PAD103

BSc (Hons) Public Administration

Steer the Machinery of Government. Drive Policy for Public Good.

4 Years
Full-time
Hands-on Learning

Next Start Dates

October 2025
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Program Overview

This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage public institutions, shape sound policy, and serve as an ethical leader in governance. You will study the intersection of law, economics, management, and political science, preparing for a career where you can implement programs that improve lives and strengthen communities at the local, state, and national levels.

Why This Program?

  • Engage with real-world policy challenges through our partnership with government ministries and agencies.
  • Learn from faculty who are active policy consultants and have firsthand experience in the public sector.
  • Specialize in high-impact areas like Public Finance, Local Government Administration, or Non-Profit Management.
  • Participate in our annual Model United Nations and Public Policy Debates to hone your diplomacy and analysis skills.

Real-World Importance

Public administrators are the vital link between government policy and tangible public services.

They are the city managers who ensure clean water and safe roads, the policy analysts who design effective healthcare programs, the foreign service officers who represent national interests abroad, and the non-profit directors who address social inequalities.

They work within the system to make it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of citizens, playing a critical role in nation-building and democratic governance..

Curriculum Overview

Program Structure

70%
Core Courses
20%
Electives
10%
Practical Experience

Key Topics

Public Policy Analysis & Evaluation
Public Financial Management & Budgeting
Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
Administrative Law & Ethics
Local Government & Development Administration
Non-Profit Management & Governance

Course Outline

Year 1: Foundations of Governance

Year 2: The Administrative System

Year 3: Management & Policy Tools

Year 4: Specialization & Capstone

Career Opportunities

Policy Analyst

Potential Sectors:

National/State AssembliesThink TanksFederal MinistriesResearch Institutes

Public Affairs/Administrative Officer

Potential Sectors:

Civil ServiceGovernment Agencies (e.g., NNPC, CBN)Local Government Councils

Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer

Potential Sectors:

Ministry of Foreign AffairsInternational Organizations (UN, AU, ECOWAS)

Non-Profit Program Manager

Potential Sectors:

International NGOs (e.g., UNICEF, ActionAid)Local NGOsCommunity-Based Organizations

Public Relations Specialist (Government)

Potential Sectors:

Government HousesMinistries of InformationPublic Corporations

Learning Outcomes

Analyze, formulate, and evaluate public policies to address complex socio-economic problems.
Manage public funds responsibly by understanding budgeting processes, auditing, and fiscal accountability.
Apply principles of human resource management, administrative law, and ethical conduct within public institutions.
Design and manage programs and projects for government and non-profit organizations effectively.
Critically assess the role of public administration in promoting good governance and sustainable development.

Admission Requirements

UTME Requirements

O'Level Requirements

  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Government
  • Economics
  • Any other relevant subject (e.g., Commerce, History, Geography)

Five (5) O'Level credit passes at not more than two sittings in WAEC (WASSCE), NECO, or equivalent examinations. Private universities may accept one sitting.

JAMB Subjects

  • English Language (Compulsory)
  • Government
  • Economics
  • Any other Social Science subject

JAMB Score Requirements

Minimum Score

150

Competitive Score

180

JAMB cut-off for Public Administration is typically moderate. Competitive scores may vary by institution.

Direct Entry Requirements

Other Requirements

Grading System

Our Successful Alumni

Hajia Aisha Mohammed

Hajia Aisha Mohammed

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health

Class of 2000

"SAU instilled in me the ethos of servant leadership. The rigorous understanding of public finance and policy I gained has been indispensable in my journey to overseeing national health programs."

Emeka Ibe

Emeka Ibe

Executive Director, 'Transparency for Nigeria' NGO

Class of 2008

"This program taught me that good governance is the foundation of development. It gave me the tools to not just work within the system, but to also act as a watchdog and advocate for citizens' rights."

Did You Know?

The modern study of public administration is often traced back to Woodrow Wilson's 1887 essay, arguing for the separation of politics (what to do) from administration (how to do it).
The United Nations Public Service Award is given annually to recognize creative achievements and contributions in public service that lead to a more effective and responsive government.
A 2023 study found that countries with higher-quality public administration (merit-based hiring, low corruption) experience significantly higher economic growth rates.

Meet Your Department Head

Dr. Ken Nwosu

Dr. Ken Nwosu

Professor of Public Policy & Governance

If you are driven by a desire to serve your community and make a lasting impact on society, this is the program for you. We are committed to training a new generation of public servants who are equipped with integrity, competence, and a passion for good governance.

Dr. Nwosu is a renowned governance expert who has advised state and federal governments on public sector reform. He is the author of several books on fiscal federalism and anti-corruption strategies in Nigeria.

Accreditation

Nigerian University Commission (NUC)

Exam Preparation

The program provides an excellent foundation for civil service entrance examinations and certifications from the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (AERMP).

Facilities & Resources

  • Policy Simulation Lab, where students debate and model the outcomes of real policy proposals.
  • Extensive law and public policy library with access to government gazettes and policy documents.
  • Moot court for practicing administrative law and public inquiry scenarios.

Industry Connections

Partners

Office of the Head of Civil ServiceBureau of Public Service ReformsNational Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)DFIDActionAid Nigeria

Initiatives

  • Annual Public Service Week
  • Legislative Internship Program with the National Assembly
  • Policy Hackathons

Scholarship Opportunities

Future Public Leader Scholarship

For students with a proven record of community service and leadership in their local communities.

Contact Information

Department of Political Science & Public Administration
public.admin@sauni.edu.ng+234 707 356 6121
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