On February 4, 2024, the Public Voice News Agency team had the privilege of sitting down with the Head of the Department of Public Administration for an insightful conversation about the department's new program initiatives.
The interview began with warm introductions, and the HOD welcomed the team with enthusiasm, sharing a brief history of the department. He highlighted its foundational role within the university, tracing its roots back to the Institute of Administration. Over time, the department has evolved, even giving rise to other departments like Local Government Studies.
Reflecting on its academic journey, the HOD noted that the department initially focused solely on postgraduate studies. However, in 2009, it expanded to include undergraduate programs, introducing the BSc in Public Administration. Now, the department is taking another bold step forward with the development of new programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. While some programs have already received approval, others are in the final stages of the university’s rigorous review process.
Among the programs under development is the Diploma in Public Administration, designed for mid-level public sector professionals as a pathway for further studies in various social science disciplines. This program is in the advanced stages of approval. Also nearing final approval is the BSc in Governance and Policy Studies, a brand-new course structured to meet the benchmarks set by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC).
Several programs have already been approved, including the MSc in Governance and Policy Studies, which offers a broader perspective than the MSc in Public Administration and welcomes graduates from diverse academic backgrounds, provided they have credit passes in Mathematics and Government. Currently, students from fields such as economics, accounting, and linguistics are enrolled. Complementing this is the PhD in Governance and Policy Studies, further strengthening the department’s research offerings. Additionally, the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Public Administration serves as a bridge between the MSc and PhD programs, providing an opportunity for students who do not meet PhD entry requirements to sharpen their research skills. The Doctor of Public Administration and Governance is another major addition, catering to professionals with extensive work experience and a professional master's degree such as an MPA, offering them a prestigious qualification at the highest level.
The HOD explained that these new programs were motivated by the need for sustained growth and development, given the department's historical significance. Public Administration as a field is constantly evolving, and the department aims to mirror this progress. Furthermore, the discipline's interdisciplinary nature calls for programs that can accommodate students from various backgrounds, ensuring a more diverse learning environment. The long-term vision is also to establish a Faculty of Public Administration, and expanding the program offerings is a strategic step toward achieving that goal.
While these developments are exciting, they do not come without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is staffing constraints, as the department has experienced several departures recently. To mitigate this, they are exploring options such as inviting Pro Bono lecturers and planning for future recruitment tied to program expansions. Funding limitations pose another major challenge, but the department has a history of resourcefulness, having successfully funded past accreditation exercises through collective efforts. Going forward, they plan to strengthen their alumni network to secure additional support.
The department aims to launch the BSc programs in the next academic session, pending final approvals. The HOD emphasized the urgency of securing these approvals soon to ensure their inclusion in the next JAMB admissions list.
As the session wrapped up, the HOD expressed appreciation for the Public Voice News Agency's visit. In an informal chat afterward, he encouraged the team to uphold integrity in journalism, urging them to be a voice against wrongdoing while maintaining professionalism and probity. It was an enlightening and inspiring discussion, highlighting the department’s commitment to academic excellence and its vision for the future.
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