B.A. Yoruba

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages > B.A. Yoruba

If you are passionate about African culture, language, and identity, the Bachelor of Arts in Yoruba programme offers a meaningful opportunity to explore, preserve, and promote one of Africa’s most influential languages. Yoruba is not just a language; it is a rich cultural system that connects millions of people across Nigeria, West Africa, and the global diaspora.

This programme helps you develop a deep understanding of the Yoruba language, its literature, oral traditions, and worldview. You will learn to read, write, speak, and interpret Yoruba fluently while gaining insight into the cultural heritage, philosophy, and social practices of Yoruba-speaking communities.

Your study of Yoruba will empower you to contribute to cultural preservation, education, translation, media, and the creative industries, while strengthening the global visibility of indigenous knowledge systems.

Course Overview

The programme provides a comprehensive study of the Yoruba language, culture, and literature. It combines linguistic training with an exploration of oral traditions, written texts, and cultural expression. You will study the structure of the Yoruba language, its historical development, and its role in the communication systems of modern African societies.

The curriculum covers courses in Yoruba phonology, syntax, semantics, literature, folklore, and cultural studies. You will also study translation and interpretation, comparative African languages, and modern creative writing in Yoruba. The programme integrates theory with practice, encouraging you to engage with fieldwork, storytelling, and performance as part of your academic experience.

By combining linguistic analysis with cultural appreciation, this programme prepares you to be a custodian of Yoruba heritage and an ambassador of African identity. You will graduate with the skills and cultural awareness needed to teach, research, communicate, and create in Yoruba with confidence and excellence.

Course Curriculum

The B.A. Yoruba curriculum follows the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), combining 70% national academic content with 30% institutional innovation. It provides a balanced education in Yoruba linguistics, literature, and cultural studies.

You will begin your studies with foundational courses that introduce you to the Yoruba language, its structure, and its cultural setting. Courses include:

  1. Introduction to Yoruba Phonetics and Phonology
  2. Elementary Yoruba Grammar
  3. Yoruba Oral Literature I
  4. Introduction to African Civilisations
  5. Communication in English
  6. The Nigerian Peoples and Culture

These courses help you understand the relationship between language, culture, and identity while improving your academic communication skills.

At this stage, you will focus on expanding your linguistic and literary knowledge through courses such as:

  1. Intermediate Yoruba Grammar and Composition
  2. Yoruba Phonology and Morphology
  3. Yoruba Oral Literature II
  4. Yoruba Written Literature I
  5. Yoruba Culture and Civilisation
  6. Entrepreneurship and Digital Humanities

These courses help you gain deeper insight into Yoruba expression, traditional wisdom, and creative use of language in storytelling, music, and performance.

Your third year focuses on advanced linguistic and literary analysis through courses such as:

  1. Advanced Yoruba Grammar and Syntax
  2. Yoruba Semantics and Discourse Analysis
  3. Yoruba Written Literature II
  4. Translation and Interpretation Studies
  5. Research Methodology in the Arts
  6. Modern Yoruba Drama and Poetry

This level develops your ability to conduct linguistic research and critical analysis, preparing you for academic or professional writing in Yoruba.

Your final year is designed to consolidate your linguistic and cultural expertise. You will take courses such as:

  1. Advanced Yoruba Stylistics
  2. Yoruba Philosophy and Thought
  3. Yoruba in the Media and Contemporary Society
  4. Comparative African Languages
  5. Research Project

The research project allows you to explore a specific area of interest, such as oral literature, sociolinguistics, or translation under close academic supervision, demonstrating your ability to apply theoretical and practical knowledge.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.A. Yoruba programme, you must satisfy one of the following admission routes:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Degree Programme)

  1. At least five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language, Yoruba, and any three other Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with Yoruba Language or Literature in English as one of the UTME subjects.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Degree Programme)

  1. Five credit passes at SSCE or its equivalent, two of which must be at the Advanced Level.
  2. A National Diploma (ND), Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), or University Diploma in Yoruba, Linguistics, or related disciplines with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Candidates with acceptable certificates in Yoruba Language and Literature from recognised institutions may also be considered.

All applicants must satisfy the university’s general entry requirements for undergraduate programmes.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Yoruba at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you an exceptional opportunity to explore the language, history, and values of one of Africa’s richest cultures. The programme promotes both academic excellence and cultural pride, preparing you to become a scholar, teacher, translator, or creative professional.

You will benefit from:

  1. A dynamic curriculum that combines linguistics, literature, and cultural studies.
  2. Experienced lecturers and researchers who are authorities in Yoruba linguistics, oral traditions, and cultural heritage.
  3. Fieldwork and community engagement that connect classroom learning to real-life Yoruba experiences.
  4. Exposure to digital humanities, translation, and applied language technology.
  5. A creative and inclusive learning environment that celebrates African identity while meeting global academic standards.
  6. Career-focused training that prepares you for roles in education, cultural preservation, translation, and media.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that showcases your ability to conduct independent study and critical analysis in Yoruba linguistics, literature, or culture. You will work under close supervision to produce a scholarly dissertation that reflects academic rigour and cultural relevance.

Your project may focus on topics such as:

  1. Documentation and analysis of Yoruba oral traditions
  2. Comparative studies of Yoruba and other African languages
  3. Yoruba literary criticism, folklore, or performing arts
  4. Sociolinguistic patterns in contemporary Yoruba usage
  5. Translation and adaptation of Yoruba texts for modern media

Through this research, you will strengthen your skills in observation, critical writing, and academic presentation, while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba language and culture.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Yoruba, you must satisfy the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the university.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all prescribed core and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of not less than 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon fulfilling these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) Yoruba, a degree recognised nationally and internationally for its contribution to the preservation, documentation, and advancement of African language and culture.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of B.A. Yoruba are equipped with strong communication, analytical, and cultural competence skills, enabling them to excel in diverse professions across the arts, education, media, and cultural sectors.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Teacher or lecturer of the Yoruba language and literature
  2. Translator or interpreter
  3. Researcher or cultural consultant
  4. Editor or creative writer
  5. Broadcast journalist or media presenter
  6. Public relations or community development officer
  7. Cultural archivist or museum curator

You may find employment in:

  1. Educational institutions: as teachers, lecturers, and curriculum developers
  2. Government agencies and ministries: including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, or Arts and Heritage Commissions
  3. Broadcasting and media organisations: radio, television, film, and publishing firms
  4. Cultural and research institutes: focusing on African languages, traditions, and heritage preservation
  5. Corporate organisations: in communications, translation, and public engagement roles
  6. Non-governmental and international organisations: promoting literacy, indigenous knowledge, and multicultural dialogue

The degree also prepares you for postgraduate studies and academic research in Yoruba, linguistics, African studies, or related disciplines.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Obtain the JAMB application form, selecting Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and Yoruba as your preferred course.
  2. Sit for the UTME with Yoruba Language, English Language, and two other relevant arts or social science subjects.
  3. Obtain five credit passes in relevant subjects at SSCE or its equivalent, including English Language and Yoruba, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in and meet the requirements of the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold an NCE, ND, or university diploma in Yoruba, linguistics, or related disciplines, with at least a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess five credit passes in relevant subjects at SSCE or its equivalent, including English Language and Yoruba.
  3. Apply through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal and upload all relevant transcripts, certificates, and supporting documents.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. Yoruba programme is managed by a dedicated team of language scholars and cultural researchers within the Department of Yoruba, Faculty of Arts. 

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  6. Faculty = Arts
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities