ARISTOTLE’S METAPHYSICS OF THE UNIVERSALS AND THE PARTICULARS AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR GENERAL STUDIES COURSES AND DEPARTMENTAL COURSES IN THE NIGERIAN TERTIARY EDUCATION

Abstract

General studies programs were added to Nigerian tertiary education curricula in order to accomplish its noble goals of instilling moral and character formation, the discipline, and other qualities in undergraduates and graduates. However, the reality of moral decadence ubiquitous among students and graduates explicitly demonstrates the degree to which General Studies Courses have been relegated and underrated by students and staff of Nigerian Tertiary Education. In light of Aristotle's Metaphysics of the Universals and the Particulars, this paper offers, exposes, examines, and analyzes general studies courses and their goals. The study reveals the expediency of knowledge of general studies courses to staff, students, and society. The paper employs philosophical methods of rationalization, speculation, exposition, phenomenology, conceptualization, analyses, application, prescription, and evaluation. The paper recommends that frequent conferences and seminars on General Studies Courses should be organized for all students and staff of Nigerian Tertiary Education, morally and academically qualified staff should be employed to teach General Studies Courses, which should be made compulsory.