2025 / 2026 Academic Session

Student’s Handbook

Department of Philosophy • Faculty of Arts • Niger Delta University, Amassoma

History of the Department

The Department of Philosophy was established at the inception of Niger Delta University in 2001. Mr C.E. Eyomiowei was appointed as the first moderator cum acting head of department. It initially existed as a unit in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, with two graduate assistants: Mr Elias Edise Courson and Mr Ebimieowei Andabolo Owutuamor. Mr Azibalua Onyagholo later joined the academic team as a graduate assistant.

In the 2004/2005 academic session, the two units were separated and S.S. Eberiye was appointed Coordinator and Acting Head of the Department of Philosophy. Mr Ebikisei Stanley Udisi and Dr Agha Eresia-Eke were added to the academic team. In the 2005/2006 academic session, the departments were re-merged for administrative convenience before being demerged again in the 2018/2019 session, when the Department of Philosophy became fully autonomous.

The department has had Prof. C.A. Dime, Prof. F.U. Okafor, Prof. M.Y. Nabofa, and Dr B.L. Saale as Heads of Department at various times. Professor Agha Eresia-Eke served as the first Head of the autonomous department. Dr Ebikisei Stanley Udisi served as Acting Head (2020/2021–2022/2023), followed by Dr Azibalua Onyagholo from the 2022/2023 session. The current coordinating Head of Department is Dr Mark D. Ekperi, appointed on 1 June 2026.

Aims & Objectives

The department’s objective is to train students’ critical and analytical skills through the subject matter and methods of Philosophy, cultivating their ability to isolate and examine the principles and issues involved in complex theoretical situations and real, practical problems.

While paying due attention to the significant philosophical insights of the past, the department encourages students’ active engagement with problems and issues peculiar to Philosophy, rather than a purely historical approach. The department subscribes to the universality of Philosophy while recognising that an African university department has much to learn from—and contribute to—other traditions of philosophical thought.

Special courses and research are designed to foster African and specifically Nigerian cultural roots within the discipline. The present programme reflects the Anglo-Saxon tradition (empiricism, rationalism, Marxism, existentialism, and Oriental philosophies) while fostering the rapid growth of African Philosophy in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Service Courses

The department offers service courses in History and Philosophy of Science, Logic and Philosophy to all university students through the General Studies Unit, providing critical analytical skills across faculties.

Job Opportunities

Policy analysts
Administrative & personnel officers
Career diplomats
Bankers & finance professionals
Military & paramilitary officers
School administrators & teachers

Core Courses Offered

The department’s core curriculum includes:

Introduction to Philosophy
Ancient, Medieval, Modern & Contemporary Philosophy
Logic & Critical Reasoning
Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Metaphysics & Epistemology
Phenomenology & Existentialism
African Philosophy
Philosophy of Religion
Philosophy of Arts & Aesthetics
Social & Political Philosophy
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy of Law
Environmental Philosophy
History & Philosophy of Science
Nigerian People and Culture

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission into the four-year degree programme in Philosophy, candidates must satisfy both JAMB and O-Level requirements.

UTME (100 Level)

Obtain acceptable scores in the University Matriculation Examination (JAMB)
Credit pass in five relevant O-Level subjects
Must include Mathematics and English Language
Not more than two sittings in the prescribed O-Level examinations

Direct Entry (200 Level)

Minimum two A-level passes in Arts or Social Science subjects
ND/NCE in a relevant discipline at Lower Credit minimum
O-Level: 5 credits including English Language

Key Dates

Normal registration: first 3 weeks of session
Late registration: up to 2 weeks after normal period (attracts a fee)
Course registration: 2 weeks from commencement of first semester

Clearance & Registration Procedure

All fresh students must complete the following eleven steps to obtain a Matriculation Number and be deemed a bona fide student of Niger Delta University.

Obtain your Admission Letter from the Academic Office of the University.
Present the admission letter and relevant credentials at the Clearance Centre for screening of documents.
Obtain the School Fees Schedule from the Finance Department and ascertain the amount payable.
Pay the appropriate fees at any designated bank and obtain a bank teller.
Submit the bank teller to a cashier at the University Bursary Unit to receive the University Bursary Receipt.
Present the Bursary Receipt (original + 3 photocopies) at the Clearance Centre and collect: Acceptance Form (NDU/ACAD/01), Certificate of Clearance (NDU/ACAD/02), General Regulation Form (NDU/ACAD/03), and Statutory Declaration of Good Behaviour Form (NDU/ACAD/06).
Complete all forms; take the Statutory Declaration Form to the High Court for the Commissioner of Oaths signature; submit four photocopies of all completed forms to the Clearance Officer.
Request the Student List Format from the Clearance Officer and complete accordingly.
Proceed to the Faculty Office for course enrolment and then to the Departmental Office.
Collect the list of first and second semester courses at the Departmental Office; complete and submit the Course Enrolment Forms.
Review the Student List Format carefully to ensure all information is correct before final submission. Only when all steps are complete will a Matriculation Number be issued.

Important Notes

Clearance and registration lasts three (3) weeks only
Returning students must also register every session (2-week window)
Register at: Health Centre, University Library, and Student Affairs Office
Certificate falsification leads to expulsion

Change of Programme

A student may change their programme of study if: a vacancy exists; they satisfy entry requirements; and Senate approves. Deferment of admission must be applied for before matriculation and is valid for one academic year only.

Academic Regulations

Assessment & Examinations

Assessment Breakdown

Continuous Assessment (CA): 30% (includes attendance, assignments, term papers)
Semester Examination: 70%
Class attendance: minimum 75% required to sit examinations
Attendance: attracts 5% of CA score

Credit Load

Minimum: 15 credit units per semester
Maximum: 24 credit units per semester
Senate-approved exceptions: 9–30 units
Minimum graduation requirement: 120 credit units

Grade Points Explained

Quality Point (QP) = Credit Units × Grade Point. GPA = Total QP ÷ Total CU. CGPA = Cumulative QP ÷ Cumulative CU. Repeat courses increase cumulative units and reduce CGPA.

Grading System

Score (%)	Letter Grade	Grade Point	Description
70 – 100	A	5	Excellent / Distinction
60 – 69	B	4	Very Good
50 – 59	C	3	Good / Credit
45 – 49	D	2	Pass
0 – 44	F	0	Fail

Classification of Degrees

Class of Degree	CGPA Range
First Class Honours	4.50 – 5.00
Second Class (Upper Division)	3.50 – 4.49
Second Class (Lower Division)	2.40 – 3.49
Third Class	1.50 – 2.39
Fail	0 – 1.49

Academic Standing

Clear Standing

A student is on Clear Standing when they maintain at least a D grade in all registered courses.

Academic Probation

Placed on probation if CGPA falls below 1.50 at end of a session. Status reversed by maintaining CGPA ≥ 1.50 in subsequent semesters.

Withdrawal for Academic Failure

Required if CGPA remains below 1.50 (does not apply to Year 1 students). Final-year students failing below 1.00 may apply for a concession year; failure to achieve 1.50 in that year results in withdrawal.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum CGPA of 1.50
Minimum of 120 credit units completed
Transfer students must earn at least 60 units at Niger Delta University
Minimum score of 30% in all required courses
Complete all required elective units
Participate in all required departmental and university programmes

Appeal for Reassessment

A student may request reassessment within one week of result publication, upon payment of a fee (₦1,000.00, subject to review). The reassessment decision is final when approved by Senate.

Course Curriculum

All courses listed are Compulsory unless otherwise stated. CU = Credit Units.

Year One (100 Level)

First Semester

#	Course Code	Course Title	CU	Status
1	PHL 101	Introduction to Philosophy	3	Compulsory
2	PHL 103	Introduction to Logic	2	Compulsory
3	PHL 105	Ancient Philosophy	2	Compulsory
4	PHL 107	African Philosophy: An Introduction	2	Compulsory
5	PHL 109	Philosophy of Education	2	Compulsory
6	PHL 111	Niger Delta Cultural Philosophy	2	Compulsory
7	HID 105	Major World Civilizations	2	Compulsory
8	ENG 105	Introduction to Language and Linguistics	3	Compulsory
Semester Total			18

Second Semester

#	Course Code	Course Title	CU	Status
1	NDU GST 104	Leadership, Citizenship and National Orientation	2	Compulsory
2	GST 112	Nigerian People and Culture	2	Compulsory
3	PHL 102	Arguments and Critical Thinking	2	Compulsory
4	PHL 104	History of Philosophy	2	Compulsory
5	PHL 106	Ethics: An Introduction	2	Compulsory
6	PHL 108	Social and Political Philosophy: Foundations	2	Compulsory
Semester Total			12

Year Two (200 Level)

First Semester

#	Course Code	Course Title	CU	Status
1	PHL 201	Medieval Philosophy	2	Compulsory
2	PHL 203	Epistemology	2	Compulsory
3	PHL 205	Metaphysics	2	Compulsory
4	PHL 207	Philosophy of Religion	2	Compulsory
5	PHL 209	Philosophy of Technology	2	Compulsory
6	CMS 201	History of Nigerian Media	2	Compulsory
Semester Total			12

Second Semester

#	Course Code	Course Title	CU	Status
1	NDU GST 202	Basic Communication Skills	2	Compulsory
2	NDU GST 208	Digital Literacy	2	Compulsory
3	GST 212	Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence	2	Compulsory
4	FAC 202	The Arts and Other Disciplines	2	Compulsory
5	PHL 202	Introduction to Logic	2	Compulsory
6	PHL 204	Modern Philosophy	2	Compulsory
7	PHL 206	Philosophy of Development	2	Compulsory
Semester Total			14

Year Three (300 Level)

First Semester

#	Course Code	Course Title	CU	Status
1	FAC 301	Research Methods	2	Compulsory
2	FAC 302	Theories in the Arts and Humanities	2	Compulsory
3	PHL 302	Symbolic Logic	2	Compulsory
4	PHL 304	Contemporary Analytic Philosophy	2	Compulsory
5	PHL 306	Existentialism and Phenomenology	2	Compulsory
6	PHL 308	Environmental Philosophy and Sustainability Ethics	3	Compulsory
7	PHL 310	Research Methods (Philosophy)	3	Compulsory
8	PHL 312	Philosophy of Food	2	Compulsory
9	PHL 314	Philosophy of Peace and Conflict Resolution	2	Compulsory
Semester Total			20

Year Four (400 Level)

First Semester

#	Course Code	Course Title	CU	Status
1	PHL 411	19th–21st Century Philosophy	3	Compulsory
2	PHL 413	Philosophy of Mind	3	Compulsory
3	PHL 415	Social and Political Philosophy	3	Compulsory
4	PHL 417	Classics of Ethics	3	Compulsory
5	PHL 419	Philosophy of Law	3	Compulsory
Semester Total			15

Second Semester

#	Course Code	Course Title	CU	Status
1	PHL 422	Philosophy of Science	3	Compulsory
2	PHL 424	Environmental Ethics	3	Compulsory
3	PHL 426	Long Essay	6	Compulsory
4	PHL 428	Descartes, Hume & Kant	3	Compulsory
5	PHL 440	Hegel and Marx	3	Compulsory
6	PHL 444	Oriental Philosophy	3	Compulsory
Semester Total			21

Course Descriptions

Click any course to expand its description.

PHL 111 Niger Delta Cultural Philosophy (2 CU)

Philosophical analysis of the cultural worldviews, beliefs, values, and knowledge systems of the Niger Delta region. Topics include concepts of person, community, destiny, and the environment; indigenous epistemology and ethics; and the impact of modernity and oil extraction on Niger Delta thought.

HID 105 Major World Civilizations (2 CU)

Comparative study of major world civilisations (Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Indian, Chinese, Greek, Roman, Islamic, and modern Western). Examination of their political, social, economic, and philosophical contributions to human development.

ENG 105 Introduction to Language and Linguistics (3 CU)

Basic concepts in linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. The nature of human language, language acquisition, variation, and change. Relation of language to thought and culture.

NDU GST 104 Leadership, Citizenship and National Orientation (2 CU)

Theories of leadership and followership. Citizenship rights and responsibilities in Nigeria. National symbols, values, and orientation. Ethical challenges of leadership and civic engagement for national development.

GST 112 Nigerian People and Culture (2 CU)

Nigerian history, cultures, ethnic groups, and traditional institutions. The evolution of Nigerian unity and diversity. Indigenous knowledge systems, arts, and festivals. Contemporary cultural dynamics.

PHL 102 Arguments and Critical Thinking (2 CU)

Introduction to the principles of clear thinking, argument analysis, and fallacies. Methods for identifying premises and conclusions, evaluating deductive and inductive arguments, and avoiding cognitive biases. Practical applications in academic and everyday reasoning.

PHL 104 History of Philosophy (2 CU)

A chronological overview of the major periods, schools, and figures in the history of philosophy: ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary. Emphasis on the continuity and breaks in philosophical problems and methods.

PHL 109 Philosophy of Education (2 CU)

Systematic reflection on the aims, methods, and content of education. Examination of educational theories: realism, idealism, pragmatism, existentialism, perennialism, progressivism, and reconstructionism. Practical debates on the future of education in Nigeria.

NDU GST 208 Digital Literacy (2 CU)

Basic digital skills: word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, internet research, email, cybersecurity, and responsible use of social media. Critical evaluation of online information.

GST 212 Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence (2 CU)

Integrative course covering the nature of philosophy, basic logical tools, and philosophical questions of human existence (freedom, death, meaning, identity, personhood). Emphasis on applying logic and philosophical reflection to everyday life.

FAC 202 The Arts and Other Disciplines (2 CU)

Relationship between the arts (visual, performing, literary) and other disciplines (sciences, social sciences, humanities). Interdisciplinary methods and the value of artistic knowledge in addressing societal problems.

PHL 209 Philosophy of Technology (2 CU)

Philosophical reflection on technology: its nature, impact on human life, and ethical challenges. Topics include technological determinism, the relation between technology and values, automation, AI ethics, and the philosophy of engineering.

CMS 201 History of Nigerian Media (2 CU)

Evolution of print, broadcast, and digital media in Nigeria from colonial times to the present. Key media houses, journalists, regulatory frameworks, and the role of media in nationalism, democracy, and development.

PHL 306 Existentialism and Phenomenology (2 CU)

A study of the existentialist tradition from Kierkegaard and Nietzsche through Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, and Beauvoir. Phenomenological method and its application to questions of consciousness, embodiment, freedom, and authenticity.

PHL 308 Environmental Philosophy and Sustainability Ethics (3 CU)

Philosophical foundations of environmental thought. Intrinsic vs. instrumental value of nature, deep ecology, ecofeminism, environmental justice, and sustainability. Special focus on ethical dimensions of oil extraction and ecological crisis in the Niger Delta.

PHL 314 Philosophy of Peace and Conflict Resolution (2 CU)

Philosophical approaches to peace, conflict, and justice. Theories of just war, non-violence, restorative justice, and post-conflict reconciliation. Applied to conflicts in Nigeria and the Niger Delta region.

PHL 411 19th–21st Century Philosophy (3 CU)

Major philosophical movements from Hegel and Marx through pragmatism, analytic philosophy, structuralism, post-modernism, and contemporary debates. Emphasis on the relationship between philosophy and social, scientific, and political developments.

PHL 415 Social and Political Philosophy (3 CU)

Systematic study of political authority, justice, rights, democracy, and the state. Classical and contemporary political thinkers including Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Rawls, and African political philosophers.

PHL 419 Philosophy of Law (3 CU)

Philosophical examination of the nature of law, legal obligation, justice, and rights. Natural law, legal positivism, and critical legal theory. The relationship between law and morality in the Nigerian and African context.

PHL 426 Long Essay (6 CU)

An independent research project on a philosophical topic approved by the department. Students work under the supervision of a faculty member to produce an extended original essay demonstrating research skills and philosophical analysis.

PHL 428 Descartes, Hume & Kant (3 CU)

Close reading of primary texts by Descartes, Hume, and Kant. Analysis of rationalism vs. empiricism, the problem of induction, the synthetic a priori, and the critical philosophy. Emphasis on understanding each thinker in historical context.

PHL 440 Hegel and Marx (3 CU)

Detailed study of Hegel’s dialectic, philosophy of history, and idealism, followed by Marx’s materialist transformation of Hegel, historical materialism, alienation, and critique of capitalism. Contemporary relevance assessed.

PHL 444 Oriental Philosophy (3 CU)

Survey of major philosophical traditions of Asia including Hindu philosophy, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Zen. Comparison with Western traditions on key themes such as self, reality, ethics, and liberation.

Student Conduct & University Policies

Class Attendance

Minimum 75% attendance required to sit examinations
Attendance is taken by course lecturers and cross-checked by the Head of Department
Attendance contributes 5% to Continuous Assessment score

Personal Conduct

Maintain high personal discipline at all times, within and outside the campus
Observe the University dress code
Do not smoke in classrooms, lecture theatres, labs, or the library
Treat staff, guests, and fellow students with respect
Do not post unauthorised notices or deface University property

Examination Rules

Confirm date, time, and venue from the official timetable
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time
Do not begin writing until instructed by the invigilator
Absence without written permission = failed examination
Authorised absences may defer to next available sitting

Student Activities

Participate in university programmes to broaden intellectual capacity
Practice skills in organising and administering group functions
Learn socially acceptable behaviour through rules and interaction
Legitimate expression of opinions is protected; imposition on others is not

Disciplinary Matters

The Department will take appropriate disciplinary measures against students who fail to abide by the University’s rules and code of conduct. Serious misconduct is referred to the Disciplinary Committee. Students are subject to Nigerian law both within and outside campus premises.

Grievances

Students with grievances should report to the Head of Department, preferably in writing. Disputes are handled at departmental level first before escalation to Faculty or Senate.

For the complete, official handbook including full course tables and detailed regulations:

Download Full Handbook (.docx)