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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Waec | Gce Hausa Syllabus + Success Tips (2025/2026): Official Guide
Hausa Language is a core subject for candidates writing WAEC or GCE exams in Northern Nigeria and beyond. The subject tests students' knowledge of grammar, comprehension, composition, oral literature, and translation. If you are aiming for an A1 in Hausa, mastering the official syllabus, exam format, and strategic success tips is key. This official guide gives you the complete WAEC | GCE Hausa syllabus for 2025/2026, plus exam advice to help you pass easily.
WAEC | GCE Hausa Syllabus (2025/2026)
WAEC and GCE Hausa cover the following core sections:
1. Hausa Grammar (Nahawu)
| Topics | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Parts of Speech | Nouns (Suna), verbs (Aiki), adjectives, adverbs |
| Tenses | Past, present, future, continuous |
| Sentence Construction | Simple, compound, and complex sentences |
| Gender and Plural Forms | Masculine, feminine, singular, plural |
| Negation | Use of ba...ba structure |
| Direct and Indirect Speech | Transformations between the two forms |
| Conjunctions and Prepositions | Correct usage in sentences |
2. Reading Comprehension (Fahimtar Karatu)
| Focus Areas | What to Practice |
|---|---|
| Short Passages | Answer questions in Hausa |
| Summarizing Passages | Summarize key ideas using proper Hausa expressions |
| Vocabulary Development | Learning new words and their meanings |
3. Composition (Rubutun Zube)
| Type of Writing | What to Practice |
|---|---|
| Letter Writing | Informal and formal letters in Hausa |
| Descriptive Essays | Write about people, places, and events in detail |
| Narrative Essays | Personal experiences or imaginative stories |
| Speech and Article Writing | Topics on community, environment, school |
4. Translation (Fassara)
| Direction | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Hausa to English | Translate short passages or sentences clearly |
| English to Hausa | Translate correctly without losing meaning |
5. Oral Literature (Adabin Baka)
| Topics | What to Study |
|---|---|
| Folktales (Kissa) | Storytelling techniques, moral lessons |
| Proverbs (Karin Magana) | Common Hausa proverbs and their meanings |
| Riddles (Zantuka) | Examples of Hausa riddles and answers |
| Poetry (Waka) | Traditional songs, praise poetry, war songs |
6. Written Literature (Adabin Rubutu)
| Topics | What to Study |
|---|---|
| Drama (Wasan Kwaikwayo) | Structure and themes of Hausa plays |
| Prose (Littafin Zube) | Novels, short stories, themes, characters |
| Poetry (Wakar Rubutu) | Written poetry forms and analysis |
WAEC | GCE Hausa Exam Format
| Paper | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objectives and Multiple Choice | 1 Hour 45 Mins |
| Paper 2 | Essay, Translation, Comprehension | 2 Hours |
Top Success Tips for WAEC | GCE Hausa Exam
| Success Tip | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Practice Hausa Grammar Daily | Grammar forms the foundation for all sections |
| Read Hausa Books Regularly | Improves vocabulary and comprehension skills |
| Learn Proverbs and Folktales | Important for oral literature questions |
| Practice Past Questions | Helps understand question patterns |
| Translate Sentences Regularly | Translation is compulsory in Paper 2 |
| Memorize Correct Spellings | Spelling errors can reduce marks significantly |
| Use Practical Examples | In essays and translations for clarity |
| Focus on Composition Writing | Essay questions carry large marks |
| Study Themes of Set Books | Important for literature sections |
| Manage Time in Exams | Avoid wasting time on difficult questions |
FAQs About WAEC | GCE Hausa Exam
1. Is Hausa compulsory in WAEC or GCE?
No, it’s optional and mainly taken by students from Hausa-speaking regions.
2. How many papers are in WAEC Hausa?
Two papers:
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Paper 1 (Objectives)
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Paper 2 (Theory – Essay, Comprehension, Translation, Literature)
3. How do I pass Hausa translation questions?
Understand sentence meanings before attempting translation. Use simple, clear language and practice regularly.
4. Which textbooks are recommended?
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Karanta Hausa series
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WAEC Hausa Past Questions
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Any Ministry-approved Hausa Language and Literature textbooks.
5. Are proverbs necessary in essays?
Yes. Using appropriate Hausa proverbs in essays can help improve your scores.
Conclusion
WAEC and GCE Hausa exams test your understanding of the language's grammar, comprehension, translation, and literature. Focus on mastering basic grammar, practicing translation, and reading widely in Hausa. Include folktales, proverbs, and set books in your revision. By solving past questions and writing essays regularly, you’ll build confidence and improve your writing skills.
With consistency and serious practice, you can aim confidently for an A1 in Hausa.
