About Us
Welcome to the Department of Foreign Languages, Obafemi Awolowo University
The Department of Foreign Languages at Obafemi Awolowo University is a distinguished hub of academic excellence and international engagement. Established shortly after the founding of the University of Ife in 1962, we are proud to be one of the institution’s oldest and most esteemed departments.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to providing a rigorous academic environment that fosters proficiency in the languages we teach. Our mission is to develop students’ competencies in the four core language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—while enhancing cultural awareness and encouraging meaningful community engagement.
Our Vision
We aspire to become a leading Department of Foreign Languages in Nigeria, renowned across Africa and globally. Our vision is to prepare our students for seamless integration into the international workforce, equipping them with the tools for lifelong personal and professional success.
Strategic Objectives
Our Department is committed to:
- Teaching foreign languages and literatures crucial to Nigeria’s cultural, intellectual, and political development.
- Conducting cutting-edge research in foreign languages, literatures, and cultures.
- Advancing the study of African literatures written in foreign languages.
- Promoting fluency in spoken foreign languages.
- Enhancing students’ written communication skills.
- Developing practical skills in translation and interpretation.
- Introducing students to literary criticism to strengthen analytical and critical thinking abilities.
We boast a team of accomplished and dedicated scholars who are committed to nurturing globally competent graduates through our core programmes in French, German, and Portuguese. At the undergraduate level, we offer both single and combined honours degrees, while our postgraduate programmes span from Master of Arts (M.A.) to Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
Our postgraduate offerings are designed to address the growing need for university-trained researchers and educators in the fields of language, literature, and linguistics. These programmes enable students to deepen their expertise in foreign languages and their associated literatures and cultures, including African literatures written in foreign languages such as French, Portuguese, and German. They also equip students with critical and analytical tools essential for academic and professional advancement.
Areas of Specialization include:
- African Literature in French
- Comparative Literature
- French Literature
- Lusophone Area Studies
- French Language and Linguistics
- German Language and Linguistics
- Portuguese Language and Linguistics
We are especially proud to be the only department in Nigeria offering a complete academic pathway in Portuguese Studies, from undergraduate through doctoral levels.
Why Choose Us?
A degree in Foreign Languages from Obafemi Awolowo University opens doors to global opportunities and diverse career paths. Our graduates are well-prepared to thrive in various sectors, benefiting from both personal growth and professional advancement.