SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Directorate was established with the following objectives:

1. To assist students in developing, appreciating, and broadening their awareness of social and cultural values.
2. To help students achieve adequate competence in the use of the English Language and enhance their communication skills for current academic pursuits and future employment opportunities.
3. To introduce students to various scientific fields, fostering an understanding of the contributions of science to humanity and its impact on society.
4. To sensitize students to the roles and responsibilities of government at all levels, as well as their physical environment, preparing them for effective integration and participation in society.
5. To encourage students to adopt values and attitudes that promote patriotism and nationalism.
6. To equip students to become more acceptable, employable, and independent in the labour market

REGULATIONS

The General Studies courses are University requirements that must be satisfied before a student can be awarded his/her degree.

3(a) GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

All students must take and pass the following courses

GST 111                                  –           Communication in English

EKSU-GST 115                      –           Information and Communication Technology

GST 112                                  –           Nigerian People and Culture

EKSU-GST 116                      –           Use of Library and Study Skills      

GST 212                                  –           Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence

GST 312                                  –           Peace and Conflict Resolution

b) BREAKDOWN OF THE PROGRAMME

The General Studies

The General Studies Programme is shown in the Table below.

(c) GST COURSES AND STATUS          

The twelve (12) units  from the General Studies Programmes shall be counted as compulsory in the computation of results.

(d) GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE PROGRAMME

1. All students shall register for GST 111 (Communication in English), EKSU-GST 115 (Information and Communication Technology), GST 112 (Nigeria Peoples and Culture), EKSU-and GST116 (Use of Library and Study Skills) in the 1^st year of their degree programme
2. Aside the above-listed GST courses, all students are expected to register for GST 212 (Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence) and GST 312 (Peace and Conflict Resolution) in their 2^nd and 3^rd years, respectively.

(e) VENUE OF THE LECTURES

The venue for the lectures shall be any of the available lecture theatres between the hours of 7.00am and 8.00am, each day.

(f)  EXAMINATIONS

1. The examination of GST courses shall be at the end of semester in which the courses are taught.
2. For logistical reasons, GST courses shall preferably be examined on the first three days before examinations in all other Faculties and the College of Medicine.

iii. All GST examination results shall be released after the consideration of the results by the Board of Studies of the Directorate at the end of the semester in which the courses are examined.

1. All complains relating to examination results must be made through the Faculty Coordinators of the respective Faculties within two weeks of release of results.

(g) ACADEMIC BOARD MEMBERS FOR THE DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL STUDIES

Director                                 –        Chairman
Deputy Director                    –         Member
Faculty Representatives        –         Member
Administrative Secretary      –         Secretary to the Board
Recommendations from the Board are subject to the approval of the Vice-Chancellor/Senate as the case may apply.

1. STAFF OF THE DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
2. TEACHING STAFF

1. NON-TEACHING STAFF SENIOR (REGISTRY)

                                                            –                                    

1. NON-TEACHING STAFF SENIOR (BURSARY)

1. NON- TEACHING STAFF SENIOR (AUDIT)

            –                                                          

1. NON-TEACHING STAFF JUNIOR (REGISTRY)

5. GENERAL STUDIES REGISTRATION GUIDE

100 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

100 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

200 LEVEL  SECOND SEMESTER

300 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

6. COURSE DETAILS (COURSES, CONTENT, LEARNING OUTCOMES)

GST 111: Communication in English                                            (2 Units C: LH 15; PH 45)

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. identify possible sound patterns in English language;
2. list notable language skills;
3. classify word formation processes;
4. construct simple and fairly complex sentences in English;
5. apply logical and critical reasoning skills for meaningful presentations;
6. demonstrate an appreciable level of the art of public speaking and listening; and
7. write simple and technical

     Course Contents

Sound patterns in English language (vowels and consonants, phonetics and phonology). English word classes (lexical and grammatical words, definitions, forms, functions, usages and collocations). Sentence in English (types, structural and functional, simple and complex). Grammar and usage (tense, mood, modality, concord and aspects of language use in everyday life). Logical and critical thinking and reasoning methods (logic and syllogism, inductive and deductive argument and reasoning methods, analogy, generalization and explanations). Ethical considerations, copyright rules and infringements. Writing activities: (Pre-writing, writing, post writing, editing and proofreading, brainstorming, outlining, paragraphing, types of writing, summary, essays, letter, curriculum vitae, report writing, note making and mechanics of writing). Comprehension strategies (reading and types of reading, comprehension skills, 3RsQ). Information and communication technology in modern language learning. Language skills for effective communication. Major word formation processes. Writing and reading comprehension strategies. Logical and critical reasoning for meaningful presentations. Art of public speaking and listening. Report writing.

EKSU-GST 115: Information and Communication Technology (2 Units C: LH15; PH 45)

    Learning Outcomes

    At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. understand the evolution and development of ICT;
2. identify key milestones in computer development, including early mechanical calculators, mainframes, and modern computing devices;
3. learn about fundamental hardware components such as CPUs, motherboards, memory, and peripheral devices, and their roles in computing;
4. understand various software types, including operating systems, application software, and development tools, and their impact on technology;
5. recognize the functions and technologies behind input devices (keyboards, mice, touchscreens) and output devices (monitors, printers), and their roles in user interaction with computers;
6. learn about different types of storage devices, including HDDs, SSDs, optical storage, and external solutions, and their importance in data management;
7. explore networking fundamentals, internet services, and mobile communication technologies, including their impact on connectivity and communication;
8. understand principles of data protection, including data privacy laws, encryption, backup strategies, and best practices for managing and securing data;
9. examine key legal aspects such as intellectual property rights, data privacy, cybersecurity laws, and ethical considerations in technology use and development; and
10. explore the role of mathematics in ICT, including algorithms, data analysis, cryptography, and machine learning, and how these principles support technological advancements.

     Course Contents

Development of Modern ICT; hardware technology; software technology; input devices; storage devices; output devices; communication and internet services; data protection; word processing skills; legal and ethical issues in technology; the transformative impact of technology in various fields.

    GST 112: Nigerian Peoples and Culture                           (2 Units C: LH 15; PH 45)

    Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. analyse the historical foundation of the Nigerian culture and arts in pre-colonial times;
2. list and identify the major linguistic groups in Nigeria;
3. explain the gradual evolution of Nigeria as a political unit;
4. analyse the concepts of trade, economic and self-reliance status of the Nigerian peoples towards national development;
5. enumerate the challenges of the Nigerian State towards nation building;
6. analyse the role of Judiciary in upholding people’s fundamental rights;
7. identify acceptable norms and values of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria; and
8. list and suggest possible solutions to identifiable Nigerian environmental, moral and value

     Course Contents

Nigerian history, culture, and art up to 1800 (Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo peoples and culture; peoples and culture of the ethnic minority groups). Nigeria under colonial rule (advent of colonial rule in Nigeria and colonial administration of Nigeria). Evolution of Nigeria as a political unit (amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, formation of political parties in Nigeria, nationalist movement and struggle for independence). Nigeria and challenges of nation building (military intervention in Nigerian politics and Nigerian Civil War). Concept of trade and economics of self-reliance (indigenous trade and market system, indigenous apprenticeship system among Nigeria people, trade, skill acquisition and self-reliance). Social justice and national development (law definition and classification. judiciary and fundamental rights. Individual, norms and values (basic Nigeria norms and values, patterns of citizenship acquisition, citizenship and civic responsibilities, indigenous languages, usage and development, negative attitudes and conducts, cultism, kidnapping and other related social vices). Re-orientation, moral and national values (The 3R’s – Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Re-orientation; re-orientation strategies: Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), Green Revolution, Austerity Measures, War Against Indiscipline (WAI), War Against Indiscipline and Corruption (WAIC), Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), National Orientation Agency (NOA). Current socio-political and cultural developments in Nigeria.

EKSU-GST 116: Use of Library and Study Skills (2 Units C: LH 30) 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. gain insight into the evolution and development of libraries across different eras.
2. appreciate the importance of libraries in supporting learning, teaching, and research.
3. identify and describe the functions of university libraries and other types of libraries (e.g., public, school, and special libraries).
4. learn how to effectively utilize library reference services to support academic and personal research.
5. identify and use various types of library materials
6. develop proficiency in accessing and using resources like c-learning, e-learning, and other digital platforms.
7. learn to navigate card catalogues, OPAC systems, and classification schemes for resource retrieval.
8. understand the basics of copyright regulations and how they affect the use of library resources.
9. gain knowledge about various databases available and their applications in research and learning.
10. develop skills for proper citation and referencing of resources in academic work, adhering to appropriate styles and standards.

     Course Contents

Brief history of libraries, library and education, University libraries and other types of libraries, study skills (reference service), types of library materials, using library resources including c-learning, e-learning e.t.c., understanding library catalogues (card OPAC), e.t.c. and classification. Copyright and its implications. Database resources, Bibliographic citations and referencing.

GST 212: Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence    (2 Units C: LH 30)

Learning Outcomes

A student who has successfully gone through this course should be able to:

1. know the basic features of philosophy as an academic discipline;
2. identify the main branches of philosophy & the centrality of logic in philosophical discourse;
3. know the elementary rules of reasoning;
4. distinguish between valid and invalid arguments;
5. think critically and assess arguments in texts, conversations and day-to-day discussions;
6. critically assess the rationality or otherwise of human conduct under different existential conditions;
7. develop the capacity to extrapolate and deploy expertise in logic to other areas of knowledge; and
8. guide his or her actions, using the knowledge and expertise acquired in philosophy and

Course Contents

Scope of philosophy; notions, meanings, branches and problems of philosophy. Logic as an indispensable tool of philosophy. Elements of syllogism, symbolic logic— the first nine rules of inference. Informal fallacies, laws of thought, nature of arguments. Valid and invalid arguments, logic of form and logic of content — deduction, induction and inferences. Creative and critical thinking. Impact of philosophy on human existence. Philosophy and politics, philosophy and human conduct, philosophy and religion, philosophy and human values, philosophy and character molding and many more.

GST 312: Peace and Conflict Resolution                       (2 Units C: LH 30)

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. analyse the concepts of peace, conflict and security;
2. list major forms, types and root causes of conflict and violence;
3. differentiate between conflict and terrorism;
4. enumerate security and peace building strategies; and
5. describe roles of international organisations, media and traditional institutions in peace

     Course Contents

Concepts of peace, conflict and security in a multi-ethnic nation. Types and theories of conflicts: ethnic, religious, economic, geo-political conflicts; structural conflict theory, realist theory of conflict and frustration-aggression conflict theory. Root causes of conflict and violence in Africa: indigene and settlers’ phenomenon; boundaries/boarder disputes; political disputes; ethnic disputes and rivalries; economic inequalities; social disputes; nationalist movements and agitations; selected conflict case studies – Tiv-Junkun; Zango Kartaf, chieftaincy and land disputes many more. Peace building, management of conflicts and security, peace and human development. Approaches to peace &conflict management-(religious, government, community leaders and many more). Elements of peace studies and conflict resolution: conflict dynamics assessment scales, constructive and destructive. Justice and legal framework: concepts of social justice. The Nigeria legal system. Insurgency and terrorism. Peace mediation and peace keeping. Peace & Security Council (international, national and local levels). Agents of conflict resolution: conventions, treaties, community policing, evolution and imperatives. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) : a). Dialogue b). Arbitration, c). Negotiation d). Collaboration and many more Roles of International Organisations in conflict resolution: (a). The United Nations, UN and its conflict resolution organs; (b). The African Union & Peace Security Council (c). ECOWAS in peace keeping. Media and traditional institutions in peace building. Managing post-conflict situations/crisis: refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs). The role of NGOs in post-conflict situations/crisis.