Universities that offer international relations in Nigeria

Interactions between sovereign states determine regional and international cooperation and support. Experts in this field ensure their country has friendly relationships with other nations. Most of them learn matters related to politics and government through international relations courses. If you are interested in this career, below is a comprehensive list of universities that offer international relations in Nigeria:

Key takeaways

• International relations courses in Nigeria are sometimes called international studies or international affairs.
• These courses are mainly offered in the faculties or departments of humanities or social sciences.
• IR courses expose students to economic, political, and social interactions within governments.

Universities that offer international relations in Nigeria in 2026

An international relations (IR) career in Nigeria offers diverse opportunities in government (diplomacy, civil service), NGOs, private sector (consulting, marketing), and development, with potential for good earnings in senior roles, but it's competitive and requires strong skills in analysis, policy, and global affairs, often benefiting from further specialization like law or economics.

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List of state universities that offer international relations in Nigeria

Here is a list of state universities that offer international relations in Nigeria and their location. They are primarily funded by the government of the state they are in, while also relying on other supplementary sources.

• Abia State University, Uturu
• Benue State University, Makurdi
• Edo State University
• Ekiti State University
• Imo State University, Owerri
• Lagos State University
• Kaduna State University, Kaduna
• Northwest University, Kano
• Osun State University, Osogbo

Federal universities that offer international relations in Nigeria

Below is a list of federal universities offering international relations in Nigeria and their location. They are spread across various states, but are primarily funded by the federal government, while also relying on other supplementary sources.

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna
• Bayero University, Kano
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
• University of Benin, Edo State
• University of Ibadan

Private universities offering international relations in Nigeria

Here is a list of private universities that offer international relations in Nigeria and their location.

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• Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State
• Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
• Baze University, Abuja
• Benson Idahosa University, Benin
• Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
• Caleb University, Imota, Lagos
• Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
• Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State
• Gregory Okoye University, Enugu
• Gregory University, Uturu, Imo State
• Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo
• Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State
• Kings University (UNIKINGS), Ode-Omu, Osun State
• Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State
• Lead City University, Ibadan
• McPherson University, Abeokuta, Seriki-Sotayo, Ogun State
• Novena University, Amai, Delta State
• Obong University, Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State
• Oduduwa University, Ipetumode
• Salem University Lokoja, Kogi State
• Southwestern University, Okun Owa
• Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State
• Wellspring University, Benin

JAMB UTME combination for international relations

For JAMB UTME International Relations, you need English Language (Compulsory) plus Government/History, Economics, and one other Social Science/Arts subject like Geography or Literature. To learn more, check the JAMB eBrochure for subject combinations and other requirements, or check your specific university's requirements, as they can slightly differ, with some preferring Government/History and two other Arts/Social Sciences.

What is international relations?

International relations is the study of the interactions between countries, international organizations, and other global actors like non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It is an interdisciplinary field that examines how these different entities engage with each other on a global scale, covering topics such as diplomacy, conflict and negotiation, international trade, human rights, and global economics.

Is international relations a good course in Nigeria?

International relations is good to pursue this course if you are passionate about it. It opens doors to diplomacy, intelligence analysis, policy analysis, public affairs, journalism, marketing, and roles in international organizations (UN Agencies, ECOWAS, and African Union as a Policy Advisor or Project Manager), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomat), Security Agencies (Intelligence Analyst), and NGOs (Human Rights, Development, Conflict Resolution roles).

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How many years to study international relations in Nigeria?

Studying international relations in Nigeria for a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc. or B.A.) typically takes four years of full-time study, focusing on global politics, economics, and culture, with pathways to further graduate studies in related fields like Political Science or International Law.

What subjects are needed for international relations?

You need core Social Science subjects for your JAMB UTME/O-Levels: English Language (compulsory), Government/History, and Economics, plus another Social Science like Geography. Universities often look for these subjects for admission.

Which university in Nigeria is best for international relations?

The University of Ibadan (UI), Bayero University Kano (BUK), Bowen University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and Madonna University are highly-regarded for international relations in Nigeria, offering strong foundations in Political Science/Social Sciences.

What is the best state university to study international relations in Nigeria?

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Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State are often cited as strong options for International Relations (sometimes under History & International Studies or Political Science). Other notable state universities with relevant programs include Bayero University Kano (BUK) in Kano State.

What are the top 10 best universities to study international relations in Nigeria?

While rankings vary, top Nigerian universities consistently offering strong international relations programs (often under Political Science/International Relations) include:

• University of Ibadan
• University of Lagos
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
• University of Nigeria (UNN)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
• Covenant University
• University of Ilorin
• University of Benin
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
• Bowen University

What are the fees for universities that offer international relations in Nigeria?

University fees for international relations in Nigeria vary widely. Federal universities are often the most affordable, with undergraduate fees ranging from N40,000 to N100,000+ per session, depending on the university and year of study (e.g., UNICAL, FUTA, BUK, OAU, UNIZIK are mentioned as having lower fees).

Private universities are generally the most expensive, with undergraduate degrees costing N200,000 to N500,000+ per session, and postgraduate studies much higher (e.g., Nile University's PGD in IR at N1.3 million). State universities' fees usually fall in between federal and private, but can still be budget-friendly, though specific figures vary widely by state.

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Nonetheless, if you cannot afford to enrol at the best university to study international relations in Nigeria, you can pursue a relevant diploma or professional bodies at specialised colleges. Diploma fees for international relations in Nigerian colleges vary widely, but expect ranges from under N100,000 to several hundred thousand Naira per session, depending on the institution, location, and whether it's a private versus public school.

Which is the best university to study international relations?

For years, the top global choices for international relations degree programs have consistently been:

• Harvard University, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Chicago in the US.
• University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), King's College London, UCL in the UK.
• Sciences Po (France), Leiden University (Netherlands), and Free University of Berlin (Germany) in Europe.
• University of Toronto, McGill University, and University of British Columbia in Canada.
• Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Many private, state, and federal institutions of higher learning offer international relations courses in Nigeria. If you wish to pursue these courses, you should contact your institution of interest for more details.

Legit.ng published a list of the best law universities. Law is among the most prestigious careers globally, and many young people admire successful lawyers.

Nigeria's laws are contained in the constitution. To understand the constitution deeply, you need to study law at the best institution of higher studies.

Source: Legit.ng