Professional Assessment of Comparative Literature Programmes at Nigerian Federal Universities

Comparative Literature as a discipline occupies a marginal position in Nigerian federal university curricula, with most institutions offering only elective comparative courses within English departments rather than dedicated undergraduate or postgraduate Comparative Literature programmes. This study professionally assessed the state of Comparative Literature as an academic discipline at six Nigerian federal universities representing all six geopolitical zones. A professional programme assessment methodology was employed, combining institutional website analysis of course offerings, document review of available course outlines, structured interviews with 14 head-of-department level academics, and focus groups with 30 advanced literature students. The assessment examined disciplinary identity, staff expertise profiles, curriculum scope, library resources, and departmental development aspirations. Results showed that only two of six universities had a dedicated Comparative Literature department, while the others offered comparative courses within English or Languages departments. Non-European world literature (African, Asian, Latin American) was systematically underrepresented across all six institutions, with European and American literature dominating the comparative canon. Postgraduate Comparative Literature training was available at only one institution. Staff with dedicated comparative literature training were a minority in all departments. The study recommends a national Comparative Literature curriculum reform initiative coordinated by the National Universities Commission, including minimum standards for world literature representation, staff development in comparative methodologies, and incentives for establishing dedicated Comparative Literature departments at federal universities.

Keywords: comparative literature programmes, federal universities, Nigeria, curriculum assessment, disciplinary identity