Department of Political Science & International Relations
The Department of Political Science and International Relations runs NUC-approved B.Sc. programmes in Political Science and International Relations, equipping students with the knowledge, analytical skills and leadership capacity for careers in government, diplomacy, international organisations, public administration, policy analysis and academia.
Motto: Transforming the World Knowledge for Global Harmony, Peace and Development
Head of Department: Emeritus Professor Browne Onuoha
Head of Department Welcome Message
Welcome to the Department of Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), Anchor University Lagos. It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to one of the foremost departments in Anchor University Lagos, where academic excellence, character development, leadership, and service to humanity form the cornerstone of our educational philosophy.
The Department comprises two dynamic and highly relevant programmes: B.Sc. Political Science and B.Sc. International Relations. These programmes are carefully designed to equip students with the intellectual depth, analytical competence, ethical values, and professional skills required to understand and engage the complex realities of governance, public policy, international affairs, diplomacy, and global development.
At PSIR, we are committed to nurturing a new generation of scholars, leaders, diplomats, policy analysts, administrators, and change-makers who possess not only exceptional academic capabilities but also the character, integrity, and vision needed to transform society. Our goal is to produce graduates who can critically examine political and socio-economic issues, provide innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, and make meaningful contributions at local, national, and international levels.
The world today is characterised by rapid political, economic, technological, and social changes. In response to these realities, our Department remains steadfast in developing students' capacity to think critically, communicate effectively, conduct quality research, and understand the forces that shape power relations in an increasingly interconnected global environment. We strive to create an intellectually stimulating atmosphere where curiosity is encouraged, diversity is respected, and excellence is celebrated.
As you embark on this academic journey, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities available within the Department and the University. Engage actively in your studies, cultivate meaningful relationships, participate in scholarly discussions, and embrace the values that define Anchor University Lagos. Your years here will not merely earn you a degree; they will prepare you for a lifetime of leadership, service, and impact.
Once again, I warmly welcome you to the Department of Political Science and International Relations. I look forward to interacting with you and witnessing your growth into accomplished professionals and responsible citizens of the world. I wish you a rewarding, fulfilling, and academically excellent experience throughout your stay at Anchor University Lagos. Thank you and God bless you.
Emeritus Professor Browne Onuoha
Head of Department
Brief history of the Department
The Department of Political Science and International Relations at Anchor University Lagos was established following the approval granted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in November 2016. Academic activities in the Department commenced on 6 February 2017 with the admission of students into the B.Sc. Political Science programme, which was the pioneer programme of the Department.
In 2018, the National Universities Commission approved the B.Sc. International Relations programme, marking a significant milestone in the Department's growth and development. The programme commenced in the 2018/2019 academic session with a modest enrolment of three students, comprising two UTME admissions and one Direct Entry admission. Since then, the programme has experienced steady and remarkable growth, expanding to nearly 200 students across all levels of study.
The Department's first Coordinator was Mr. Oguchukwu Temple O., whose pioneering leadership laid a solid foundation for academic excellence and administrative effectiveness. Over the years, the Department has benefited from the contributions of several Coordinators and Heads of Department who have sustained its vision and strengthened its academic culture. Currently, the Department is headed by Emeritus Professor Browne Onuoha, a distinguished scholar whose leadership continues to advance the Department's pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
From its inception, the Department was envisioned not merely as another academic unit, but as a strategic platform for addressing the socio-economic and political challenges of society through quality education and impactful scholarship. Today, the Department has grown significantly in both student enrolment and academic staff strength, comprising Professors, Senior Lecturers, and other experienced academics with diverse specialisations in Political Science and International Relations.
Committed to producing well-groomed, intellectually grounded, and ethically responsible graduates, the Department continues to equip students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and leadership capacity required for careers in government, diplomacy, international organisations, public administration, policy analysis, academia, and related fields. Through its programmes, the Department remains dedicated to contributing meaningfully to national development and global advancement while upholding the core values of Anchor University Lagos.
Approved programmes
The Department is committed to providing quality education that prepares students for leadership, scholarship, and professional excellence in the fields of politics, governance, diplomacy, and international relations. It currently runs two approved undergraduate degree programmes:
B.Sc. Political Science
B.Sc. International Relations
Both programmes have received the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and are designed to provide students with a sound understanding of political systems, public policy, governance, diplomacy, international cooperation, conflict resolution, global affairs and other aspects of international relations and power politics in modern societies. Through rigorous academic training, research, and practical engagement, students are equipped for careers in government, international organisations, the diplomatic service, public administration, academia, and the private sector.
At present, the Department does not offer postgraduate programmes. However, plans are underway to expand the Department's academic offerings through the introduction of postgraduate programmes in specialised areas of Political Science and International Relations, as part of the Department's vision to strengthen advanced research, professional development, and scholarly contributions to national and global development.
General departmental admission requirements
To be eligible for admission into any programme in the Department, candidates must:
Sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and attain the approved cut-off score.
Obtain a minimum of five (5) credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
Present results from recognised examination bodies such as WASSCE, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB.
Meet all University and Departmental admission requirements as may be prescribed from time to time.
The Department welcomes qualified candidates who are passionate about politics, governance, diplomacy, public service, and global affairs, and who desire to contribute meaningfully to societal transformation and human development.
Student life
Life as a Political Science and International Relations student extends far beyond the lecture hall. The Department is a community of future diplomats, analysts, and global leaders, and student life is built around three pillars: Academic Excellence, Professional Development, and Global Citizenship.
Departmental associations: all students automatically become members of the National Association of Political Science and International Relations Students (NAPSIR). The association organises the annual Diplomacy Week and International Relations Day, Model United Nations (MUN) and Model ECOWAS/AU simulations, career talks with Ambassadors, Foreign Service Officers and International NGO leaders, peer mentorship, freshers' welcome, and departmental dinners.
Academic culture: we foster a culture of debate, research, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to form reading groups, publish in the IR Students Journal, and participate in national and international essay and debate competitions.
Code of conduct: students are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity, mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, and professional decorum befitting future diplomats.
Our facilities
To support 21st-century learning in Political Science and International Relations, the Department provides modern facilities designed for immersion, research, and real-world analysis.
Standard classrooms: designed for interactive and diplomatic learning, with ergonomic seating, interactive whiteboards and high-resolution projectors, high-speed internet for live streaming of global summits (UN General Assembly, AU Summits, etc.), and conference-style seating for simulations of diplomatic negotiations and bilateral talks.
Library and E-Resource Centre: a specialised reference hub for IR scholarship. The physical collection covers core texts on Political Science and International Relations Theory, International Law, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Strategic Studies, and Peace and Conflict Resolution, with e-library access to JSTOR, EBSCOhost and Foreign Affairs, and access to the UN Digital Library, World Bank Data, and AU archives.
The Global Situation Room (GSR), "Monitoring the World in Real-Time": the intellectual heart of the Department and the first of its kind in the Faculty. Modelled after the situation rooms of the United Nations, African Union, and leading Foreign Ministries, it is a live intelligence and analysis lab with live global monitoring of international news, conflict maps (ACLED), flight radars and financial market data; regional analysis desks covering West Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the Indo-Pacific and International Organisations; a daily 15-minute morning briefing on overnight global developments; a crisis simulation lab where students draft policy memos and foreign policy responses; and diplomatic training, including ambassadorial briefings, virtual exchanges with other IR departments worldwide, and pre-departure training for Model UN delegates.
The Diplomatic Market Square (DMS): a dedicated, flexible space for the DMS Forum, designed like a parliamentary square with a central podium, circular seating for open debate, and display screens for live data to support arguments. Together, the Classroom, the Library, the Situation Room, and the Market Square form a complete learning cycle: Learn the Theory, Read the History, Monitor the Present, and Debate the Future.
Programmes
Programmes offered
UG-PS-005
Political Science (B.Sc.)
A comprehensive understanding of political systems, governance, public administration, political theory, public policy, comparative politics, and international relations, developing critical thinkers who contribute to democratic governance and national development.
International politics, diplomacy, foreign policy, international organisations, conflict resolution, peace studies and global governance, preparing graduates for diplomacy, the foreign service, international organisations and research.
Emeritus Professor Browne Onuoha is a distinguished scholar, renowned Political Scientist, and one of Nigeria's leading authorities on governance, political power, conflict resolution, and state-society relations. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Anchor University Lagos, bringing decades of teaching, research, administrative, and mentorship experience to the Department.
Professor Onuoha obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from the University of Ibadan, and subsequently earned his Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees from the University of Lagos. Throughout his academic career, he has been closely associated with the University of Lagos, where he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Political Science and previously served as Head of the Department of Political Science.
An accomplished academic and public intellectual, Professor Onuoha has contributed significantly to scholarly discourse on governance, democratisation, conflict management, state restructuring, and political development in Africa. His research has focused extensively on the dynamics of political power, transitions of leadership, ethno-religious conflicts, constitutional crises, state reform, and civil society engagement.
His scholarly reputation was further underscored when he delivered the University of Lagos Inaugural Lecture titled "Politics and Transition of Power in Nigeria: Interrogating the Domain of Political Science." He is also widely respected for his contributions to public policy debates and governance reforms, and has consistently advocated institutional reforms capable of addressing Nigeria's developmental challenges and strengthening democratic governance.
As Head of Department, Professor Onuoha provides visionary leadership aimed at nurturing a new generation of scholars, diplomats, analysts, public administrators, and transformational leaders, strengthening the Department's academic culture, research activities, and commitment to excellence in teaching, character development, and service to society.
Dr. Temple Oguchukwu Obiefule is an accomplished scholar, researcher, and academic in Political Science and International Relations, with a growing reputation in peace and conflict studies, security studies, international relations, and development studies. He serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department, where he has distinguished himself through excellent teaching, impactful research, academic leadership, and mentorship.
He obtained a B.Sc. in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 2012, an M.Sc. in Political Science with specialisation in International Relations from the University of Ibadan in 2016, and a Ph.D. in International Relations with specialisation in Peace and Conflict Studies from Lead City University in 2026.
Since joining Anchor University Lagos in 2017 as an Assistant Lecturer, he rose to Lecturer II in 2020, Lecturer I in 2023, and Senior Lecturer in 2026. His publications include studies on terrorism and counterinsurgency in Nigeria and analyses of separatist agitations and state formation in post-colonial African societies, and he has presented papers at numerous local and international conferences.
His teaching philosophy emphasises critical thinking, analytical reasoning, independent inquiry, and the practical application of knowledge to real-world socio-political challenges.
Areas of specialisation
Security, Peace and Conflict Studies in Post-Colonial Africa
Human Rights and Development Studies
International Relations and Foreign Policy Analysis
Counter-Terrorism and Insurgency Studies
Secession and Separatist Movements in Africa
Migration and Diaspora Studies
Gender and Development Issues
Courses taught
Political Thought
Politics of Development and Underdevelopment
Politics of International Economic Relations
Terrorism and Insurgency
Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry
Methodology of Comparative Politics
Foundations of Political Economy
Theories of International Relations
Principles and Practice of Diplomacy
The Law of Nations
Contemporary Issues in International Relations
Race and Ethnicity in International Relations
Contemporary Global Studies
Evolution of the Contemporary International System
Olotu Mercy Kikelomo is an Assistant Lecturer with academic training in Political Science. Her research agenda focuses on contemporary governance and policy challenges, with particular interest in international economic relations, public policy processes, institutional governance, and development in Africa. Her work seeks to connect domestic public policy and governance with broader regional and international economic dynamics.
Research interests
International Economic Relations
Public Policy Analysis
Governance
African Development
Mr. Seun Perez Adekunle
Assistant Lecturer
B.Sc. (Osun State University, 2018), M.Sc. (Ibadan, 2024); Ph.D. in view (Ajayi Crowther University)
