POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

History of the Department

The Department of Political Science is one of the departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences in the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt. It came into existence as one of the academic departments in the former Rivers State College of Education in June 1971. At inception, the Department was mandated to run National Certificate in Education (NCE) courses in Political Science/ Economics combination only. Later, the scope of the Department was expanded as it was authorized to mount courses in Political Science/ Fine Arts and Political Science/Social Studies combinations.

In 1981/82 academic session, the College was upgraded to a degree awarding institution (still affiliated to University of Ibadan) and the Department started the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree programme in Political Science. However, after the 1992/1993 academic session, Political Science/ Economics and Political Science/ Fine Arts combinations were phased out leaving the Department to run courses only in Political Science/Social Studies combination. This was mainly due to the dwindling number of students’ enrolment in the NCE programme in the College. Eventually, NCE programme was phased out as soon as the institution gained a University status as Rivers State University of Education (currently, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education) in 2009.

Currently, the Department of Political Science awards the Bachelor of Science (Education) (B.Sc. Ed.) degrees in Political Science, and it is staffed with highly qualified, academically-focused and energetic lecturers who consistently strive to provide experienced academic guidance and the democratic ambiance needed for fecund academic engagements.

Philosophy of the Department

The philosophy underpinning all programmes of the Department of Political Science of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education is to produce well grounded, intellectually sound, diligent, responsible, and

professionally and ethically sound graduates who are committed and able to contribute to the growth and development of their communities, nations, and all humanity. For the B.Sc. Ed programme, this means producing knowledgeable and competent teachers who are sound in character and are willing and able to drive the development and growth of their learners and institutions to impact their societies.

Vision of the Department

To be the best Department of Political Science among tertiary institutions in the country and to produce graduates who will distinguish themselves anywhere in the world.

Mission of the Department

To attract and train high calibre students to become first-rate political scientists using well-motivated, creative and conscientious staff committed to building a university of choice in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Aims of the Department

The Department of Political Science is established to offer excellent programmes of instruction leading to the award of an honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Education) (B.Sc Ed) in Political Science after a three or four year course of study by the student (depending on the point of entry), It is also established to encourage and promote scholarship, conduct research and development in Political Science and related Social Science disciplines.

Objectives of the Department

Specifically, the main objectives of the Department of Political Science include:

• To offer instruction, training and learning that lead to the development of social and political consciousness in individuals so that they can contribute their own quota to the developmental needs of Nigeria and the world at large.
• To prepare students for the acquisition of sound knowledge so adequate in scope and content as to enable them function as political scientists anywhere in the world.
• To prepare students for administrative, managerial, and decision-making positions in both the public and private sectors both locally and internationally.
• To prepare students to be pedagogically sound teachers of government and political science in different schools in the country and outside.
• To provide consultancy services to the community and conduct seminars and workshops.