations
-
Ètò Ìwòsàn — Health Care Practices (Culture)
Contents
- Ìtọ́jú aláìsàn (care of the sick)
- Ìtọ́jú àti ìgbẹ̀bí aboyún (care of and midwifery for pregnant women)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate traditional health care practices
-
Eré Ìdárayá — Games and Recreation (Culture)
Contents
- Eré òṣùpa (moonlight games): àlọ́, bojúbojú
- Eré ojúmọmọ (daytime games): ìjàkadì, ayò, òkòtó, àrín
- Rules and regulations guiding each game
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the types of traditional games
- Identify the rules and regulations guiding each game
- Mention the values derived from them
-
Iṣẹ́ Àbínibí àti Oúnjẹ Ilẹ̀ Yorùbá — Traditional Occupations and Foods (Culture)
Contents
- Iṣẹ́-àgbé (farming)
- Ìṣọ̀nà (carving / sculpting)
- Ìlù lílù (drumming)
- Foods: àbàrí, iyán, ẹ̀wà
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Demonstrate adequate knowledge of the traditional professions
- Compare the various professions
- Demonstrate knowledge of the preparation of each food type
- Mention the nutritional values
-
Ẹ̀kọ́ Ilé — Home Training / Moral Education (Culture)
Contents
- Ìwà ọmọlúàbí (good character) àti àǹfààní rẹ̀ (its benefits)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify the acceptable behavioural and attitudinal patterns that conform to societal norms and values
Recommended Texts
- Abíọ́dún, J. (1995). Àròkọ àti Aáyan Ògbufọ̀. Lagos: MAJAB Publishers.
- Adéwọlé, L. O. et al. (2000). Exam Focus – Yorùbá Language for WASSCE/SSCE. Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc.
- Awóbùlúyì, O. (1978). Essentials of Yorùbá Grammar. Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc.
- Awóbùlúyì, O. (ed.) (1990). Yorùbá Metalanguage (Èdè-Ìperí Yorùbá) Vol. II. Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc.
- Awóbùlúyì, O. (2008). Ẹ̀kọ́ Ìṣẹ̀dá-Ọ̀rọ̀ Yorùbá. Akurẹ: Montem Paperback.
- Awóbùlúyì, O. (2013). Ẹ̀kọ́ Gírámà Èdè Yorùbá. Oṣogbo: Atman Ltd.
- Babalọlá, A. (ed.) (1991). Ìwé Ìmọ́dọ̀tun Yorùbá SSI–SSIII. Ìbàdàn: Longman.
- Bámgbóṣé, A. (ed.) (1984). Yorùbá Metalanguage (Èdè-Ìperí Yorùbá) Vol. I. Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc.
- Bámgbóṣé, A. (1990). Fọnọ́lọ́jì àti Gírámà Yorùbá. Ìbàdàn.
- Mustapha, O. (ed.) (1988). Ẹ̀kọ́-Èdè Yorùbá Òde-òní SSI–SSIII. Ìbàdàn: Macmillan Publishers.
- Mustapha, O. (ed.) (1991). Ẹ̀kọ́-Èdè Yorùbá Titun SSI–SSIII. Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc.
- Ọdẹ́tókun, A. et al. (2005). Ìwé Ìgbáradì fún Ìdánwó Yorùbá. Ìbàdàn: Macmillan Publishers.
- Owólabí, K. (1989). Ìjìnlẹ̀ Ìtúpalẹ̀ Èdè Yorùbá (1): Fónẹ́tíìkì àti Fọnọ́lọ́jì. Ìbàdàn: Oníbọnòjé Press.
- Owólabí, O. et al. (1999). Countdown WASSCE/SSCE, NECO, JME. Ìbàdàn: Evans.
- Ọyádèyí, O. (1998). Ìjìnlẹ̀ Fọnọ́lọ́jì àti Gírámà Èdè Yorùbá. Ìbàdàn: Heinemann.
- Babalọlá, A. (2005). Àkójọpọ̀ Àlọ́ Ìjàpá (Apá Kìíní). Ìbàdàn: University Press Plc. (prescribed oral prose)
- Babalọlá, A. (2001). Àwọn Oríkì Orílẹ̀ Mẹ́tàdínlọ́gbọ̀n. Lagos: Longman Nigeria Plc. (prescribed oral poetry)
- Awe, D. (2016). Moremi Ajasoro. Ilesa: Elyon Publishers. (prescribed written prose)
- Akanji, A. Oro Enu Akewi. Ìbàdàn: Genius Books Publishers. (prescribed written poetry)
- Isola, A. (2014). Nitori Owo. Osogbo: Sunmob Publishers. (prescribed drama)
- Adéoyè, C. L. (1979). Àṣà àti Ìṣe Yorùbá. Ìbàdàn: Oxford University Press.
- Adéoyè, C. L. (1985). Ìgbàgbọ́ àti Ẹ̀sìn Yorùbá. Ìbàdàn: Oníbọnọ̀jé Press.
- Ládélé, T. A. A. et al. (1986). Àkójọpọ̀ Ìwádìí Ìjìnlẹ̀ Àṣà Yorùbá. Ìbàdàn: Macmillan Publishers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the three main components of the JAMB Yoruba syllabus?
- The syllabus is divided into three components: Language, Literature and Culture. Language covers comprehension, essay writing, the sound system, grammar, current orthography and translation; Literature covers oral and written literature (prose, poetry and drama) based on prescribed texts; and Culture covers Yorùbá beliefs, political systems, funeral and inheritance rites, numerals, ceremonies, health care, games, occupations, foods and home training.
- How many questions are in the JAMB Yoruba exam and how are they distributed?
- Candidates answer 40 objective multiple-choice questions. They are distributed roughly as Language (about 21 items: comprehension 8, essay 1, sound system 4, grammar 5, orthography 2, translation 1), Literature (about 10 items: oral 4, written 6) and Culture (about 9 items). Every question carries equal marks.
- What is the aim of the JAMB Yoruba syllabus?
- It aims to stimulate and sustain candidates' interest in the Yorùbá language, literature and culture, and to ensure they acquire basic knowledge and skill in the language, in literature, and in both the material and non-material aspects of Yorùbá culture.
- Does the Yoruba syllabus require set/prescribed literature texts?
- Yes. The Literature component is based on prescribed texts spanning oral prose, oral poetry, written prose, written poetry and drama. Because JAMB periodically revises these prescribed texts, candidates must always confirm the current set texts from the official IBASS e-syllabus before studying, as titles can change from one examination cycle to another.
- What topics fall under the Culture component?
- Culture covers nine areas: beliefs and worldview (Èrò àti ìgbàgbọ́), political system and community security (Ètò ìṣèlú àti ààbò ìlú), funeral rites and inheritance (Ètò ìsìnkú àti ogún pínpín), Yorùbá numerals (Òǹkà Yorùbá), ceremonies and festivals (Ayẹyẹ), health care practices (Ètò ìwòsàn), games and recreation (Eré ìdárayá), traditional occupations and foods (Iṣẹ́ àbínibí àti oúnjẹ), and home training/moral education (Ẹ̀kọ́ ilé).
- Is the exam written in Yorùbá or English?
- The Yorùbá paper is set substantially in the Yorùbá language, including the comprehension passages, grammar items and culture content. The translation section specifically tests rendering of sentences and ideas between Yorùbá and English, so candidates need competence in both for that part.
- What does the Language sound-system topic test?
- It tests the production of consonant and vowel sounds, tones and tone change, syllable structure, and sound processes such as vowel co-occurrence, elision and deletion. Candidates should be able to identify the organs of speech, describe sounds, spot pronunciation errors and analyse the syllable components of words.
- How should candidates prepare for Yoruba numerals (Òǹkà Yorùbá)?
- Candidates should be able to count in Yorùbá from one up to twenty thousand (1–20,000) and apply the traditional methods of addition, subtraction (deduction) and division within the Yorùbá vigesimal counting system, which differs notably from the base-ten method used in English.
Source: the official JAMB UTME syllabus (jamb.gov.ng / IBASS). Always confirm details against the official syllabus.