Find the complete and updated breakdown of OAU School Fees, including tuition, accommodation, and departmental charges for all academic levels in this guide.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, is one of the most prestigious public universities in Africa. Established in 1961 as the University of Ife and renamed in honour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1987, OAU is known for academic excellence, cultural heritage, and cutting-edge research. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. Understanding the school fees is essential for prospective and current students to plan financially for their education.
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OAU School Fees: OAU Tuition Fee Structure Overview
OAU, as a federal university, traditionally offers subsidised education. However, due to changing economic realities, school fees have been revised over the years. The fee structure varies based on the student’s faculty, level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate), and whether they are freshers or returning students.
Key points:
- Federal universities typically have lower tuition fees compared to private institutions.
- OAU charges are split into tuition, acceptance fees, accommodation, departmental dues, medical charges, and other miscellaneous fees.
Fresh Students’ Fee Breakdown
Newly admitted students (100-level) are required to pay certain compulsory charges. These include:
- Acceptance Fee: Non-refundable and paid to secure admission (ranging from ₦20,000 – ₦25,000)
- Tuition/School Fees: ₦75,000 – ₦160,000 depending on the course of study
- Medical Screening: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
- Faculty and Departmental Dues: ₦2,000 – ₦10,000
- Accommodation Fees: ₦3,090 (optional but highly sought-after)
- ICT/Library Fees: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000
Example for Faculty of Technology:
- Tuition/Registration: ₦115,000
- Total with other charges: Approximately ₦145,000
Returning Students’ Fee Breakdown
Returning students generally pay lower fees compared to freshers. The charges may include:
- Tuition: ₦45,000 – ₦120,000 (based on department)
- Departmental Dues: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000
- Accommodation (if applicable): ₦3,090
- Other Levies: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Example:
- Social Sciences Student: ₦89,200 (Total)
- Health Sciences Student: ₦120,000 – ₦135,000 (Total)
Postgraduate School Fees
Postgraduate students pay higher fees. Charges include:
- Application Fee: ₦20,000
- Acceptance Fee: ₦30,000
- School Fees: ₦90,000 – ₦200,000 depending on program
- Professional Courses (e.g., MBA, MPH): ₦250,000 – ₦450,000 per session
- Ph.D. students may pay between ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 per session.
Faculty-Specific Fee Structures
Here is a general idea of fee ranges across various faculties:
- Faculty of Arts: ₦89,000 – ₦100,000
- Faculty of Science: ₦115,000 – ₦135,000
- Faculty of Technology: ₦140,000 – ₦160,000
- Faculty of Law: ₦120,000 – ₦145,000
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000
- Faculty of Pharmacy: ₦140,000 – ₦165,000
Accommodation and Hostel Charges
OAU offers affordable on-campus accommodation, though space is limited.
- Accommodation Fee: ₦3,090 per session (subsidised)
- Private Hostel (off-campus): ₦60,000 – ₦150,000 per session, depending on location
- Students are advised to apply early through the E-portal to secure a bed space.
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Additional and Miscellaneous Charges
These include:
- Late Registration Penalty: ₦5,000
- Library Fines: Variable
- Lab and Studio Fees: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 (for Science, Agriculture, and Technology students)
- Field Trips: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 (Geography, Geology, etc.)
- Sports and Medical Fees: ₦2,000 – ₦4,000
Payment Methods and Portal Access
OAU utilises a digital platform for fee payments:
- Portal: www.eportal.oauife.edu.ng
- Payment Options: Online payment via Remita or bank transfer
Students are required to generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) before payment
Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
OAU students can access:
- Federal Government Scholarships
- State Scholarships (Osun, Lagos, etc.)
- TETFund and NEEDS-Based Scholarships
- Private Donor Scholarships
- OAU Bursary for indigent students
Requirements typically include CGPA, proof of financial need, and indigene verification.
Fee Comparison with Other Federal Universities
Compared to institutions like UNILAG, UI, and UNN:
- OAU’s fees are generally within the same range
- Some faculties (e.g., Medicine, Engineering) may be slightly higher due to laboratory costs
Important Dates and Deadlines for Fee Payments
- Acceptance Fee Deadline: Within 2 weeks of admission
- School Fees Payment Window: First month of the academic session
- Late Registration Closes: 2 weeks after normal registration
- Accommodation Booking: Typically opens a week before resumption
Common Questions and Misconceptions
Is OAU tuition free? No, but it’s subsidised as a federal university
Can I pay in instalments? Not officially allowed, but some students negotiate internally with departments
Are the fees the same for all students? No, they vary by department and level
Conclusion and Final Tips
Prospective and current students of Obafemi Awolowo University must plan and budget effectively. By understanding the structure and deadlines of school fees, students can avoid penalties, ensure uninterrupted access to academic services, and explore scholarship opportunities. OAU continues to deliver high-quality education at a relatively affordable cost, making it a preferred institution for thousands of Nigerian students.
Note: All fees listed are approximate and subject to change. For the latest updates, students should always refer to the official OAU portal or contact their faculty office directly.
