BRIEF HISTORY
The General Studies (GS) Department at the University of Benin was established during the 1975/1978 academic session in response to the growing recognition of the need for a comprehensive, broad-based educational programme. This programme was designed to complement and enhance the specialized knowledge that students acquired in their respective disciplines. Initially, beginning from the 1983/1984 academic session, all new, returning, and repeat students were required to complete and pass General Studies courses as per the old curriculum. These courses were assessed on a pass-or-fail basis.
Significant changes occurred in the 1997/1998 session when these courses transitioned to become credit-earning, with each course carrying two credits. During the 1st semester, students would take GST111 (Use of English I) and GST112 (Philosophy & Logic), followed by GST121 (Use of English II), GST122 (Nigerian People and Culture), and GST123 (History and Philosophy of Science and Technology) in the 2nd semester. It became mandatory for all regular and part-time students to pass these GST courses to be eligible for graduation.
The curriculum expanded in the 2011/2012 session with the introduction of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, adding to the array of GST courses. Furthermore, GST111 and GST121 were merged into GST111 (Use of English and Communication Skills), streamlining the offerings under a unified course code.
Embracing advancements in technology, the General Studies Department transitioned from traditional paper-based assessments to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. This transition began in the 2015/2016 academic session and has been successfully implemented, reflecting the Department’s commitment to staying current with educational trends and technological advancements.
Through these progressive changes, the General Studies Department has continually evolved to provide a robust and holistic education, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge that transcend their specialized fields. This approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded, capable of critical thinking, and prepared to address the multifaceted challenges of contemporary society.’
ACADEMIC SESSION COURSES
100 Level
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status | LH | PH |
| GST 111 | Communication in English | 2 | C | 15 | 45 |
| GST 112 | Nigerian Peoples and Culture | 2 | C | 30 |
200 Level
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status | LH | PH |
| GST 212 | Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence | 2 | C | 30 |
300 Level
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status | LH | PH |
| GST 312 | Peace and Conflict Resolution | 2 | C | 30 |
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