1.0     NAME OF THE PROGRAMME – B.A. Igbo

2.0       PROGRAMME CODE – 2214

3.0       ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be admitted into B.A. Igbo, a candidate is required to meet at least one of the following:

100 Level

A minimum of five credits at not more than two sittings in the GCE, O’ level,

SSCE, NECO

examinations or its equivalent in relevant subjects including English

Language, Literature in English and Igbo.

200 Level

1. i)         A minimum of three credit passes in NCE, OND, HND or its equivalent in subjects including English Language and Literature as well as the O’ level result .

1. ii)        GCE Advanced level or IJMB passes in two subjects, with three other subjects in the O’ level, including Igbo.

4.0     PHILOSOPHY

4.1       PHILOSOPHY

To provide our students with in-depth, functional, cost-effective, flexible learning at a distance so as to enhance their skills in the theory and use of the Linguistics and Igbo language as well as sensitive and critical appreciation of Igbo literature, which are necessary for adequate expression and self-actualisation in the global context.

4.2       VISION

To be known as the most learner-focused and learner-sensitive programme of the National Open University of Nigeria.

4.3       MISSION

To provide opportunities for the development of competence in Igbo language and literature.

5.0     AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

5.1       AIMS

The primary aim of the B.A. Igbo is to:

1. expose students to various aspects of the language, linguistics, literature and culture with a view to helping them achieve greater competence and sophistication in their understanding and appreciation of the values inherent in those aspects;
2. ii)         train them to be able to apply their knowledge for the advancement of their society; and

                        iii)        prepare them for further studies in the Hausa and/or for relevant careers (e.g. teaching, administration, etc.)

5.2       OBJECTIVES

The B.A. Igbo programme is designed to equip students with adequate skills in the theory and use of the language for the advancement of Nigeria within the international community. It is also expected that a critical faculty be developed in the students in terms of being able to read between the lines of any language text they come across as well as being able to develop interest in literary productions. Thus, upon successful completion of the programme, graduates should be able to:

• Show effective mastery of the Igbo language in its various applications
• Achieve adequate self-expression and self-actualization 
• Exhibit preparedness for postgraduate studies in the Igbo linguistics and literature
• Engage in Igbo language and literature teaching in Nigerian schools and colleges 
• Overcome deficiencies in their spoken and written Igbo language
• Develop a sound critical faculty for the analysis of texts of all kinds, visual or literary
• Show a disciplined flare for the creation of literary pieces
• Use linguistic ability to contribute to national development through appropriate usage of language and literature.

6.0     PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND DEGREE RULES

6.1     OUTLINE OF COURSE STRUCTURE

100 Level

First Semester

Second Semester

200 Level

First Semester  

Second Semester  

300 Level

First Semester

Second Semester  

400 Level

First Semester

Second Semester  

Total Credit Units:  120

6.2       DEGREE RULES

For graduation with a B.A. Igbo (Hons.), a student must have a minimum of 120 credit units, which excludes 22 credit units of general courses for an 8-semester structure; and a minimum of 90 credit units and 18 credit units from the general courses for a 6-semester structure.

Summary of Distribution of Course Credits by Level

NOTE:    Direct Entry students are to register for GST 107, which is a 2-credit course.

6.3       COURSE CONTENT SPECIFICATIONS

GST101          USE OF ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS I        

                                                                                                                (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Listening enabling skills; Listening and Comprehending; comprehension; note-taking and information retrieval, including data, figures, diagrams and charts; listening for main idea, interpretation and critical evaluation. Effective reading: skimming and scanning; Reading and comprehension at various speed levels; Vocabulary development in various academic contexts; Reading diverse texts in narratives and expository; Reading and comprehending passages with tables; Scientific texts; Reading for interpretation and critical evaluation.

GST102          USE OF ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS II      

                                                                                                                (2 CREDIT UNITS C)                                                                                                                  

Writing paragraphs; Topic sentence and coherence; Development of paragraphs; illustration; Description; cause and effect including definitions; Formal letters: essential parts and stylistic forms; complaints and requests; jobs; ordering goods Letters to government and other organizations; Writing reports; reporting events, experiments, writing summaries

CIT101           COMPUTER IN SOCIETY                                        (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

What is Computer, Elements of a Computer: Hardware and Software, How to Work with a Computer, Operating Systems, and Files. Word Processing: Introduction to Word Processing, Word Processing Program Facilities, Copying text, Saving Changes, and Formatting. Spreadsheet: Entering and Correcting Data, Using Formula, Numeric Formats, Creating Charts, Charts from Non-adjacent Data, Embedded Charts, Charts Links and Chart Types. PowerPoint and Presentations: Presentation Screen, Creating New Presentations, Naming Presentations, Saving Presentations and Formatting Slides, Using Auto-shapes. Networking, Internet and Electronic mail.

CIT102           APPLICATION SOFTWARE SKILLS                    (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Brief description of computer system: CPU, I/O devices; Operating systems; Computer File Management; Computer Software: overview, types, etc.; Application software: common application software; Using Microsoft Word; Using Microsoft Excel; Features of Database Applications and Microsoft Access; Statistical Analysis Applications; Using SPSS software; Introduction to Desktop Publishing applications; Computer applications in Nursing; Computer applications in Agriculture; Managing the computer system with the Control Panel.

CSS111           INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY                (3 CREDIT UNITS E)

Definition of sociology, family, marriage, society, and culture, socialization; Conforming, deviance, power, authority, leadership, social organizations, Group, social differentiation, religion, social interactions, social stratification, social mobility, collective behaviour, public opinion and propaganda, social change.

GST105   HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE       (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Nature of Science, Scientific Methods and Theories, Laws of Nature, History of Science; Origin of Western Science in Ancient Times, Science in the Middle Ages of Europe, Rise of Modern Science, Twentieth Century Scientific Revolution. Lost Sciences of Africa, Science, Technology and Inventions, Nature and Scope of Philosophy of Science, Man; His Nature and Origin, Cosmic Environment and Natural Resources, Great Scientists of Nigerian Origin.

GST107          A GOOD STUDY GUIDE FOR THE DISTANCE LEARNER   

                                                                                                           (2 CREDIT UNITS C)                                                

Getting Started: How to use the book, Why read about study skills, Getting yourself organised, What is studying all about, Reading and Note-taking: Introduction, Reactions to reading, Your reading strategy, Memory, Taking notes. Other ways of studying: Introduction, Learning in groups, Talks and lectures, learning from T.V and Radio broadcasts, other study media. Working with numbers: Getting to know numbers, describing the world, describing the tables, Describing with diagrams and graphs, what is good writing? The importance of writing; what does an essay look like; what is a good essay? How to write essays; Introduction, The craft of writing, The advantages of treating essay writing as a craft, Making your essay flow, Making a convincing case, The experience of writing. Preparing for examination.

LIN111           INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS I                  (3 CREDIT UNITS C)   

What is Linguistics? Language and Linguistics, History of Linguistics, The nature of (Human) Language, Human Language versus Animal Language, Linguistic knowledge and performance, Language, Brain and the Mind, The Evolution of Language, The Autonomy of Language, Formal descriptions of Language, Grammar and types of Grammar (Descriptive, Prescriptive, and Teaching), Language Universals, Language in Society, Language and Culture; Sign Language; Language Varieties; Contrastive Linguistics; Sociolinguistics

LIN112           INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS II                (3 CREDIT UNITS C)

Introduction- Review of Part 1, Introduction to Phonology and Distinctive Features; Phonetics: Phoneme; Morphology: Morpheme and Words; Syntax: the Sentence; Semantics: Meaning; Pragmatics; Discourse Analysis; Language acquisition (First and Second); Language and Technology; Language and Development (issues of exclusion); Historical Linguistics and Language Change; Applied Linguistics; Psycholinguistics; Writing Systems/Orthography development; Modern Schools of Thought; Linguistic Methodologies; Language Documentation; Corpus Linguistics.

IGB111           INTRODUCTION TO THE IGBO PEOPLE AND LANGUAGE

                                                                                                               (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

This course introduces the students to the people, the Igbo language, their origin, migration, oral history, and their relationship to other peoples in Nigeria and Africa.  The Language component includes: introduction to the orthography and the history of the orthography; history of the development of the Language; its classification: Genetic, Typological and aerial; Scholarship over the years.

IGB113           INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE IGBO PEOPLE

                                                                                                               (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

This is an introductory course on the oral and written history of the Igbo people in which the various historical sources are critically examined and discussed.

IGB124           ADVANCED COMPOSITION AND COMPREHENSION I  

                                                                                                                (2 CREDIT UNITS C) 

Composition with emphasis on spelling, punctuation, organization, and language use; comprehension exercises; oral delivery in Igbo

ENG161        THEATRE WORKSHOP                                             (2 CREDIT UNITS E)

Theatre Workshop introduces the student to the history, theories and practice of theatre. It is a practical course through which the students are expected to acquire the basic theatre skills such as speech and voice training, techniques of improvisation, acting and stage construction. They are also expected to learn and perfect their skills in directing, lighting, costume and make up, casting and rehearsals. The student, by the end of this course, should be able to distinguish between drama and theatre.

ENG121         THE STRUCTURE OF MODERN ENGLISH I 

                                                                                                             (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Historical Background and Phonological Structure; Historical Antecedents to Modern English; Language and Structure; The Structure of the sound system of English; Syllable structure in English; Non-segmental Features of English; Syntactic Structure; Word classes; Open class items; Closed class items; Sentence structure; Sentence types: Structural and Functional; Clauses in Sentence Structure; Group Structure, Morphological structure; Basic units of Word Structure; The Nature of the Morpheme; Affixation; Inflection and Derivation; Other Word formation processes.

JLS111           INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM                   (3 CREDIT UNITS E)

Historical approach to the development of Journalism, the pre/post independent periods, the independent era. The nature of news. Writing the news, editing the copy, headline writing, journalistic style, elements of good news reporting., interviewing and news sources.  Media laws, court reporting, knowing the courts in Nigeria, defamation and copyright laws.

FRE101          BASIC FRENCH GRAMMAR I (FOR NON-MAJOR)

                                                                                                                (2 CREDIT UNITS E)

Identification of People in French, Identification of Things in French, Greetings in French, Presentation of People in French, Presentation of Self in French, Saying Ones Profession in French, Presentation of One’s Daily Itineraries in French, Requesting for Price and Payment in French, Giving Precise Information on Past Events in French, Asking for Specified Quantity of Things, Giving out Orders, Asking for and Indicating Directions.

FRE102          BASIC FRENCH GRAMMAR II (FOR NON-MAJOR)                        

                                                                                                              (2 CREDIT UNITS E)

Polite Response to a Request in French, Inviting Someone in French, Giving Guidelines in French, Travelling in French, Expression of Possibilities in French, Expression of Tastes in French, Expression of Sporting Activities in French, Expression of Sentiments in French, Describing Somebody in French, Describing Weather in French, Giving Advice in French, Expression of Obligations in French, Giving Permissions and Interdictions in French, Expression of Wishes.

ENG122         STRUCTURE OF MODERN ENGLISH II                     

                                                                                                             (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Construction of different types of sentences; correct use of tenses, agreement between subject and verb, in the context of compound and complex sentences. Organization and development of types of paragraphs; introduction of basic editing and proofreading skills

GST201      NIGERIAN PEOPLES AND CULTURE                                 

                                                                                                                (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

The Culture and Peoples of Southern and Northern Nigeria in Pre-colonial Times, The Dynamics of the Evolution of Nigeria as a Political Unit, The Culture of the Niger Delta; Rain Forest; Guinea and the Sudan Savanna Regions of Nigeria, A Historical Analysis of Education and National Development, Economy and National Development, Religion and National Development in Nigeria. A Historical Analysis of Moral and Socio-political Rights of Citizens, Social Justice and National Development in Nigeria.

GST202     FUNDAMENTALS OF PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

                                                                                                               (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Basic Understanding of Conflict; Definitions, Causes and Types of Conflict, Conflict Theories, Phases in Conflict, Conflict Analysis & Transformation. Dynamics of Conflict; Relationship between Perception and Conflict, Language Barriers in Conflict and Resolution, Early Warning and Early Response Mechanism, Arms Control and Demilitarization, Peace and Education. Trends in Global Issues: International, Continental and Regional Organizations in the Pursuance of World Peace, Peaceful Methods of Conflict Resolution, Coercive Means of Conflict Resolution, Gender Issues and Humanitarian Intervention.

IGB211           SURVEY OF THE LITERATURE OF IGBO          (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

This is a literary survey of written works in Igbo: prose, poetry and drama.

IGB213           USE OF IGBO                                                              (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Examination of trends in modern usage of Igbo; survey of common errors of usage, discussion of the principles of effective and oral communication in language; exercises

IGB241           PHONOLOGY OF IGBO I                                         (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Elementary phonetic description and phonetic classification of the sounds of Igbo, examination of their patterns of occurrence and distribution, discussion of contraction, (assimilation and features like tone, stress and intonation)

IGB215           INTRODUCTION TO IGBO ORAL LITERATURE

                                                                                                             (3 CREDIT UNITS C)

This course deals with the scope of oral literature in Igbo: its oral and written nature, problems involved in the collection and classification of oral literature, folktales and traditional poetic forms.

IGB222           MORPHOLOGY OF IGBO                                        (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A morphological description and analysis of words in Igbo

IGB282           VARIETIES OF PROSE WRITING IN IGBO                

                                                                                                                (3 CREDIT UNITS C)

A study of the various prose forms in Igbo: novels, romances, short stories, essays, translations, etc.

IGB224           SYNTAX OF IGBO I                                                   (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

In this course, the students are introduced to the word classes or parts of speech of Igbo, the sentence and its parts or constituents, the grammatical functions of the sentence parts; the different sentence types.

IGB212           FOLKTALES                                                              (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

This course focuses on the following: the universality of folktales; types of folktales; motifs in folktales; the world of folktales, characterization, setting, and techniques; performance, the narrator and the audience; the songs in folktales; creativity and originality of rendering, folktales and myths.

ENG251     LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY                                       (3 CREDIT UNITS E)

Language as a Social phenomenon and its functions; social factors of language use; Language varieties: Dialect, accent and sociolect; register; style; standard, non- standard, native and non-native; deviant/restricted varieties (slang, jargon, grafitti); new varieties (email, text messaging); languages in contact (pidgin and Creole); Language typologies; anthropology; language learning and language acquisition; bilingualism/multilingualism; language policy; language planning, maintenance, shift and death; discourse analysis; code switching, interference and borrowing; linguistic imperialism; sociolinguistic situation of Nigeria; sociolinguistics and other disciplines.  

ENG223         ADVANCED ENGLISH COMPOSITION I            (2 CREDIT UNITS E)

Basics of composition writing; various composition/essay types- persuasive, argumentative, expository, narrative, etc

INR111       INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES           

                                                                                                                (2 CREDIT UNITS E)

Definition and Nature of international studies, Introduction to some international concepts and implementations of international studies, Development in some basic skills of international relations and politics, Orientation on History of International Economics and Trade, Element of power and International interaction, interdependence,  Major concepts of politics like Alliance, Balance of power, Universal, Regional and National Security systems, International Politics like Diplomacy, Foreign Aid, Bargaining and Negotiation, Sanctions and International Technical Assistance.

ENG212     CREATIVE WRITING I                                             (3 CREDIT UNITS E)

This course introduces students to the concept literary creativity. It comprises the format of imaginative writing from the germinal idea to the final script. Literary conventions and devices/techniques of creative writing will be explored, with focus on prose fiction, poetry and drama. Students will be led through the basic steps in practical literary composition.

MAC212    MEDIA AND SOCIETY                                                (3 CREDIT UNITS E)

Introduction defining the course title and explaining the link between Media Communication and the Society.  Elements of communication, the cultural and social process of communication. Emphasis on sociological problems, themes and concepts. Juxtapose mass communication against the major social institutions e.g. school, churches, mosques, families, marriages, cultural organizations and groups etc.  Focus on the sociology of mass communication, professionalism in journalism, mass media message/content).Review the issues of cultural imperialism arising from media dependency.  Control of mass media organizations and communication politics.  The Role of Communication in National Development

GST301          ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDIES I                       (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Definition of Entrepreneurship, Relationship Between Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Factors of Entrepreneurship; Dealing with External Factors of Entrepreneurship; Factors of Production; Profit and Other Objectives of an Entrepreneur, the Business Environment, Understanding Viability Study; Needs and Characteristics of Consumers; Mission and Enterprise Objectives; Export Market Shares; Target Market; Income Determination; Break-even Point, Size of the Business, Location Factors; Financial Requirements Forms of Ownership; Business Plan. Risk Analysis; Legal Requirements; Staffing, Purchasing; Production; Management.

GST302          BUSINESS CREATION AND GROWTH                (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Some of the ventures to be focused upon include the following:

Soap/Detergent, Tooth brushes and Tooth paste making, Photography, Brick, nails, screws making, Dyeing/Textile blocks paste making, Rope making, Plumbing, Vulcanising, Brewing, Glassware production/Ceramic, production, Paper production, Water treatment/Conditioning/Packaging, Food processing/packaging/preservation, Metal working/Fabrication – Steel and aluminium door and windows, Training industry, Vegetable oil/and Salt extractions,  Fisheries/Aquaculture, Refrigeration/Air conditioning, Plastic making, Farming (crop), Domestic Electrical wiring, Radio/TV repairs, Carving, Weaving, Brick laying/making, Bakery, Tailoring, Iron welding, Building drawing, Carpentry, Leather tanning, Interior decoration, Printing, Animal husbandry (Poultry, Piggery, Goat etc), Metal Craft – Blacksmith, Tinsmith etc, Sanitary wares and Vehicle maintenance and Bookkeeping.

IGB341           PHONOLOGY OF IGBO II                                       (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A detailed and analytical examination of the phonological processes in Igbo: assimilation, nasalization, epenthesis, vowel harmony, vowel elision, length, tonal processes, and syllable structure.

IGB371           VARIETIES OF POETRY IN IGBO                       (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A detailed study of the poetic forms of Igbo, their structure and their functions; a critical appreciation of them

IGB321           SYNTAX OF IGBO II                                                 (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

In this course, an attempt is made to apply the transformational-generative theory to the analysis of the sentences of Igbo.

IGB361           INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA IN IGBO                (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

This course covers the concept of drama in Igbo; a survey of early attempts at play writing and play acting, the influence of traditional and folk drama, and an appraisal of the written plays.

IGB351           DIALECTS OF IGBO                                                 (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A fairly detailed consideration of the phonological, morphological, lexical and syntactic characteristics of the major regional and social varieties of Igbo

IGB312           NAMING IN IGBO                                                      (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

Among Nigerians, naming is not just an arbitrary affair; it is also a mental, linguistic, cultural and an emotional affair.  This course, then, focuses on the linguistic and cultural importance of personal names in Igbo.

IGB332           STYLISTICS I                                                             (3 CREDIT UNITS C)

A theoretical study of stylistics in Igbo, particularly various theories and ideas of the relationship between stylistics, literature, and linguistics; a discussion of the various literary features or devices of literature in Igbo

IGB314           LITERARY CRITICISM                                           (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A study of the classic, Western and Marxist theories of literature as they relate to the prose, poetry and drama, and their application to the literature of Igbo

IGB316           INTRODUCTION TO THE CULTURE OF THE IGBO PEOPLE      

                                                                                                                (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A survey of the culture of the Igbo people in the widest sense of the word ‘Culture’

IGB318           THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS OF THE IGBO PEOPLE

                                                                                                               (3 CREDIT UNITS C)

A detailed and analytical study of the thought, belief and religious systems of the Igbo people

ENG313      BLACK DIASPORA LITERATURE I – AFRICAN-AMERICAN                                                                                                                  (2 CREDIT UNITS E)

The social and intellectual background to the literature of the African-American as manifested in their essays, political pamphlets and autobiographies; the critical study of their poetry, drama and prose fiction from the 18^th Century to the present.

ENG352     DISCOURSE ANALYSIS                                                (3 CREDIT UNITS E)

Introduction to the principles and practice of discourse analysis; practical analysis, study, and description of relevant textual materials.

IGB441           ISSUES IN THE PHONOLOGY OF IGBO             (3 CREDIT UNITS C)

A consideration of current and relevant issues in the phonology of Igbo (e.g. tones, vowel harmony, syllable structure, intonation, etc.).

IGB413           SOCIAL AND MATERIAL CULTURE OF THE IGBO PEOPLE                                                                                                                      (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

This is a detailed description and analysis of the Social and Material aspects of the Igbo culture.

IGB421           ISSUES IN THE SYNTAX OF IGBO                       (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A consideration of the current and relevant issues in the syntax of Igbo (e.g. tense, aspect vowel and their relationships, ideophones; pronominalization, relativization, and reflexivization, nominalization adjectives as verbs)

IGB461           INTRODUCTION TO THE TRADITIONAL MUSIC OF THE IGBO PEOPLE                                                                                               (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

An introductory study of the forms, functions and the qualities of the traditional music of the Igbo people

IGB431           STYLISTICS II                                                           (3 CREDIT UNITS C)

A detailed study of the stylistic features of prose and poetry, both oral and written in Igbo, applying the principles studies in IGB332.

IGB482           CONTEMPORARY PROSE FICTION IN IGBO

                                                                                                               (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A detailed and analytical study of prose fiction in Igbo

IGB472           CONTEMPORARY POETRY IN IGBO                  (2 CREDIT UNITS C)

A detailed and critical study and appreciation of contemporary poetry in Igbo

IGB414           CONTRASTIVE STUDIES IN IGBO                       (3 CREDIT UNITS C)

A systematic examination of the structure of the language as contrasted with those of English and Igbo language, with emphasis on those areas requiring special attention in teaching the Igbo language to speakers of English and Igbo.

ENG453     LANGUAGE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT                        

                                                                                                                 (3 CREDIT UNITS E)

Relationship between language and national development, relationship between language and individuals and societal development, language and the economy, language and national mobilization, language and national unity and integration, language and national ideology, language and a patriotic culture, language and nationalism, language and national health, language and economic wellbeing, language and infrastructural facilities, language and social attitudes, language and social culture. Constraints placed on national development by the linguistic situations in developing African nations; language as the most effective means of human communication; language as the cornerstone of mass participation in the development process.    

IGB412           PROJECT/LONG ESSAY                                       (6 CREDIT UNITS C)

Independent research carried out under supervision on a linguistic, literary, or cultural aspect of the Igbo language.

ENG414     SPEECH WRITING                                                        (3 CREDIT UNITS E)

Introduction – What speech writing entails, The Communication process and the context of speech writing. Basic principles of speech writing, Types of speech, e.g. expository, analytical etc.  The step of quality speech writing, e.g., choosing topics, sourcing for information etc.  Logic, language and style in speech writing.  Review of selected speeches, Learners should be made to write at least 3 speeches to test their understanding of the different steps in speech writing.

6.0       LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION

The language of instruction is the English language as well as Igbo as the subject focus of the course.

8.0       QUALITY ASSURANCE

8.1       STAFF

Academic staff for the programme is located at the headquarters, and at the various Study Centres spread across the country.

Departmental Staff:

1. Alachi, James A., B.A. Drama (ABU), M.A. Theatre Arts (IBADAN), PhD Theatre Arts (IBADAN) – Professor.

1. Eyisi, Joy C., NCE English/Rel. Studies (AWKA), B.A. Education/English (NIG.), M.Ed. Educ. Admin & Supervision (AWKA), M.A. English, PhD English (NIG.) – Professor 

• Ofulue, Christine I., B.A. Linguistics (ILORIN), M.A. Linguistics (IBADAN),                                                                                                         PhD Linguistics (INDIANA) –  Assoc. Professor

1. Nwabueze, Iyabode O., B.Ed. English/Lang. Arts, M.A. English, PhD English (IBADAN) – Assoc. Professor

1. Iwuchukwu, Onyeka. F., B.A. English (NIG.), M.A. English, PhD English (LAGOS) –Assoc. Professor

1. Yakubu, Bridget A. M., B.A. English, M.A. English, PhD English (LAGOS) – Senior Lecturer

• Iyere, Theodore O., B.A English (JOS), PGDE (ABU), MA  English (ABU) –Lecturer I

• Gbenoba, Felix, B.A. English, M.A. English, PhD English (IBADAN) – Lecturer I

1. Ugoala, Bibian, B.A. English, M.A. English, PhD English (LAGOS) – Lecturer II

1. Oamen, Felicia, B.A. English (LAGOS), M.A. English (IFE), PhD English (IFE) – Lecturer II

8.2       ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

Admissions and registration are fully automated. Prospective students’ applications are passed through a set of criteria in line with entry requirements stated above. Successful candidates are issued provisional letters of admission, subject to presentation of original copies of their credentials for verification. The flexible nature of the University’s programmes allows candidates to register online for the minimum or maximum number of credit units in a semester. Nonetheless, the required qualifications for admission are strictly adhered to.

8.3       INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND DELIVERY

The method of instruction is by the distance learning mode, which involves the use of a range of media to bridge the ‘distance’ between the instructor and the students. Print is the major medium of instruction for this programme. Each course has a study material developed and written specifically for it, which students are expected to study prior to their being examined. A course guide is also provided to give the student an overview of the course. For the oral aspect of language learning, audio tapes will be provided to accompany the study materials.

8.4       EVALUATION

Continuous assessments are carried out in the form of assignments and are based on the study material for each course. These assignments will constitute 30% of the total score. The pass mark for the continuous assessment is 40% of the total score. Except otherwise stated, each course will culminate in an end of semester examination. The examination constitutes 70% of the total score. The pass mark for the final examination is 40% of the total score. Examination Scripts are marked by the academic staff as well as tutorial facilitators within their specified areas of specialization.

8.4.1    TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT

As part of the evaluation mechanism, each course would be provided with three TMAs for the Continuous Assessments for a course. To qualify to sit for examination, therefore, each student must turn in at least three TMAs for each course.

8.4.2    END OF SEMESTER EXAMINATION

Each course will also be examined at the end of the semester. Instructional facilitators as well as academic staff for the programme are encouraged to develop questions for the examination data bank. The questions are moderated internally as well as externally by an external assessor.

8.4.3    MARKING OF EXAMINATION SCRIPTS

The marking guides for each course as moderated by the internal and external assessors are used in the marking of the scripts by the academic staff and Instructional Facilitators. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the automated TMAs and examinations are being conducted by the University currently for the 100 and 200 levels make it less cumbersome to have students scripts marked as this is usually done automatically and the result immediately stored for future retrieval and compilation. Moreover, the student’s grade can be easily accessed as soon as the examination is completed by the student. The 300 level and the upward levels are marked by the academic staff as pen-on-paper examinations. This will be applied to the programme as with all the other courses in the University.

8.5       LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICES

The programme will be serviced by a range of support services, one of which is the grading of the tutor marked assignments by tutorial facilitators. The assignments, which will be returned to the students with facilitators’ comments will serve as a means for feedback, and will enable students to assess and improve on their performance. This is especially the case with field work as the TMAs are now automated. Student Counsellors are also available at the Study Centres to cater for the academic needs of learners.

9.0       RECOGNITION OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme has been prepared in line with NUC guidelines as well as international standards and is thus expected to enjoy quick approval from the University Senate as well as subsequent NUC accreditation once it takes off fully.

10.0     PROPOSED STARTING DATE AND PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

The programme is expected to take off by 2019 after it has passed through all the necessary standardization process and the course materials are substantially written.

11.0     TARGET STUDENTS

The B.A. Igbo programme has been designed for persons who wish to upgrade their qualifications or upgrade their language skills to handle the demands of their current occupation or those who desire careers in creative writing or the academics. It is also expected to provide teachers of Igbo language that will teach in secondary schools to fulfill the Nigerian governments desire to have teachers of Nigerian indigenous languages and thus preserve them.

12.0     STUDENT ENROLMENT AND PROJECTION

It is expected that the programme will get high enrolment figure as it is being requested for by many that wish to study Igbo language but cannot afford the time to sit in a classroom but find the ODL mode most convenient.

13.0     CONCLUSION

In view of the decline in the need to avoid language death for our indigenous languages, Igbo, like many other indigenous Nigerian languages, it needs to be given an opportunity to live on through presenting it to Nigerians in a very accessible manner. In addition, the ability to do independent logical reasoning is essential for intelligent decision making. A development of aesthetic ability through creative works is expected to arise from going through this programme. In this wise, career opportunities abound for graduates of the programme in a vast number of industries. The Igbo language is an international language and thus has the potential of giving Nigeria a projection beyond her borders as it is being presently done through BBC Hausa Service. The ability to reason creatively and independently is also expected to create in the students the ability to be solution providers in many areas of human endeavour.