To be amongst the best where language, literature and literacy inform, form, and transform humanity.
History of the Department
The Department of English and Literary Studies was established during the 2013/2014 Academic session. Prior to this time, it was one of the two programmes (English and Literary Studies, and History and International Relations) in the erstwhile Department of Arts and Theological Studies which is now a College. The defunct Department of Arts and Theological Studies was one of the two foundation Departments of the College of Management, Social Sciences, Arts and Theological Studies which took off in the 2008/2009 academic session when the University commenced academic activities. At inception, Dr Abimbola Shittu served as the Pioneer Acting Head of Department of Arts and Theological Studies for two sessions, 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. Dr. Gabriel B. Egbe was the second Acting Head of Department (2010-2012) during whose tenure the Department and the programme of English and Literary Studies earned full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC). Dr Angela N. Dick was appointed Acting Head of Department (2012/2013) academic session. With the establishment of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Dr Gabriel B. Egbe was appointed as the pioneer Acting Head of Department with effect from the 2013/2014 academic session.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE DEPARTMENT
The overarching philosophy of the Department of English and Literary Studies is to promote scholarship in the humanistic studies as the foundation of knowledge and the aesthetic appreciation of all humanistic education and values for the holistic (intellectual, emotional and spiritual) development and advancement of humankind. Specifically, the programme is anchored on the ultimate aim of producing highly literate graduates who will positively affect their environment and sustain socio-cultural, political, economic and moral progress of the Nigerian nation using language, literacy, and literary sensibilities as tools of engagement. The fundamental approach to the dispensation of and dialogue with knowledge in the programme of English and literary Studies is anchored on developing the competencies of learners using out-come based student-centred engagement, and employing the skills of critical thinking and inquiry through teaching, research, and service in order to propel personal and societal growth and development.