Choosing Hausa for your UTME means more than just studying for an exam. You're engaging with a language spoken by millions and a culture rich in tradition, poetry, and history. 

The JAMB Hausa syllabus is organised into three core areas: Harshe, which covers grammar and how words are formed; Adabi, which takes you through Hausa literature, including prose, poetry, and drama; and Al'ada, which explores customs, beliefs, and traditional practices. 

You'll also face translation exercises between Hausa and English. We simplify each section so you walk into that exam hall confident and prepared.

General Objectives

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Hausa is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to enable the candidates to:

1. Acquire the ability to read and write competently in the Hausa language;

2. Know the basic features of Hausa language (syntax, phonology, morphology and semantics).

3. Have the basic knowledge of oral and written Hausa literature;

4. Have the ability to appreciate the culture, customs and institutions of the Hausa people;

5. Have the ability to translate competently from English to Hausa.

The syllabus covers the following areas:

1. Harshe (Language)

2. Al’adu (culture)

3. Adabi (Literature); oral and written literature.

Related Article:

JAMB Syllabus 2026 for UTME and Direct Entry Candidates

JAMB Syllabus for Hausa 2026

SECTIONOBJECTIVE

(a) Ƙa’idojin Rubutu (Orthography)

Alphabetisation, spelling, rules of word merger and division, punctuation and paragraphing in standard Hausa. 

i. Recognize Hausa orthographical rules

ii. Apply these rules

iii. Identify linguistic errors (grammar, spelling, etc.)

(b) Auna Fahimta (Comprehension)

Contextual questions from short unseen passage (~200 words). 

i. Read written Hausa texts

ii. Comprehend texts in context

iii. Interpret meanings/functions of words

iv. Acquire vocabulary

v. Recognize central issues

vi. Draw conclusions from evidence

(c) Tsarin Rubutun Insha’i (Composition Techniques): Argumentative, descriptive, dialogue, expository, narrative, and letter writing

i. Understand Hausa composition techniques

ii. Recognize segments of composition

iii. Identify different composition types

(d) Fassara (Translation)

i. Types of translation

ii. Rules of translation

iii. Problems in translation

iv. Techniques of translation

i. Translate idioms and new words from English to Hausa

ii. Recognize types of translation

iii. Understand techniques

iv. Identify translation problems

DOWNLOAD JAMB SYLLABUS FOR HAUSA 2026

Recommended Texts

  • Almajir, T.S. et al. (2016) Idioms in English: Hausa, Zaria; ABU, Press
  • Galadanci, M.K.M. (1976), Introduction to Hausa Grammar, Zaria: Longman
  • Junju, M.H. (1980), Rayayyen Nahawun Hausa, Zaria: NNPC
  • Muhammad, Y.M. (2005), Fassarar Hausa, Zaria: ABU Press
  • Sani, M.A.Z. (1999), Tsarin Sauti Da Nahawun Hausa, Ibadan: UP Plc
  • Sani, M.A.Z. et al (2000), Exam Focus: Hausa Language, Ibadan: UP Plc
  • Skinner, N. (1977), Grammar of Hausa, Zaria: NNPC
  • Yahaya, I.Y. et al (1992), Darussan Hausa Don manyan makarantun sakandare 1 to 3, Ibadan: UPPlc

B. ADABI DA AL’ADU (LITERATURE AND CULTURE)

  • Bichi, A.Y. (1979), Waƙoƙin Bikin Aure, Lagos: Nelson
  • Dangambo, A. (1984), Rabe Raben Adabin Baka da Muhimmancinsa Ga Rayuwar Hausawa, Kano: Triumph Publishing Company
  • Gusau, S.M. (1991), Makaɗa Da Mawaƙan Hausa, Kaduna: Fisbas Media Service
  • Ibrahim, M.S. (1977), Kowa Ya Sha Kiɗa, Zaria: Longman
  • Madauci, I. et al (1992), Hausa Customs, Zaria: ABU Press
  • Umar, M.B. (1976), Ɗanmaraya Jos Da Waƙoƙinsa, Ibadan: OUP
  • Umar, M.B. (1977), Wasannin Tashe, Zaria: NNPC

C. ƘAMUSAI (DICTIONARIES)

  • Bargery G.P. (1951), A Hausa English Dictionary and English Hausa Vocabulary London: OUP
  • Newman, R.M. (1997), An English Hausa Dictionary, Ibadan: Longman
  • Newman and Newman (1977), Sabon Ƙamus Na Hausa Zuwa Turanci, Ibadan: UPL
  • Skinner, N. (1993), Kamus Na Turanci Da Hausa, Zaria: NNPC