Obafemi Awolowo University (Oau) (2025/2026 Session) School Fees & Acceptance Fee Breakdown

Dear future Great Ife student (yes, you already belong!), congratulations on aiming for one of Nigeria’s most prestigious ivory towers — Obafemi Awolowo University, fondly called OAU. Located in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, OAU has a reputation for academic excellence, cultural heritage, and let's be honest — some of the most dramatic student protests in university history.

But before you start dreaming of wearing your matriculation gown and proudly strolling around campus, let's talk about something very real: school fees and acceptance fees. Yes o, we must “chop the financial yam” before the academic harvest.

So, whether you're a fresh jambito who just got admission into the university, or you're just curious about what it’ll cost to join the OAU family in 2025, this guide will give you the full gist — no sugarcoating.

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What Exactly is the OAU Acceptance Fee?

Let’s start with the first financial handshake OAU will request from you — the acceptance fee. Think of it as the university's way of asking: “Are you in or not?”

For the 2025 academic session, the acceptance fee at OAU is ₦20,000.

Now, you might be thinking: “Is that all?” Yes, that’s it. For a school as prestigious as OAU, ₦20,000 is relatively affordable. But wait, don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet. That’s just the first installment in this academic financial series. Keep reading.

How to Pay the Acceptance Fee

The payment process is straightforward — well, at least on paper:

1. Visit the OAU e-portal: https://eportal.oauife.edu.ng

2. Log in with your JAMB registration number.

3. Navigate to the “Acceptance Fee” section.

4. Make payment via the Remita platform.

5. Print your receipt — very important. That thing is gold.

Tip: Make sure you pay on time. OAU doesn’t joke with deadlines, and if you delay too long, your admission could slip away. And you’ll be left to explain to your village people why you lost a federal admission.

Now Let’s Talk About the OAU School Fees (2025)

This is where the real budgeting begins. Unlike some schools that have a one-size-fits-all fee structure, OAU charges differently based on your faculty or department. Yes, it’s not socialism here, my dear — the cost of studying Medicine isn’t the same as that of Philosophy. After all, you’re not buying pure water.

OAU School Fees for Freshers (2025 Session)

Let’s break it down faculty by faculty:

Note: These fees include tuition, ICT charges, library, medical fees, and student union dues. But don’t be shocked if there's a slight variation — OAU likes to revise things annually, just like Nigerian fuel prices.

Returning Students’ School Fees (2025)

If you’re already a bonafide Great Ife student, congrats. But you’re not exempt from financial responsibilities. Returning students generally pay less than freshers, but it still depends on your department.

Again, don’t go selling your house based on estimates — check the portal for specifics.

What About Accommodation (Hostel Fees)?

Ah yes, the famous OAU hostels — from the mighty Angola Hall to the legendary Moremi (ladies, that’s for you). If you’re lucky enough to get a bedspace (emphasis on "lucky"), here’s what to budget:

• Hostel fee per session: ₦3,090 - ₦4,000

Yes, you read that right. OAU hostels are very affordable, but the problem is the competition. It’s almost like trying to win the Big Brother Naija prize — except there’s no camera watching you snore.

If you don’t get hostel space, off-campus accommodation in areas like Maintenance, Modakeke, or Asherifa can cost you ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 annually — depending on your lifestyle and negotiation skills.

Other Fees You Should Know About

Because Nigeria loves hidden charges, here are some additional things to expect:

• Medical Screening: ₦2,500 - ₦5,000

• Student Union Dues: Already included in school fees (but may pop up on its own, who knows?)

• Departmental & Faculty Dues: ₦2,000 - ₦5,000 depending on your faculty.

• Acceptance of Course Registration Printouts (with signing): Time + stress + biro = priceless.

Payment Deadlines: Don’t Slack

OAU usually gives you a window of 2-3 weeks to complete payment. After that? Well, you either pay a late registration fee or worse — defer your admission. And we both know you don’t want to explain that to your parents.

So, the earlier, the better. Plan, save, hustle legally if you must, but pay on time.

Can You Pay in Installments?

Short answer: No. OAU expects you to pay your fees in full — they don’t offer payment plans (at least not officially). So if you were planning to pay in “three spiritual installments,” please cancel it now.

Pro Tips for New Students

1. Print Everything: OAU loves receipts, printouts, and acknowledgment slips. Print and photocopy everything you download from their portal. Yes, even that confirmation message.

2. Attend Orientation: Don’t skip this — you’ll learn the dos, don’ts, and how not to get lost on a campus that feels like a small town.

3. Don’t Fall for Scammers: Any payment not done via the official e-portal is a no-no. If someone says “I fit help you secure hostel,” run o!

4. Join Faculty WhatsApp Groups: Information is power. Before you find out that registration has closed, your mates have already started submitting assignments.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — your complete financial roadmap to joining the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2025. From the ₦20,000 acceptance fee to the full school fee structure across faculties, you now know what to expect.

As a fellow Nigerian who understands that things are tough (especially with the economy dancing legwork), I feel you. But investing in your education at a prestigious university like OAU is always a wise choice.

So prepare your mind, gather your documents, alert your bank account, and get ready to enjoy one of the most intellectually fulfilling and culturally rich experiences in Nigeria’s academic space.

Welcome to Great Ife — where “For Learning and Culture” isn’t just a motto. It’s a lifestyle.