About the Department of
Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy has produced the greatest number of Philosophy graduates in Nigeria. Its graduates work across the sectors of the Nigerian economy — in the civil service, private companies, banks, the news media, and secondary and tertiary institutions.
The Department is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission, and philosophy now has a high student enrolment in the Faculty of Arts.
History of the Department
Established in 1966, the Department of Philosophy of the University of Lagos is one of the oldest Philosophy Departments in Nigeria. It commenced with a modest faculty of five: Mr. D. E. Idoniboye, Lecturer; Dr. Barry Hallen, Lecturer; Dr. J. J. White, Lecturer; Dr. J. B. Danquah, Lecturer; and Mrs. Sophie Oluwole, Graduate Assistant.
One of the earliest Heads of Department was Professor Elgood, from 1972 to 1973. At the early stage the student population was about 50, some reading for single honours and others for combined honours degrees. In 1975 Professor Aderibigbe, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, also doubled as Head of the Department. Professor George Chatalian was Head between 1976 and 1978, Dr. Idoniboye between 1979 and 1980, and the Cambridge scholar Professor John Tucker in 1983/84.
In the more recent past, Professor John Tucker, Dr. K. C. Anyanwu, Professor Joseph Omoregbe, Professor E. K. Ogundowole, Professor C. S. Momoh, Professor Sophie Oluwole, Professor Jim I. Unah, Professor F. N. Ndubuisi, Professor Muyiwa Falaiye, Professor Godwin Azenabor, Professor Douglas Anele and Professor Chiedozie Okoro have all been Heads of Department. The current Head of Department is Professor Anthony Okeregbe.
During the first few years after its establishment only a few students read Philosophy, since it was a new academic discipline in the country and students wondered what they could do later as Philosophy graduates. Over time the discipline became popular. From about 1977 to 1985 the Department graduated an average of one hundred students every year.
Objectives of the Programme
- To orient students toward articulating, conceptualizing and posing fundamental questions across all areas of knowledge and intellectual inquiry.
- To cultivate and prepare prospective candidates for postgraduate study by fostering an independent, critical, analytical, versatile and competitive spirit of inquiry.
- To demonstrate the relevance of philosophy and its impact across disciplines and cultures, thereby broadening students’ intellectual horizons, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches and nurturing a comprehensive and profound understanding of reality.
- To prepare highly qualified personnel for employment in international organizations, the civil service, law enforcement and security agencies, electronic and print media, research institutions, and the public and private sectors.
- To promote indigenous African philosophical thought as a means of constructive social engagement and intellectual development, in alignment with the University’s mission and vision.
