The Department of History and International Studies (formerly called Department of History) was established as one of the founding departments of the University at its inception in 1982.   The first head of Department was Prof. Olufemi Omosini.

In 2003/2004 academic session, the department made a thorough review of its curriculum in search of relevance to the needs of contemporary Nigerian society, Africa and the World in general. Consequent upon this, some old courses were jettisoned while new ones were brought on board. The department got approval from the Senate of the University to change its name to the Department of History and International Studies during the 2003/2004 academic session.

As at date, the department runs a B.A degree programme in History and International Studies as well as M.A., M. Phil and Ph.D Degrees in History and International Studies.

Presently, there are sixteen teaching staff members in the department. This is made up of one eminent Professor, two Readers, seven Senior Lecturers (four of them as adjunct staff), five Lecturers l and one Lecturer II. The current Head of Department is Dr. J.U. Nwachukwu.

PHILOSOPHY

History is defined as a selective system of cognitive orientation to reality by a social historian (sociologist) – Tailcot Parson. Using the record of the past through the study of history of man and his environment exposes scholars to the actions and inactions of men and their advantages and limitations. A study of the event of times also helps to validate and ascertain the causation of human action, the trend of human life and society’s development. Hence, a study of history as an academic discipline is not only fulfilling the obligation of inquiring minds while addressing issues and factors of history,  but makes the study more interesting than story telling or fictions.

OBJECTIVES

The basic aim of the History and International Studies Degree programme is to produce a generation of enlightened citizens that would be historically conscious and alert towards the management of complex international relations. The specific objectives of the programme are to:

(i)         contribute to the formation of an informed and concerned citizenry;

(ii)        provide basic skills in the study of History, Diplomacy and International Studies;

(iii)       expose students to historical movements and issues of international and global importance to enable them grasp the dynamics of world politics;

(iv)       sharpen students’ intellect by instilling in them a critical mind that will enable them appreciate the various dimensions of any issue whether at local, national or international levels and;

(v)        enhance students opportunity to boost their ability to get a rewarding career in the global economy.

In the light of the above, students will be introduced to all facets of Nigerian, African, European, Asian and American history as well as issues of international affairs such as terrorism and religious fundamentalism etc.  It is noteworthy that special emphasis shall be placed on the Nigerian and African dimensions of world affairs.

 PROGRAMMES OFFERED

The Department awards the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Hons) History and International Studies on successful completion of the programme. The duration for candidates admitted through the UME is four years (8 semesters), and those admitted through the Direct Entry require a ‘minimum of three years’ (6 semesters) to obtain their Bachelor’s degree. The Department also runs three (3) postgraduate programmes as indicated below:

(i)         M. A. History and International Studies

(ii)        M.Phil. History and International Studies

(iii)       Ph.D History and International Studies

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the basic University and Faculty of Arts and Education requirements, students seeking admission into the Department through UTME must pass English Language, History or Government at the G.C.E (O/Level), NECO or SSCE at credit level, and two subjects from either Arts or the Social Sciences also at credit level. Direct Entry candidates must have, in addition to the above, passes in two papers one of which must be in History or Government at the G.C.E/ (A. Level), or at least, a merit pass in NCE/ Upper Credit in ND/Upper Credit in Diploma in History and International Studies of this University or other equivalent qualifications recognized by the University in related disciplines.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARD OF DEGREES

For a student to qualify for the award of B.A. in any of the programmes offered by the Department, he/she must satisfactorily complete the following:

(a)        Compulsory courses (i.e. core Departmental courses that students are expected to pass before graduation);

(b)       Required courses (i.e. courses required by the University/Faculty for students to pass before graduation);

(c)        Elective courses (i.e. courses within or outside the Faculty which students can take and pass to meet the minimum number of units required for graduation).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

For a candidate to be eligible for the award of a B .A (Hons.) in History and International Studies, the following conditions must be met:

         The University requirements, including satisfactory completion of the prescribed units of the General Studies (GST) courses.

         Satisfactory completion of the compulsory Departmental courses together with the prescribed electives/optional courses.

         Total number of units for UME candidates shall be 155 units including General Studies (GST) courses.

         Total number of units for Direct Entry candidates shall be 125 units including General Studies (GST) courses.

         The final award and class of degree shall be based on the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) as follows:

CGPA             Classification of Degree

4.50-5.00         1st Class Honours

3.50-4.49         2nd Class Honours (Upper Division)

2.40-3.49         2nd Class Honours (Lower Division)

1.50-2.39         3rd Class Honours

1.00-1.49         Pass

Personnel Administration

1. The Department is headed by a Head of Department. The Departmental Board is made up of all Academic Staff in the department. The Board is responsible for making decisions that may affect the progress of the Department.
2. Departmental meetings are held from time to time where issues relating to the Department are discussed. Members of Staff are involved in the decision-making and general administration as each member of staff is assigned specific duties. They are also involved in giving suggestions which are considered jointly by members.
3. Apart from the general University policy and practice on Staff Development, the Department organizes seminar series where lecturers from other Departments are invited and papers presented. Also, members are encouraged to attend conferences and publish Journal articles apart from going for higher degrees.
4. Staff promotion is generally done by the Appointments &Promotion Committee of the University. The Department makes recommendations to the Committee through the Faculty Promotions Committee.

LIST OF ACADEMIC STAFF

S/N	NAME	STATUS	QUALIFICATIONS	AREA(S) OF SPECIALISATION	STATUS
1	Dr. J. U. Nwachukwu	Senior Lecturer	B.A, M.A., Ph.D	HISTORIOGRAPHY/ POLITICAL HISTORY	Ag. HOD
2	Prof. A. T. Ajayi (Mrs)	Professor	B.A., M.A., Ph.D	ECONOMIC HISTORY	Professor
3	Prof. J. O. Aremu	Professor	B.A, M.A., Ph.D	DIPLOMATIC HISTORY, AFRICAN HISTORY, HISTORIOGRAPHY	Professor & Dean of Faculty
4	Dr. F. M. Adu (Mrs)	Reader	B.A., M.Int. R, M.Sc., Ph.D	INT’L RELATIONS	Reader
5	Dr. L. O. Buhari	Senior Lecturer	B.A, M.A, Ph.D	AFRICAN HISTORY, PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES
6	Dr. M. Ediagbonya	Senior Lecturer	NCE, B.Ed (Arts), M.A. Ph.D	MILITARY HISTORY, AFRICAN POLITICAL HISTORY	Full Time
7	Dr. P.O. Oyewale	Senior Lecturer	B.A. (Ed.), M.A. Ph.D	ECONOMIC HISTORY, AFRICAN HISTORY	Full Time
8	Dr. W.A. Duyile	Senior Lecturer	B.A, M.A, Ph.D	MILITARY HISTORY, AFRICAN HISTORY	Full Time
9	Dr. A.O. Adeleye	Lecturer I	B.A, M.Sc, Ph.D	NIGERIAN HISTORY, PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES	Full Time

About The Ag HOD, Citation and Qualifications

Dr John Uzoma Nwachukwu began his tertiary educational career at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Archaeology and PGDE. He later obtained a Master of Arts degree in History from Abia State University, Uturu, and a Ph.D in History and International Studies from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. He is a member of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN). His area of interest is Nigeria/African History. He has published in reputable, peer reviewed local and international journals. He is a Senior Lecturer. Dr Nwachukwu is happily married to Mrs. Harriet Onyekachi Nwachukwu. They have four children.