Nigerian Universities offer dedicated International Relations courses to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate and understand this complex field.
Studying International Relations In Nigeria
Nigeria, being a member of the international community with diverse cultures, groups, geopolitical dynamics, and economic activity, needs scholars in the discipline to understand and chart a path for the government to move in and out of global issues.
Therefore, the study of International Relations is essential for the country’s development and advancement.
Nigerian Universities offer a wide range of courses in International Relations that engage with current global issues and provide students with the tools to analyze and interpret complex political situations.
The content of these courses typically includes theories of International Relations, foreign policy analysis, global governance, human rights, international security, international economic issues, and much more.
Moreover, the International Relations course in Nigerian Universities offers a networking platform for students and scholars who can learn together and share their ideas, perspectives, and experiences.
The course brings together students from different geographical regions with varied socio-economic backgrounds and exposes them to different cultures and ideas.
International Relations Admission Requirements and Cut Off Marks in Nigerian Universities
Admission Requirements:
To be admitted into a Nigerian University to study International Relations, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. O’Level Requirements: Candidates seeking admission into undergraduate programs in International Relations must possess a minimum of 5 credits in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. These credits must include English Language, Mathematics, History/Government or any social science subject, and two other subjects.
2. UTME/JAMB Requirements: Candidates must take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and choose International Relations as their intended course of study. They must also have a minimum score of 180 in the UTME examination.
3. Direct Entry Requirements: Candidates with Advanced level or National Diploma (ND) qualifications can apply for direct entry into the International Relations program.
They must possess a minimum of two A-level passes in relevant subjects (History, Government, Economics, or any social science subject) or an ND with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Cut Off Marks:
The cut off marks for International Relations in Nigerian Universities vary depending on the institution, faculty, and other factors. However, the minimum cut off marks for International Relations in most universities ranges between 180-200 for UTME while Direct Entry students should have a minimum of Lower Credit.
It is essential to note that cut off marks are subject to change yearly based on the number of applicants seeking admission into the program, the quality of the applicants, and the capacity of the institution.
Therefore, it is advisable to confirm with the institution of choice for their respective cut off marks, admission requirements and other relevant information.
Top Nigerian Institutions that offer international relations
There are several Nigerian universities that offer International Relations as a course of study. Here are some of the top Nigerian institutions that offer International Relations:
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG): UNILAG is a leading institution that delivers world-class education and is renowned for its exceptional record in international relations programs. At UNILAG, students have the opportunity to study International Relations at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): OAU is another top-ranking institution in Nigeria that offers International Relations courses. The Department of International Relations at OAU is known for its rigorous academic standards and its focus on producing well-rounded graduates who can excel in many career fields.
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): ABU is another reputable Nigerian university that offers International Relations. The Department of Political Science and International Studies at ABU is renowned for its practical approach to teaching and research, and its commitment to producing graduates who can effectively contribute to Nigeria’s development and global affairs.
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): UNN is one of the premier institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, boasting a well-respected Department of Political Science that offers International Relations courses. The department has experienced faculty members and provides students with excellent facilities and academic resources.
5. Lagos State University (LASU): LASU is a state-owned institution that offers International Relations. The department has a team of competent lecturers and provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global politics and relations.
Other Nigerian universities that offer International Relations as a course of study include the University of Ibadan, Bayero University Kano, and the University of Maiduguri.
It’s important to do adequate research on the different institutions that offer International Relations, including their admission requirements, course content, and career prospects before making a decision on where to study.
Career prospects for international relations graduates
International Relations graduates have a wide range of career prospects in both public and private sectors. Here are some of the career opportunities available for International Relations graduates:
1. International Development: They can work as policy analysts or research officers, development analysts, or project managers.
2. Diplomacy: One of the popular career paths for International Relations graduates is diplomacy, where they work as diplomats, consular officers, or foreign affairs officers in embassies and high commissions of their respective countries. They can also work as political analysts or political officers in foreign missions.
3. Government Agencies: Many government agencies require the services of International Relations graduates, especially in areas of foreign policy and international affairs.
International Relations graduates can work in government ministries, departments, and agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Customs Service, National Intelligence Agency, and many more.
4. Private Sector: International Relations graduates can work in the private sector, in areas such as international trade, business consulting, and international marketing.
5. Education: Graduates of International Relations can pursue a career in academia and become lecturers or professors of International Relations, Political Science, or related fields. They can also work as research fellows in think tanks, policy institutes or research centers.
International Relations is a broad discipline that offers graduates a wide range of career opportunities.
Summary
The International Relations course is a vital field of study in Nigerian Universities, offering students insights into the complexities of the international system, including the critical issues of globalization, governance, economic and political integration, and conflict resolution.
The course helps to equip students with a global perspective, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping the world today.
