Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife, Nigeria • Founded 1961 • World Rank #2705
Overview
Established in 1962, the Obafemi Awolowo University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Ile-Ife (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Osun.
Officially recognized by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a large-sized coeducational Nigerian higher education institution. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 62-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
OAU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Obafemi Awolowo University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
Obafemi Awolowo University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Academic Structures
Obafemi Awolowo University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 10 items
- Faculty of Administration
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Environmental Design and Management
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Pharmacy
Degrees
Also Pre-degree Programmes, Certificate, Diploma, Executive Master; Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Bachelor's 93 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Anthropology
- Applied Physics
- Architecture
- Art Education
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Consumer Studies
- Crop Production
- Demography and Population
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- Geophysics
- German
- Government
- Health Education
- History
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Industrial Chemistry
- Industrial Management
- Information Sciences
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Journalism
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mass Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Music
- Music Education
- Native Language Education
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Political Sciences
- Portuguese
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Religious Education
- Religious Studies
- Rural Studies
- Science Education
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Theatre
- Town Planning
- Yoruba
- Zoology
Master's 147 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Analytical Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Anthropology
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Physics
- Architecture
- Art Education
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical Psychology
- Clothing and Sewing
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Crop Production
- Curriculum
- Demography and Population
- Dentistry
- Development Studies
- Developmental Psychology
- Distance Education
- Ecology
- Economic History
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Technology
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Management
- Family Studies
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geochemistry
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- Geophysics
- German
- Government
- Health Administration
- Herbalism
- History
- Home Economics
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Immunology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Technology
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Interior Design
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Landscape Architecture
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Maintenance Technology
- Management
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Music Education
- Nanotechnology
- Native Language Education
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nuclear Physics
- Nursing
- Ophthalmology
- Organic Chemistry
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Philosophy of Education
- Physical Chemistry
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Political Sciences
- Portuguese
- Preschool Education
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Regional Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Religious Education
- Religious Studies
- Rural Studies
- Science Education
- Social Policy
- Social Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Technology
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Textile Design
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Town Planning
- Transport and Communications
- Waste Management
- Yoruba
- Zoology
Doctoral 119 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Analytical Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Anthropology
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Physics
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Building Technologies
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical Psychology
- Clothing and Sewing
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Crop Production
- Curriculum
- Demography and Population
- Development Studies
- Developmental Psychology
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- English
- Environmental Management
- Family Studies
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Geology
- Geophysics
- German
- Government
- Health Administration
- History
- Home Economics
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Immunology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Technology
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Interior Design
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Maintenance Technology
- Management
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Native Language Education
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nuclear Physics
- Nursing
- Ophthalmology
- Organic Chemistry
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Political Sciences
- Portuguese
- Preschool Education
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Religious Studies
- Rural Studies
- Science Education
- Social Policy
- Social Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Technology
- Textile Design
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Town Planning
- Yoruba
- Zoology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under National Universities Commission of Nigeria.
Health Sciences (College) 26 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Cell Biology
- Community Health
- Dentistry
- Dermatology
- Dietetics
- Gynaecology
- Haematology
- Immunology
- Medical Parasitology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Ophthalmology
- Oral Pathology
- Oral Surgery
- Orthopaedics
- Paediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Radiology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Venereology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Postgraduate Studies (College) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Dentistry
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Social Sciences
Administration (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Development Studies
- Government
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Management
- Public Administration
Agriculture (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Botany
- Consumer Studies
- Crop Production
- Family Studies
- Nutrition
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Rural Studies
- Soil Science
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- English
- History
- Linguistics
- Music
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Theatre
Education (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Adult Education
- Art Education
- Continuing Education
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Educational Sciences
- Health Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Physical Education
- Science Education
- Technology Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Design and Management (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Building Technologies
- Fine Arts
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- International Law
- Law
- Private Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sciences (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Demography and Population
- Economics
- Geography (Human)
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Technology (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Programs Offered
Every programme Obafemi Awolowo University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.
Bachelor's Degree
102 programmes
Obafemi Awolowo University delivers 102 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Architecture Architecture
Biochemistry Biochemistry
Botany Biological Sciences
Building Civil Engineering & Construction
Chemical Engineering Chemistry
Chemistry Chemistry
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
Computer Science with (Economics) (Mathematics) Economics
Computer Science With Economics Economics
Crop Production And Protection Horticulture and Crop Science
Demography and Social Statistics Social & Cultural Studies
Dentistry And Dental Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Dentistry and Dental Technology Dentistry
Drama / Dramatic / Performing Arts Performing Arts
Economics Economics
Education and Biology Biological Sciences
Education and Chemistry Chemistry
Education and Economics Economics
Education and English Language English Language Studies
Education Fine and Applied Arts Education & Teaching
Education and French Linguistics & Language Studies
Education and Geography Education & Teaching
Education and History History
Education and Integrated Science Education & Teaching
Education and Language Arts Education & Teaching
Education and Mathematics Mathematics
Education and Music Music
Education and Physics Physics & Astronomy
Education and Political Science Education & Teaching
Education and Religious Studies Religious Studies
Education and Social Studies Education & Teaching
Education and Yoruba Linguistics & Language Studies
Educational Management Business & Management
Electrical / Electronics Engineering Robotics & Automation
Engineering Physics Physics & Astronomy
English Language English Language Studies
Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship
Estate Management Business & Management
Family, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences Nutrition & Dietetics
Fine Art Visual Arts
Food Science and Technology Food Science
French Linguistics & Language Studies
Geography Geography
Geology Earth Sciences & Geology
German Linguistics & Language Studies
Guidance and Counseling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Health Education Education & Teaching
Home Economics and Education Economics
Industrial Chemistry Chemistry
Insurance and Actuarial Science Finance, Banking & Insurance
Integrated Science / Mathematics Education Mathematics
Library and Information Science Information Systems & Technology
Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Literature in English English Language Studies
Mathematics Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Medical Rehabilitation Physiotherapy
Medicine and Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Metallurgical and Material Engineering Materials Science
Microbiology Microbiology
Nursing / Nursing Science Nursing
Nutrition And Consumer Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Physical and Health Education Physics & Astronomy
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Political Science Politics & International Relations
Portuguese Linguistics & Language Studies
Psychology Psychology
Quantity Surveying Civil Engineering & Construction
Sociology and Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Soil Science Natural Sciences
Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Surveying and Geo-Informatics Civil Engineering & Construction
Teacher Education Science Education & Teaching
Urban and Regional Planning Business & Management
Yoruba Linguistics & Language Studies
Zoology Biological Sciences
Computer Science with Mathematics Computer Sciences
Accounting Accounting
Business Administration Business Administration
International Relations Politics & International Relations
Local Government Studies Public Administration
Public Administration Public Administration
Dramatic Arts Performing Arts
English English Language Studies
Foreign Languages Linguistics & Language Studies
History History
Linguistics and African Languages Linguistics & Language Studies
Music Music
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religious Studies Religious Studies
Pharmacy Pharmacy
Engineering General Engineering
Law Law
Education Education & Teaching
Accountancy / Accounting Accounting
Adult Education Education & Teaching
Agricultural Economics Agriculture
Agricultural Engineering Agriculture
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Agriculture
Animal Science Animal Science
Applied Geophysics Earth Sciences & Geology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
7 programmes
Obafemi Awolowo University provides 7 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Accounting Accounting
Business Administration Business Administration
MBA Business & Management
Pharmacy Pharmacy
Engineering General Engineering
Law Law
Education Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
6 programmes
Obafemi Awolowo University lists 6 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Accounting Accounting
Business Administration Business Administration
Pharmacy Pharmacy
Engineering General Engineering
Law Law
Education Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
2 programmes
Obafemi Awolowo University offers 2 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
Accounting Accounting
Management Science Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Obafemi Awolowo University
How to apply to Obafemi Awolowo University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Research programmes at Obafemi Awolowo University
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Obafemi Awolowo University offers 117 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Each programme at Obafemi Awolowo University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Lodge your application
Apply directly via Obafemi Awolowo University's online portal at oauife.edu.ng. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +234 (36) 230 290. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Obafemi Awolowo University
Frequently asked questions about Obafemi Awolowo University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is Obafemi Awolowo University?
The institution opened in 1961 (approximately 65 years ago).
Where is Obafemi Awolowo University located?
Obafemi Awolowo University is located in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
What is Obafemi Awolowo University's control type?
Obafemi Awolowo University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Obafemi Awolowo University?
Student enrolment at Obafemi Awolowo University is around 25,000-29,999.
How is Obafemi Awolowo University ranked?
Obafemi Awolowo University is ranked #2705 globally and #7 in Nigeria.
What degrees does Obafemi Awolowo University offer?
Programmes at Obafemi Awolowo University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Obafemi Awolowo University's academic structure?
Obafemi Awolowo University is organised into 10 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Obafemi Awolowo University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from National Universities Commission (NUC).
How do I find Obafemi Awolowo University online?
Obafemi Awolowo University's official website is oauife.edu.ng.
Top-Ranked Universities in Nigeria
A quick benchmark: here are the top-ranked universities in Nigeria. Useful for understanding how Obafemi Awolowo University compares against the national reference points in higher education, and what alternatives exist if reach institutions are part of your strategy.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Universities sharing Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) affiliation with Obafemi Awolowo University offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Obafemi Awolowo University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Faculty publication output for Education & Teaching researchers at each Nigeria institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Often Compared with Obafemi Awolowo University
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Obafemi Awolowo University: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
