Preparing for the JAMB UTME in Yoruba requires more than just speaking the language fluently. Candidates are expected to understand Yoruba grammar, literature, oral traditions, culture, and prescribed texts in depth. Using the right textbooks will help you study smarter and also improve your chances of scoring high in the examination.
Scoring high in JAMB Yoruba is possible when you combine the right textbooks with consistent practice. These recommended books covers the core areas JAMB focuses on every year. It is advisable to start early and study smart.
JAMB 2026/2027 Recommended Textbooks for Yoruba
1. Àròkọ àti Aáyan Ògbufọ̀
- Author(s): Abíọ́dún, Jíbọ́là (1995)
- Description: Covers Yoruba essay writing, composition techniques, and structured expression for examinations.
2. Exam Focus – Yorùbá Language for WASSCE/SSCE
- Author(s): Adéwọlé, L. O. et al. (2000)
- Description: Provides exam-oriented explanations of grammar, comprehension, composition, and objective questions.
3. Essentials of Yorùbá Grammar
- Author(s): Awóbùlúyì, O. (1978)
- Description: A foundational guide to grammar rules, syntax, and usage suitable for UTME preparation.
4. Yorùbá Metalanguage (Èdè-Ìperí Yorùbá) Vol. II
- Author(s): Awóbùlúyì, O. (1990)
- Description: Explains linguistic vocabulary, metalanguage terms, and technical expressions used in Yoruba studies.
5. Èkọ́ Ìsẹ̀dá-Òrọ̀ Yorùbá
- Author(s): Awóbùlúyì, O. (2008)
- Description: Focuses on word formation, morphology, and processes that shape Yoruba vocabulary.
6. Èkọ́ Gírámà Èdè Yorùbá
- Author(s): Awóbùlúyì, O. (2013)
- Description: Discusses advanced grammatical patterns and sentence structures as applied in examinations.
7. Ìwé Ìmọ́dọ̀tun Yorùbá SSI – SSIII
- Author(s): Babalọlá, A. (ed.) (1991)
- Description: A broad study text for secondary levels covering grammar, literature, comprehension, and culture.
8. Yorùbá Metalanguage (Èdè-Ìperí Yorùbá) Vol. I
- Author(s): Bámgbóṣé, O. (ed.) (1984)
- Description: Introduces core linguistic terms, phonological descriptions, and grammar concepts.
9. Fọnọ́lọ́jì àti Gírámà Yorùbá
- Author(s): Bámgbóṣé, A. (1990)
- Description: Covers phonology and grammar with emphasis on sounds, tones, and structural patterns.
10. Èkọ́ – Èdè Yorùbá Òde-Òní SSI – SSIII
- Author(s): Mustapha, O. (ed.) (1988)
- Description: Provides modern Yoruba language instruction aligned with new-generation curriculum.
11. Èkọ́ – Èdè Yorùbá Titun SSI–SSIII
- Author(s): Mustapha, O. (ed.) (1991)
- Description: Offers revised grammar explanations, vocabulary growth, and comprehension activities.
12. Ìwé Ìgbáradì fún Ìdánwó Yorùbá
- Author(s): Ọdẹ́tókun, Adémọ́lá et al. (2005)
- Description: A preparation guide with past-exam-style questions and topic summaries.
13. Ìjìnlẹ̀ Ìtúpalẹ̀ Èdè Yorùbá (1) Fónẹ́tíkì àti Fọnọ́lọ́jì
- Author(s): Owólabí, K. (1989)
- Description: Covers sound systems, phonetics, phonology, and tone application in Yoruba.
14. Countdown WASSCE/SSCE/NECO/JME (Ìwé Ìgbáradì fún Ìdánwó Àṣekágbá Yorùbá)
- Author(s): Owólabí, O. et al. (1999)
- Description: Provides structured revision with practice questions for multiple exam bodies including UTME.
15. Ìjìnlẹ̀ Fọnọ́lọ́jì àti Gírámà Èdè Yorùbá
- Author(s): Ọyàdèyi, O. (1998)
- Description: Explores deeper phonological and grammatical concepts needed for higher-level mastery.
Literature
Note: All prescribed literature texts appear directly under the Topics/Contents/Notes section of the official syllabus, and candidates are to study them as listed for their examination year.
Culture
16. Àṣà àti Ìṣe Yorùbá
- Author(s): Adéoyè, C. L. (1979)
- Description: Discusses Yoruba customs, cultural institutions, and traditional practices.
17. Ìgbàgbọ́ àti Èsìn Yorùbá
- Author(s): Adéoyè, C. L. (1985)
- Description: Examines Yoruba belief systems, religion, rituals, and spiritual worldview.
18. Àkójọpọ̀ Ìwádìí Ìjìnlẹ̀ Àṣà Yorùbá
- Author(s): Ládejé, T. A. et al. (1986)
- Description: A collection of research studies on Yoruba culture, social norms, and traditional values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The listed textbooks are based on materials commonly approved and recommended by JAMB and widely used in secondary schools and exam preparation centers.
Yes. Questions are often drawn from Yoruba prose, poetry, drama, and oral literature, including proverbs, folktales, and cultural expressions.
Yes. With consistent study, practice, and exposure to Yoruba texts, even non-fluent candidates can perform well in the exam.
No. Yoruba is not compulsory for all candidates. It is chosen by students who intend to study Yoruba, Linguistics, Education (Yoruba), or related courses in higher institutions.
