Does OAU have Criminology? More often this is the question that many students who want to gain admission into Obafemi Awolowo University asked. This great citadel of learning whose fame is fast spreading not only for its excellent knowledge impartation skills and erudity, but also for its humongous state of the art buildings. The question again: does OAU have Criminology? Here is the answer you’ve been looking for.
Obafemi Awolowo University is a federal government owned university located in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. It was founded in 1961. In October 1962, classes commenced while its name was still identified as University of Ife by the regional government of Western Nigeria which was led by late chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola. Consequently, it was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University on 12 May 1987 majorly to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo who happened to be the first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria. The university was Chief Obafemi’s brainchild.
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Criminology as a University Course
Criminology is a scientific study of crime. It is an interdisciplinary field in both behavioural sciences and social sciences. This includes the study of the causes of crime, how to prevent crime and also the study of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. People who study criminology at the university go on to become federal law enforcement investigators or detectives. Not all degree awarding universities in Nigeria offer Criminology.
B.Sc. Criminology is a four–year undergraduate course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of security, crime prevention, crime investigation, and criminal justice. It covers topics such as criminology theories, criminal justice system, forensic science, cybercrime investigations, risk management, and terrorism.
The course also focuses on the development of essential skills such as communication, problem–solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills. The curriculum also includes practical training such as field trips, internships, and workshops.
It provides the knowledge and skills needed to work in various sectors such as public security, criminal justice, criminology and security management.
Unfortunately Criminology as a degree course is therefore not readily offered in many Nigerian universities, except for a selected number of them.
Does OAU Have Criminology?
Nigerian students always asking about whether Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) offers Criminology as a course. This is a straightforward academic inquiry, but I need to ensure accuracy since university programs can change.
Obafemi Awolowo University has thirteen faculties and two colleges — the Postgraduate College and the College of Health Sciences — administered in more than 60 departments. The university offers undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in fields of specialization spanning the humanities, arts, natural sciences, social sciences, medical sciences, engineering and technology. Among all the available courses in OAU, Criminology is not listed.
This means it is undoubted fact that Obafemi Awolowo University does not offer Criminology as a course of study at the moment. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, does not offer Criminology as a standalone undergraduate degree program (e.g., B.Sc. Criminology). However, criminology is integrated as a significant specialization or elective within other social science disciplines, primarily under the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how criminology is integrated as a significant specialization or elective within other social science disciplines in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU):
1. Criminology at OAU: Where It Fits
Criminology is offered as a specialization within the Sociology program in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Students pursuing a B.Sc. in Sociology can focus on criminology-related courses, research, and projects. The Sociology curriculum in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) includes dedicated criminology modules such as:
- Introduction to Criminology
- Penology (Study of Punishment)
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Deviant Behavior
- Victimology
- Criminal Justice Systems
- Cybercrime and Security Studies
2. Postgraduate Opportunities
M.Sc./Ph.D. in Sociology (Criminology Specialization): OAU offers postgraduate degrees in Sociology with a strong focus on criminology, criminal justice, and related fields. Students can conduct advanced research in areas like:
- Crime prevention strategies
- Forensic sociology
- Terrorism and counter-terrorism
- Gender-based violence
- White-collar crime
Criminology may also intersect with programs in:
- Political Science (e.g., courses on political violence, human rights)
- Psychology (e.g., criminal behavior analysis)
- Law (e.g., criminal law, human rights)
Admission Requirements for Undergraduate (via UTME/JAMB) to study Criminology as a specialization within the Sociology program in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) include:
- Subject Combination: English Language, Government/History, Economics, and any other Social Science subject.
- O’Level Requirements: 5 credits including English, Mathematics, Government/History, and two Social Sciences/Arts subjects.
- JAMB Score: Competitive cutoff (typically 200+).
Admission Requirements for Postgraduate (M.Sc./Ph.D.) to study Criminology as a specialization within the Sociology program in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) include:
- M.Sc.: Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, or related fields (minimum 2nd Class Lower).
- Ph.D.: Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a research focus on criminology.
Why No Standalone Criminology Degree OAU?
Most Nigerian universities (including OAU) integrate criminology under Sociology due to its interdisciplinary nature. Standalone criminology degrees are rare and typically found in specialized institutions (e.g., Nigerian Police Academy). OAU’s Sociology department has a long-standing reputation for criminology research, making it a hub for aspiring criminologists without needing a separate department. Graduates with criminology specialization from OAU pursue careers in:
- Law Enforcement: Police, EFCC, DSS, Customs.
- Corrections: Prison administration, rehabilitation services.
- Legal Sector: Paralegal work, human rights advocacy.
- Security Consulting: Private firms, cybersecurity agencies.
- Academia/Research: Teaching, policy analysis.
- NGOs: Victim support, anti-human trafficking initiatives.
Similar Institutions Offering Criminology Degree in Nigeria
If you prefer a dedicated criminology degree, consider:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG): B.Sc. in Criminology & Security Studies.
- University of Ibadan (UI): Criminology under Sociology.
- Nigerian Police Academy (Wudil): B.Sc. in Criminology.
- Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA): B.Sc. Criminology & Security Studies.
While OAU doesn’t have a standalone criminology degree, its Sociology program provides robust criminology training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
For students seeking a deep dive into crime, justice, and societal responses, OAU remains a top choice in Nigeria due to its academic rigor and research output. Always verify current courses offerings in OAU or the JAMB Brochure for updates.
