Political Science Department

The philosophy and mission of political science discipline is to produce graduates with a critical mind, requisite ability and skill to analyse, comprehend, predict and influence the factors that shape and mold power relationships in an over-changing socio-political environment in a globalizing world.

The B. Sc (honours) degree programme in Political Science aims at serving a number of inter-related objectives. To ground the student in the philosophy and methods of political inquiry and analysis. The focus is on scientific inquiry into and analysis of the relationship between the state and man both as an individual and a member of social groups.

Accordingly, our philosophy can aptly be seen as complimentary to the cases of philosophy of Madonna University: Simply put, we must be guided by the members of the university, viz “Decency in Education and Morals”.

To translate this motto into practice, we have to realize that the university as a “seat of learning” must strive to inculcate in our graduates a strong sense of self-reliance and community service by means of functional and broad-based education directed towards selfless social/civil responsibilities, effective leadership qualities, constructive professionalism, continuous spirit of inquiry and research and flagrant moral rectitude.

Objective

The main objectives of a degree in political science are:

i. 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.

ii. Stimulate the students intellectually through the program, in such a way that they appreciate social problems.

iii. To provide a solid foundation of knowledge about the workings of society and its institutions and develop the skills for the constructive use of such knowledge.

iv. To develop in students, the ability to apply the knowledge to the resolution of societal problems and conflicts.

v. To develop in students, such skills for competency that would allow them to be self reliant and entrepreneurial.

vi. Provide the students, such skill-base from which they can proceed to higher studies in political science.

vii. Provide the students with necessary skills for studying and analyzing society.

viii. 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.

Learning Outcomes

a) Regime of Subject Knowledge

The political science programme should have the following components:

i. Provide a coherent core of the history of political thought, political science principles and concepts and theories including issues like basic principles guiding the development of ideologies, philosophy and processes of governance. The process of acquisition of power, the process of public administration, the inter-relationship between the different levels of government and between different national governmental agencies and between one nation and the other, the process of national wealth creation, economic production and national development, the process of national integration and international organization.

ii. Equip the students with knowledge and understanding of the different methods of data collection and analysis.

iii. Enable the students to process appropriate computing skills and adequate for functioning effectively in the digital age.

iv. 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.

v. Knowledge and understanding of political science methods

vi. Knowledge and ability to discuss and analyze public policies generally,

b) Competencies and Skills

The product of political science training should have the following competencies and skills.

i. General and specific intellectual skills including literary information processing skills.

ii. Interpersonal skills such as communication skills.

iii. Conceptual frame work skills that help in good decision-making.

iv. Competence in the use of information Technology.

v. Subject-specific and transferable skills which allows for the pursuit of wide range of careers after graduation.

vi. Reasonable level of competence in statistical and quantitative methods.

c) Behavioural Attributes

A graduate in political science who has achieved the threshold level should be able to demonstrate:

i. Knowledge of political science principles and concepts.

ii. Knowledge of political science theory.

iii. Knowledge of appropriate research methods.

iv. Reasonable and appropriate computing skills.

v. Knowledge of political science data and the appropriate methodology for analyzing them.

vi. General knowledge in critical areas of political science.

vii. Creativity in appreciating socio-economic and political problem, because social problems can usually be solved in a variety of ways and

viii. Apply critical political science reasoning to problem solving.

Attainment Levels

Since our B. Sc degrees are graded from first class to third class degree level: it is crucial that procedures for the attainment of these classes of degrees are clearly spelt out for all concerned.

Accordingly, procedures used in all political science departments for fixing students attainment levels or for the assessment of students’ achievements in political science should correspond to the knowledge, abilities and skills that are to be developed through the 4 year degree programme. It is therefore corrected that evidence is provided on which the assessment of students’ achievement that class of degree awarded should be based, by using the following critical, access others.

– Continuous Assessments and “unseen” examination

– Tutorial performances

– Laboratory reports

– Problem solving and experimental exercises

– Oral presentation, as in seminars and conferences

– Planning, conduct and reporting on project works

– Essay assignments should be given on regular basis

– Literature surveys and evaluation in examination

– Demonstration of skills in relation to conceptual analysis, problem identification and solving, numeracy, computer and social skills.

– Ability to transfer skills to appropriate practical situations.

– Extent to which the knowledge base of students is extensive and extends beyond the work covered in the degree programme.

There are two levels of admission into the political science programme. These are UTME and Direct Entry.

Admission Requirements

(a) UTME

Candidates for admission into the four year degree programme should possess a Senior School Certificate or General Certificate of Education, or NECO or their equivalent with at least five credit passes obtained in not more than two sittings of which three must be Government or History, English language and Mathematics. An acceptable UTME score is also required.

(b) Direct Entry

Candidates for Direct Entry into the degree programme in political science should possess five passes in the General Certificate of Education, NECO, Senior Secondary School Certificate or their equivalents, three of which shall include Government or History, English language and Mathematics. In addition, candidates must possess credit passes in three relevant subjects at the advanced level in the General Certificate of Education or its equivalent. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree, OND or HND in relevant disciplines may be considered for Direct Entry admission.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

The rigorous training in political science prepare the graduate to fit different fields of human endeavour or positions both in the public international and private sectors of the national and international interest serve as politician, advisers to government, administrative personnel officers, political scientists, diplomats, social welfare officers, public relations officers, intelligent officers, policy analysts, lecturers and researchers in all levels of public affairs. Above all, graduates of political science are all equipped to pursue graduate programmes in more specified areas within the social sciences interdisciplinary family.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARD OF A DEGREE

To earn a degree in political science, all compulsory courses must be taken, and passed. All courses taught during each semester shall be examined at the end of that semester. Candidates will be credited with the number of courses units assigned to the course, which they have passed. The total number of units taken with the number of courses shall also be recorded for the purpose of computing the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The continuous assessment has 30 percent of the marks for any course taught. Classes of degree are to be awarded depending on the CGPA obtained.

Even when a student repeats the same course once or more before passing it, grades scored at each, and all attempts shall be included in the computation on the CGPA. Grades obtained in all the registered courses whether compulsory or optional, whether passed or failed must be included in the computation. The minimum number of the credit units required for the award of a degree is 153 units. This must be satisfied by a student before a degree is awarded.

CLASSES OF DEGREE

The classes of degree to be awarded will depend on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) obtained. The following classes of degree are approved:

Classes of degree Cumulative Grade Point Average

First class 4.50 – 500

Second class Honours (Upper) 3.50 – 4.49

Second class Honours (Lower) 2.40 – 3.39

Third class 1.50 – 2.39

Pass 1.0 – 1.49

Fail 0.0 – 0.99

When a similar process is repeated at the end of the second semester, an average is computed with what obtained in the first semester to obtain the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) that determines the classification of pass.

APPROVED SCORING AND GRADING SYSTEM

The table below shows the university senate approved scoring, and grading system (now outdated)

Percentage Letter Grade Grade Point

70 – 100 A 5

60 – 69 B 4

50 – 59 C 3

45 – 49 D 2

40 – 44 E 1

0 – 39 F 0

CODING OF COURSES

The coding are in three digits:

1st digits…………………Year of study

2nd digits……………… Stress areas

3rd digits…………………Semester courses

Odd number…………… First semester

Even number………….. Second semester

STRESS AREAS

FOUNDATIONAL THEORY AND EPISTEMOLOGY 0

GOVERNMENT 1

COMPARATIVE POLITICS 2

POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT 3

ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 4

POLITICAL ECONOMY 5

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 6

POLICY ANALYSIS 7

RESEARCH PROJECT 9