The NECO Yoruba syllabus is tailored to assess candidates' knowledge of the Yoruba language, including its grammar, literature, oral traditions, and cultural elements. The exam aims to develop students’ ability to understand, speak, read, and write the language fluently and appropriately.
NECO Yoruba Exam Structure (2025)
The exam is divided into three major papers:
Paper I – Objective (Multiple Choice)
- Covers phonology, grammar, translation, culture, literature, and oral traditions
- Duration: 1 hour
- Marks: 60
Paper II – Essay (Theory & Composition)
- Essay writing (letters, narratives, descriptive essays)
- Translation (English to Yoruba and Yoruba to English)
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks: 100
Paper III – Oral Yoruba (Listening Comprehension)
- Candidates respond to recorded Yoruba passages
- Assesses comprehension and pronunciation
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Marks: 40
Key Topics in NECO Yoruba Syllabus (2025)
1. Composition (Ìkọ̀wé)
- Letter writing (Formal and informal)
- Story writing (Ìtàn àròsọ)
- Argumentative and descriptive essays
2. Translation (Ìtumọ̀)
- Yoruba to English
- English to Yoruba
3. Grammar (Ìmọ̀ Èdá Ọ̀rọ̀)
- Sentence structure and types
- Parts of speech (Noun, verb, adjective, etc.)
- Tenses and usage
- Concord and agreement
- Idioms and proverbs (Ọ̀rọ̀-àṣà)
4. Comprehension (Ìtúpalẹ̀ Ìtàn)
- Reading passages
- Understanding and interpretation
- Answering related questions
5. Oral Yoruba (Ẹ̀kọ́ Ohùn)
- Phonetics and pronunciation
- Tones and intonation
- Listening to and understanding oral passages
- Greeting forms and traditional expressions
6. Literature and Culture (Àṣà àti Èdè)
- Yoruba poetry (Ewi), prose (Àló), and drama (Eré)
- Notable Yoruba writers and texts
- Traditional Yoruba values and practices
- Customs, festivals, and oral traditions
Objectives of the NECO Yoruba Syllabus
Students are expected to be able to:
- Communicate effectively in spoken and written Yoruba
- Translate accurately between English and Yoruba
- Understand and appreciate Yoruba culture and literature
- Analyze and interpret various forms of Yoruba texts
Exam Tips for NECO Yoruba 2025
- Master Yoruba Grammar: Practice sentence construction, verb conjugation, and noun-adjective agreement.
- Study Literature: Read poems, folktales, and Yoruba dramas to get familiar with common themes.
- Practice Translation: Regularly translate both ways to build fluency.
- Improve Oral Skills: Listen to Yoruba audio books, radio, or converse with fluent speakers.
- Use Past Questions: Practice with previous NECO Yoruba exam papers to understand the exam format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Yoruba exam only for native speakers?
A: No. Any student who studied Yoruba in school can take the exam.
Q2: Will I be tested on Yoruba culture and tradition?
A: Yes, cultural understanding is an important part of the exam.
Q3: How important is the oral paper?
A: Very important—it contributes to your overall score and tests your listening comprehension.
Q4: Is translation compulsory?
A: Yes, it is a core part of Paper II.
Conclusion
The NECO Yoruba exam for 2025 focuses on a full understanding of the language, its grammar, literature, oral forms, and cultural relevance. By studying each section of this syllabus and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the exam. Stay consistent, confident, and embrace the richness of the Yoruba language as you study.
