HOD’s Welcome Message

Increased globalization and the gradual elimination of ideological divisions in the international system have encouraged the application of high standard state craft and rationality in the competition for scarce shared international resources, international benefits and leadership positions.  Thus, there is a radical shift in the character and purpose of diplomacy.  The emergence of total diplomacy has expanded the diplomatic horizon to include a wide variety of non-state actors.  All these have heightened the public demand for knowledge of, and exposure to modern diplomatic practice.

It is evident that our traditional courses in the Arts and Social Sciences in Nigerian Universities do not possess the adequate breadth, depth and sturdiness to cope with this new millennium demand in the international system.  This programme fills the yawning gap in our syllabus.

The programme is designed to acquaint students with a proper historical grasp of the operations and management of the international system.  It brings forth, in perspective, the interplay of intellectual, economic and cultural determinants in international affairs.  The programme therefore highlights the historical character of international studies and diplomacy, and facilitates a mastery of the techniques of historical reasoning and application in international affairs.

The curriculum will, in particular, locate Africa in the international system, taking into consideration Africa’s strategy in the international system.  The desired goal and objectives are to produce potential diplomats and international civil servants of liberal and humanist education equipped with the tools of history, the understanding of the intricate relationship between history and the craft of interstate relations.  The programme will produce a truly indigenous practitioner of international studies and diplomacy capable of holding his or her own in the international arena.

The International Studies and Diplomacy programme is a holistic package in content, delivered in a methodology which, in many respects, is indigenous to our system.