As an economics student at the University of Ilorin, I found the program provided a solid educational foundation but has room for improvement.
The curriculum covers key micro and macroeconomic principles and models in depth through required courses like Intermediate Microeconomics, Econometrics, and Mathematical Economics. Small class sizes enable productive class discussions and engagement. Professors are approachable and willing to provide additional support during office hours.
However, more focus could be given to practical applications and developing analytical skills. Several courses emphasized theoretical concepts without real-world examples and problem sets to build critical thinking abilities. The program would benefit from more data analysis and research project assignments integrating economic data from Nigeria and surrounding regions.
The faculty have strong academic backgrounds from renowned institutions, but very few have real-world experience in the public or private sector. Bringing in adjunct professors working in finance, business, or policy roles could add valuable perspective.
While students build a solid base of economic knowledge, the program does not adequately prepare graduates for careers after university. Adding courses in financial modelling, data visualization, and presentation skills would improve job-readiness. More networking events and guidance on internships would also help students transition successfully into the workforce.
Overall, the University of Ilorin provides quality economics training for the tuition costs. However, developing practical skills, real-world applications, and career support services would take the program to the next level. I appreciated the strong foundational curriculum but needed to supplement my education with additional internship and skills training experience. There is opportunity for the program to improve and produce graduates ready to excel in economic analysis roles across various industries and public sector positions.