2026 - 2030 New WAEC Literature-in-English Recommended Texts: What You Need to Know

Introduction

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has introduced a new Literature-in-English syllabus, effective from 2026 to 2030. This development marks the end of the current syllabus, which spanned from 2021 to 2025. As we delve into the new syllabus, it's essential for students, teachers, and literature enthusiasts to understand the changes and what they entail.

The Current Syllabus: A Recap

The outgoing syllabus, which began in 2021, will conclude with the current SS 1 students in Nigeria (2022/2023 academic session). This cohort will be the last to sit for the Literature-in-English exam under the existing syllabus in the 2024/2025 academic session.

The New Syllabus: An Overview

Released in mid-2023, the new WAEC Literature-in-English syllabus presents a fresh set of texts, including African and Non-African drama, African and Non-African prose, African and Non-African poems. These additions aim to enrich students' literary knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Key Highlights of the New Syllabus

Before I expose you to the new texts, let's take a look at the key highlights of the New Syllabus:

Key Highlights of the New Syllabus

- New texts: The syllabus features a diverse range of literary works, including plays, novels, poems, and drama from African and non-African authors.

- African and Non-African drama: These components have been thoroughly discussed and analyzed in our free online Literature Class, providing valuable insights for students and teachers alike.

So, here is a complete list of the recommended lists of the 2026 - 2030 Literature texts:

AFRICAN DRAMA

• The Marriage of Anansewa by Efua Surtherland
• Once Upon an Elephant by Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan

NON-AFRICAN DRAMA

• An inspector Calls by J.D Priestley
• A Man for all Seasons by Robert Bolt

You can easily access the class and listen to the comprehensive analysis of the texts from this blog. All the poems are also appreciated in the class.

AFRICAN PROSE

• Redemption Road by Elma Shaw
• So the Path Does Not Die by Pede Hollist

NON-AFRICAN PROSE

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured by Susanne Bellefeuille

All the prose texts are carefully chosen and are interesting. Each of the texts is already reviewed and comprehensively explained on this platform.

AFRICAN POETRY

• Once Upon a Time by Gabriel Okara
• New Tongue by Elizabeth L.A Kamara
• Night by Wole Soyinka
• Not My Business by Niyi Osundare
• Hearty Garlands by S.O.H Afriyie-Vidza
• The Breast of the Sea by Syl Cheney-Coker

NON-AFRICAN POETRY

• She Walks in Beauty by Lord Byron
• The Nun's Priest's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer
• Digging by Seamus Heany
• Still, I Rise by Maya Angelou
• The Telephone Call by Fleur Adcock
• The Stone by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

Here are some Implications and Recommendations for these texts:

As we transition to the new syllabus, it's crucial for stakeholders to take note of the following:

- Familiarization: Students and teachers should acquaint themselves with the new texts and literary works to ensure a smooth transition.

- Adaptation: Educators should modify their teaching approaches to align with the new syllabus, focusing on the fresh perspectives and themes presented.

- Preparation: Students should actively engage with the new texts, developing their critical thinking and analytical skills to excel in the Literature-in-English exam.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of the new WAEC Literature-in-English syllabus marks an exciting milestone in literary education. Embracing this change will enrich the learning experience for students and teachers alike. Stay tuned for further analysis and insights into the new syllabus on our educational blog.

You can connect with the teacher-in-charge through his WhatsApp handleWhatsApp handle for more information.