A retired Inspector General of Police, Musiliu Smith, has attributed his success as a police officer and a former IG to his knowledge of Sociology.

Smith said this at a round table and the presentation of awards to some alumni of the University of Lagos (Unilag) held at the Afe Babalola Auditorium in Lagos.

The theme of the discussion is: “Sociology: Questions of Relevance and Visibility.’’

Sociology is the study of social behaviour or society, including its origins, development, organization, networks, and institutions.

Smith said, “My knowledge of Sociology helped me to adequately deal with situations that confronted me in the course of my career.

Every Nigerian needs to acquire the basic knowledge of Sociology for them to understand how to relate with the society,’’ he said.

Smith was the IG between May 1999 and March 2002.

Also, a retired Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Akin Adeniran, said the study of Sociology should be included in the curricula of tertiary institutions as first and second degree programme courses.

According to him, Sociology is the mother of all courses as it attempts to touch on all aspects of human existence.

He said that emphasis should be placed on Industrial Sociology.

We need the knowledge of Industrial Sociology to prepare us to face challenges, tasks and obligations required of us by the society.’’

Another discussant, Peter Ujomu, said the public would appreciate the importance of Sociology better if other universities could organise similar round tables as done by Unilag.

The institution gave awards to eight alumni who had excelled in their chosen professions.

They are: Musiliu Smith, Thelma Iremiren, Amb. John Shinkaiye, Rihard Ogundele, Akin Adeniran, Peter Ujomu, Sunday Fakunmoju and Taiwo Fatiregun.