Igbo Language Needs Analysis of Non-Igbo University of Nigeria Post-Graduate Students: Implication for Curriculum Design

Abstract

This studyadopted the theoretical framework of Needs Analysis to investigate the Igbo language needs of non-Igbo University of Nigeria Post-Graduate (PG) students. Four research questions guided the study and descriptive survey research design was adopted.The population of this study consist of all the post-graduate students who are non-Igbo speakers at the University of Nigeria from 2009/2010 to 2012/2013 sessions.Purposive sampling method was used to select 76 students who are resident at the Post-Graduate Hall. The instrument for data collection was a four (4) point Likert-type rating scale in four clusters. Descriptive statistics was used in data analysis. The findings of the study showed the various aspects of Igbo languagelearners need to be equipped with for effective communication. The study therefore concluded that as Nigeria has adopted education as a tool for national development, it has become imperative that the Igbo language needs of non-Igbo University of Nigeria post-graduate students be articulated in designing an effective curriculum. Recommendations were also proffered.

Keywords: Igbo language, Language needs, Needs Analysis, Communicative language needs, Social language needs, Commercial language needs, Curriculum design, University of Nigeria Post-Graduate Students.