Welcome to Department of Geography
History
The Department of Geography, Federal University of Lafia came into existence in July, 2019 alongside two Departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Department expects her first set of students in September, 2021 being the commencement of the 2020/2021 academic session. The Department at its beginning, had twelve (12) academic staff; in the mix of 2 Professors (1 sabbatical & 1 visiting) and 1 Senior Lecturer (on sabbatical leave), 1 Lecturer I, 6 Assistant Lecturers, and 1 Graduate Assistant. Between October, 2019 and November 2023, its academic staff strength was increased by 1 Senior Lecturer, 1 Lecturer I and 4 Assistant Lecturers. Also, the non-academic staff of the Department comprised of an Assistant Registrar, 2 Administrative Assistants, and 6 Technologists. The academic curriculum of the Department is dynamic to enable both the staff and students to be well grounded in research and scholarship in line with global best practices. Our method of teaching is also in conformity with other world class Universities. In addition, Department of Geography, Federal University of Lafia has stepped out not only to meet the minimum BMAS but maximum standard prescribed by the National University Commission (NUC). The Department has an academic brief that guides students in the choice of courses either compulsory or elective. Our strategic plan is anchored on manpower development which is geared towards training and equipping of both staff and students with skills needed for sustainable development in an environment which enables the transformation of Nigeria and the world as a whole. HEADS OF DEPARTMENT FROM 2019 TO DATE
1. Dr. LEO Abejide October 30, 2019 to January 15th, 2020
2. Prof. D. U. Sangari January 15th, 2020 to November 9, 2020
3. Dr. M. K. Dahiru November 9, 2020 to Date
Philosophy
The philosophy underlying the B.Sc. Geography programme is to produce a crop of graduates equipped with appropriate knowledge to make effective contributions to the development of Nigeria, Africa and the global community having been exposed to a broad foundation of knowledge in the field of Social Sciences in general and in the various sub-fields of Geography in particular.
Vision Statement
To be a renowned Department for effective teaching and learning while giving adequate attention to both local and global scientific issues for maximum spatial interaction, and actively engaging in meaningful research and other inter-disciplinary collaborations.
Mission Statement
To attain self-reliance by providing a world-class teaching and research environment for the overall development of undergraduate and graduate students.
HOD's Profile
Aim and Objectives
The main aim of the Department is to produce graduates who are not only useful to themselves, their communities, nation and continent, but also be able to contribute meaningfully to global human and material development. The specific objectives are to:
(i) Impart students a sound knowledge of Geography, an appreciation of its applications in different socio-cultural contexts and to involve the students in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying the workings of society.
(ii) Provide students with broad and well balanced knowledge of geographical theories and methods.
(iii) Cultivate in students the ability to apply their geographical knowledge and skills to the understanding and solution of societal problems in Nigeria and elsewhere.
(iv) Provide students with relevant knowledge and skill base from which they can proceed to further studies in special areas of Geography or multi-disciplinary areas involving Geography.
(v) Impart students an appreciation of the importance of Geography in spatial and environmental contexts.
(vi) Develop in students a range of useful competencies in public, private or self-employment
Admission and Graduation Requirements
a) Admission Requirements
UTME – Entry Requirement into Undergraduate 100 Level:
Candidates for admission into the four year degree programme (B.Sc.) in Geography should possess either a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSSC), General Certificate of Education (GCE), NECO or their equivalents with at least five (5) credit passes, at not more than two sittings, including Mathematics, English Language and Geography and any other two (2) subjects in social science (Economics, Government, History) or natural science subjects which
include Biology/Agric. Sc., Chemistry and Physics. In addition, candidates must have acceptable pass (points) in UTME.
Direct Entry
Candidates for direct entry admission shall possess an ‘A’ level pass in Geography and any other social or natural science subjects and credit pass in at least three (3) Social Science subjects, including Mathematics at ‘O’ level are required.
b) Graduation (UTME & Direct Entry)
(i) To graduate at 400 level, a minimum of 140 credit units are required to be earned including the General Studies and Electives.
(ii) In the case of a three- (3) year direct entry program, the minimum credit units required for graduation is 102.
Note: Before graduation, in addition to the above, the student must have done SIWES and submitted a report to the department.
(iii) Student must obtain a minimum CGPA of 1.00 and,
(iv) Met other requirements that may be prescribed by the Department, Faculty and Senate.
Conferences and Events
Candidates aspiring to study B.Sc. Sociology must obtain five passes at credit level in Mathematics and English Language as well as passes at credit level in any three of the following: Government, Economics, Geography, History, Christian/Islamic Religious studies, and any other arts subjects at the SSCE, GCE, NECO or their equivalent at not more than two sittings in addition to meeting up the JAMB requirements for admission.
At the postgraduate level, candidates wishing to study in the Department are required to fulfil the following conditions depending on the degree one is applying for.
PGD- Credit level pass in both English Language and mathematics, minimum of a third class Bachelor’s degree in Sociology or related discipline, HND or professional qualifications cognate to Sociology. Waiver could be given for candidates with work experience.
M.Sc.- Five O’level credits including English Language and Mathematics, minimum of second class (lower Division) Bachelor’s degree from an approved University, postgraduate diploma with an average of 60%, PGD at credit level pass on weighted percentage average.
Ph.D.- Meet matriculation requirements of credit level pass in both English Language and Mathematics, passes Masters degree with an average of 60% from this University or other accredited university.
Departmental Board Members
Dr. M. K. Dahiru
HOD
Prof Dean
Deputy Dean
Prof Dean
Faculty Officer
Prof Dean
Finance Officer
Our Programmes
Undergraduate
We offer...............
B.Sc Geography
Postgraduate
We offer the following...