Linguistics and Foreign Languages

Introduction

Brief on Department of Foreign Languages

The Department was created in January, 2013 when the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved for the split of the Department of English and Literary Studies.
The new Department is currently running undergraduate (B.A. French) and Postgraduate Programme (M.A. and Ph.D in Language and Literature).
Prof Bashir Muhammad Sambo, who got his B.A. French (1st class) in 1990; M.A. General Linguistics, 1995 and Ph.D General Linguistics in 2004 is the Head of the Department, after his appointment on 8th April, 2013.

French being one of the five modern European languages; one of the two official languages used in the United Nations and a language spoken by many neighbouring francophone African and as such countries, deserves more academic recognition especially in our higher institutions. Nigeria is the leading country in West Africa needs French to enhance its political leadership in the sub-region. Therefore, it is pertinent to accord the French language its rightful place through its teaching and learning in Bayero University, Kano.

The teaching of French at degree and postgraduate levels will provide more administrative and professional job opportunities, especially in the diplomatic service, academic institutions and other areas in need of experts in the French language.

Philosophy

The Department of French offers courses that capture all professions in the academic disciplines with the aim of responding to the National French Policy.

Objectives

  • To produce graduates who fully understand the concept and operations of the French language in various disciplines.
  • To produce graduates who can communicate effectively both oral and written forms in the French language.
  • To equip our students for independent research at both under and postgraduate levels
  • To produce skilled graduates of the French language who can meet the challenges of manpower requirements at different sectors.

Duration, Admission Requirements

BA (Honours) French
For the UTME admission, candidates must possess 5 credit level passes in the SSCE/NECO/GCE examinations in relevant subjects including French and English language for the 4-year (8-semester) programme.
For the Direct Entry admission, candidates must have a minimum of 2 GCE (Advanced Level) passes at credit level, one of which must be Literature in English for the 3-year (6-Semester) Programme.

Courses and Description