Political Science in Nigeria, Opportunities and Universities

Political Science in Nigeria: What It Is and Why It Matters

Political Science is the systematic study of politics: how societies govern themselves, how power operates, how laws and policies are made, how different groups within and across states interact, and how governments and institutions manage societies. The discipline typically covers:

• Political theory and philosophy
• Comparative politics (comparing different political systems)
• Government and public administration
• International relations and diplomacy
• Public policy and governance
• Political behavior and political economy
• Conflict resolution, peace and security studies

In a country like Nigeria — with its complex multi-ethnic, multi-religious, federal structure, and evolving democracy — Political Science is especially relevant. Students of Political Science contribute to understanding and shaping governance, public policies, development, human rights, international relations, and social justice.

For many, the course opens doors to careers in government, civil service, diplomacy, NGOs, policy research, journalism, law, and public administration. It also provides foundational knowledge for further studies (Master’s, PhD) in law, international relations, public policy, and related fields.

🎯 What You Should Expect If You Study Political Science

Core Subjects & Areas of Study

Typical coursework and focus areas include:

• Political Theory & Philosophy — classical and modern political thought
• Government Structure & Public Administration — how government institutions function
• Comparative Politics — comparing political systems worldwide
• International Relations — diplomacy, conflict, global politics
• Nigerian / African Politics — understanding the local political context
• Public Policy & Governance — policy formulation, implementation, evaluation
• Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies
• Political Economy — how politics and economics interact
• Research Methods, Statistics, and Political Analysis

Through this training, students learn analytical thinking, debate skills, research methods, report writing, policy analysis — all useful whether in public service, activism, diplomacy, or private sector.

Admission Requirements (Typical in Nigeria)

• Five (5) O’Level credit passes including English Language plus relevant subjects (varies by school). (University Of Nigeria Nsukka)
• For UTME: proper subject combination (often English + a Social Science subject + whatever the university specifies) to qualify for Political Science. (SureSuccess.Ng)
• Good JAMB/UTME score and passing any screening or Post-UTME exam (some universities require it). (schooldoings.com)

Given high demand for Political Science, admission tends to be competitive in the best universities.

📈 Why Political Science Is a Valuable Course in Nigeria

1. Influence on Governance and Policy — Graduates contribute to analysis, policy formulation, governance, public administration, and nation-building.
2. Wide Career Scope — Government service, diplomacy, civil service, NGOs, journalism, academia, consultancy, public policy, advocacy, private sector roles.
3. Strong Demand for Analysts and Researchers — Organisations and institutions need people who can research, analyze trends, provide insights, especially in governance, security, development, and international relations.
4. Platform for Leadership & Civic Engagement — Many Political Science graduates get involved in civil society, advocacy, politics, and grassroots mobilization, influencing change.
5. Academic and Global Pathways — The course prepares you for postgraduate studies and international opportunities in international relations, human rights, development studies, etc.

Given Nigeria’s demographic growth, political transitions, governance challenges, and global interactions — Political Science remains essential.

🎓 Best Universities in Nigeria for Political Science

Below are some of the leading universities in Nigeria widely recognized for robust Political Science programmes. This choice is based on academic reputation, departmental strength, history of Political Science education, alumni feedback, and breadth of focus (local, international politics, public administration, etc.).

University	Why It Stands Out / Key Strengths
University of Ibadan (UI)	One of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious universities; Political Science department is historic and known for strong academic rigor and producing top policy analysts and scholars. (My School Portal)
University of Lagos (UNILAG)	Offers comprehensive curriculum covering governance, public administration, IR; located in Lagos, providing exposure to political, media, and NGO events — good for networking and internships. (My School Portal)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria	Well-regarded in Northern Nigeria; strong Political Science programme covering governance, comparative politics, and public administration — accessible for many from the north. (JustSchooling)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)	Longstanding Political Science department; good balance of academic theory and Nigerian politics focus; known for affordability and decent academic quality. (University Of Nigeria Nsukka)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)	Offers Political Science with good public administration & governance focus; accessible for students from the South-South / Delta / Edo region. (My School Portal)
Covenant University (CU)	As a private university, offers structure and possibly more stable academic calendar; good for those who prefer private-university environment. (My School Portal)
Lagos State University (LASU)	Solid Political Science programme among state universities; more affordable fees compared to private schools; suitable for Lagos-based or budget-conscious students. (schooldoings.com)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka	Offers Political Science; recognized among federal universities in southeast Nigeria — good option for students from that region. (My School Portal)
Bayero University Kano (BUK)	Offers Political Science; for students in northern Nigeria seeking accessible Political Science programmes. (Schooly)
Other reputable institutions (state & private)	Many state and private universities also offer Political Science, giving wide options depending on budget, location, and preference. (SureSuccess.Ng)

⚙️ What Makes These Universities Stand Out

Academic Rigor & Reputation

Universities like UI, UNILAG, ABU, UNN have longstanding reputations for political science — experienced faculty, well-established curricula, postgraduate programmes and history of producing graduates who occupy important roles in government, media, academia, civil society.

Diversity & Breadth of Focus

Good Political Science departments in these universities cover many subfields: public administration, comparative politics, international relations, African politics, policy analysis, political economy — which is important for a comprehensive education.

Geographic Spread & Accessibility

Because these top schools are spread across Nigeria (south, southwest, north, southeast), students from different regions can access quality education without having to travel too far.

Stability & Academic Calendar (for some)

Some universities (especially private ones) tend to have more stable academic calendars and fewer interruptions, which matters for students wanting uninterrupted study.

Affordability (in public universities)

Federal and state universities like ABU, UNN, UNIBEN, LASU offer more affordable tuition compared to many private institutions — good for students with constrained budgets.

Options for Private Institutions

Private universities like Covenant give alternative for those who can afford higher fees, often with relatively smaller class sizes, potentially better student-to-lecturer ratio, and perhaps better infrastructure — depending on school.

Career Paths & Opportunities for Political Science Graduates in Nigeria

Completing Political Science opens up diverse career opportunities, such as:

• Civil/Public Service & Governance — roles in government ministries, civil service, public administration, local government, public policy, planning.
• Diplomacy & International Relations — working with foreign services, foreign missions, international organizations, NGOs, global development agencies.
• Politics & Advocacy — involvement in party politics, governance, community mobilization, youth leadership, civil society activism.
• Media & Journalism — political reporting, analysis, opinion writing, research journalism, commentary.
• Research & Policy Analysis — think-tanks, research institutes, consultancy firms, public policy research.
• Law & Legal Studies (with further studies) — many Political Science graduates proceed to study law, international law, human rights law.
• Education & Academia — teaching, research, postgraduate studies (MSc, PhD) in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, etc.
• Non-Governmental Organisations & Civil Society — working in advocacy, human rights, community development, social justice, governance reforms.
• Private Sector & Business — roles in corporate governance departments, public affairs, business analysis, stakeholder management, public relations.

Political Science arms graduates with analytical thinking, communication, understanding of governance structures — versatile skills across sectors.

Challenges & What to Keep in Mind When Studying Political Science in Nigeria

While Political Science is rewarding, prospective students should be aware of these realities:

• High Competition for Admission — because the course is popular, demand is high; cut-off marks and screening are often competitive. (schooldoings.com)
• Large Student Population in Public Universities — leading to crowded lectures, fewer resources per student, limited individual attention.
• Possible Academic Interruptions — strikes and academic calendar disruptions may affect some universities (though this varies).
• Need for Extra Effort for Specialization — Global-standard specialization (e.g. international relations, policy research) may require extra reading, internships, or postgraduate work.
• Ambiguous Job Market for Some Paths — while there are many opportunities, securing good positions may require extra skills: writing, research, diplomacy, networking, postgraduate qualifications.
• Personal Motivation Matters — success in Political Science depends heavily on initiative, critical thinking, awareness of current affairs, and extra-curricular engagement (reading, debates, internships).

 What You Should Do to Maximize Your Political Science Degree

If you choose Political Science:

1. Stay informed on current affairs — politics, policy, governance, local & global issues.
2. Engage in debates, seminars, student associations — build oratory, analytical and leadership skills.
3. Get involved in internships or volunteer with NGOs, media, civil society organizations — useful exposure.
4. Consider specializations: International Relations, Public Policy, Conflict Resolution — these may offer better global and postgraduate prospects.
5. Consider postgraduate studies — for higher specialization (MSc, PhD) or careers in research and academia.
6. Network widely — lecturers, alumni, professionals — can help with mentorship and job opportunities.
7. Develop soft skills — writing, communication, diplomacy, negotiation, research methods.
8. Be open to diverse career paths — your Political Science degree is not limited to government jobs.

Political Science remains one of the most relevant, dynamic, and socially impactful courses to study in Nigeria. It equips you with understanding of power, governance, society, policies — and prepares you for diverse career paths across public service, diplomacy, academia, media, civil society, and beyond.

If well chosen, your university can make a big difference. Among the top institutions for Political Science are University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Covenant University (CU), LASU, UNIZIK, Bayero University Kano (BUK), among others.