Department of English Language Brief History

Among the scholars who served the Department as heads are Mrs. Prisca Bob; Dr. Caroline Ifeoma Ume and the incumbent, Professor Emeka J. Otagburuagu. At the moment, the Department runs a four year standard programme that leads to the award of Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons) degree in English language. The Department took off with three students and four teaching staff. Currently, the number of students has increased to about twelve. The Department is poised to graduate well-groomed students to propagate its philosophy and objectives.

Philosophy
The Philosophy of the Department is expressed in its Department’s vision statement which itself is part of the current strategic plan. By that statement, the Department shall be a centre of excellence for the promotion and development of man and his culture through language and literature. It shall promote mastery of the English language for national and international communication and co-operation, and the study of literature as a key to understanding culture and the basis and pattern of political, economic, social and religious relations.

Objectives and Mission Statement
As a centre for the promotion and development of man and his culture, the Department of English, Evangel University shall encourage and carry out sound teaching, research, creative writing and community service through the optimum utilization of human and material resources at her disposal. The fundamental objectives of her mission shall remain the graduation of men and women who should be able to:
(i) demonstrate adequate and appreciable knowledge at the different levels of the English language such as Phonology, Phonetics, Syntax, Stylistics, Semantics, Morphology, Pragmatics and Applied Linguistics.
(ii) show good competence and performance in their use of English as a major official language in Nigeria;
(iii) display a firm grasp of the major trends, periods and developments of the literary genres;
(iv) show sound practical knowledge of current critical theories;
(v) use English and literature as instruments of national unity and ethical re-orientation; and
(vi) teach English and literature as experts at the different levels of Education.