The study of International Relations (IR) or International Studies exposes students to a deep understanding of global affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, international law, the dynamics of international systems, and interactions between countries.
Some Nigerian institutions combine it with history, diplomacy or political science awarding either a BA or BSc, depending on the faculty. Regardless, the career paths for a degree holder in International Relations are broad and include:
Diplomacy and Foreign Service
Required skills: Analytical writing, tech policy, and data analysis tools.
This has traditionally been the primary career path for International Relations graduates, with roles such as foreign service officers, policy analysts, and embassy staff. The course enables them to leverage their knowledge of historical contexts and international dynamics.
In today’s digital age, they use technology to navigate cyber policies and digital trade agreements between countries. Students can specialize in areas aligned with technology, such as cybersecurity policy.
Education and Research
Required skills: Mediation, digital literacy, deep research, and critical thinking.
There are job opportunities in academia. However, the National Universities Commission (NUC) now requires lecturers to hold at least a PhD, so stopping at a first degree may not be enough if you aim to become a lecturer in International Studies. Think tanks also hire graduates as historians and policy researchers to study past events and their implications for decision-making.
Academia offers dynamic career options, as lecturers can also serve as foreign affairs ministers, high commissioners, or ambassadors.
A good example is Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, an International Relations expert and Political Scientist, who became a renowned diplomat after a successful academic career. Similarly, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, an International Relations lecturer, was later appointed Nigeria’s External Affairs Minister (1985–1987) during the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
Graduates in this field are increasingly using technology to contribute to digital archives and analyze online historical documents to support academic research.
Journalism and Media
Skills: Communication and proficiency in digital tools (e.g., Adobe Suite, data visualization software).
International media organizations such as CNN, VOA, BBC, and Al Jazeera employ International Relations graduates as analysts on world events. Like a degree holder in English, you can become a journalist or editor on a foreign affairs desk of a media organisation, using your expertise to cover international affairs or historical documentaries.
Graduates in this field increasingly use digital media to analyze international events. Some even study the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on governance and global affairs.
Some notable journalists with backgrounds in International Studies include David Muir, anchor of ABC World News Tonight, and Peter Clottey of Voice of America (VOA).
Intelligence and Security Analysis
Skills: Research, pattern recognition, and adaptability to tools like geospatial analysis software or AI platforms.
Intelligence agencies such as Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the UK’s MI6 require International Relations graduates to analyze global conflicts and provide insights for security solutions.
For instance, graduates of History and International Studies help understand the ideology behind terrorism in Northern Nigeria and its links to terrorist activities in neighboring countries like Chad and Cameroon.
You can draw inspiration from intelligence and security journalists such as Reuters’ Chris Bing, New York Times reporter Nicole Perlroth, and Business Insider’s Jeff Elder.
Public Policy and Government
Skills: Policy analysis, historical perspective, and tech policy comprehension.
Graduates shape policy as advisors, legislative aides, or civil servants, drawing on historical lessons and diplomacy frameworks.
NGOs and International Organizations
Skills: Project management, cross-cultural competence, and basic tech skills (e.g., GIS for mapping crises).
You can work with international organizations such as the UN, Amnesty International, and humanitarian groups, addressing global issues like migration, conflict resolution, and development.
International NGOs like the International Rescue Committee, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch frequently offer opportunities for International Relations graduates.
Consulting and ESG
Skills: Strategic thinking, global awareness, and interpreting tech trends.
Consulting is a growing field in International Relations, with companies hiring graduates for geopolitical risk analysis and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Their expertise is also in demand in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sectors.
Objectives
Graduates in this field develop skills in international research, critical thinking, and understanding of global politics. The aim of international relations are:
Understand global politics
Provide students with knowledge of how nations interact, including the roles of power, diplomacy, conflict, and mediation.
When President Bola Tinubu threatened to invade Niger following coups in those countries, international relations experts recognized the misstep. He later rescinded the decision due to its dire consequences for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This move contributed to the disintegration of ECOWAS, with affected countries leaving to form a new bloc.
Promote policy analysis
Help students evaluate foreign policies and their effects on different nations.
Analyze international systems
The course explores international structures and global institutions such as the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and World Trade Organization (WTO). A degree in International Studies helps students understand how these organizations influence peace, security, trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation.
Examine historical context
Study historical events and trends (e.g., colonialism, the Cold War) and their impact on modern international relations.
Develop critical thinking
Analyzing global interactions requires analytical skills to interpret complex issues, such as the war between Ukraine and Russia, trade relations between Nigeria and China, human rights concerns in Palestine, environmental challenges, and globalization.
Encourage cultural awareness
When combined with history, International Relations enables students to understand diverse cultures, ideologies, and perspectives, which shape international relationships.
Prepare for careers
Equip students with skills for professions in diplomacy, government, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, and academia by blending theory with practical applications.
Address global challenges
Develop solutions for contemporary issues such as climate change, migration, terrorism, and economic inequality.
It is a standalone program in some universities, such as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. However, at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, it is a combined course. Your choice of institution determines how it is structured.
You will be awarded either a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) or Bachelor of Arts (BA), depending on whether the program falls under the Faculty of Social Sciences or the Faculty of Arts/Humanities.
-It is under the Faculty of Arts at the University of Benin.
-It is under the Faculty of Social Sciences at Ahmadu Bello University.
-It is under the Faculty of Administration at Kaduna State University (KASU).
Note: Some universities refer to Arts as Humanities or combine them as Arts and Humanities.
Yes, though some institutions modify it slightly or combine it with other fields. You may find variations like:
-History & International Relations
-International Studies and Political Science
-Diplomacy & International Relations
-International Studies
-International Relations and Governance
-International Studies and Diplomacy
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