Sociology/Anthropology

Philosophy of the Department

The Sociology and Anthropology curricula are designed to combine scholarship with relevance, breadth with depth, scientific objectivity with commitment in providing students with general grounding in the principles, theories and methods of Sociology and Anthropology.

Objectives of the Department

(1) To provide an academically stimulating environment of learning in which the students’ consciousness of social processes, social problems, social change can be raised and in which their creativity and self-reliance can be enhanced.

(2) To create an atmosphere in which knowledge is associated with social purpose and in which students are willing and able to develop such social values and attitudes that will positively contribute to discipline, work ethics, and commitment to national development objectives.

(3) By students to the theory, principles and methods of the two disciplines taught in the department, to develop and improve students’ independent mind, writing and analytical ability as well as objective and critical judgment. This will enable them to develop their ability to scientifically observe, collect and analyze data on cultural and socio-economic issues, on the basis of which they can understand social problems, make policy recommendations objectively and thus contribute meaningfully to national and social development objectives. To this end, the Department attaches great importance to students’ participation in courses and tutorials through seminars, term papers, and application of social research analytical tools through research projects.

(4) Against the above background, the Department aims at producing and maintains a steady output of well educated, committed, disciplined Nigerian citizens who are inspired by their grasp of social patterns, processes and problems in Nigeria, Africa and their interrelationships with the World community to seek solutions to social problems and contribute to improving the quality of human life in Nigeria.

Scope of the Department

The Department programme offers valuable preparation for many different careers since it scientifically examines society, social causes and consequences of human behavior. It especially examines social forces, which shape and are shaped by people, the work place and the family; the social services and social processes, which shape public affairs. Thus students planning careers in various fields find the sociological and anthropological understanding complementary and enriching their professional education in such areas as Law, Urban Planning and Research, Communications, Media and Journalism, Health Services, Personnel/Human Resource Development, Nursing and the human services professions, Graduates of the Department have found employment in various human services in private and public sectors of the economy such as Policy Analysts, Administrative/Personnel Officers, Career Diplomats, Bankers, Police Officers, University Lecturers and professors, Rural Development Officers, Museum and Antiquities Directors and Specialists, Planning Officers, Demographers, Intelligence Officers, Social Workers and Guidance Counselors.

The exposure to other social science disciplines especially in the first two years as well as the compulsory General Studies Courses in the Use of English, Humanities and Natural Science ensures that students are well educated and their perspective broadened. Their performance at Civil Service examinations and public/private settings underscore the relevance of the breadth of their education. Periodic reviews of the Departmental programme ensure that we retain their relevance to changing societal problems and respond to our national developmental needs while maintaining internationally accepted academic standards.

Job Opportunities

Graduates of the Department have found employment in various human services in private and public sectors of the economy such as Policy Analysts, Administrative/Personnel Officers, Career Diplomats, Bankers, Police Officers, University Lecturers and professors, Rural Development Officers, Museum and Antiquities Directors and Specialists, Planning Officers, Demographers, Intelligence Officers, Social Workers and Guidance Counselors.

General Information

The Department was started at the inception of the University in October 1960. The discipline was developed to enable scholars to study the various socio-cultural and other related social issues and problems affecting Nigeria in particular and the international community at large.

It seeks to promote academic learning, research and teaching in the field of humanities and social sciences for the better development of man. The Department has played a leading role in introducing and publicizing the discipline of Sociology & Anthropology into Nigeria.

Staff Profile

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Social Sciences