Linguistic Immersion Programme for Foreign Students

Historical Background

On February 17, 2005, the Ag. Head of Department of English wrote a memo to the Vice Chancellor through the Director of Academic Planning which was attached to a document titled “Senate Approved Immersion Programme in English for Francophone students”. The following is an extract from the memo:

“The University Senate approved the above programme during its last meeting and directed that corrections pointed out by Prof. Bayo Lawal be effected. Sir, I am sending the corrected copy checked by Prof. Bayo Lawal ….”

On August 11, 2008, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede held a meeting with some senior officers of the University and announced the appointment of Dr. Baa Mensa as the Director of the Programme.  On October 2, 2008, a cheque of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) was issued to the Director for the renovation of a block of offices and the purchase of equipment so that the programme could take  off.

On November 11, 2009, the academic programme took off successfully with eight (8) students from Benin Republic, one (1) student from Niger Republic, an initial academic staff of four (4) lecturers and three (3) administrative staff.

Objectives/Functions

This course is designed for French speaking students who are desirous of seeking admission into University of Ilorin to do a degree or postgraduate course in any discipline of their choice.  This will help them acquire the necessary mastery over the English language so that they can attend lectures and write examinations in English without any problem

The objectives of the programme are as follows:

1. to expose students from French speaking countries to English language skills for effective communication,
2. To give the students ample opportunity to interact with staff and students in the English language thereby helping to develop their competence in the latter,
3. To prepare the French speaking students in basic linguistic needs in English, thereby preparing them for their chosen area of study,
4. To make the University more accessible to all foreigners,
5. To further enhance the international status of the University.

Programme

The programme will normally last one session of two semesters.  In special cases, students may be allowed to do one semester only depending upon their level of competence in English.

First Semester
      ENF 011 - Basic English Grammar I              -  3 credits
      ENF 013 - Spoken English I                          -  3 credits
      ENF 015 - Listening/Reading comprehension -  3 credits
      ENF 017 - English composition I                   -  2 credits
      ENF 019 - English Extracts I                         -  2 credits
      ENF 021 - English Interactive Session I        -   2 credits

Second Semester 
      ENF 010 – Basic English Grammar II                        - 3 credits
      ENF 012 -  Spoken English II                                   -  3 credits
      ENF 014 – Listening/reading Comprehension II         -  3 credits
      ENF 016 – English Composition II                            -  2 credits
      ENF 018 – English Extracts II                                   -  2 credits
      ENF 020 – English Interactive Session II                   -  2 credits

Projects

The University of Ilorin is a reputable international centre with many excellent programmes which have already been attracting some students from francophone countries.  With the introduction of this programme, the linguistic barrier will be removed and many more foreign students wil be attracted to the University.