OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme for the Doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in Economics has been designed to provide the students with a broad and solid basis for expanding and consolidating the knowledge and skills acquired especially in such areas as analytical and critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, quantitative and statistical skills, communication skills and economic literacy. The programme emphasizes preparation for careers in scholarly research with a curriculum in an integrating learning environment that includes critical-thinking seminars, research and institutional mentoring, and experiences that prepare the PhD students to become scholars and educators in the Economics discipline.

The specific objectives of the programme include:

1.     Provide rigorous training on core areas of economics that will equip students for the world of work in government, international organizations, business and research.

2.     Expose students to a variety of areas of specializations to improve their expertise and opportunities for consultancy through the strong mastery of a few but specific areas in Economics.

3.     Enhance students’ problem - solving skills and ability to identify problems and develop solution models and policies that are effective in solving real life problems.

4.     Expose students to high quality research skills and thoroughness in the development and application of ideas.

5.     Train God-fearing students who would be true to duty and capable of providing servant leadership in the world of work thus ensuring an efficient allocation of national resources to all citizens and not give only a few the opportunity to amass wealth. This will foster inclusive growth.

6.     Challenge students to have an entrepreneurial spirit that would increase private sector participation in increasing job creation and providing employment for the young people - dominated population in Nigeria.

7.     Produce high quality Economists who can compete favourably with their counterparts within and outside the country.

8.     Produce students who are employable and who can be employers of labour

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates seeking admission into the programme must satisfy the general requirements stipulated by the College of Postgraduate Studies of Babcock University.  Specifically, admission to PhD Economics is available to the holders of the following qualifications:

(i) WASC O’ Level with credit passes in 5 subjects at a maximum of two sittings which must include       English Language, Mathematics, Economics and other two related subjects.

(ii)        A Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Babcock University or any other University accredited by the NUC with at least Second Class lower Division.

(iii)      A Masters Degree in Economics with a PhD grade from Babcock University or from any other University accredited by the NUC and from universities outside the country that are recognized by the NUC. A PhD grade is 60% or a CGPA of 4.00 on a 5.00 grading scale in the Masters programme.

(iv)       Applicants may be required to satisfy the Department in a selection process.

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS

i.       Students are expected to meet the required minimum of 75% class attendance in a course to be eligible to write the final examination for that course.

ii.     A candidate is required, as directed to undertake and submit a completed doctoral thesis on a topic approved by the Department PG Board as a part of the programme of study.

PROGRAMME DURATION

i.    The PhD programme in Economics runs two regular semester modules (Regular One and Regular Two). The regular one semester module runs from Monday to Friday for a minimum of 14 weeks. The regular two semester module runs on Friday and Sunday for a minimum of 24 weeks.

ii.   The minimum period of study for the PhD degree shall be six (6) semesters and the maximum period shall be eight (8) semesters for regular one and regular two modules.

iii. The studentship of a PhD candidate shall lapse if after eight (8) consecutive semesters of regular semester module a student has not passed all the required courses and successfully completed the PhD doctoral thesis as well as participated in and passed the final oral thesis defense.

iv.  After the initial six (6) semesters stated above, candidates are required to apply in writing for extension subject to the maximum duration of eight (8) semesters for the PhD Programme. Failure to apply for extension will result in automatic lapse and candidates may be required to either withdraw from the programme or start over in such circumstance. All applications for extension shall be approved by the College of Postgraduate Studies Board.

v.   PhD candidate whose studentship is due to lapse shall be notified in writing at least one semester before the expiration of the studentship and at the end of such expiration.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

i)   The minimum number of Earned Hours for graduation is 57 credit hours from the courses required for the Doctoral degree in Economics (including thesis). 

ii) Candidates are to fulfil the minimum residency requirement for graduation as provided in the general policies of the CPGS.

v)   The minimum CGPA for graduation is four (4.00) points on a five (5.00) point grading scale.  

vi) Other Requirements:

a.      Every PhD candidate is required to undertake approved research and produce a doctoral thesis under the supervision of qualified senior members of the department. The candidate will be required to sit for and pass an oral external examination in line with extant rules and regulations of the CPGS.

b.     Candidates must meet all requirements, expressed or implied, as stipulated in the regulation of CPGS.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR COURSES

General Requirement Courses:            8 Credits

Core Courses:                                            27 Credits

Elective Courses:                                        6 Credits

Thesis:                                                         16 Credits

Total :                                                      57  Credits

COURSES FOR PhD DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

LIST OF ELECTIVE COURSES

ECON 933      Health Economics                  3 Credits
ECON 937       Labour Economics                  3 Credits
ECON 939       International Trade                 3 Credits
ECON 941       Monetary Economics             3 Credits
ECON 945       Energy Economics                  3 Credits                    
ECON 947       Public Sector Economics       3 Credits  
ECON 951       Development Economics        3 Credits

Note: Students are to choose their elective courses in consultation with the Departmental PG Coordinator and the HOD.