What are sociology courses? Sociology is a field of social science that studies human behavior, focusing on society, human social behavior, and patterns of human behavior, including the social and cultural aspects of culture associated with the day-to-day life of human beings’ activities and their relationship with each other.
The world is evolving so fast that it slips past our fingers, but this evolution comes with a challenge. We are plunged into the issue of poverty, migration, inequality, mental health, climate impact, and a lot more that came as a result of human beings trying to improve their standard of living or in the process of improving communication between people who are far across various distances, and that is where sociologists came in.
Sociologists are not just people who are equipped to sort data; they are people who are well-grounded to understand human relationships, and these are crucial in identifying the challenges that are affecting the world globally. Sociologists are needed by nonprofit organizations like the World Health Organization, governments, schools, and even corporations to understand how humans think and how to solve their particular problems. Aspiring to study sociology in Nigeria, you are in the right direction.
For aspiring students who want to study Sociology courses in a Nigerian university, below are the top 5 best universities for Sociology courses. These universities are known for their excellence in producing quality graduates and their accreditation status.
Quality of lecturers and faculty members, Research output, publications, graduate employability rate, facilities, and student support services.
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5 Best Universities to Study Sociology courses in Nigeria

1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan (UI) prides itself on being one of the best and oldest universities in Nigeria, established in 1948 before becoming a fully fledged university in 1962.
It has risen in ranks since then, establishing itself as one of the top-tier universities across the federation and Africa. The University of Ibadan boasts over 39,000 students, 140 departments, and 19 faculties.
The Department of Sociology at the University of Ibadan (UI) is one of the most prestigious departments to study in at the university across the federation. Lecturers who are well-versed in knowledge across the board are in demand across the globe and are found participating in international projects.
The Department of Sociology at the University of Ibadan not only offers the learning aspect but also serves as a good environment filled with rich cultural heritage, which will help in exposing you to the practical aspect of the course
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
The University of Lagos is also one of the best destinations if you wish to pursue a sociology degree in Nigeria. Established in 1962, it has risen in rank since then, investing massively in infrastructure and human capital. The establishment of the university, which makes the department as old as the institution.
With this accolade, recognized internationally for producing the best students and for its exceptional lecturers and support at hand, the University is one of the best to pursue a degree as an undergraduate, postgraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. in sociology, equipping you with the relevant skills needed for the labor market. The Department organizes a monthly Staff Seminar Series, Public Lectures, and a yearly Conference/Workshops.
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3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was established in 1961, located in the southwestern town of Ile-Ife Osun State is one of the prestigious universities to study sociology courses in Nigeria with over 32,480 students, 19 research center,118 department and 2 college, this hub of learning is more than a place of learning but rather it has serve as a community where it helps you to grow your skills as you engage with lot of prospective learner in the campus.
The Department of Sociology at Obafemi Awolowo University is one of a kind across the federation, equipped with reputable lecturers and a good learning environment. It is a place to be for an aspirant wishing to study sociology courses in any of the Nigerian universities across the federation. With Reputable alumni who are known across the country for their success across the globe.
4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Located in the Northern part of the country, it is one of the largest universities in sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 1962, the department of sociology was established five years after the creation of the university, making the department as old as the institution.
The university is renowned for its academic excellence, a good studying environment, and its ability to make its students capable of investigating basic and applied economic phenomena and problems.
Also known for generalized and specialized problem-solving skills, capacity to start and grow businesses, capacity for public policy analysis, and capacity to offer economic advice to economic entities: individuals, households, businesses, governments, and international organizations.
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5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria, commonly referred to as UNN, is a federal and public research university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. Founded in 1955. The university is pioneering as one of the best universities in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The university has three campuses, one in Nsukka and one in Ituku Ozalla, both in Enugu, and the last campus is the ABA campus in Abia. Known for its thriving cultural and indigenous heritage, it is a good institution to obtain a certificate from.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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Is sociology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Nigeria is a country faced with a lot of human challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and a lot of issues that require the expertise of sociologists. Therefore, sociology is a good course to study in Nigeria, as it is in demand even internationally.
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How many years has Sociology been in Nigerian universities?
Sociology will take you four years to finish the course in any of the Nigerian universities, as it relates to other social science courses in every Nigerian university.
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Can a Sociology graduate work in a Bank?
Sociologists are equipped with the knowledge on how to solve relevant human problems, which came as a result of communication between them. A sociologist can be useful in banks, as it helps banks to make informed decisions and solve issues that pertain to their customers
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a lot more universities out there that are equipped with the best lecturers and an excellent and sound academic environment tailored to your needs to help you succeed during the period of your study.
These five universities have been vetted based on the success of their previous students who graduated from the school and their recognition internationally for producing exceptional talent and skills. If you are lucky not to be admitted, it is not cause for alarm; there are a lot of universities that also offer the course across the federation.
While selecting the university of choice among these universities, you must consider some factors, which are finances, the cost of living, and the location. It is also essential that you get to know more about the department from the alumni of the particular department or those who are at a higher level.
These factors are to be factored in when deciding to choose among these universities, even after meeting the academic criteria, so as not to leave you frustrated and hungry and thus affect your academic background.