ATBU Trust and Investment Company LimitedWelcome to the General Studies Directorate where every student is our student.
As in other Nigerian universities, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University offers courses in General Studies which are compulsory for all students, irrespective of their areas of specialization. The courses are designed to expose Students to a broad general education.
The General Studies (GNS) Directorate is a strong teaching department, committed to the symbiotic relationship between teaching, research and the larger concerns of the university and wider society.
The directorate offers a range of courses designed to expose students to knowledge in other areas apart from their fields of specialization. The courses are compulsory for all undergraduate students and are computed as part of their CGPA. Consequently, the GNS classes are usually very large.
Members of the directorate contribute to the teaching of interdisciplinary programmes at the undergraduate level. Also, we work to promote the university as a centre of excellence in teaching and learning in Africa and the world and develop national and international links.
Currently, the following GNS courses are being offered:
• GNS 101: Use of English 2 Credit Units
• GNS 102: Use of English 2 Credit Units
• GNS 201: Information Science 2 Credit Units
• GNS 202: African History and Culture 2 Credit Units
• GNS 301: Science, Technology and Society 2 Credit Units
• GNS 501: Private Business Management 3 Credit Units
An additional course titled 'Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies' has been approved to commence next session 2006/20007 session for 200 level students.
Mission Statement
The General Studies Directorate seeks to produce well-rounded, articulate, morally and intellectually capable graduates with vision and entrepreneurial skills in an environment of peace and social cohesiveness.
Objectives
The objectives of the General Studies Directorate are:
To increase and develop in a short time the linguistic abilities of undergraduates who need English to acquire and update knowledge in their areas of specialization;
To equip students with the basic tools of communication, critical thinking and writing;
To assist students to understand and promote cultural heritage of the Nigerian and African societies;
To convey interest in and concern for moral values in Nigerian society and to encourage students to come to grips with moral and social problems in the contemporary society;
To encourage breadth as well as depth in learning on a continuing basis;
To infuse and strengthen a sense of national identity and patriotism;
To enc0urage students to integrate scientific, technological and humanistic outlook in their lives and attitudes;
To prepare students for a post university life, having acquired sufficient entrepreneurial skills and the capacity to fit into the labour market;
To appreciate the concept of peace as a crucial vehicle of unity and development; and provide an effective means of resolving conflicts.