Obafemi Awolowo University commonly known as OAU is one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria. Located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, research output, and producing influential graduates across different sectors.
Founded in 1961 as the University of Ife and later renamed after Nigerian statesman Obafemi Awolowo, OAU has grown into one of the most competitive universities in Nigeria. Every year, tens of thousands of students apply for admission into the institution.
This complete guide explains everything you need to know about studying at OAU, including:
- Complete list of courses offered
- Faculties and departments
- School fees structure
- Admission requirements
- JAMB and Post-UTME requirements
- Cut-off marks
- Step-by-step admission process
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Overview of Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University is widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities.
Key Facts About OAU
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1961 |
| Location | Ile-Ife, Osun State |
| Ownership | Federal Government of Nigeria |
| Former Name | University of Ife |
| Student Population | Over 30,000 |
| Type | Public Research University |
The university is well known for its:
- Strong academic culture
- Beautiful campus architecture
- Competitive admission standards
- Quality research and teaching
OAU offers over 90 undergraduate programmes across several faculties.
Faculties in Obafemi Awolowo University
Courses at OAU are organized into faculties.
Major faculties include:
- Faculty of Administration
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Environmental Design and Management
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Technology
- College of Health Sciences
Each faculty contains several departments offering specialized academic programs.
Complete List of Courses Offered in OAU
Below is a detailed breakdown of the major courses available at the university.
Faculty of Administration
This faculty focuses on business, management, and public administration.
Courses include:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- International Relations
- Local Government and Development Studies
Graduates from these programs typically work in:
- Banks
- Corporate organizations
- Government ministries
- International organizations
Faculty of Agriculture
Agriculture programs are designed to improve food production and agricultural innovation.
Courses offered include:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
- Crop Production and Protection
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
Career opportunities include:
- Agricultural consultancy
- Food production companies
- Government agricultural agencies
- Research institutes
Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts focuses on humanities, language studies, and culture.
Courses include:
- English Language
- Linguistics
- History
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Yoruba
- Dramatic Arts
- Music
These programs prepare students for careers in:
- Journalism and media
- Teaching
- Cultural management
- Diplomacy
Faculty of Education
The Faculty of Education trains professional teachers and educational specialists.
Courses include:
- Education/Biology
- Education/Chemistry
- Education/Economics
- Education/English
- Education/Geography
- Education/History
- Education/Mathematics
- Education/Physics
Graduates typically work in:
- Schools and universities
- Educational consultancy
- Curriculum development
Faculty of Environmental Design and Management
This faculty focuses on architecture, urban planning, and infrastructure development.
Courses include:
- Architecture
- Estate Management
- Fine Arts
- Urban and Regional Planning
Graduates often work in:
- Real estate development
- Architecture firms
- Urban planning agencies
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science provides training in natural sciences and research.
Courses include:
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
These programs prepare students for careers in:
- Research institutions
- Technology companies
- Pharmaceutical industries
Faculty of Social Sciences
This faculty focuses on understanding human society and economic systems.
Courses include:
- Economics
- Geography
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Demography and Social Statistics
Graduates may work in:
- Government agencies
- NGOs
- Policy research institutions
Faculty of Technology (Engineering)
Engineering programs are among the most competitive courses in OAU.
Courses include:
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Food Science and Technology
Engineering graduates often work in
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law offers a single professional degree program:
- Law (LLB)
Graduates must attend the Nigerian Law School before practicing as lawyers.
College of Health Sciences
The medical college offers highly competitive healthcare programs.
Courses include:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Nursing Science
- Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy)
- Anatomy
- Physiology
Admission into these programs requires very high academic performance.
OAU School Fees
School fees at Obafemi Awolowo University vary depending on the faculty and whether the student is new or returning.
School Fees for Fresh Students
| Faculty Category | Estimated Fees |
|---|---|
| Arts, Law, Humanities | ₦151,200 |
| Science and Technology | ₦163,200 |
| Medicine and Pharmacy | ₦190,200 |
School Fees for Returning Students
| Faculty Category | Estimated Fees |
|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | ₦89,200 |
| Science and Technology | ₦101,200 |
| Health Sciences | ₦128,200 |
These fees include charges for:
- Tuition
- Library services
- Medical services
- ICT fees
- Examination fees
Acceptance Fee
Newly admitted students must pay an acceptance fee of about ₦35,000 to secure their admission.
OAU Hostel Accommodation Fees
The university provides student accommodation on campus.
Estimated hostel fees:
- ₦5,000 – ₦20,000 per session (depending on hall and services).
However, many students live off-campus in nearby areas such as:
- Ile-Ife town
- Mayfair
- Parakin
Admission Requirements for OAU
Admission into Obafemi Awolowo University requires meeting several academic requirements.
UTME Admission Requirements
Candidates applying through JAMB must:
- Score at least 180 in UTME.
- Select OAU as their first choice university.
- Have five O’Level credits including English and Mathematics.
- Participate in the Post-UTME screening exercise.
However, competitive courses require much higher scores.
O’Level Requirements
Applicants must have:
- At least five credits
- Including English Language
- Relevant subjects for the course
- Maximum of two sittings
Accepted examinations include:
- WAEC
- NECO
- GCE
Direct Entry Admission Requirements
Students with advanced qualifications can apply through Direct Entry.
Accepted qualifications include:
- National Diploma (ND)
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- NCE
- A-Level certificates
Direct Entry candidates usually enter 200 level.
OAU Cut-Off Mark
The general JAMB cut-off mark for OAU is around 180, but competitive courses require much higher scores.
Examples:
| Course | Estimated Competitive Score |
|---|---|
| Medicine | 270+ |
| Law | 260+ |
| Engineering | 250+ |
| Accounting | 240+ |
| Computer Science | 240+ |
How to Apply for OAU Admission
Follow these steps:
Step 1
Register for JAMB UTME.
Step 2
Choose Obafemi Awolowo University as first choice.
Step 3
Score above the required cut-off mark.
Step 4
Apply for the OAU Post-UTME screening.
Step 5
Upload your O’Level results.
Step 6
Monitor JAMB CAPS for admission updates.
Why Students Choose OAU
Several factors make OAU one of the most sought-after universities in Nigeria.
Academic Excellence
The university has produced many influential graduates.
Strong Research Culture
OAU is known for research in:
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Agriculture
Beautiful Campus
The campus is one of the most beautiful in Nigeria.
Affordable School Fees
Compared with private universities, OAU is relatively affordable.
Career Opportunities for OAU Graduates
Graduates from OAU work in many industries including:
- Banking and finance
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Government agencies
- Technology companies
Many also pursue postgraduate studies abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the cut-off mark for OAU?
The general JAMB cut-off mark is around 180, but competitive courses require much higher scores.
2. How much is OAU school fees?
School fees range from ₦151,200 to ₦190,200 for fresh students, depending on the faculty.
3. Does OAU conduct Post-UTME?
Yes. Candidates must participate in the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
4. Can I gain admission into OAU with 200 in JAMB?
Yes, but admission chances depend on the course. Competitive courses require higher scores.
5. Does OAU offer Medicine?
Yes. The university offers Medicine and Surgery under the College of Health Sciences.
Final Thoughts
Obafemi Awolowo University remains one of the top federal universities in Nigeria, offering a wide range of academic programs across multiple faculties. With strong academic standards, relatively affordable school fees, and excellent career prospects for graduates, OAU continues to attract thousands of applicants every year.
However, gaining admission into the university requires excellent academic preparation, especially for competitive programs like Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
