Department of Political Science Brief History

Department Brief History

The Department of Political Science offers a four-year programme leading to the award of the B.Sc. Degree in Political Science. The degree is acquired through coursework and research project by students of the Department. Admission into the Department is through the Unified Matriculation Examination (UME), conducted by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB). Students are also offered Admission into the University by Direct Entry.

The department is concerned with producing graduates with a critical mind, requisite ability and skills to analyse, comprehend, predict and influence factors that shape and mould power relationships in an ever-changing socio-political environment in a globalizing world.
Discipline Overview
At the heart of Political Science, is the scientific study of politics. It is concerned with applying the scientific paradigm, principles and concepts to interrogate, understand and unravel the dynamics and manifestation of political phenomenon such as the state, power, constitution, development, democracy, among others. It is the utilization of different methodological frameworks to study concepts and theories embedded in sub-fields such as public administration, political economy, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, among others.

Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are to:
1. Expose the students to the concepts and principles of political science
2. Stimulate the students intellectually through the programme in such a way that they can understand, analyse and interpret political phenomenon
3. Equip the students with the foundational knowledge on the inner workings of the political institutions of the state. And also, unravel their origin, functions, prospects, crisis and challenges.
4. Expose the students to the nuances of conflict management and resolution which is foundational towards solving societal problems
5. Equip students with the ability to think critically and develop in them the capacity to appreciate the political processes especially the intermeshing of the socio-economic and political factors in the development of the state.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the, the students should be able to:
1. Understand the theories and concepts of Political Science
2. Discus the various legal systems/constitutions
3. Discuss concepts and theories of comparative politics;
4. Explain the nuances and contours of public administration;
5. Examine concepts and theories of international relations
6. Evaluate critical issues of development and underdevelopment