Location: Ikire Campus

BRIEF HISTORY:
History of the Arabic Studies Unit of the Department of Foreign Language Studies
The efforts to introduce Arabic Language and Literature Programme at Osun State University started in 2014 during the tenure of Professor Bashiru Okesina as the Vice-Chancellor but these became fruitful during the tenure of Professor Labode Popoola. The proposal was taken to the National Universities Commission for Verification in January 2017. NUC Resource Verification Exercise took place in July 2018 and Arabic Language and Literature was amongst the programmes in the College presented for verification. The University, having made adequate preparation for the exercise, the Verification turned out to be a huge success.
Dearth of students for admission to study Arabic Language and Literature in the University came as a problem in the beginning of the programme. To solve this problem, a proposal was made to the University Senate to recognise for admission, the Senior Arabic and Islamic School Certificate (SAISC) coordinated by the National Board of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) to read Arabic and Islamic Studies. This certificate, recognised by National Council on Education (NEC), is equivalent to NECO, WASC and NABTEB. The products of standard Madrasah education system are eligible to write the examination. The proposal has been considered and approved by the University. The first set of students was admitted for Arabic Language and Literature in 2021/2022 session.
Arabic Language and Literature remains under the Department of French since it started as a programme in the University and this has led to a change in the name of the Department, which is now named Department of Foreign Language Studies to take charge of Arabic, French as well as other foreign languages that may be introduced by the University.

MISSION:
To create a unique Department committed to the pursuit of academic innovation, in Arabic studies and a tradition of excellence in teaching, research and community service.

VISION:
Vision of the Department
To be a centre of excellence providing high quality teaching and learning experiences in Arabic studies that will engender the production of entrepreneurial graduates in this discipline, capable of impacting positively on their environment while being globally competitive.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
B. A. Arabic Language and Literature.

Departmental Journal:
A departmental journal was launched in 2019 with the name Uniosun Journal of Foreign Language Studies (UJOFOLS). This departmental journal, which is published yearly has published 5 volumes and is currently working on volume 6.

GENERAL INFORMATION
For admission into the 100-level degree programme in Arabic language and literature, candidates must have the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or its equivalents with credit passes in five (5) subjects: English Language, Arabic language and any other three subjects at not more than two sittings. The candidates must also earn an acceptable score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate (SAISSC) issued by NBAIS (National Board of Arabic and Islamic Studies) has been approved by Osun State University as requirement for admission into Islamic Studies and Arabic Language/Literature Programmes of the University. It is noteworthy that Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has already recognised the certificate (SAISSC) for admission into the Tertiary Institutions
Candidates seeking admission by direct entry into the 200 level Arabic language and literature programme must have two NCE or Advanced Level passes in Arabic language and any other Arts or Social Sciences subjects, in addition to credit level passes in five subjects at the SSCE or its equivalents. Diploma in Arabic and Islamic studies obtained from recognised institutions will also be considered