General Studies (GST) courses are an integral part of the curriculum in Nigerian universities.
These courses encompass a wide range of subjects aimed at providing students with a well-rounded education and equipping them with essential skills for their future endeavors.
In this blog post, we will explore the various GST courses offered in Nigerian universities and delve into the reasons behind their inclusion in the curriculum.
Language and Communication Skills Development:
One of the primary aims of GST courses is to enhance students’ language and communication skills. Courses such as “Communication in English” and “Communication in French” focus on improving students’ proficiency in these languages, enabling them to effectively express themselves and communicate in diverse settings.
This proficiency in languages plays a crucial role in students’ personal and professional growth, equipping them with the necessary tools to excel in their chosen fields.
Social, Cultural, and Civic Awareness:
GST courses also aim to broaden students’ understanding of their social, cultural, and physical surroundings.
By studying subjects like “African Culture and Civilization” and “Logic and Philosophy,” students gain insights into their cultural heritage, critical thinking skills, and an appreciation for different perspectives.
This knowledge fosters active participation in society, enabling students to become informed and engaged citizens.
Character Development and Ethics:
Nigerian universities include GST courses, such as “Business Ethics and Social Responsibilities” and “Human Resources & Organizational Behaviour,” to socialize students and cultivate acceptable behavior, attitudes, patriotism, and nationalism.
These courses emphasize the importance of ethical conduct in business and society at large.
Students are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility towards their community and understand the roles and obligations of government at all levels.
Entrepreneurship and Self-Reliance:
At the 300 and 400 levels, Nigerian universities offer GST courses centered around entrepreneurship.
The aim is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for self-reliance and successful business management.
The curriculum emphasizes the development of an entrepreneurial mindset and provides students with practical skills through courses such as “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” and “Small Scale Business Management.”
Skills Acquisition:
In addition to entrepreneurship studies, GST courses offer skills acquisition programs to students from various disciplines.
These programs provide hands-on training and practical experience in specific trades. The skills are classified into three categories:
Category A (Trade Skills):
Students acquire skills in areas such as toothpaste making, soap/detergent production, textile block making, food processing/packaging, fisheries/aquaculture, and more.
These skills enable students to explore potential entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to the local economy.
Category B:
This category focuses on skills like tailoring, farming, photography, animal husbandry, bookkeeping, and interior decoration.
These practical skills provide students with a diverse set of competencies that can be applied in various industries and professions.
Category C:
Skills in this category include vulcanizing, plumbing, refrigeration, metalworking/fabrication, carpentry, electrical wiring, vehicle maintenance, and more. These technical skills equip students with the ability to handle essential repairs and maintenance tasks in different domains.
Conclusion
General Studies (GST) courses in Nigerian universities serve multiple purposes, including language development, social awareness, character building, and entrepreneurship education.
By offering a comprehensive range of subjects and skills acquisition programs, these courses enhance students’ capabilities and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
By combining academic knowledge with practical skills, Nigerian universities strive to empower students and contribute to the overall development of society.