Obafemi Awolowo University
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 69.1%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (20,223 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:24
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 72.0%
- Retention Rate
- 82.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $2,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $5,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Living and learning at OAU means inhabiting one of Nigeria's most beautiful university campuses, a self-contained community where students from across the country and beyond come together for an experience that shapes perspectives and builds lifelong relationships. The sprawling campus includes residence halls ranging from the original buildings of the 1960s to more recent constructions, with students typically sharing rooms and common facilities in gender-segregated halls. Campus dining options include cafeterias and numerous food vendors offering Nigerian cuisines from various regions, with the aromas of jollof rice, pounded yam, and grilled suya creating a sensory backdrop to student life. Religious life is active, with mosque and church facilities on campus and student organizations representing various faith traditions common in Nigeria's religiously complex society. Sports facilities support both recreational activity and competitive athletics, with OAU teams competing in Nigerian university leagues. Cultural organizations celebrate the variety of Nigeria's ethnic groups while the university's location in Ile-Ife provides special connection to Yoruba heritage, including the opportunity to visit the Ife Museum with its famous bronze and terracotta heads. Student politics runs hot, with the Student Union serving as training ground for future politicians and advocate for student interests. Academic life remains the core focus, with library resources, computer facilities, and study spaces supporting the work that will ultimately determine students' futures.
Location & Surroundings
Ile-Ife occupies a unique position in Nigerian and African history as the traditional spiritual capital of the Yoruba people, one of Africa's largest ethnic groups with influence extending throughout Nigeria and into diaspora communities worldwide. The Ooni of Ife, the traditional ruler who traces his lineage to the legendary founder Oduduwa, maintains his palace and court in the city, providing students exposure to traditional institutions that remain relevant in contemporary Nigeria. Archaeological discoveries in Ife, including the remarkable naturalistic bronze and terracotta sculptures now housed in the Ife Museum, have reshaped understanding of African art history and demonstrate that African civilizations produced work rivaling any in the world. This cultural setting enriches the educational experience for all students while providing particular opportunities for those studying African history, archaeology, art, religion, or anthropology. The surrounding region includes important agricultural land, with cocoa, palm oil, and food crops supporting a farming economy that connects to academic programs in agriculture and related fields. Larger cities including Ibadan, Lagos, and Akure lie within reasonable distance, providing access to Nigeria's commercial and governmental centers. The climate is tropical, with a pronounced rainy season from April through October. Local markets offer students access to food, textiles, and traditional crafts at prices more accessible than in Lagos or other major cities. The natural environment surrounding Ile-Ife provides opportunities for ecological research and outdoor recreation.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Obafemi Awolowo University creates opportunities that emerge from its standing as one of Nigeria's premier institutions, its location in a region of profound cultural significance, and its networks extending throughout Nigeria and the global African diaspora. Research opportunities address problems of particular relevance to Nigeria and Africa, from tropical medicine to agricultural development to governance and democratization, allowing students to contribute to knowledge that matters for their communities. The alumni network includes presidents, ministers, business leaders, and professionals across virtually every sector of Nigerian life, creating mentorship possibilities and career connections for current students. International partnerships with universities in North America, Europe, and elsewhere facilitate exchange opportunities and collaborative research projects. The university's location in Ile-Ife provides access to traditional knowledge systems, cultural practices, and historical resources that cannot be found elsewhere. Student organizations provide leadership development opportunities in a country where future leaders often emerge from university politics. Professional programs in medicine, law, pharmacy, and education provide pathways to regulated careers with strong earning potential in the Nigerian economy. Research facilities, while facing the resource constraints common in Nigerian public institutions, nonetheless provide exposure to scientific investigation and scholarly methods. The university's reputation throughout Africa means that OAU degrees carry weight in graduate school applications, professional opportunities, and professional recognition well beyond Nigeria's borders.
Campus Location
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