International Relations, also known as International Studies is an interdisciplinary academic course that borders on political science, history and international studies. As an independent academic discipline, international relations involves the study of international relations and businesses through courses in the humanities and social sciences.
The study of International relations will give students knowledge about global affairs, diplomacy, economics, law, international policies, politics, and social fields. The course also has prospects of a high salary and great opportunities working in government agencies, private companies, and international organizations. This article highlights the top and popular universities offering international relations as a course.
Read on below:
Covenant University
Covenant University has the Department of Political Science and International Relations (PSI), which is one of the three academic components under the College of Leadership Development Studies. The department of International Relations is one of the flagship programs of the university. The department prides itself as the hub of policy thinking and research, as it encourages students to discuss ideas, discourses and political constructs for nation-building. The department is able to impact the knowledge needed for its students to be competitors on a global level, through research, citation and qualitative teaching. It focuses on key areas such as diplomacy, peace and conflict, power, negotiation, nation-building, gender, public administration, et cetera, wherein its students can become experts and contribute to national and global development. The department continues to pride itself as the largest research-oriented and student-centered department in its college. The management provides consistent support to each student through lecturer-student relationships, quality project supervision, consultancy, access to the internet and data, tutorial supports, and giving personal feedback to each student on their progress.
Afe Babalola University
Department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Afe Babalola University is under the College of Social and Management Sciences (SMS), one of the founding colleges at the university. The management of the department has many programs and activities put in place to ensure the overall development of its students. Most important of which is the enriching and diverse curriculum and courses used in teaching. The department also organizes seminars and workshops where students are exposed to diverse issues relating to international relations. The department also initiated a Diplomatic Dialogue Forum where seasoned diplomats and scholars from everywhere around the world come together to address, educate and share their experiences and knowledge with the students and discuss issues relating to international relations. A degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at Afe Babalola provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to make sense of happenings in the country and around the world.
Obafemi Awolowo University
The department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Obafemi Awolowo University is under the Faculty of Administration. The department began as a postgraduate unit designed for research and administration while under the former Institute of Administration. The unit was upgraded to a full department in 1976, making it the first department of International Relations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The department was established due to the need for more research and knowledge of international affairs. This was facilitated by the increasing role of Lagos and Abuja in diplomatic activities and how Nigeria spearheaded the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975. The department prioritizes teaching and research programs to aid learning. It also specializes in training and workshops where its students are exposed to issues of international importance so they can analyze and engage in conversations that make for national development. The department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Obafemi Awolowo University is a renowned consultancy center for institutes both home and abroad. The department has graduated students who are excelling in various fields such as academia, banking, communications and media, and many others. The department continues to grow stronger in the knowledge of international affairs while contributing to national development.
Lead City University
The department of History and International Relations at Lead City University is under the Faculty of Environment, Social and Management Sciences. It is accredited by the National University Commission. The university aims to be a center of excellence and an urban-based University. Its department of History and International Relations helps to achieve this by being at the forefront of the latest development in international affairs. The department impacts its students with the needed knowledge and skill to excel in the field through technology, quality teaching, optimal access to data, state-of-the-art computer facilities, electronic Library, audiovisual aids and other student-friendly course materials. The school makes it compulsory for all its students to register with and pass at least one professional or vocational trade examination during the course of their study at Lead City University. The facilities and structures already put in place by the school enhance its students’ chances for job opportunities both nationally and internationally.
University of Benin
The department of History and International Relations at the University of Benin was established with the aim of instilling knowledge of historical happenings around the world so that its students can understand international affairs and developments, not only in Nigeria but in other countries as well. The major goal is to widen the knowledge base of the students through the interdisciplinary nature of the department. The department believes that a proper understanding of history is an essential part of a nation’s development process. This is why the department prioritizes research in its teaching procedures so its students can become self-reliant and able to excel in whatever sphere they find themselves. The department recognizes the need to produce versatile historians who are experts in international relations so they can contribute to national and global development. The department makes various facilities available to aid learning. Its staff is also well trained with years of experience in academia and other fields so they can provide the needed expertise and knowledge to students.
These are the top Nigerian universities that will provide you with quality teaching, materials, research to help you excel in your career in international relations.