GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Philosophy and Mission Statement

Right from the beginning, the programme of the department is in line with its philosophy. The Philosophy of the Department of Political Science, therefore, is to produce graduates imbued with the ability to understand and make contributions to the development of Nigeria and the global community. This is to be achieved by equipping them with a broad foundation in the general field of Social Sciences as well as specialized knowledge in Political Science.

The Mission of the Department of Political Science discipline is to produce graduates with critical mind, requisite ability and skill to analyze, comprehend, predict and influence the factors that shape and mould power relationships in an ever changing socio-political environment in a globalizing world. Political Science does not just study power and power relations among men within the state and the international system, it also serve as an instrument for citizenship education. As an instrument for citizenship education, the programme has the practical goal of inculcating in the students the knowledge of government, its processes, democratic ideals, values, attitudes and norms that are essential for the development and sustenance of a democratic culture and stable polity.

1.2 The B.SC Degree Programme and Its Objectives

The Department offers undergraduate courses in political science to qualified candidates. The successful completion of the programme leads to the award of Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc.) in Political Science.

Objectives of the Degree Programme

The systematic study of power and power relations among men within the state and the international system is the defining essence of the programme of Political Science. It seeks to understand the institutional framework for managing the vital affairs of the many, the dynamic factors-social, economic and political-which impact upon the society and determine the design of public policy – as well as the relations among states and international organizations. Put simply, political science concerns itself with the acquisition, control and exercise of power by individuals and groups within the state as well as the relations among various states and international organizations.

Within the context of the overriding philosophy, the programme is designed to equip the students with the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to the socio-economic development of the country. More specifically, the main objectives of the degree programme can be stated as follows:

  • To equip the students with adequate statistical and quantitative skills and the ability to apply them to the analysis of socio-economic and political issues and policies;
  • To equip the students with knowledge and understanding of political science methods;
  • To equip the students with knowledge and ability to discuss public policies generally;
  • To provide training in the principles of political science and their application to the type of degree programme concerned – political economy, public administration or international relations;
  • To provide the students with the skill-base from which they can proceed to higher studies in political science
  • To imbue in the students a deep appreciation of the political dynamics of society and the impact of this on wider socio-economic development and societal well-being.
  • To produce students who can carry out fieldwork, collect data and analyse these in a coherent manner, as well as engage in comparative analysis of one political system with others.

1.3 Admission Requirement

Admission into Political Science programme could be either through UTME administered by JAMB or Direct Entry

UTME

Qualified UTME candidates are admitted into the four-year degree programme after they must have passed the University post UTME examination. To be qualified, a UTME candidate should posses a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSSC) or a General Certificate of Education (GCE) or their equivalents with credit passes in five subjects, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Government or History in not more than two sittings. An acceptable UTME score is also required.

Direct Entry

Candidates for direct entry into the degree programme should possess five credit passes in SSSC, GCE or their equivalents as it applies to UTME candidates. In addition, such candidates should possess credit passes in three relevant subjects at the advanced level GCE or its equivalent. Candidates with relevant diploma are also eligible for direct entry admission. Even the diploma holders must also meet the requirement for UME candidates. Holders of University Diplomas are not eligible for direct entry admission.

1.4 Competencies and Skills

A product of Political Science should have the following competencies and skills:

  • General and specific intellectual skills including literary information processing skills;
  • Interpersonal skills such as communication skills;
  • Conceptual framework skills that help in good decision making;
  • Competence in the use of information technology;
  • Subject-specific and transferable skills which allows for the pursuit of wide range of careers after graduation;
  • Reasonable level of competence in statistical and quantitative methods.

1.5 Behavioural Attributes

A graduate of the Department of Political Science who has achieved the threshold level should be able to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge of Political Science principles and concepts
  • Knowledge of Political Science theory,
  • Knowledge of appropriate research methods;
  • Reasonable and appropriate computing skills
  • Knowledge of Political Science data and appropriate methodology for analyzing them;
  • General knowledge in critical areas of Political Science;
  • Creativity in appreciating socio-economic and political problem because social problems can usually  be solved in a variety of ways; and
  • Critical Political Science reasoning to problem solving since social problems can usually be solved in a variety of ways.

1.7 Modes of Teaching

Political Science is a four-year course of intensive formal education in the University. During the four years, students are introduced to the field of study and led gradually and systematically from the simple through to the complex subject areas of the discipline. Various approaches are adopted in the teaching of political science. These include:

  • Classroom Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Seminars/Symposia
  • Excursions/Field Trips
  • Project Method

In sum, intensive classroom teachings are complemented by seminars, symposia, tutorials, field excursion to relevant institutions and agencies. These are capped with the writing and presentation of individual project report on relevant topics.

1.7 Teaching and Learning Facilities

Appropriate material resources support the teaching and learning of Political Science in the Department. Presently, these include:

  • Classrooms with the capacity to accommodate each level of students, equipped with comfortable sitting facilities, lightening, whiteboard and, if need be, public address system.
  • A Head of Department’s office furnished, equipped with file cabinet, bookshelf, executive chairs and tables, refrigerator IT/communication facilities.
  • Offices for all the regular staff of the department and a common room for non regular staff – all equipped with the necessary facilities and identified for easy identification by and access to students;
  • A resource room/departmental library which has books, magazines, journals, newspapers, for students/staff use. Plans are on to equip it with audio-video, internet facilities as well as facilities for receiving cable news.
  • A general office/secretariat for support staff with the necessary secretarial machines – typewriters, computers, cyclostyling machine photocopiers etc.
  • A good library. The central library and the departmental library have books covering all areas of the programme of the department.
  • Teaching aids at the immediate disposal of all staff include audio/video players/recorders, televisions, radio, projectors, maps etc. to facilitate teaching and learning.

1.8 Academic Regulations

The academic regulation of the University as contained in the Students’ Handbook is applicable to the department. We have selected some parts of that regulation for mere emphasis.

Attendance to Lectures

The department is not a correspondence college. Accordingly, a minimum of 75% attendance at lectures is required for a student to be eligible to write the semester examinations in each course. Thus, keeping of attendance register is mandatory in all the departmental courses.

Continuous Assessment

In line with the general University regulation, the department practices continuous assessment in all subject areas. The practice is aimed at enhancing the learning process. The assessment could include written tests, term papers, take-home assignments, oral presentations, etc. Continuous assessment carries a total of 30% of the final score of the student in any course while the main examination carries 70%.

1.9 Course Registration, Continuation, Probation and Withdrawal, Abandonment, Examination Misconduct, Academic Grievances etc.  

For details on the above and other regulations relating to academics, students are strongly advised to read the undergraduate academic regulations of the University.

1.10 Duration of the Programme

Political Science is a four year programme. However, a maximum of 6 years is permitted under certain circumstances for a student to obtain his/her B.Sc. in Political Science.