Director, Directorate of General Studies
The General Studies Directorate is an integral component of academic support unit of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu. It is headed by a Director with supporting administrative staff and non-teaching staff. Lecturers bring additional experience and academic support.
The Directorate of General Studies came into existence in 2009 with its pioneer Director as Prof. Richard Okafor. At take off in 2009, the Directorate started with 250 students, 1 secretary, 2 non- teaching staff and 9 teaching staff. But as of today, the number of teaching staff stand at 20 with over 3,500 students.
In 2012, the leadership of the Directorate changed and Prof. Romanus Egudu became the second Director of the Directorate. He held the post until when he handed over to Prof. Eugene Nwadialor. Prof. Onyema Ocheoha took over the leadership of the Directorate in 2019. Prof.
Chidi Uhuegbu became the Director of the Directorate on 31 st January, 2020.
The General Studies programme comprises courses cut across the faculties and academic departments in the University and runs through the entire academic session of the University. It is therefore comprehensive in nature and as a result, facilitate students’ intellectual diversity and academic versatility, to stimulate their intellectual curiosity, and to demonstrate the essence and significance of “Unity of Knowledge” and epistemic dialogue and Philosophy of Godfrey Okoye University.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) in 1989 approved minimum academic requirements for General Studies in all Nigerian Universities. As a result of this, General Studies courses became compulsory for all courses/programmes in Universities and each student is expected to pass these courses before graduation.
Mission Statement
The Directorate was created on the Philosophy of “Universalism” rather than “Particularism” that is producing graduates with knowledge outside their area of specialization. Aims and Objectives of the General Studies Programme in Nigerian Universities are similar to the visions of National Policy on Education in Nigeria.
According to the publications of National Policy on Education (2004), the aims of the University Education are (I) to contribute to National development through high level relevant manpower training, (II) to develop and inculcate proper values for the survival of the individual and the society, (III) to develop the intellectual capability of individuals to understand and appreciate their local and external environments, (IV) to acquire both physical and intellectual skills which will enable individuals to be self-reliant and useful members of the society, (V) to forge and cement national unity, (VI) to promote national and international understanding and interactions.
Functions of GST Office
- General coordination, supervision and monitoring of General Studies courses in each of the two semesters per session.
- Liaising with Directorate of Academic Planning Unit for the lecture and examinational timetables for appropriate placement of General Studies courses.
- Ensuring mutual cooperation between the Unit and the Exams and Records Unit for processing of GST results.
- Monitoring and coordination of the marking of GST Examination scripts after each semester examinations.
- Compilation, vetting and processing of GST results for Senate approval
- Attending to students complaints
- Having meeting with lecturers and coordinators
- Keeping records of GST answer booklets and examination results.
Courses Taught in the General Studies of Godfrey Okoye University According to Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS)
It is because of overall epistemic utility of this programme that all the General Studies courses are normally made compulsory for all the students. The General Studies courses are taught in two semesters made up first and second semesters in a session as shown below:
First Semester
GST 111A- Communication in English
ENT 211- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Second Semester
GST 111B- Communication in English
GST 112- Nigerian People and Culture
GST 212- Philosophy, Logic, Environment and Sustainable Development
GST 312- Peace and Conflict Resolution
ENT 312- Venture Creation
