So you studied political science at university, and now you’re looking to put that degree to good use in your career. Great thinking and political science skills like analytical and critical thinking, research, and writing are useful across many jobs. The good news is there are many interesting career options for political science majors in Nigeria. Whether you want to work in government, law, education, or the private sector, there are opportunities to pursue.

Let’s take a look at 15 of the top jobs for political science graduates in Nigeria. This list covers a range of roles at different experience levels. With the right skills and persistence, you can land an exciting job that leverages your political science background. Read on to discover some of the diverse career paths available in this field.

What Is Political Science?

Political Science is the study of political systems, political processes, and political behaviors. As a broad discipline, it encompasses many sub-fields, including political theory, international relations, public policy, and comparative politics.

For those interested in how societies are governed and how power is distributed, a degree in Political Science provides a strong foundation in research, critical thinking, and communication skills useful for various careers.

Top 15 Political Science Jobs

So, you want to get into politics in Nigeria? There are many career paths to consider with a degree in Political Science. Political Science majors go on to become policy analysts, legislative assistants, political consultants, intelligence analysts, and more.

Public Relations Manager

A Public Relations Manager acts as the spokesperson for an organization to the public and media. Their job is to create and maintain a positive public image for the organization. They oversee media relations and communication strategies.

To become a Public Relations Manager in Nigeria, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, political science, communications, or a related field. You also need excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in social media and digital marketing is important.

The average salary for a Public Relations Manager in Nigeria is ₦3,500,000 per year. Salaries range from ₦2,200,000 to ₦5,500,000 per year based on factors like years of experience, education, company, and location.

Political Campaign Staff

As a political campaign staff, you’ll assist candidates and campaign managers in planning and executing campaign strategies to get a candidate elected. Duties may include:

Organizing fundraising events.
Conducting polling.
Crafting campaign messaging.
Social media management.
Get-out-the-vote efforts.

Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential. A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field is typically required. According to recent job listings, political campaign staff in Nigeria earn between ₦500,000 to ₦1.2 million per year.

Intelligence Analyst

As an Intelligence Analyst, you analyze information from various sources to uncover threats and help guide strategic and tactical decisions for political and military leaders. The job requires a bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, or a related field, as well as strong research and analytical abilities.

You monitor political, social, and economic events and identify trends and patterns to detect potential threats. Interpret satellite images, communications intercepts, witness reports, and other data sources. You prepare reports on your findings, conclusions, and recommendations to help leaders make important policy and security decisions. The job pays around ₦1,300,000 per year in Nigeria.

Legislative Aide or Assistant

As a Legislative Aide or Assistant in Nigeria, your job is to provide administrative and research support to legislators. You will:

Assist in drafting bills, resolutions and amendments.
Monitor legislative activities and stay up to date with bills.
Research legislative issues and policies.
Respond to constituents’ inquiries and requests.
Handle administrative tasks like managing schedules, travel arrangements, and expense reports.

The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. Strong research, communication, and organizational skills are essential. The average salary for a Legislative Aide in Nigeria is ₦2.5 million per year.

Political Consultant

As a political consultant in Nigeria, you provide strategic advice and services to political candidates, parties, and organizations. Your job is to help your clients win elections or pass legislation.

Key Responsibilities

Develop political strategies and campaigns
Conduct research on political issues and public opinions
Advise clients on policy positions and messaging
Help raise funds and donations for political causes or campaigns
Organize events, rallies, and promotional activities
Prepare speeches, press releases, and promotional materials

Required Skills

Knowledge of political processes, policy issues, and trends
Strong communication, persuasion, and negotiation abilities
Analytical and strategic thinking skills
Creativity to develop innovative campaigns and messaging
Ability to build relationships and work with diverse groups

Salary

Political consultants in Nigeria earn an average salary of ₦5.8 million annually. Experienced consultants working with major political parties or candidates can make ₦10 million or more per year. Earnings often depend on the success and outcome of campaigns and elections.

Paralegal

A paralegal provides legal support to lawyers and other legal professionals. Their duties include conducting legal research, organizing and maintaining documents, and assisting lawyers in preparing for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals help make the legal process more efficient and cost-effective.

To work as a paralegal in Nigeria, you typically need an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies. Important skills for paralegals include knowledge of legal procedures, legal research and writing, critical thinking, and organizational abilities.

Paralegals in Nigeria earn an average salary of ₦1,800,000 per year. Salaries tend to be higher in large law firms and for paralegals with several years of experience.

Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst in Nigeria, your job is to research and analyze policies and programs and provide recommendations. You would:

Conduct research and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies.
Identify issues and trends and propose solutions to shape new policies.
Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders.
Engage with stakeholders to get input and build support for policy proposals.

To excel as a Policy Analyst in Nigeria, you need a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field. Strong analytical, research, and communication abilities are essential. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Policy Analyst in Nigeria is ₦2.5M per year.

Research Analyst

A Research Analyst gathers and analyzes data to help organizations make better decisions. They study political and social issues to understand public opinions and trends. Some of the key responsibilities are:

Conduct surveys, polls, and interviews to collect primary data
Analyze data and statistics to identify patterns and insights
Prepare reports, graphs, and presentations to share findings
Provide recommendations and strategic advice to clients

To become a Research Analyst in Nigeria, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in political science, statistics, or a related field. Strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills are essential. According to Glassdoor, the average pay for a Research Analyst in Nigeria is ₦2.5M per year.

Mediator

As a Mediator in Nigeria, your job is to help resolve disputes between parties. You facilitate communication and negotiate to find a solution acceptable to everyone. Key skills required include:

Strong communication and interpersonal abilities. You need to understand different perspectives and find common ground.
Problem-solving and critical thinking. You analyze issues, evaluate options, and help parties determine viable solutions.
Patience and objectivity. You remain neutral and calm, even when tensions rise. You give each party a fair chance to be heard.
Knowledge of mediation procedures and conflict resolution techniques. You know how to guide parties through the process to a mutually agreeable outcome.

The average salary for a Mediator in Nigeria is ₦2.5 million per year. Compensation varies depending on experience, education, location, and the organizations you work with. Many Mediators are self-employed, working as independent contractors.

Lobbyist

A lobbyist helps influence legislators and government officials to support the interests of a particular group or organization. Their role is to advocate for new laws or push for changes to existing ones that benefit their clients.

Key skills for a lobbyist include:

Strong communication and persuasion abilities. Lobbyists need to be articulate and able to craft compelling arguments.
Extensive knowledge of the legislative process and key policy issues. Lobbyists should be well-versed in the topics they are trying to influence.
Relationship-building expertise. Lobbyists rely on establishing connections with lawmakers and government officials to champion their causes.
Research and analysis capabilities. Lobbyists must gather data and evidence to support their positions.

The salary for a lobbyist in Nigeria can vary depending on experience and who they work for, whether a large corporation, non-profit organization or consulting firm. According to recent estimates, an entry-level lobbyist in Nigeria earns around ₦2.5 million per year. Senior lobbyists with many years of experience may make ₦5 million or higher annually. Some lobbyists charge fees for their services in addition to a base salary.

Management Analyst

As a Management Analyst in Nigeria, your job is to help organizations improve efficiency and solve problems. You analyze how the organization operates and propose solutions to improve productivity and reduce costs. The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. You should have strong analytical and communication skills.

The average salary for a Management Analyst in Nigeria is ₦2.5 million per year. Compensation varies significantly based on factors such as years of experience, education, certifications, and the employing organization. Experienced analysts with professional certifications and graduate degrees can earn considerably higher pay.

Lecturer

As a lecturer at a university, your core job is to teach and mentor students. You will develop and deliver engaging lectures, grade assignments, and advise students. Strong communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills are essential. Typically, a master’s or doctorate in your field of study is required.

The average salary for a lecturer in Nigeria is ₦3.5 million per year. Salaries vary depending on the university, your level of experience, your education, and your field of study. Senior lecturers with many years of experience and a doctorate can earn up to ₦6 million annually.

Diplomat

As a Diplomat in Nigeria, your main job is to represent Nigeria’s interests in foreign countries and international organizations.

Duties

Your duties include:

Promoting Nigeria’s political and economic interests abroad
Negotiating treaties and agreements with foreign governments
Gathering information about the host country’s politics, economy, and society
Helping Nigerian citizens abroad and protecting their interests
Organizing diplomatic events like state visits

Requirements

To become a Diplomat, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, or a related field. Strong communication, interpersonal, and foreign language skills are essential. You must be willing to travel and live in foreign countries for extended periods. Salaries for Diplomats in Nigeria range from ₦1,000,000 to ₦5.2 million per year.

Director of Regulatory Affairs

The Director of Regulatory Affairs oversees an organization’s regulatory compliance program. Responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing regulatory policies and strategies
Monitoring regulatory changes and updating policies
Ensuring personnel are trained on regulations
Conducting internal audits and corrective actions
Filing required registrations and reports

For this role, candidates need a degree in political science, law, or a related field, as well as 5-10 years of experience in government relations or regulatory compliance. Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills are required. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Director of Regulatory Affairs in Nigeria is ₦8.5 million per year.

Journalist

As a Political Scientist in Nigeria, your job is to study political systems, policies, and processes. You’ll analyze current events and statistics to determine how political structures and activities influence people and societies. Political journalism and commentary are options if you have a way with words. Work as a writer, reporter, columnist, or news anchor covering politics and current events. Educate the public and influence opinions.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct research on political issues and events.

Analyze data and statistics on political behaviors, activities, and outcomes.

Stay up-to-date with current events and political trends.

Required skills and qualifications

BSc, Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Journalism or related field

Required skills include Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills, Proficiency in data analysis and statistics,

Knowledge of political theories, systems, and processes; fluency in English and local languages.

The average salary for a Political Journalist in Nigeria is ₦3.5 million per year. Salaries vary depending on the level of education, experience, location, and employer.

With a degree in Political Science, you’ll have the knowledge and skills for a rewarding career serving the public good in Nigeria. The possibilities are many!

Conclusion

So there you have it, 15 of the top political science jobs currently available in Nigeria. With the right education and experience, there are many opportunities to build an interesting career in government, law, education, and beyond. The key is finding work that matches your interests and skills. Don’t feel limited by this list; follow your passions, and you may discover even more exciting roles. The political landscape in Nigeria is constantly evolving, so new jobs are emerging all the time. With hard work and persistence, you can land an ideal position and really make a difference.