B.A. (Ed.) History

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Education > Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education (ASSED) > B.A. (Ed.) History

The B.A. (Ed.) History programme equips you with a deep understanding of historical events, institutions, cultures and transformations that have shaped human societies across time. You will explore African, Nigerian, European, Asian and global histories while developing the critical thinking, analytical and interpretive skills needed to teach History effectively at the basic and senior secondary school levels.

The programme trains you to analyse historical sources, evaluate evidence, understand continuity and change, and explain the forces that influence political, social, economic and cultural development. Through this training, you become a knowledgeable and reflective educator capable of helping learners understand the past and its impact on contemporary life.

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts Education (History) blends the academic study of historical content with professional teacher education. You will examine themes such as early human civilisation, precolonial African societies, Nigerian history, world revolutions, colonialism and nationalism, contemporary world systems, and African integration. Alongside your content courses, you will develop strong pedagogical skills in curriculum interpretation, classroom management, educational psychology and historical inquiry methods.

This programme runs for four years through UTME admission and three years through Direct Entry, offering you a progressive journey from foundational historical knowledge to advanced thematic studies and practical teaching training. Through lectures, archival exposure, seminars, reading assignments, micro-teaching and full teaching practice, you will gain the ability to analyse historical trends and communicate them effectively in the classroom.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum spans 100–400 levels, enabling you to develop broad historical knowledge and professional teaching competence.

You begin with foundational courses that introduce you to key historical concepts and developments, including:

  1. Introduction to African History
  2. Introduction to Nigerian History
  3. History of Early Civilisations
  4. Themes in World History
  5. Introduction to Historiography
  6. Political and Economic History of Africa

Your knowledge deepens as you engage with more complex themes and regional histories through courses such as:

  1. West African History
  2. East and Central African History
  3. North African History
  4. History of Southern Africa
  5. History of Europe (Ancient to Modern Period)
  6. History of the Americas
  7. Islamic Civilisation

You advance into thematic and analytical studies through courses such as:

  1. Nigeria in the 19th and 20th Centuries
  2. African Nationalism and Decolonisation
  3. Economic History of West Africa
  4. History of International Relations
  5. History of Science and Technology
  6. Modern Asian History
  7. Contemporary African Political Systems

At the final level, you refine your analytical and pedagogical skills through courses such as:

  1. Advanced Historiography
  2. History of Ideas
  3. Contemporary Issues in Global History
  4. Historical Research Methods
  5. Teaching Methods in History
  6. Curriculum Development in Social Studies and History
  7. Teaching Practice

Entry Requirements

To gain admission into the B.A. (Ed.) History programme, you must satisfy one of the following entry pathways:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. You must have at least five credit passes in English Language, History or Government, Mathematics, and any other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant subjects.
  3. Meet the departmental and university cut-off marks.
  4. Demonstrate interest and aptitude for historical inquiry, reading, analysis and cultural understanding.
  5. Satisfy all other general admission requirements of the University.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. You must have five credit passes, including English Language, History or Government, Mathematics and other relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. Possess NCE, ND, or equivalent qualifications in History, Social Studies or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Hold Advanced Level passes in relevant subjects such as History, Government or Geography.
  4. Provide academic transcripts and supporting documents during the application.
  5. Meet the general Direct Entry admission regulations of the University.

Why study at OOU?

Studying B.A. (Ed.) History at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you a rich intellectual experience that explores the complexity of human societies, cultures and political systems. The programme is designed to help you understand the past in ways that illuminate present realities and guide future decisions.

Our lecturers are experienced historians and teacher educators who provide you with rigorous academic training and practical classroom skills. You will benefit from:

  1. A comprehensive curriculum that covers African, Nigerian and global histories.
  2. Opportunities to develop strong critical thinking, research and interpretive skills.
  3. Professional training in lesson planning, classroom management and history teaching methods.
  4. Exposure to debates, presentations and research activities that enhance your communication abilities.
  5. Teaching practice experiences that prepare you for real classroom environments.
  6. A supportive academic community committed to scholarship, ethical inquiry and professional excellence.

At OOU, you will gain the historical insight and pedagogical skills needed to educate learners, promote cultural awareness and contribute meaningfully to society.

Research Project

In your final year, you will complete a research project that allows you to investigate a significant historical theme, period, region or educational issue. This project demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research using historical methods, interpret evidence and present clear, well-reasoned arguments. Working with your supervisor, you will:

  1. Select a topic relevant to Nigerian, African or world history, or to history education.
  2. Gather and analyse primary and secondary sources.
  3. Apply historical methods such as chronology, comparison, thematic analysis and source criticism.
  4. Write and defend a structured, coherent and academically rigorous research report.

Your research project serves as the culmination of your training, equipping you with strong analytical, research and communication skills essential for teaching, administration and further studies.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Education (History), you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn the minimum credit units prescribed for the four-year degree (UTME) or three-year degree (Direct Entry).
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.
  5. Fulfil all teaching practice, micro-teaching and school-based experience requirements.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Ed.) History, a degree that prepares you to inspire learners, interpret historical knowledge effectively and contribute to society through leadership, scholarship and service.

Career Opportunities

A degree in History Education prepares you for a wide range of careers requiring strong analytical, interpretive and communication skills. Your training in historical inquiry, cultural studies and pedagogy equips you to work in both educational and non-educational settings.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. History teacher
  2. Social Studies teacher
  3. Curriculum developer (Humanities/Social Sciences)
  4. Education officer or administrator
  5. Museum educator
  6. Archivist or records officer
  7. Heritage and cultural resource officer
  8. Research assistant
  9. Community development facilitator
  10. Public relations or communication officer

You may find employment in:

  1. Public and private primary and secondary schools
  2. Ministries of Education and cultural agencies
  3. Museums, archives and cultural heritage institutions
  4. NGOs and community development organisations
  5. Media and publishing houses
  6. Government research units and policy organisations
  7. Cultural tourism and heritage promotion agencies

The programme also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate studies in History, International Relations, Archaeology, Anthropology, African Studies, Education and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and B.A. (Ed.) History as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Possess at least five O-Level credit passes including English Language, History or Government, Mathematics and other accepted subjects.
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental cut-off mark.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Possess NCE, ND or equivalent qualifications in History, Social Studies or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess the required O-Level credit passes.
  3. Upload your academic transcripts and supporting documents through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

You may begin your application or monitor your admission progress via the University’s official admissions portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. (Ed.) History programme is managed by a team of dedicated academics and experienced researchers within the Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Faculty of Education.

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 Arts Education (B.A. (Ed.))
  6. Faculty = Education
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Education, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities