Obafemi Awolowo University
(OAU)
About
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), formerly known as the University of Ife, is a federal university in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The university was founded in 1961 by the regional government of Western Nigeria led by Samuel Ladoke Akintola, and classes commenced in October 1962. The university was renamed on 12 May 1987 by Ibrahim Babangida to honour Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987), the first premi...
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), formerly known as the University of Ife, is a federal university in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The university was founded in 1961 by the regional government of Western Nigeria led by Samuel Ladoke Akintola, and classes commenced in October 1962. The university was renamed on 12 May 1987 by Ibrahim Babangida to honour Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987), the first premier of the Western Region, who initially thought of the idea of establishing the university.
Ranking Overview
Ranked Top 1501 worldwide across 3 major ranking systems
Ranked in 11 subject rankings
QS World University Rankings
Academic Ranking of World Universities
U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings
Key Facts
- Students
- 32,746
- Student-Staff Ratio
- 26.3 : 1
- Int'l Students
- 0%
- Female : Male
- 46 : 54
Historical Trend
Longitudinal ViewTop Subjects
Best-performing areasSubject Rankings
Detailed breakdownARWU
3 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry | 201-300 | - | 2025 |
| Clinical Medicine | 401-500 | - | 2025 |
| Public Health | 401-500 | - | 2023 |
US News
1 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Medicine | =497 | 37.9 | 2026 |
THE
7 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Business & Economics | 601–800 | 28.8 | 2026 |
| Education & Training | 601–800 | 20.1 | 2026 |
| Clinical & Health | 801–1000 | 22.9 | 2026 |
| Social Sciences | 801–1000 | 21.6 | 2026 |
| Life Sciences | 1001+ | 10.9 | 2026 |
| Engineering & Technology | 1251+ | 9.6 | 2026 |
| Physical Sciences | 1251+ | 9.1 | 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ranking of Obafemi Awolowo University?
Obafemi Awolowo University's performance in the latest university rankings: QS Rank 1501+, THE Rank 1501+, US News Rank =1,157.
When was Obafemi Awolowo University founded?
Obafemi Awolowo University was founded in 1962.
What are the top subjects at Obafemi Awolowo University?
Top subjects at Obafemi Awolowo University include: Dentistry, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Clinical Medicine, Business & Economics.
Where is Obafemi Awolowo University located?
Obafemi Awolowo University is located in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.