Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Political Science |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Career field / body | Public sector, politics, diplomacy, law and research |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Government or History, and two other Social-Science or Arts subjects |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Political Science is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Political Science & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Political Science is about
Political Science is the study of government, politics, power and public policy — how societies are governed, how power is gained and used, and how political systems and institutions work.
A brief history of the discipline
One of the oldest fields of study, it examines everything from political theory to how modern states and international systems operate. It remains central to understanding Nigeria’s democracy and governance.
What you will study
You study political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public administration, Nigerian government and politics, political economy and research methods — with a project.
Why study Political Science & who it suits
This course suits analytical, curious students interested in people, society and how the world works, with good reading and writing skills. An interest in government, current affairs and debate is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in the public and civil service, politics and governance, diplomacy, policy analysis, NGOs, journalism and academia. It is also a strong foundation for further study in Law.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Political Science graduates work across the public sector, NGOs, diplomacy and media; senior policy and international roles pay best.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Mid-level (public sector, NGO) | ₦250,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Senior (policy, diplomacy, international) | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Political Science is offered by many Nigerian universities. Well-regarded, widely-recognised programmes include the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, University of Benin and the University of Ilorin, among others.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Political Science admission guide.
Is Political Science a good course to study in Nigeria?
Political Science is a strong foundation for public service, policy, diplomacy, law and media — versatile, though many roles reward extra qualifications and experience.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Versatile — public sector, NGOs, diplomacy, media and politics.
- An excellent foundation for Law and postgraduate study.
- Builds sought-after analysis, research and communication skills.
- Directly relevant to governance and development work.
Challenges to weigh:
- Fewer direct job titles — you often specialise or add skills.
- Entry pay can be modest and the public sector is competitive.
- Value rises with postgraduate study or experience.
- Reading- and writing-intensive.
It suits students interested in government, current affairs and analysis who enjoy reading and debate.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Political Science builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Critical analysis
- Research
- Writing and communication
- Understanding of governance and policy
- Debate and persuasion
- Problem-solving
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Political Science (4 years) → NYSC → careers in public service, policy, diplomacy, NGOs, media or further study (including Law).
How to get in: Political Science UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Political Science is Use of English, Government or History, and two other Social-Science or Arts subjects. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
- History — practise CBT
- Economics — practise CBT
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Political Science, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Political Science in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Political Science?
Use of English, Government or History, and two other Social-Science or Arts subjects
What jobs can I get with Political Science?
Roles in the public and civil service, politics, diplomacy, policy analysis, NGOs, journalism and academia — and it is a common route into Law.
Is Political Science a good course?
Yes — it builds strong analytical and communication skills and opens doors across the public sector, governance, media and further study.
Is Political Science a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes for those interested in governance and public affairs — it is versatile and a strong route into Law, policy, diplomacy and media, though many roles reward further study.
What jobs can I get with Political Science?
Roles in the public and civil service, NGOs, diplomacy, policy analysis, journalism and politics — and it is a common path into Law.
Can I study Law after Political Science?
Yes — it is a popular foundation for a postgraduate law path, and it also complements careers in governance and international affairs.
Does Political Science pay well?
Entry pay is modest; earnings improve in senior public-sector, policy, diplomacy and international-organisation roles, and with further study.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of social sciences and relevant professional/learned bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.