WAEC GCE Yoruba Syllabus 2025/2026
The 2025/2026 WAEC GCE Yoruba syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ proficiency in the Yoruba language, literature, and culture. It includes oral and written comprehension, grammar, translation, and appreciation of traditional and modern texts.
This syllabus applies to candidates preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates (GCE). It promotes linguistic competence, cultural awareness, and literary appreciation in Yoruba.
Scheme of Examination
- Paper 1: Objectives
- 60 multiple-choice questions covering language, literature, and culture
- Duration: 1 hour
- Marks: 60
- Paper 2: Essay and Composition
- Section A: Essay writing (choose one out of four topics)
- Section B: Translation (English to Yoruba)
- Section C: Comprehension passage with questions
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marks: 100
- Paper 3: Oral Yoruba (where applicable)
- Listening and speaking tasks
- Tested in selected centers
- Marks: 40
Core Syllabus Topics
1. Language and Grammar
- Yoruba alphabet and orthography
- Parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs
- Sentence structure and agreement
- Tenses and aspects
- Idioms, proverbs, and figures of speech
- Punctuation and spelling rules
2. Essay Writing
- Types: narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative, letters
- Word count: 250–300 words
- Coherence, grammar, creativity, and relevance
3. Translation
- English to Yoruba
- Emphasis on meaning, grammar, and cultural appropriateness
- Common expressions and sentence structures
4. Comprehension
- Reading and interpreting Yoruba passages
- Identifying main ideas, vocabulary in context, and inference
- Answering questions in Yoruba
5. Oral Literature
- Àló àpagbè (riddles), Àrokọ (proverbs), Ìjálá, Èsà, Rárà
- Traditional songs and chants
- Cultural significance and performance
6. Written Literature
- Modern prose, drama, and poetry in Yoruba
- Themes, characterization, plot, and stylistic devices
- Literary appreciation and analysis
7. Culture and Civilization
- Yoruba customs and traditions
- Festivals, naming ceremonies, marriage rites
- Social values and norms
- Roles of elders and traditional institutions
Sample Questions
Objective Example:
Àrọkọ wo ni a máa lò láti fi hàn ìmúlòlùfẹ?
- Òwe
- Àló
- Ìjálá
- Èsà
Answer: A. Òwe
Essay Example:
Kọ ìtàn àròsọ kan nípa ìrìnàjò tó dá lórí ìṣẹ̀lẹ̀ gidi tó ṣẹlẹ̀ sí ẹ.
Answer Tip: Use vivid descriptions, correct grammar, and cultural references.
Translation Example:
Translate into Yoruba: “The teacher gave the students homework.”
Answer: Olùkọ́ fún àwọn akẹ́kọ̀ọ́ ní iṣẹ́ ilé.