History

Introduction

The Linguistic Immersion Centre at the University of Ilorin was established by the Senate of the University to address the growing need for effective English language acquisition and proficiency among international Francophone and Arabophone students. As an institution of repute that recognizes the importance of linguistic skills in a globalised world, the Centre was inaugurated in 2008 under the leadership of Dr. Baa Mensa, who served as the Pioneer Director. During his tenure from 2008 to 2011, Dr. Mensa laid the foundational framework of the Centre, emphasising immersive learning experiences that promote not only language skills but also cultural understanding. His vision was to create an environment where both local and international students could engage in meaningful language practice through workshops, cultural exchanges, and interactive learning methodologies.

Following Dr. Mensa, Dr. Elizabeth Amegah-De Campos took over as Director from 2012 to 2017. She expanded the Centre’s programmes, introducing innovative teaching methods and expanding the curriculum. Under her leadership, the Centre became a hub for linguistic development, fostering collaboration with other universities and linguistic institutions. Dr. De Campos’ initiatives significantly enhanced the Centre’s reputation, attracting a diverse student body and increasing participation in language programmes.

In 2017, Dr. Afsat Sanni-Suleiman succeeded Dr. De Campus and continued to build on the Centre’s successes until 2018. Her tenure was marked by an emphasis on community engagement and outreach, further integrating the Centre’s activities with local cultural events. Dr. Sanni-Suleiman’s approach fostered partnerships with local organisations, enriching the learning experience for students and enhancing the Centre’s role within the university and the broader community.

From 2018 to 2020, Dr. Taofeeq Adebayo Alabi took the helms of the Centre leadership. He emphasised the importance of linguistic diversity and sought to create an inclusive environment that catered to a wide range of learners. Dr. Taofeeq’s leadership saw the introduction of specialised workshops and language immersion trips, which provided students with practical language use in authentic settings.

In 2020, Prof. S. T. Babatunde assumed the directorship and continued the centre’s trajectory of growth through 2023. His focus on academic excellence led to the development of the Centre. Prof. Babatunde implemented several innovative programmes that expand the Centre’s curriculum to facilitate language learning, ensuring that its remained at the forefront of linguistic education.

As of 2023, Prof. Badmas O. Yusuf has taken over the directorship, bringing a fresh vision to the Centre. His leadership aims to further strengthen the Centre’s commitment to linguistic immersion and cultural exchange, ensuring that it continues to serve as a vital resource for students seeking to improve their language skills in an increasingly interconnected world. Under his guidance, the Centre is poised to expand its offerings and engage more deeply with the global linguistic community, maintaining its role as a leader in language education at the University of Ilorin.