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Department of English language

Philosophy, and objectives of the discipline

Bachelor of Arts in English program is grounded in the belief that language is a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation. It seeks to equip students with a profound understanding of the English language and its literary traditions, fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and effective communication. Our philosophy is poised at integrating language, literature, and linguistics, the program prepares graduates to navigate a dynamic and interconnected world as informed, ethical, and adaptable individuals.

Our program emphasizes the development of intellectual rigor, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning, encouraging students to appreciate diverse perspectives and to use their linguistic skills to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.

The Objectives of the Programme Are

  1. Develop Proficiency in English Language Skills:
    Equip students with advanced skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to effectively communicate in various professional and social contexts.

  2. Promote Literary and Cultural Appreciation:
    Foster a deep understanding and appreciation of English literature from diverse periods, genres, and cultures, highlighting its relevance to contemporary issues.

  3. Enhance Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills:
    Train students to critically analyze texts, arguments, and ideas, enabling them to construct well-reasoned interpretations and solutions to complex problems.

  4. Provide a Strong Foundation in Linguistics:
    Offer students a comprehensive understanding of linguistic structures, theories, and applications, empowering them to explore the intricacies of language and its role in society.

  5. Encourage Interdisciplinary Connections:
    Promote the integration of English studies with other disciplines, such as history, philosophy, sociology, and digital humanities, to broaden students’ intellectual horizons.

  6. Prepare Graduates for Professional Success:
    Equip students with the knowledge and skills required for careers in teaching, writing, media, publishing, public relations, and other fields that value language expertise and cultural literacy.

  7. Instill Ethical and Global Perspectives:
    Encourage students to engage with ethical dilemmas, cultural diversity, and global challenges, fostering responsible citizenship and leadership in a multicultural world.

The program aspires to produce graduates who are not only skilled in the art of communication but also committed to using their knowledge to advance society and promote understanding across boundaries.

Admission Requirement and Expected Duration of the Programme

To be eligible for admission into various options available in the faculty, candidates must have the following qualifications.

UTME Entry Mode (100-Level)

Credit Passes in 5 WASCE/GCE/NECO Subjects including English, Mathematics, Literature in English,  History, Nigerian Languages and other social science classified subjects. The University may determine the level of Credit pass for admission.

Direct Entry (200- Level)

Candidates with the following qualifications are  eligible for admission to 200-level

Candidates that have satisfied the above minimum O’level Condition of five credits oases in WASCE/GCE/NECO subjects for admission into degree options in the faculty  and in addition have passed at the General Certificate of Education Advanced level or its equivalent in Subjects including English, Mathematics, Literature in English,  History, Nigerian Languages and other social science classified subjects. 

Candidates that have obtained the minimum O’level credit passes as set out above and in addition, have obtained the Higher National Diploma(HND) with minimum of upper credit (60-69%) in relevant fields from schools or colleges accredited by NBTE and recognized by the University, will be admitted into 300-level

Mission Statement

The Department of English is committed to promoting the study and appreciation of English language and literature, fostering critical thinking, and developing linguistic and cultural competence.

Vision Statement

To become a leading centre for English language and literature studies, recognised for academic excellence, innovative research, and cultural exchange.

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English: A comprehensive program covering English language, literature, and culture.
2. Specialisations: Students can choose to specialise in English language and linguistics, English literature, creative writing, or African literature.

1. Master’s of Arts (MA) in English: A research-based programme designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in English language and literature.
2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English: A doctoral programme focused on original research in English language and literature.

Research Focus Areas

  1. English Language and Linguistics.
  2. English Literature and Criticism.
  3. Creative Writing and Literary Studies.
  4. African Literature and Cultural Studies.
  5. Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching.

Our Experts

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Prof. Sule Emmanuel Egya

PhD in Literature Master's of Arts (MA) in Literature Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Modern Literary Theory and Criticism
  • Cultural Studies
  • Literature and the Environment
  • Indian Literature
  • Creative Writing (Poetry and Fiction)
  • African Oral and Written Literatures (Poetry and Fiction)

Apegba Ker

PhD English (Oral) Literature - (University of Jos) Master's of Arts (M.A) English Literature - (University of Ibadan) Bachelor of Arts (BA) English Literature - (A.B.U., Zaria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Oral Literature
  • Poetry

Prof. Margaret Nonyerem Agu

PhD English Language Master's of Arts (MA) English Language Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Language Arts

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Pragmatics
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Psycholinguistics
  • Applied Linguistics

Prof. Oluseun E. Ogungbe

PhD English Language (University of Ibadan), Master's of Arts (MA) English Language (University of Ibadan), Bachelor of Arts (BA) English Language (University of Ibadan)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Discourse Analysis
  • Semantics
  • Stylistics
  • Syntax

Prof. Muhammad Alkali

PhD Cultural and Literary Studies (UPM, Malaysia), Master's of Arts (MA) Literature in English (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto), Master's in Public Administration (MPA) (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Language Arts

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • The African Novel
  • Popular Fiction
  • Gender Studies
  • Literature of Blacks in the Diaspora
  • African Drama
  • Modern English Drama
  • Commonwealth Literature

Assoc. Prof. Daniel Ibrahim

PhD Literature in English (University of Ibadan, Nigeria), Master's of Arts (MA) (English A.B.U Zaria, Nigeria), Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) (University of Ibadan, Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) English, Sokoto, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Literature and Film Studies

Assoc. Prof. Joshua Usman

PhD Literature (Nelson Mandela University, South Africa), Master's of Arts (MA) English Language (University of Abuja , Nigeria), Master's of Arts (MA) Literature in English (University of Lagos , Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA. Ed.) English (A.B.U. Zaria , Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • African Literature
  • Oral Literature
  • Cultural Studies
  • Forensic Linguistics

Dr Aliyu Ibrahim Dantata

PhD Linguistics (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria), Master's of Arts (MA) English (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto , Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) English (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto , Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Syntax
  • Linguistics
  • English for Specific Purposes
  • The English Language in Nigeria

Dr Mohammed Alhaji Usman

PhD English Language (Federal University, Lokoja, Nigeria), Master's of Arts (MA) English (Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) English (Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Syntax
  • Discourse Analysis
  • Pragmatics

Dr Lucas Saba

Master's of Arts (MA) English (Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) English ( Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Pragmatics
  • Sociolinguistics

Zainab Zendana Shafii

Master's of Arts (MA) English Literature A.B.U. Zaria, Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) Literature in English A.B.U. Zaria, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Gender  Studies
  • Oral Literature
  • Children Literature

Aishatu Abdulsalam

Master's of Arts (MA) English Literature (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) Literature (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • African Fiction
  • Gender Studies

Ishaq Garba Yusuf

Master's of Arts (MA) English Language (Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) English Language (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Syntax
  • Stylistics
  • Pragmatics

Rachael Dada

Master's of Arts (MA) English (Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) English (University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Phonetics and Phonology
  • Pragmatics
  • Sociolinguistics

Shehu Hassan Kagara

Master's of Arts (MA) English (Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria), Bachelor of Arts (BA) English (Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Phonetics and Phonology
  • Syntax
  • Stylistics

Contact Information

Faculty of Languages and Communication Studies
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University
PMB 11, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria