The Institute of Foundation Studies was established on Thursday, January, 2016, following the University Senate election to elevate the General Education Studies (GES) Department in Federal University Otuoke, to the status of an Institute, vested with responsibilities.

In 2018, the General Studies Unit under the administrative headship of Professor Benjamin O. Okaba pioneered its first text titled, “General Studies Book of Reading” with about sixty-four (64) chapters categorized into five (5) sections. Section A: Use of Library and Use of English 1&2, Section B: History and Philosophy of Science. Section C: Computer Appreciation and Application. Section D: Nigerian Peoples and Culture. Section E: Introduction to Logic and Philosophy and Section F: Peace and Conflict Studies In this forward-looking era, the institute is thrilled to introduce the GSM book to learners and readers as an outstanding resource that explores the multifaceted scope of human society and provides a comprehensive overview of general education studies. The GSM book serves as a brilliant beacon for students and enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of basic general knowledge especially for freshers coming to take degree programmes in the university. The General Studies Module is written with utmost clarity and some measure of academic depth which reflects a significant upgrade from the previous edition. The text offers a precise and concise means of transmitting knowledge, thus providing a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of human society as it is, while taking into account the dynamics that underpin it. The authors’ expertise shines through as they present complex ideas with ease, providing thought-provoking insights that not only bring the material to life but also enhance the readers’ understanding of the broader context with a clear invitation to engage in critical thinking.

This GSM text begins with the four approved CCMAS general studies courses which include GES 101 Communication in English, a course that lays the foundation for word formation, art of public speaking, sounds and patterns in English Language and classification of grammatical words. GES 102: Nigerian Peoples and Culture, which examines the historical foundation of Nigerian Society and Culture bringing to bare the arts in pre-colonial times, challenges of Nigerian state to nation building and the acceptable norms and values of different ethnic groups in Nigeria. GES 201: Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence which explores the scope of philosophy, its meaning and branches with captivating studies into the rules of inferences, fallacies, laws of thought, symbolic logic of content, creative and critical thinking. There is also GES 202: Peace and Conflict Resolution, which addresses the need to understand peace, conflict and security as well as peace building measures with a clear outlook on the roles of international organization, media and traditional stake holders in conflict resolutions and peace building.

Prior to becoming an institute, the GES Department was led at various times by the following academic staff

  1. Prof. Adele Anthony Orlu (2012 – 2013)
  2. Prof. Chris Onyema (2013 – 2016)

Since its establishment, the institute has had the successive directors, namely: 

  1. Prof. Benjamin Okaba (2017 – 2018), 
  2. Prof. Edward Okechukwu Okeke (2018 – 2019) 
  3. Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Bruno Yammeluan Ikuli, (2019 –2023)
  4. Dr. Oyintonyo Michael-Olomu (2023 – …)
  1. Provides qualified manpower needed in teaching and learning of GES courses to all students in the University. 
  2. Provides study materials needed to enhance the study of the GES courses
  3. Ensure the training and retraining of lecturers involved in teaching the GES courses
  4. Promotes research and development through the institute’s interdisciplinary research journal
  5. Encourage inter/intra collaboration in improving teaching and learning of the GES courses
  1. GES 101: Use of English I
  2. GES 102: Use of English II
  3. GES 103: History and Philosophy of Science
  4. GES 104: Computer Appreciation and Application
  5. GES 105: Nigerian Peoples and Cultures
  6. GES 106: Introduction to Logic and Philosophy
  7. GES 107: Use of the Library and
  8. GES 201: Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies

CCMAS GES COURSES 

  1. GES 101: Communication in English
  2. GES 102: Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  3. GES 201: Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence

Lecturers Domiciled in the Institute of Foundation Studies:

  1. Dr. Oyintonyo Michael-Olomu
  2. Dr. Bunonyo Wilcox Kubugha
  3. Mr. Ibieneye Soalatiem
  4. Mr. Simon Peter Onisomise
  5. Mr. Akari Odumoro Augustine
  6. Mr. Sese, Ebikibina Joseph