Introduction
The Yoruba language is one of Nigeria’s three major indigenous languages and a core subject in the WAEC and GCE examinations, especially for students in Yoruba-speaking states. To excel in the 2025 Yoruba exam, it is crucial to understand the full syllabus, the exam structure, and effective preparation strategies. In this post, we’ll walk you through the WAEC & GCE Yoruba Syllabus for 2025, and provide exam tips to boost your performance.
WAEC & GCE Yoruba Exam Objectives
The syllabus is designed to:
- Enable candidates to communicate effectively in Yoruba.
- Promote an understanding of Yoruba culture, values, and oral traditions.
- Equip students with the ability to read and write Yoruba correctly.
- Prepare students to appreciate Yoruba literature and language structure.
WAEC & GCE Yoruba Exam Structure (2025)
The exam consists of three papers:
Paper 1: Objective (Multiple Choice)
- Covers grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and literary appreciation.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Marks: 60 marks
Paper 2: Essay & Theory
- Includes composition, comprehension passages, and translation.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marks: 100 marks
Paper 3: Literature and Oral Tradition
- Tests knowledge of Yoruba prose, poetry, drama, folktales, proverbs, and riddles.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks: 100 marks
WAEC & GCE Yoruba Syllabus Topics (2025)
1. Essay Writing (Ìtàn, Àrọ́sọ, Ìjìnlẹ̀ Àlàyé, Ẹ̀rọ Oríkọ)
- Narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative, and dialogue essays.
- Formal and informal letters in Yoruba.
2. Comprehension (Ìtúpalẹ̀ Akọkọ̀wé)
- Understanding context and answering questions from Yoruba passages.
3. Translation (Ìtumọ̀)
- From Yoruba to English and vice versa, focusing on correct use of tenses, tone marks, and syntax.
4. Grammar (Ìmọ̀ Èdè Yorùbá)
- Parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, idioms, and phonology.
5. Yoruba Literature (Lítírésọ̀ Yòrùbá)
- Study of selected texts in:
- Prose (Àló Àgbáyé àti Ìtàn Àkọ́kọ́)
- Drama (Eré Onítàn)
- Poetry (Àròfọ̀, Ìjálá, Èkún Iyàwó)
6. Oral Traditions (Àṣà àti Ìṣe)
- Proverbs (Òwe), Riddles (Àlọ̀), Praise Poetry (Oríkì), Folktales (Àló Àpagbẹ̀)
Top Exam Tips for WAEC & GCE Yoruba (2025)
1. Read and Write in Yoruba Daily
Practice writing essays and reading Yoruba newspapers, books, or scriptures to improve fluency.
2. Memorize Common Proverbs and Idioms
Proverbs often appear in oral and essay sections. Learn their meanings and appropriate usage.
3. Understand the Use of Tone Marks
Yoruba is a tonal language; using the wrong tone can change meanings entirely. Practice writing with accurate tone marks.
4. Study Literature Texts Thoroughly
Know the plot, characters, themes, and literary devices used in all prescribed literature.
5. Practice Translation
Improve your translation skills by working on short Yoruba and English passages regularly.
6. Practice Past Questions
Use WAEC/GCE Yoruba past questions to get familiar with the exam style and time management.
FAQs: WAEC & GCE Yoruba Exam 2025
Q1: Is Yoruba a compulsory subject in WAEC and GCE?
A: Yoruba is a core subject for students in Yoruba-speaking states, but not compulsory nationwide.
Q2: Will there be literature questions in the exam?
A: Yes, Paper 3 focuses on Yoruba literature and oral traditions.
Q3: Do I need to use tone marks in the exam?
A: Yes, especially in translation and essay writing. Incorrect tone marks may result in loss of marks.
Q4: How can I improve my oral literature performance?
A: Read folktales and listen to Yoruba praise songs or proverbs to understand structure and rhythm.
Conclusion
Preparing for the WAEC or GCE Yoruba exam in 2025 requires commitment to mastering reading, writing, grammar, and cultural content. By studying the syllabus thoroughly and applying the tips shared in this guide, you'll be well on your way to acing the exam. Yoruba is not just a subject—it is a celebration of heritage. Give it your best!
Ọ̀pọ̀ ìṣé ló wà l’ọ̀nà àṣeyọrí. Kọ́ ẹ̀kọ́ rẹ dáadáa kí o lè ṣe dáadáa!
