OAU Admission Requirements for New Students (Guide)
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🎓 Introduction
Getting admission into Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is a major dream for many Nigerian students. As one of the top federal universities in Nigeria, OAU is known for its academic excellence, strong faculty, and competitive programs.
To gain admission, it’s important to understand all the OAU admission requirements for new students, whether you’re applying through UTME, Direct Entry, JUPEB, or Transfer.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know:
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UTME and Direct Entry Requirements
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O’Level Subject Combinations
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Age Limit
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Post-UTME screening details
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Departmental cut-off marks
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Admission into various faculties
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FAQs and next steps
Whether you’re a science, arts, or commercial student—or a parent or educator—this guide is your one-stop resource to prepare for OAU admission in 2025.
📚 What You Should Know About OAU Admission Process
🏫 About Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
OAU is a federal university located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Founded in 1961, it is one of the top-ranked universities in Nigeria and is known for courses in Law, Medicine, Engineering, Social Sciences, and the Arts.
Each year, tens of thousands of students apply for admission, but only a limited number are admitted based on strict criteria.
📝 General OAU Admission Requirements for New Students
OAU’s admission process is open to candidates who meet the following general requirements:
✅ 1. Minimum Age Requirement
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You must be at least 16 years old by the time of admission.
✅ 2. Correct Subject Combinations
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You must choose correct subject combinations for your course in UTME and O’Level.
✅ 3. Minimum O’Level Credit Passes
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At least five (5) credits in not more than two sittings, including English Language and Mathematics.
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Relevant subjects must align with the course of study.
✅ 4. JAMB UTME Score
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You must meet or exceed the OAU JAMB cut-off mark, which is usually 200, but varies by department.
✅ 5. Post-UTME Screening
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OAU conducts a Post-UTME screening exercise, which is computer-based (CBT).
✅ 6. Application Through JAMB
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You must apply to OAU as your first-choice institution on JAMB portal.
🎯 OAU UTME Admission Requirements (2025)
If you’re applying through JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination), you must:
🧾 a. Score the Required UTME Cut-off
Faculty | Minimum JAMB Score |
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Medicine | 270+ |
Law | 250+ |
Engineering | 240+ |
Social Sciences | 220+ |
Arts & Humanities | 200+ |
Agriculture | 200+ |
⚠️ Note: These are estimated scores. Always check the yearly departmental cut-off marks.
🧾 b. Meet O’Level Requirements
You must have a minimum of 5 credits including:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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3 relevant subjects for your course
Examples:
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Medicine: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
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Law: English, Literature-in-English, CRS/IRS, Government, Mathematics
🧾 c. Register for OAU Post-UTME
You will:
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Register online at https://admissions.oauife.edu.ng
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Pay a non-refundable fee (usually N2,000)
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Participate in the Post-UTME test
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Wait for admission list via OAU portal and JAMB CAPS
📥 Direct Entry Admission Requirements in OAU
If you’re applying via Direct Entry (DE), you must:
✅ 1. Register for DE on JAMB Portal
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Choose OAU as your first choice
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Provide your A-Level/JUPEB/NCE/ND/HND results
✅ 2. Acceptable Qualifications
OAU accepts:
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JUPEB (Minimum 9 points for competitive courses)
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A-Level (Minimum 2 passes)
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ND/HND (Upper credit)
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NCE (Merit and above)
✅ 3. O’Level Requirements
Direct Entry applicants must also satisfy O’Level requirements (5 credits including English and Mathematics).
✅ 4. Participate in DE Screening
Most times, OAU conducts online screening for Direct Entry applicants rather than written exams.
📘 O’Level Requirements by Faculty (WAEC, NECO, GCE)
Let’s break down the typical subject requirements by course.
🔬 Science-Based Courses
Course | Required O’Level Subjects |
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Medicine | English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
Engineering | English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, one other |
Computer Science | English, Math, Physics, Chemistry/Geography |
Nursing | English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
🎨 Arts & Humanities
Course | Required O’Level Subjects |
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Law | English, Literature, CRS/IRS, Govt, Math |
English Language | English, Literature, Govt, CRS, Math |
Philosophy | English, Math, CRS/IRS, Govt, Literature |
💼 Social Sciences & Management
Course | Required O’Level Subjects |
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Economics | English, Math, Economics, Govt, one other |
Political Science | English, Math, Govt, CRS, Literature |
Accounting | English, Math, Economics, Accounting, Commerce |
🔎 Pro Tip: Use the JAMB Brochure or visit the OAU portal to confirm subject requirements before applying.
💻 OAU Post-UTME Screening: What You Need to Know
OAU conducts CBT-based (Computer-Based Test) screening for UTME candidates.
📌 Key Details:
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Exam covers: English + 3 UTME subjects
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Duration: Around 60 minutes
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Format: Multiple choice questions (50–100)
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Venue: Usually on OAU Campus or approved centers
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Pass mark: Varies by department
📋 Tips to Pass OAU Post-UTME:
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Use past questions
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Study time management
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Avoid guesswork; be accurate
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Practice online mock tests
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Arrive early at the exam center
📈 Departmental Cut-Off Marks (Sample)
Each year, OAU releases cut-off marks for each department after the Post-UTME. These scores are based on a combination of JAMB + Post-UTME aggregate.
Department | Average Aggregate Required |
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Medicine | 80–85% |
Law | 75–80% |
Mechanical Engineering | 72–76% |
Accounting | 68–72% |
Mass Communication | 70–74% |
💡 Use the formula:
Aggregate = (JAMB score/8) + (Post-UTME score/2)
🧾 Required Documents for Admission and Registration
After gaining admission, new students must present the following:
🎓 Admission Documents:
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JAMB result slip
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Post-UTME result slip
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Admission letter (JAMB & OAU)
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O’Level results (WAEC/NECO)
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Birth certificate
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State of origin certificate
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Acceptance fee receipt
🏛️ Other Documents:
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Passport photographs
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Medical clearance form
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Payment receipts (school fees, accommodation, etc.)
📊 Summary Table: OAU Admission Requirements
Admission Route | Requirement Highlights |
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UTME | 5 O’Level credits, correct UTME subjects, JAMB ≥ 200, OAU Post-UTME screening |
Direct Entry | A-Level, JUPEB, ND, or NCE qualifications + O’Level credits + online DE screening |
Minimum Age | 16 years |
Documents Needed | Admission letter, O’Level, JAMB slip, payment receipts, birth & state certificates |
Screening Format | CBT for UTME; Online Screening for DE |
❓ 12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for OAU in 2025?
OAU usually sets a minimum of 200, but some courses require 250–270+.
2. Does OAU accept second-choice candidates?
No. **OAU only considers candidates who chose it as their first choice during JAMB registration.
3. Can I use two O’Level sittings for admission into OAU?
Yes. OAU accepts two sittings (e.g., WAEC + NECO), as long as all required subjects are credited.
4. Is OAU Post-UTME compulsory?
Yes. All UTME candidates must participate in OAU’s Post-UTME screening to be eligible for admission.
5. What is the format of the OAU Post-UTME exam?
The screening is usually a CBT (Computer-Based Test), with multiple-choice questions based on UTME subjects.
6. How can I calculate my OAU aggregate score?
Use the formula:
Aggregate = (JAMB score / 8) + (Post-UTME score / 2)
Example:
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JAMB Score = 280
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Post-UTME Score = 72
Aggregate = (280 ÷ 8) + (72 ÷ 2) = 35 + 36 = 71
7. Can I gain admission into OAU with 180 in JAMB?
Unlikely. Most departments require a minimum of 200–250+ in JAMB, especially for competitive courses.
8. Does OAU accept JUPEB and other foundation programs?
Yes. OAU runs its own JUPEB program, and also accepts it from other accredited centers for Direct Entry admission.
9. How many admission lists does OAU release?
Usually, OAU releases:
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Merit list
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Supplementary lists
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Direct Entry list
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Sometimes, final mop-up lists
10. What documents do I need for clearance at OAU?
You’ll need:
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JAMB result & admission letter
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O’Level results
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Acceptance fee receipt
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Birth certificate
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State of origin certificate
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Recent passport photos
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School fees payment evidence
11. Can I change my course after gaining admission into OAU?
Yes, but it’s subject to:
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Departmental approval
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Faculty and Senate regulations
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Academic performance in 100 level
12. How do I confirm if I’ve been admitted into OAU?
Check:
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OAU Admission Portal – https://admissions.oauife.edu.ng
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JAMB CAPS – Accept your admission to make it valid.
🏁 Final Thoughts: How to Secure Admission into OAU
Gaining admission into Obafemi Awolowo University is highly competitive, but it is absolutely possible with the right steps:
📌 Key Takeaways:
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Score high in JAMB (250+ preferred)
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Choose the correct UTME and O’Level subjects
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Apply early and register for OAU Post-UTME
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Prepare using past questions and mock exams
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Double-check documents for accuracy
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Stay informed via OAU’s official channels
Remember, preparation and information are your best tools for success. Whether you’re going through UTME, Direct Entry, or JUPEB, knowing the OAU admission requirements for new students will help you avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances.