Everything You Need To Know About Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

If you're reading this, chances are you're either dreaming of attending Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), you’re an alumni feeling nostalgic, or you’re just curious about what makes this great citadel of learning tick. Well, pull up a chair and get comfortable, because I’m about to take you on a journey through one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities — the almighty OAU, also fondly called Great Ife.

Yes, that’s right — “Great Ife!” Not “Just Ife” or “OAU,” but Great Ife. If that doesn’t give you a hint about the pride that comes with being part of this institution, nothing else will.

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A Little History Never Hurt Anybody

Let’s begin at the beginning, shall we?

Obafemi Awolowo University, formerly known as the University of Ife, was established in 1961. Yes, this university is older than most of your favourite celebs and Instagram influencers. It was renamed in 1987 after Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late sage and nationalist, in recognition of his visionary role in establishing the institution.

Located in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, the university sits on a sprawling 11,862 hectares of land. To put that into perspective, that's large enough to get lost and find yourself in another faculty. I’m not even exaggerating.

Academic Structure – Where Brilliance Meets Breadth

OAU isn’t just known for its vintage architecture or beautiful campus (we’ll get there), it’s a powerhouse when it comes to academics. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programmes across various disciplines.

Some of the key faculties include:

• Faculty of Arts

• Faculty of Science

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Social Sciences

• Faculty of Agriculture

• Faculty of Technology

• Faculty of Environmental Design and Management

• Faculty of Administration

• Faculty of Pharmacy

• Faculty of Education

• College of Health Sciences (which includes Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more)

Whether you’re into engineering, medicine, law, or literature, OAU has got you covered. The university has over 80 academic departments, and these are all driven by a faculty of world-class lecturers (and I don’t mean “world-class” in a Nigerian sense — these folks are legit!)

The Admission Hustle – Not for the Faint-Hearted

Let’s be honest — gaining admission into OAU is not a walk in the park. It’s more like a 100-meter dash with obstacles, hurdles, and a few plot twists.

First, you write your JAMB and aim for a high score — I’m talking 250 and above if you want to be taken seriously, especially for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering.

Next comes the Post-UTME screening, where OAU gets to further sieve the wheat from the chaff. Your aggregate is calculated (JAMB + Post-UTME), and only the best survive. If you scale through, congrats! You’ve just won yourself a ticket to one of the most respected tertiary institutions in West Africa.

Hostel Life – From Angola to Mozambique

Ask any OAU student about hostels and they’ll tell you: the halls have character. In fact, these hostels are iconic in their own way.

There’s:

• Awolowo Hall (Awo) – For the confident and bold. Many believe it’s the hall of kings.

• Moremi Hall – Named after the legendary queen; mostly for female students.

• Fajuyi Hall – Calm but sharp. The intellectuals’ territory.

• ETF Hall – The more modern hostel; some call it “bougie.”

• Akintola, Angola, Mozambique, and Alumni Hostels – Each with its own vibe and quirks.

While some of the hostels could use a bit of renovation (or divine intervention, let’s be honest), what they lack in modern comfort, they make up for in culture, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

The Campus – More Than Just Bricks and Mortar

Step into the OAU campus, and you’ll think you just walked into a movie set. The architecture is simply breathtaking — a blend of modernist design and Yoruba cultural elements. The famous Oduduwa Hall, Amphitheatre, and Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library are architectural gems that never fail to impress.

The University Zoo and Botanical Gardens, OAU Dam, and the various faculty buildings all come together to create an academic environment that feels alive, not just functional.

You’ll also find a good number of restaurants, cafeterias (popularly called “butteries”), shopping complexes, banks, churches, and mosques. So, whether you need a plate of jollof rice, a quick prayer, or to withdraw your last ₦2k, OAU’s got your back.

Student Life – Work Hard, Play Harder

Academics at OAU are intense. The lecturers don’t joke, and deadlines don’t play. But even amidst the hustle, students know how to have a good time.

There are countless student associations, clubs, and societies, from academic groups to religious fellowships, political unions to entertainment crews. Events like Students’ Union Week, faculty dinners, Departmental week, and Beauty Pageants bring the whole school to life.

And yes, let’s not forget the legendary Amphitheatre vibes — from stage dramas to concerts, it’s where raw campus energy is unleashed.

The Alumni – Legends Upon Legends

OAU has produced some of Nigeria’s finest minds and biggest influencers across various sectors. We’re talking governors, ministers, captains of industry, Nollywood stars, media moguls, and academics.

Names like:

• Femi Falana (Human rights lawyer)

• Dele Momodu (Journalist and publisher)

• Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (former governor)

• Ibukun Awosika (business leader)

• Bimbo Oshin (actress)

… all walked through those famous lecture halls.

That alone should tell you the kind of pedigree we’re dealing with here.

OAU and Tech – Yes, They Code Too

You’d be surprised, but OAU has a budding tech scene. The university hosts hackathons, tech summits, and boasts of alumni who are now working in leading tech firms worldwide.

With Computer Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and other STEM-related courses booming, it’s not uncommon to find undergraduates launching startups before even graduating.

What Makes OAU Special?

OAU isn’t just a university; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of place where you learn more than just what’s in the textbook. You grow. You evolve. You meet people from all over Nigeria and beyond. You experience culture, stress (yes, plenty), joy, freedom, and discipline all rolled into one.

And once you graduate, you don’t just leave as an alumni — you become a member of the Great Ife family, a badge many wear with pride for life.

Final Words – Is OAU for You?

If you’re searching for a university with a solid academic reputation, vibrant student life, rich culture, and a legacy of excellence, then Obafemi Awolowo University might just be the dream you’ve been waiting to pursue.

Just be ready for the ups and downs, the long walks to lecture halls, the last-minute exam panic, and the occasional power outage. But trust me, in the end, it’s all worth it.

OAU is not perfect, but it is iconic, legendary, and without a doubt, one of Nigeria’s academic treasures.

So whether you want to become a lawyer, doctor, engineer, artist, or innovator — OAU gives you the space to chase your dreams and own your story.

Welcome to Great Ife — where legends are born.