Following the new restructuring and merging of various units of Wollega University, the institution came to take its present shape and nomenclature in March 2014. Institute of Language Studies and Journalism is one of a very few colleges established with the emergence of Wollega University in 2007 by the name “School of Language Studies and Journalism”. After enrolling some nationally placed students, the college became functional with some programs. Following the restructuring of Wollega University which took place in 2003E.C, the institute has got the name “College of Social Sciences and Education”. Then in 2006 E.C, it is named “Institute of Language studies and Journalism” once more. Until 2006, it embeds three departments and two schools: namely, Department of Language Studies and Literature, Department of Journalism and Communication, Department of Oromo Language and Art Studies, School of Law, and School of Education. However, the schools have been departed and the institution now incorporates Continuing Education Program and its own Registrar in addition to the three departments (Department of Language Studies and Literature, Department of Journalism and Communication, Department of Oromo Language and Art Studies). Under all of the departments, there are various programs in both under graduate and post graduate (MA in TEFL and MA in Oromo Language and Literature) studies. The main office of Institute of Language Studies and Journalism is located on the 2^ndfloor of the Institute’s Building (Rm. 15/B047) in the main campus of the University, Nekemte just nearer to the second gate.

Vision:

Institute of Language Studies and Journalism aspires to be centre of excellence in producing competent and innovative professionals who can generate and adapt new and relevant knowledge of development thereby  putting hand in solving the ever-increasing social problems (including MIS information, poverty, illiteracy, Environmental crises, inequality, prejudice and discrimination of different sort). 

Mission:

As part of the comprehensive mission of Wollega University, the Institute of Language Studies and Journalism  works to produce competent and innovative skilled professionals in the areas of Language studies and Journalism and communication via practical and lifelong learning that help learners actively engage in research and community services and promote democratic culture for the development of the country.