Yoruba: What the Programme Involves and What Students Study in Art/Humanities

What Is Yoruba?

Yoruba is a university programme that focuses on the study of the Yoruba language, literature, culture and related aspects of communication and society. The programme provides an academic environment for students to develop a deeper understanding of the language and the literary and cultural materials connected with it.

Students of Yoruba may study the structure and use of the language while also examining written and oral literature, traditional expressions, cultural practices and other materials through which Yoruba language and heritage are preserved and communicated.

What Do Students Learn in Yoruba?

The programme can involve both language-based and literary studies. Students may develop their ability to read, write, speak and analyse Yoruba while gaining knowledge of the literature and cultural ideas expressed through the language.

• Yoruba language and communication
• Yoruba literature
• Oral literature and traditional forms
• Language structure and usage
• Yoruba culture and traditions
• Literary interpretation and analysis
• Translation and communication
• Research into language and culture

The Nature of the Programme

Yoruba combines language learning with the study of literary and cultural materials. Students may be required to read texts, interpret literary works, communicate effectively in Yoruba and conduct research into language, literature and cultural subjects.

The programme can therefore appeal to students who have an interest in Nigerian languages, literature, culture, communication and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Skills Students Can Develop

Beyond knowledge of the Yoruba language, students can develop useful academic and transferable skills such as communication, critical reading, literary analysis, research, writing, interpretation and presentation.

The JAMB brochure lists Yoruba among the programmes under the Art/Humanities category, alongside other language and humanities programmes. Candidates should, however, check the particular institution because the admission conditions can vary from one university to another.

Who May Enjoy Studying Yoruba?

Yoruba may be suitable for students who enjoy languages, literature, culture, reading, writing and communication. It can also interest candidates who want to contribute to the preservation, teaching, documentation or wider use of an indigenous Nigerian language.

What Candidates Should Keep in Mind

The course title should be checked carefully during the admission process because the brochure also contains related programmes such as Linguistics/Yoruba and Yoruba and Communication. These are separate course entries and should not automatically be treated as the same programme.

For more details on the admission conditions for Yoruba, candidates should consult the document provided below.