WAEC Yoruba Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks

The official WAEC Yoruba Syllabus 2026/2027 outlines key areas like literature, grammar, and phonology. Students should focus on a strong understanding of the Yoruba language structure, including its syllable structure, the three tones (high, mid, and low), and its vocabulary, especially monthly names.

While you are waiting for the potential new textbooksforn the upcoming syllabus. It’s recommended to check the official WAEC website for updates as the 2026 syllabus is released, as the exams will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

WAEC Yoruba Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks

The syllabus is a key guide for students preparing for the WAEC Yoruba examination. To succeed, candidates need to have a good command of speaking, reading, and writing Yoruba, along with knowledge of its sound system, grammar, and cultural practices.

The exam consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: 60 multiple-choice questions covering Language, Literature, and Culture. The questions are divided into three sections:
  • Section A: Language
  • Section B: Literature
  • Section C: Culture
  Candidates are required to answer all questions in 1 hour for 60 marks.
• Paper 2: Will assess comprehension, composition, sound system, grammar, translation, oral and written literature, and cultural knowledge.

Familiarity with the syllabus and past questions is essential for candidates to excel.

WAEC Yoruba Syllabus
SN	TOPICS	OBJECTIVES
A	LANGUAGE	Composition Candidates are advised to write 300 words and spend not more than 45 minutes on this section. The essay will be any of the following types: (i) Narrative (ii) Descriptive (iii) Argumentative (iv) Expository (v) Dialogue (vi) Debate (vii) Letter writing Sound System Candidates will be required to answer one question from the two to be set. Areas to cover include: (i) Vowels, Consonants and Syllabic nasal (a) their production in terms of place and manner (b) their basic phonetic and phonemic classification (ii) Syllable structure (iii) Sound processes, e.g. vowel harmony assimilation elision (iv) Sound system aspect of the orthography (v) Tones and tone notation Grammar Candidates will be required to answer one question from the two questions to be made available. Areas to cover are: i. Word structure and word formation ii. Numerals: basic and derived iii. Word classes: nouns, verbs, adverbs, pronouns, adjectives, etc iv. Grammatical categories: subject, object, complement, predicate, number, person, tense, aspect, mood, etc. v. Phrases and clauses vi.The structure and type of sentences.
B	LITERATURE	This section is made up of Oral Literature and Written Literature. Oral Literature – Prose, Poetry, Drama In Oral Literature, there will be 3 set books covering the different genres. 1 question will be set from each set book and candidates will be required to answer any 1 of the 3 questions. Written Literature – Prose, Poetry, Drama In Written Literature, there will be three set books covering the different genres. One question will be set from each set book and candidates will be required to answer any one of the three questions.
C	CULTURE	This section will consist of questions on customs and institutions. Two questions will be set and candidates will be required to answer any one of them. Areas to cover will include: Customs (i) Make-up and adornments (ii) In-door and out-door games (iii) Pregnancy and its care (iv) Naming (v) Home training: greetings, respect for superiors, cleanliness, tolerance, integrity, hard work, etc. (vi) Yoruba foods (vii) Non-verbal communication (viii) Funerals: traditional and modern methods (ix) Inheritance: traditional and modern methods. Institutions (i) Traditional occupations (ii) Marriage (iii) Politics: family structure, age grades, chieftaincy, Obaship, etc. (iv) Child care (v) Ancestors (vi) Yoruba beliefs about Olodumare (God), deities/divinities, other invisible forces, etc. (vii) Modern religions: Islam, Christianity, etc. (viii) Economy: adverts, money lending, cooperative efforts, etc.

Recent Posts

• WAEC Book-Keeping Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks
• WAEC Marketing Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks
• WAEC Chemistry Syllabus 2026/2027 & Texbooks
• WAEC Literature-in-English Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks
• WAEC Igbo Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks

WAEC Yoruba Textbooks 2026/2027

1. Abiodun, Jibola Aroko Ati Aayan, Ogbufo. Majab (Ilorin) (1996)
2. Owolabi, K. publications Ijinle Itupale Ede Yoruba Extension (Ibadan)(1989)
3. Bamgbose, A: (1991) Press Fonoloji Ati Girama Yoruba.

ORAL LITERATURE

PROSE 

1. Ojo, Olagoke: (2005) Ijapa Tiroko Oko Yannibo  Longman (Lagos)

POETRY 

1. Abimbola, Wande: (2004) Awon Oju Odu University Press Mereerindinlogun (Ibadan) (ppi-xxxi; 52 – 96)

DRAMA 

1. Ogunniran, L: (2007) Eegun Alare Macmillan (Lagos)

 WRITTEN LITERATURE

PROSE 

1. Eso-Oluborode, Sunday: Olorunsogo  Sumob Publishers (1994) (Osogbo)

POETRY 

1. Olayiwola, Ademola: Akowe ko wura Extension Publications (2007) (Ibadan)

DRAMA

1. Awe, Debo: (2004) Apoti Alakara Elyon Pulibshers (Ilesa) CULTURE
2. Adeoye, C.L.: (1979)Asa Ati Ise Yoruba University Press (Ibadan)
3. Olajubu, O. (1978)  Iwe Asa Ibile Yoruba Longman (Lagos)
4. Daramola, A. ati Jeje. Asa Ati Orisa Onibon-Oje (Ibadan)