History of Linguistics

History of the Department

The Department of Linguistics started as a unit in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in the 1993/1994 academic session with six students. At the time, the unit had one lecturer, Dr P. N. Anagbogu, who was also the Head of the Unit. The staff strength increased with the arrival of Levi O. Igwe, who was invited by the Head from the College of Education, Nsugbe. Subsequently, Dr M. E. Iwundu of the Department of Linguistics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka joined but as a part-time member of staff. The following academic sessions were marked by further increase in staff strength and student population. The status of the Unit changed to the Department of Linguistics in 1998/1999 Academic Session when the Faculty of Arts was created from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. It was headed from this time to 2001 by Dr P. N. Anagbogu; 2001 – 2003, Rev L. O. Igwe; 2003 – 2004, Dr P. N. Anagbogu; 2004 – 2006, Dr B. I. Mmadike; 2006 – 2008, Dr R. O. Ezeuko; 2008 – 2009, Prof. P. N. Anagbogu; 2009 – 2013 Prof. Cecilia. A. Eme and 2013-date, Dr Greg Obiamalu. The Department got full accreditation in 2005/2006 Academic Session.

From the inception of the Department, more than fourteen sets of B. A. degree holders have been produced. Moreover, the Department runs post graduate programmes. The MA programme started in 1999. From this time to date, more than 18 MA holders have been produced. Post graduate diploma and Ph. D programmes were introduced in 2007. The programmes are strong and have a promising future.

The Department hosts a journal, The Awka Journal of Linguistics and Languages (AJILL). Five volumes of the journal have been produced.