Prepare for the WAEC Yoruba 2026/2027 exam with a clear, exam-focused guide. Learn the WAEC Yoruba Syllabus for 2026/2027 breakdown (Language, Literature, Culture), the set texts, Recommended textbooks, high-ROI study tactics and how to prepare for the CBT format.
Overview of the Yoruba Syllabus
The WAEC Yoruba syllabus for 2026/2027 cycle is your road map to passing the paper with confidence. Whether you are a student preparing for WASSCE/SSCE or a teacher planning lessons, this guide breaks the syllabus into practical study steps, lists the approved texts and recommended textbooks, and shows how to get exam-ready for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) transition. The official WAEC materials list Yoruba topics under three broad headings — Language, Literature, and Culture , and the selected texts and syllabus documents are published on WAEC’s site.
WAEC Yoruba Examination Structure
Paper 1 (Objective): 60 multiple-choice questions covering Language, Literature, and Culture. Time: 1 hour; Marks: 60.
Paper 2 (Essay/Structured): Longer questions testing comprehension, composition (300 words suggested), sound system (phonology), grammar, translation, oral & written literature, and culture. Candidates answer structured/essay questions as set by the rubric.
Note: WAEC has announced a move toward conducting WASSCE/SSCE exams on a Computer-Based Test platform starting in the 2026 cycle; the Council has also run trial CBT essay tests. There has been public discussion and some calls for suspension of the CBT rollout, so check WAEC’s official notices for the final decision and instructions closer to the exam date.
WAEC Yoruba Syllabus for 2026/2027
WAEC Yoruba Syllabus for 2026/2027 (Section Breakdown)
A. Language (Composition, Sound System, Grammar)
1. Composition (writing)
Expect to write about 300 words for one essay question. Types of essays commonly tested: narrative, descriptive, argumentative, expository, dialogue, debate, and formal letters. Time management: try to spend no more than 45 minutes on the essay.
Study tip: Practice timed essays (45 minutes) on each essay type. Build a short bank of opening lines, topic sentences, and concluding sentences you can adapt. Read model answers from past questions to learn structure and register.
2. Sound system (Phonology and Orthography)
Study vowels, consonants, and the syllabic nasal: their place and manner of articulation, phonetic vs phonemic classification. Learn syllable structure, tone (high, mid, low) and tone notation, vowel harmony, assimilation, and elision. Also be ready to explain sound-system aspects of orthography.
Study tip: Drill tone marking and minimal pairs. Record yourself reading sample sentences and compare to standard pronunciations — listening + repetition builds accurate tonal recognition.
3. Grammar
Key areas: word formation, numerals (basic and derived), word classes (nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, adverbs), grammatical categories (subject, object, complement, tense, aspect, mood), phrases and clause types, and sentence structure.
Study tip: Create a grammar cheat-sheet with examples in Yoruba for each category. Transform sentences (e.g., active → passive; affirmative → negative) to practice structural changes.
(All Language points above reflect WAEC’s official syllabus layout.)
B. Literature (Oral & Written)
Oral Literature — includes prose, poetry, and drama. WAEC lists set books for oral literature and will set questions from these texts (usually one question per set text, answer any one).
Written Literature — likewise includes prose, poetry, and drama with three set books; you’ll be asked to answer a question from any one of the three.
Study tip:
Read each set text actively: annotate themes, character traits, key quotations, cultural contexts, and stylistic features.
Summarize each chapter/scene in one or two lines to make quick revision notes.
Practice past literary questions (theme-based, character analysis, stylistic features) and compose short model answers (200–300 words).
C. Culture (Customs & Institutions)
This section tests customs and institutions: make-up, adornment, indoor/outdoor games, pregnancy care, naming practices, home training (greetings, respect), foods, non-verbal communication, funerals, inheritance systems, traditional occupations, marriage, family/political structures (age grades, chieftaincy, Obaship), child care, beliefs about Olodumare and deities, modern religions (Islam/Christianity), and economic practices (adverts, money lending, cooperatives).
Study tip: Use comparative notes — for each cultural item write “traditional practice / modern variation / social meaning” to cover both classic and contemporary angles likely to appear in questions.
WAEC Yoruba Syllabus for 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
WAEC publishes an official list of selected texts for the 2026–2030 cycle. Below are commonly referenced texts and recommended academic resources (also reflected in WAEC’s listings and syllabi documents):
Selected set books (examples from WAEC lists):
Ìwé Majab (Abiodun, Jibola Aroko Ati Aayan, Ogbufo) — sample/older compendium.
Ijapa Tiroko Oko Yannibo (Ojo, Olagoke) — oral prose example.
Awon Oju Odu (Abimbola, Wande) — poetry selections.
Eegun Alare (Ogunniran, L.) — drama.
Olorunsogo (Eso-Oluborode, Sunday) — written prose.
Akowe ko wura (Olayiwola, Ademola) — poetry.
Apoti Alakara (Awe, Debo) — drama.
Cultural references: Asa Ati Ise Yoruba (Adeoye, C.L.), Iwe Asa Ibile Yoruba (Olajubu, O.).
Recommended textbook approach:
Get the WAEC selected texts and study each fully (not just summaries).
Pair each set book with one textbook on Yoruba phonology/grammar (e.g., Bamgbose’s Fonoloji Ati Girama Yoruba) and one culture/anthropology text (e.g., Adeoye’s Asa Ati Ise Yoruba). These give solid theoretical backing for literature and language questions.
How to study for the WAEC Yoruba Examination in a smart way ( a 10-week high-impact plan)
Week 1–2: Read and annotate all set texts. Make chapter summaries.
Week 3–4: Focus on Language — phonology drills, tone practice, basic grammar conversion exercises.
Week 5–6: Composition practice — write 3 essays per week under timed conditions; receive feedback from a teacher or peer.
Week 7: Culture deep-dive — create flashcards for customs/institutions and practice short-answer responses.
Week 8: Past question marathon — take Paper 1 MCQ papers under timed conditions (60 Qs, 60 minutes). Score and review weak areas.
Week 9: Mixed practice — alternate language, literature and culture mock sections.
Week 10: Final review & CBT prep — practise typing essays, navigation of online CBT interfaces (if CBT confirmed). Simulate exam day: timed essay + multiple choice with minimal interruptions.
Daily habit: 30–40 minutes of active recall (flashcards or short quizzes) + 30 minutes reading/listening + 1 timed writing or past-question practice every other day, as you read the WAEC Yoruba Syllabus for 2026/2027 will grind you very well.
SEE ALSO:
WAEC Efịk Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
WAEC Music Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
WAEC Financial Accounting Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
Preparing specifically for the CBT format
WAEC has been moving toward CBT for the 2026 cycle and has run trials — this means candidates should prepare beyond paper-pen skills: typing speed, computer navigation, on-screen reading and answering MCQs, and online essay composition. If CBT becomes final for your exam centre, you will be tested on a computer interface rather than paper.
CBT readiness checklist:
Practice typing in Yoruba (ensure your keyboard supports tone marks if allowed; otherwise practice clear sentence structure).
Build comfortable screen reading stamina (do 40–60 minute reading sessions on a laptop).
Learn the CBT interface if WAEC provides a demo or practice portal.
Keep digital copies of your notes and a simple plan for organizing thoughts before typing an essay (outline headings, 3–4 key points, conclusion).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I download the official WAEC Yoruba syllabus?
A: WAEC publishes subject syllabus and lists of selected texts on its official portal; search the WAEC Nigeria site for the “Yoruba 2026–2030” syllabus PDF.
Q: Will WAEC Yoruba be in CBT for 2026?
A: WAEC plans a transition to CBT and has run trials; however, there has been public debate and legislative pushback. Confirm the final decision on WAEC’s official Site https://www.waeconline.org.ng/ notices for your exam year and centre.
Q: How many set books should I read?
A: Read all the set texts listed for the 2026–2030 cycle. WAEC usually sets one question per set text in both oral and written literature sections
CONCLUSION
Candidates who finds the WAEC Yoruba Syllabus for 2026/2027 are considered lucky, as their preparation is half way complete, reading with Syllabus and Recommended Textbooks is step ahead for the Candidate, in order to get more confidence, it is advised students should study the Past Questions, you can visit http://www.Myschool.ng
