The Department is mandated to train high level human resources at both undergraduate and graduate levels in African languages and literature, and to promote scholarship in these fields. This will be done by offering B.A., M.A. and eventually M.Phil. and PhD degrees, and by conducting research in the relevant disciplines.

In order to strengthen its operations and plan strategically for the future, the Department has prepared a comprehensive Strategic Plan which is based on the country's Vision 2016 and the University's Shaping Our Future. It is also in the process of revising and revamping its courses to align them to the stakeholders' needs and the current job market. Moreover, a system of quality control and performance management is in place to ensure high quality of staff performance and excellence in the delivery of programmes.