Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a federal university located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Founded in 1962 as the University of Ife, the institution was later renamed Obafemi Awolowo University in honour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
OAU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across areas including arts, sciences, engineering, agriculture, law, medicine, pharmacy, education, administration and environmental design.
Where Is Obafemi Awolowo University Located?
Obafemi Awolowo University is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, southwestern Nigeria.
The university’s campus covers a large area and has grown considerably since its establishment. OAU began with five faculties and has subsequently expanded into a comprehensive university with numerous faculties, departments, institutes and academic units.
When Was OAU Established?
Obafemi Awolowo University was established in 1962, originally under the name University of Ife.
The university was created to provide higher-level education and manpower development for Nigeria and the wider region.
It later adopted the name Obafemi Awolowo University in recognition of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Faculties and Courses at OAU
OAU offers a wide range of degree programmes.
Some of the major academic areas include:
- Agriculture
- Arts
- Education
- Administration
- Environmental Design and Management
- Law
- Pharmacy
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Technology
- Health Sciences
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Dentistry
The university has continued to expand and reorganise its academic structure over the years. Its College of Health Sciences includes the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences and Dentistry.
Popular Courses at Obafemi Awolowo University
Some of the programmes available at OAU include:
Medicine
Medicine is offered through the College of Health Sciences. Admission requirements include relevant UTME subjects and the required O’Level credits.
Law
The Faculty of Law offers the Law programme. OAU’s published requirements include five relevant O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Literature in English.
Engineering
The Faculty of Technology includes programmes such as:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
The university’s published admission requirements specify Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and English-related requirements for relevant engineering programmes.
Pharmacy
OAU offers Pharmacy through its Faculty of Pharmacy. The published UTME requirements include English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, alongside the specified O’Level requirements.
Science Courses
Science programmes include subjects such as:
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Zoology
Specific UTME and O’Level subject combinations depend on the course.
Arts and Humanities
The Faculty of Arts includes departments such as:
- Dramatic Arts
- English
- Foreign Languages
- History
- Linguistics and African Languages
- Music
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
The faculty was one of the university’s original academic divisions when the institution was established.
OAU Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary according to the course.
For undergraduate admission, prospective students should check the requirements for their specific programme rather than relying on a general OAU cut-off or subject combination.
OAU publishes faculty-by-faculty requirements covering:
- UTME subject combinations
- O’Level requirements
- Direct Entry requirements
- Relevant A-Level qualifications
- ND/HND qualifications where applicable
For example, the university’s requirements for Medicine include English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in the relevant examinations, while engineering programmes generally require English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
OAU Admission Portal
Prospective and admitted students should use the university’s official online platforms for admission-related activities.
The OAU Admission Portal provides an interface for students to enter their registration number and password and access admission-related information.
Students should always confirm that they are using an official OAU website before entering personal information or making payments.
How to Apply for Admission to OAU
The admission process depends on the type of admission and the academic session.
For undergraduate applicants, the general process involves:
- Meet the requirements for your chosen course.
- Register for the relevant JAMB examination.
- Choose OAU where applicable.
- Meet the university’s admission requirements.
- Complete any required OAU screening or admission process.
- Monitor your admission status.
- Follow the university’s instructions if offered admission.
- Complete registration and payment within the specified deadlines.
Because admission procedures and deadlines can change from one academic session to another, applicants should check OAU’s current admission announcements rather than relying on old information.
OAU Direct Entry Admission
OAU also accepts qualified Direct Entry (DE) candidates for applicable programmes.
Depending on the course, acceptable qualifications can include:
- A-Level passes
- ND/HND qualifications
- NCE
- Relevant university degrees
- Other approved qualifications
The exact requirements vary considerably by department. OAU’s official admission requirements provide separate Direct Entry conditions for individual programmes.
Is OAU a Federal University?
Yes.
Obafemi Awolowo University is a federal university in Nigeria.
It is therefore part of Nigeria’s federal university system and is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
OAU Admission Cut-Off Mark
There is no single course-specific admission score that should be applied to every OAU programme.
Admission requirements can differ by programme and admission exercise. Competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Engineering and Pharmacy may have different admission considerations from other programmes.
Students should therefore check the official admission information for the particular academic session and course they are applying for.
OAU Student Population and Academic Programmes
OAU has developed from a small institution established in 1962 into a large comprehensive university offering undergraduate and postgraduate education.
According to an OAU departmental publication, the university has grown to more than 37,000 students, about 1,300 academic staff, 13 faculties and more than 103 departments and units.
Why Students Search for OAU
Prospective students commonly search for information about OAU because they want to know:
- OAU courses
- OAU admission requirements
- OAU cut-off mark
- OAU school fees
- OAU admission portal
- OAU Post-UTME
- OAU Direct Entry
- OAU screening
- OAU acceptance fee
- OAU academic calendar
- OAU hostel accommodation
- OAU admission list
Because these details can change annually, applicants should verify current figures and deadlines with the university before making decisions.
OAU Frequently Asked Questions
What does OAU stand for?
OAU stands for Obafemi Awolowo University.
Where is OAU located?
OAU is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
When was OAU established?
The university was established in 1962 as the University of Ife.
Is OAU a federal university?
Yes. Obafemi Awolowo University is a federal university in Nigeria.
What courses does OAU offer?
OAU offers courses across agriculture, arts, education, administration, law, pharmacy, sciences, engineering and technology, social sciences, environmental design and management, and health sciences.
Does OAU accept Direct Entry?
Yes. OAU publishes Direct Entry requirements for eligible programmes. The qualification required depends on the chosen course.
Where can I check my OAU admission information?
Applicants should use the university’s official website and admission portal for current admission information.
Conclusion
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is one of Nigeria’s major federal universities, with a history dating back to 1962.
The university offers a broad selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering, Sciences, Arts, Education, Agriculture, Administration and Social Sciences.
If you are applying to OAU, the most important step is to check the specific requirements for your chosen course and use the university’s official admission platforms for current information. Admission requirements, screening procedures, fees and deadlines can change from one academic session to another.
