B.Sc. Public Administration

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences (AMS) > Department of Public Administration > B.Sc. Public Administration

Our Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Public Administration course is designed for students who are passionate about governance, leadership, and public service.

If you are interested in how government institutions work, how public policies are made and implemented, and how organisations in the public and non-profit sectors are managed, this course is for you.

It provides the knowledge and skills you need to make a meaningful contribution to society through effective administration and leadership.

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Public Administration course runs for four years (or three years for Direct Entry students). It prepares you to understand both the theory and practice of managing public organisations, formulating policies, and delivering services to the public.

You will study subjects such as government and politics, administrative theory, public policy, financial management in government, human resource management, and development administration. The course also emphasises ethics, accountability, and transparency—values that are crucial in public service.

By the end of the programme, you will have the competence to work in government agencies, international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector, where public sector knowledge is valued. The course also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in public administration, political science, or related disciplines.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

It balances general studies with public administration theory and practice.

At this stage, you are introduced to the basics of governance and management alongside general education courses:

  1. Principles of Economics
  2. Introduction to Political Science
  3. Elements of Government
  4. Communication in English
  5. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  6. Principles of Management

You begin to specialise in public sector concepts:

  1. Introduction to Public Administration
  2. Administrative Theory
  3. Public Personnel Administration
  4. Local Government Administration
  5. Business Statistics
  6. Nigerian Legal System

This level strengthens your knowledge of governance and development:

  1. Public Policy Analysis
  2. Development Administration
  3. Comparative Public Administration
  4. Fiscal Administration
  5. Research Methods in Social Sciences
  6. Administrative Law

In the final year, you consolidate your learning with advanced concepts and practice:

  1. Public Enterprises Management
  2. Ethics and Accountability in Public Service
  3. Contemporary Issues in Public Administration
  4. International Administration
  5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation
  6. Research Project in Public Administration

In addition, you will participate in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), which places you in relevant organisations to gain practical exposure to public sector administration.

Entry Requirements

Admission into the B.Sc. Public Administration programme is through either the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry:

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme):

  1. You must have at least five credit passes in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent at not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Government or History, and any two other relevant subjects such as Economics, Geography, or Civic Education.
  2. You must sit for the UTME with the correct subject combination: English Language, Government or History, Economics, and one other relevant subject.
  3. You must also pass the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme):

  1. You may be admitted into 200 Level if you have passes at the GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) or its equivalent in at least two subjects such as Government, Economics, or History.
  2. Holders of National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or other recognised qualifications in relevant fields may also be considered, provided they meet the O’Level requirements.

Why study at OOU?

Our Public Administration course is designed to help you understand how government systems function and how policies affect the lives of citizens. You will be guided by lecturers who are experienced in both academic research and practical public service, ensuring that what you learn in class is connected to real-world governance challenges.

We place strong emphasis on practical learning through the SIWES, seminars, and field visits to government and non-governmental organisations. You will also benefit from an environment that encourages critical thinking, leadership development, and ethical responsibility.

By choosing this course, you gain not only academic knowledge but also the confidence to contribute to society as a responsible leader, administrator, or policy analyst.

Research Project

In your final year, you will carry out a supervised research project in Public Administration. This project allows you to investigate issues such as governance reforms, local government management, public finance, policy evaluation, or ethics in public service.

Through this process, you will develop your ability to design research, analyse data, and present findings that can influence practice and policy. The research project also strengthens your independent learning skills and prepares you for future postgraduate study or professional roles in administration and governance.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Public Administration, you must:

  1. Successfully complete at least four academic sessions (or three for Direct Entry students).
  2. Pass all compulsory courses in public administration, political science, management, and other related fields as specified in the approved curriculum.
  3. Earn the minimum number of credit units required, including general studies, electives, and the SIWES.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.
  5. Maintain acceptable standards of conduct and comply with all university regulations.

Your degree classification will be based on your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), which determines whether you graduate with First Class, Second Class (Upper or Lower), or Third Class Honours.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in Public Administration, you can pursue a wide range of career paths in both government and non-governmental sectors. Possible roles include:

  1. Administrative Officer in ministries, agencies, and parastatals.
  2. Policy Analyst or Policy Adviser.
  3. Human Resource Manager in public or private organisations.
  4. Development Programme Manager in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
  5. Diplomatic or International Organisation Staff.
  6. Local Government Administrator.
  7. Political or Legislative Aide.
  8. Entrepreneur in consultancy and management services.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for further studies in Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, or Law.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme):

  1. Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
  2. Select Public Administration as your course of study and choose the University as your first choice.
  3. Sit for the UTME with the appropriate subject combination: English Language, Government/History, Economics, and one other relevant subject.
  4. Apply for and pass the Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme):

  1. Apply through JAMB Direct Entry, selecting Public Administration.
  2. Present your Advanced Level (A-Level), National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or equivalent qualifications.
  3. Take part in the University’s screening process and upload the necessary documents.

Course Coordinator

The Public Administration programme is managed by senior academic staff in the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  6. Faculty = Administration and Management Sciences (AMS)
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences, Main Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities