BRIEF HISTORY ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department was established in 1992 to run both the PRE- NCE and NCE Programmes. It existed as an integral part of the Department of Geography in the College. It became a full-fledged Department on 1st January, 1998 during the 1997/1998 Academic Session.

At its inception, the Department had only two combinations, namely Mathematics/Economics and Computer Science/Economics. The Department now runs both the PRE-NCE and NCE Programmes in the following course combinations: Mathematics/Economic, Computer Science/Economics, Economics/Social Studies, Geography/Economics, Economics/History, Religious Studies/Economics. The Department started its Degree Programme in Economics in the 2012/2013 Academic Session with the approval of Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe.

The philosophy of Economics forms an integral part of the philosophy of Nigerian education. According to the National Policy on Education (2004:5) Nigeria's Philosophy of Education is based on "the development of the individual into a sound and effective citizen, the full integration of the individual into the community and the provision of equal access to educational opportunities for alt citizens in the nation". This is accurately captured by the philosophy of economics education which is aimed among others, to enable its learners to become nationally conscious, better informed, effective and patriotic citizens through the inculcation of national consciousness and national unity, to produce highly qualified, motivated, conscientious and efficient classroom teachers for the different levels of our educational system, to motivate 'teachers towards the furtherance of the spirit of enquiry and creativity so that they can think and work creatively, to make provision for the intellectual growth of teachers and provide them with adequate professional background that will make them relevant to the teaching profession, to make them adaptable to any changing local, national and international life, to produce graduate teachers with sound academic background and professional training to teach economics effectively in the secondary school system, and to infuse creative imagination into teaching and learning activities, situations and apply developed skills to enhance school and community relationship.

The Department of Economics has produced a number of NCE and Degree graduates. Many of these graduates are presently working and teaching in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, both in private and secondary institutions within and outside Ondo state and Nigeria. The Sandwich NCE and Degree programmes has provided a veritable platform for NCE and Degree graduates to upgrades their knowledge, academic qualifications and status.

Contributions of the Department to the Local Communities and the Nation

The Department of Economics has produced a number of NCE and Degree graduates. Many of these graduates are presently working and teaching in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, both in private and secondary institutions within and outside Ondo state and Nigeria. The Sandwich NCE and Degree programmes has provided a veritable platform for NCE and Degree graduates to upgrades their knowledge, academic qualifications and status.