Welcome To Our Department

Historical Overview of the Department

The Department of International Relations began essentially as a Postgraduate Unit for research and training in the former Institute of Administration in 1963. However, the expansion of the Nigerian diplomatic missions from 36 in 1966 to 72 in mid-1975, as well as the need to staff them with people possessing relevant academic training and skill led to the introduction of a Bachelor Degree Programme.

The original unit was then upgraded to a full Department in March 1976, making it the first Department of International Relations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Other Ministries such as Defense, Internal Affairs etc. have also demonstrated keen interest in the programme.

More importantly, the need for advanced knowledge of international affairs increased significantly with Lagos and now the Federal Capital Abuja becoming major centres for international, regional and sub-regional diplomatic activities, especially after Nigeria spearheaded the founding of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975. Apart from its teaching and research programmes within the Faculty, the Department offers specialized training workshops, seminars and consultancy services for both home and foreign institutions.

Kehinde Olayode

B.A (Ed.); M.A (Ife) M.Phil, Ph.D (Cambridge)

Professor  &  HOD