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Department of French

The Department of French is dedicated to promoting the study and appreciation of French language and literature, fostering cultural awareness, and developing linguistic and critical thinking skills.

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

 The Department offers a four-year programme (three-year for Direct Entry students) leading to B.A.  (HON) French Degree.

 Entry Requirements

To qualify for admission into this programme, a candidate must possess at least five credits at School Certificate or G.C.E. Ordinary Level, three of which must be in French, English Language and Mathematics. Direct Entry candidates who have good passes in at least two Advanced Level/N.C.E papers (one of which must be in French), or candidates with equivalent qualifications from recognized institutions could be admitted to a 3-year programme and join those on the four-year programme at the second year level. In addition, Direct Entry candidates must satisfy U.M.E. requirements or have “O” Level credits or equivalent in at least three other subjects. Candidates with five credits at “O” Level who have Certificates in French from recognized institutions could also be admitted for a four-year programme.

For each year of study, a student shall register for a stipulated number of credits ranging from a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 48, which should be spread out equally between both semesters i.e. 15 – 24 per semester. A credit is defined as representing contact per hour/week/semester. In addition to compulsory courses, students shall be required to take a minimum of specified elective courses within or outside the Department. The Academic counselors shall guide the students as to what courses (core and elective) are available and desirable for each year of study. In addition to the above, First Year and Direct Entry candidates must register for the courses in General Studies which now carry credit load like other courses and which must be passed by all students in order to qualify for a degree from the University and Department.

  1. Registration for both semesters of each session must be done within the first two weeks of the first semester or as may be stipulated by the University. Late registration attracts penalty.
  2. Registration of fresh students begins with the checking of their entry qualifications.
  3. All students who have met the University and Departmental admission requirements then proceed to pay the prescribed fees into the University’s specified bank account as stated in the invoice obtainable for the website. The payment bank teller must be taken to the Bursary Department for collection of official receipt.
  4. After payment, the student will be issued with a transaction I.D/code with which to continue with registration.
  5. There are two semesters in an academic year; courses are organized in semesters.
  6. Courses are weighted according to their credit units or credit load. The credit unit indicates the number of hours a course is taught in a week. For example, a 2-credit-unit course is taught two hours in a week while a 3-credit-unit course takes three hours in a week.
  7. Registration is online.
  8. Students are to consult their academic advisers before filling in the courses and other information online.
  9. In a semester, a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 24 credit units may be registered.
  10. Before filling in the courses, students are advised to consult the handbook for the specified courses for each semester and session.
  11. Students are to download the registration form from the University website after supplying necessary information and take the form to designated officers for endorsement.
  12. If a student has any reason to add or drop any course (s) after the submission of course registration form, the student should discuss it with the academic adviser and get clearance from the Head of Department.
  13. Any course failed or carried over must first be registered for before the core courses for the current session.
  14. Course registration form must be signed by the designated officers.
  15. Each student is advised to keep a copy of the registration form and other relevant documents in his/her personal file.



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

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

Research Focus Areas

  1. French Language and Linguistics
  2. French Literature and Criticism
  3. Francophone Studies and Culture
  4. French Language Teaching and Learning

Our Experts

Prof. Simon Adewale Ebine

PhD Negro-African Literature in French (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria) Master's of Arts French (University of Lagos, Nigeria) Bachelor of Arts (BA) French/Portuguese Degree, (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  •  Negro-African Literature in French

Dr. Ahmed Eleojo Musa

PhD Franco-phone African Literature (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria) Master's of Arts French Literature (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria) Bachelor of Arts (BA) French (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria)

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • French, Francophone and Translation

Aisha Ibrahim

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

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

  • Language

DEPARTMENT OF FRENCH ACADEMIC STAFF LIST

S/N

Name

SPF No

Rank

Specialisation

Gender

Status

1

Dr. Ahmed Eleojo Musa

SPF1668

Senior Lecturer (HoD)

French and Francophone Literature

Male

Tenure

2

Prof. Doris Laruba Obieje

PT.126

Professor

African Literature/Caribbean Literature in French

Female

Visiting

3

Dr. Joseph Igono.

PT 287

Professor

Language and Translation

Teaching of French as a Foreign Language

Male

Visiting

4

Dr. Rafiu Bisiriyu Ishola

PT 265

Senior Lecturer

French and Francophone Literature

Male

Visiting

7

Mrs. Aisha Nnaja Ibrahim

SPF. 1914

Assistant Lecturer

French Language and Linguistics

Female

Tenure

Contact Information

Department of French,  
Faculty of languages and communication studies,
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University

PMB 11, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria