The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2025 syllabus for Hausa, providing candidates with a detailed guide to help them prepare for the upcoming examination. The Hausa language syllabus is designed to test candidates’ knowledge in three key areas: Language, Culture, and Literature. Each section has specific topics and objectives that will enable candidates to gain a deep understanding of the Hausa language and its cultural and literary heritage.

The JAMB Hausa syllabus is essential for candidates aspiring to study courses in linguistics, Hausa language, African studies, and related fields in Nigerian universities.

General Objectives of the JAMB 2025 Hausa Syllabus

The primary objectives of the Hausa syllabus are to:

1. Enable candidates to have a sound knowledge of the Hausa language and its grammatical structure.
2. Develop an understanding of the culture, norms, and values of the Hausa people.
3. Equip candidates with the ability to appreciate and critically analyze Hausa literary works, both oral and written.
4. Foster the use of Hausa in communication, literature, and cultural practices.
5. Enhance candidates’ proficiency in writing and speaking Hausa fluently and accurately.

The syllabus is divided into three major sections: Language, Culture, and Literature. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each part, including the specific objectives.

Part 1: Language

This section focuses on the structure, usage, and grammar of the Hausa language. Candidates are expected to understand the rules and forms that govern the Hausa language and its various applications.

Topics:

• Grammar: Sentence structure, types of sentences (declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, etc.), tenses, subject-verb agreement, and the use of particles.
• Nouns and Pronouns: Classification of nouns, noun formation, singular and plural forms, personal and possessive pronouns, and reflexive pronouns.
• Verbs and Adverbs: Verb types (transitive, intransitive, etc.), verb conjugation, and the use of adverbs.
• Phonology: Hausa sounds (vowels and consonants), pronunciation, intonation, stress, and tonal patterns.
• Vocabulary and Composition: Expansion of vocabulary, sentence construction, and writing compositions in Hausa.

Objectives:

• Understand the rules of Hausa grammar and apply them correctly in speaking and writing.
• Identify and classify various types of nouns, pronouns, and verbs in Hausa.
• Recognize the phonetic components of the Hausa language and use proper pronunciation.
• Develop the ability to write structured and coherent essays and compositions in Hausa.
• Demonstrate mastery of sentence construction and the use of different tenses in everyday communication.

Part 2: Culture

The cultural section of the syllabus explores the customs, beliefs, traditions, and values of the Hausa people. Candidates are expected to understand how the language reflects the culture and practices of the Hausa-speaking community.

Topics:

• Customs and Traditions: Marriage customs, festivals, naming ceremonies, initiation rites, and other cultural practices.
• Values and Norms: Hospitality, respect for elders, communal living, honesty, and discipline in Hausa society.
• Traditional Occupations: Farming, trading, blacksmithing, hunting, and other economic activities.
• Hausa Arts: Music, dance, fashion, and other forms of cultural expression.
• Proverbs and Wise Sayings: The use of proverbs (Zamani, Kafin Aure, Bayan Aure, etc.) to convey wisdom and moral teachings.

Objectives:

• Understand the social and cultural practices of the Hausa people and how these practices shape their daily lives.
• Explain the significance of traditional Hausa ceremonies, such as weddings and naming rites, and their impact on the community.
• Appreciate the values and norms upheld by the Hausa people and how they influence interpersonal relationships.
• Recognize the importance of traditional occupations in Hausa society and their contribution to the economy.
• Interpret and apply Hausa proverbs and wise sayings in relevant contexts to communicate moral lessons and wisdom.

Part 3: Literature

The literature section is aimed at developing candidates’ appreciation for Hausa literary works. It covers both oral and written forms of Hausa literature, including poetry, prose, drama, and folktales. Candidates are expected to be familiar with renowned authors, literary genres, and themes in Hausa literature.

Topics:

• Oral Literature: Folktales (tatsuniya), oral poetry (waka), riddles (amsoshin kaifi), and proverbs (kirari).
• Written Literature: Prose (novels, short stories), poetry (modern and traditional), and drama (stage plays).
• Authors and Works: Study of prominent Hausa authors and their works, including Abubakar Imam, Bello Kagara, and others.
• Themes and Motifs: Key themes such as love, heroism, communal living, and justice as portrayed in Hausa literature.
• Literary Devices: Use of literary techniques such as metaphor, simile, personification, irony, and symbolism in Hausa literary works.

Objectives:

• Appreciate the significance of oral literature in preserving the history and traditions of the Hausa people.
• Identify key themes and motifs in both oral and written Hausa literature and analyze their relevance to modern society.
• Understand the contributions of major Hausa authors and their works to the development of African literature.
• Recognize and interpret the use of literary devices in Hausa poetry, prose, and drama.
• Develop the ability to critically analyze and appreciate Hausa literary works, both ancient and contemporary.

JAMB’s New Literature Text In Hausa

1. Prose (zube) Turmin Danya
2. Poetry (waka) Wakoin Hausa
3. Drama (wasan kwaikwayo) Abin Da Kamar Wuya

Candidates are encouraged to use the syllabus as a study guide, ensuring that they cover all areas and focus on the objectives outlined. This will not only help them excel in the JAMB examination but also enhance their overall proficiency in the Hausa language and their understanding of its cultural and literary significance.