Department of General Studies
Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of General Studies at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a unique academic unit committed to cultivating well-rounded graduates with strong foundational knowledge across multiple disciplines. Our department plays a vital role in ensuring that all students develop essential communication skills, critical thinking abilities, entrepreneurial mindset, and cultural awareness that complement their professional specializations.
General Studies is designed to provide every student at FUTA with a broad liberal education emphasizing communication in English, Nigerian culture and history, philosophy and logic, entrepreneurship and innovation, peace and conflict resolution, and information technology literacy. Our comprehensive curriculum aims to develop graduates who are not only technically competent in their disciplines but also well-informed citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society, understanding diverse perspectives, and adapting to the rapidly changing global landscape.
The department emphasizes practical skill development through interactive teaching methods, group discussions, seminar presentations, and experiential learning activities. We integrate concepts from humanities, social sciences, and applied disciplines to help students develop transferable skills including effective written and verbal communication, logical and critical reasoning, teamwork and collaboration, ethical decision-making, and entrepreneurial thinking. Our faculty members combine academic expertise with practical experience to make General Studies courses engaging and directly relevant to students' personal and professional development.
All students admitted to FUTA are required to successfully complete General Studies courses as a core part of their degree program. This ensures that graduates possess the essential knowledge and skills needed for effective communication, informed citizenship, entrepreneurial ventures, and positive contributions to national and global development. The department also serves as a bridge between specialized disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary understanding and holistic development of FUTA students.
What We Offer
Core Course Areas
- Communication in English - Spoken and written communication skills
- Nigerian Peoples and Culture - History, culture, and national identity
- Philosophy and Logic - Critical thinking and reasoning skills
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Business thinking and venture creation
- Peace and Conflict Resolution - Interpersonal and organizational harmony
- Information Technology Literacy - Digital skills and e-library usage
Skills Development Areas
- Critical Thinking and Analysis
- Effective Communication (Written & Oral)
- Public Speaking and Presentation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
- Ethical Reasoning and Leadership
- Entrepreneurial Mindset Development
- Digital Literacy and Technology Skills
Learning Facilities and Support
Digital Library Resources
Access to e-books, journals, online databases, and digital research materials
Interactive Learning Spaces
Classrooms designed for discussion, group work, and collaborative learning
Technology Labs
Computer facilities for digital literacy, online research, and e-learning
Focus Areas and Learning Objectives
Our department focuses on developing well-rounded graduates through comprehensive skill-building:
Communication Excellence
Developing proficiency in spoken and written English, effective listening, presentation skills, and professional communication for diverse audiences and contexts.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
Building logical reasoning, analytical skills, philosophical inquiry, and ethical decision-making capabilities for informed citizenship and leadership.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Cultivating innovation thinking, business awareness, venture creation concepts, and self-employment readiness for economic independence.
Cultural Awareness and Citizenship
Understanding Nigerian history, diverse cultures, national values, social responsibility, and active participation in community development.
Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
Developing teamwork abilities, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and leadership qualities for collaborative professional environments.
Digital and Information Literacy
Building technology competence, digital research skills, information evaluation, cybersecurity awareness, and e-learning platform proficiency.
Peace and Conflict Resolution
Understanding peace concepts, conflict dynamics, resolution strategies, and promoting harmonious relationships in diverse communities.
Career and Professional Development
General Studies prepares graduates for success across diverse professional fields through transferable skills:
Communications and Media
Journalism, public relations, content writing, media management
Business and Management
Administration, operations, business analysis, project management
Human Resources
HR operations, employee relations, organizational development
Education and Training
Academic support, curriculum development, training delivery
Government and Public Service
Civil service, policy analysis, public administration
Entrepreneurship
Business startup, self-employment, innovation ventures
Development and NGOs
Community development, NGO management, social impact
Technology and IT Services
IT support, tech documentation, digital management
Consulting and Analysis
Business consulting, research, strategy development
Course Materials & Resources
Access comprehensive learning materials, textbooks, lecture notes, and study resources for all General Studies courses.
100 Level Resources
Foundational courses in communication, culture, and academic skills.
Download 100 Level Materials
Complete course materials including lecture notes, learning guides, past questions, and practical exercises.
Access Study PacksGST 111: Communication in English I
English language fundamentals, writing skills, basic communication
GST 112: Nigerian Peoples and Culture I
Nigerian history, cultural heritage, national values
GST 113: Philosophy and Logic
Logical reasoning, critical thinking, ethical thought
GST 114: Entrepreneurship I
Basic entrepreneurship concepts, business awareness
GST 115: ICT Literacy
Computer basics, digital tools, e-learning introduction
GST 116: Peace and Conflict I
Peace concepts, conflict basics, resolution introduction
200 Level Resources - General Studies
Use of English, Nigerian Peoples & Culture, term papers, and general examination preparation materials.
First Semester - GNS 201 & 203
GNS 201 Past Questions
Compiled past examination questions for GNS 201
DownloadGNS 201 and 203 Term Paper Assignments
Term paper topics, guidelines, and assignment details
DownloadGNS 201
Lecture notes and study materials for GNS 201 (Use of English)
DownloadGNS 203
Lecture notes for GNS 203 (Nigerian Peoples & Culture)
DownloadGNS Note
General study notes covering key GNS topics
DownloadGNS 203 (ii) Team General
Team General notes part (ii) for GNS 203
DownloadGNS 203 (iii) Team General
Team General notes part (iii) for GNS 203
DownloadGNS 203 (iv) Team General
Team General notes part (iv) for GNS 203
DownloadGNS 203 (v) Team General
Team General notes part (v) for GNS 203
DownloadSecond Semester Materials Coming Soon
200 Level second semester GNS resources are being prepared.
300 Level Resources
Advanced courses emphasizing application and professional integration.
Download 300 Level Materials
Advanced materials with case studies, seminars, and practical applications.
Access Study PacksGST 311: Professional Communication
Public speaking, media literacy, workplace communication
GST 312: Contemporary Nigerian Issues
Current affairs, national development, social challenges
GST 313: Entrepreneurship Seminar
Business case studies, entrepreneurial ventures, startup insights
GST 314: Law and Society
Legal awareness, rights and responsibilities, civic engagement
GST 315: Leadership and Teamwork
Leadership styles, team dynamics, organizational behavior
GST 316: Global Perspectives
International affairs, cultural understanding, global issues
400+ Level Resources
Capstone and elective courses for specialized interests and advanced development.
Download 400+ Level Materials
Specialized materials for capstone projects, seminars, and elective courses.
Access Study PacksGST 411: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Advanced innovation, venture capitalization, business execution
GST 412: Capstone Seminar
Research presentation, professional development, career planning
GST 413: Elective Specialization I
Specialized topic based on student interests and career goals
GST 414: Elective Specialization II
Advanced elective for in-depth exploration of specialized areas
GST 415: Research Project
Independent research, thesis work, scholarly writing
GST 416: Professional Practice
Internship preparation, workplace readiness, career transition
General Studies Information
Universal Requirement
All students admitted to FUTA across all schools, faculties, and departments are required to successfully complete the General Studies core curriculum as an essential component of their degree program. General Studies courses are compulsory and non-negotiable for all undergraduates.
- Mandatory for all FUTA students
- Completed alongside major/discipline courses
- Required for graduation
- Develops essential professional competencies
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of General Studies requirements, graduates will have demonstrated:
- Proficiency in English communication (written and oral)
- Critical thinking and logical reasoning abilities
- Understanding of Nigerian culture and values
- Entrepreneurial and innovation mindset
- Leadership and teamwork capabilities
- Ethical decision-making skills
- Digital literacy and technology competence
- Conflict resolution and peace-building awareness
Contact the Department
Department Office
Department of General Studies
Federal University of Technology, Akure
PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
gabriel@legacybygabriel.com.ng
+234 (0) 913-209-1205
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed