Obafemi Awolowo University
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious federal universities, widely recognized for academic excellence, research, and innovation.
The university was established between 1961 and 1962 following the recommendations of the Ashby Commission set up by the Federal Government to review higher education needs in Nigeria. The law establishing the university was formally inaugurated on 8th June, 1961 under the chairmanship of Chief Rotimi Williams.
Originally known as the University of Ife, the institution later became Obafemi Awolowo University. Over the years, OAU has built a strong reputation as one of the leading universities in Africa, producing graduates across several professional and academic fields. The university is popularly known by its slogan, “Great Ife, the Citadel of Wisdom.”
The university initially started with five faculties, namely Agriculture, Arts, Economics and Social Studies, Law, and Science.
Over time, additional faculties and colleges were introduced, including the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Administration, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, and the prestigious College of Health Sciences.
The College of Health Sciences consists of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, and the Faculty of Dentistry. OAU offers highly competitive courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing, Dentistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting, Mass Communication, Political Science, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Economics, Pharmacy, and many others across different faculties and departments.
In addition to its faculties, OAU operates several institutes, research centers, and specialized units, including the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Institute of Public Health, Institute of Cultural Studies, Natural History Museum, Centre for Industrial Research and Development, Distance Learning Centre, and the Computer Centre.
The university also hosts important agencies such as the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Education and the Centre for Energy Research and Development.
OAU has a large student population that has grown steadily over the years, with thousands of students admitted into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes annually. Admission into the university is highly competitive, with candidates required to meet both JAMB and departmental admission requirements.
To further assess candidates seeking undergraduate admission, the university conducts the OAU Post UTME screening examination. The screening is conducted using a Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, and candidates are not required to be physically present at the university for the screening exercise.
The OAU Post UTME examination format consists of 40 questions to be answered within 60 minutes. Candidates are tested in four sections, including the compulsory Aptitude Test and three other subjects related to their intended course of study. Each section contains 10 questions, making proper time management, speed, and accuracy very important during the examination.
The examination mainly consists of multiple-choice questions, where candidates are expected to select the correct option from a list of answers. Questions are usually drawn from subjects related to the candidate’s UTME subject combination and areas relevant to their chosen course.
Preparing with OAU Post UTME past questions and answers is one of the most effective ways to understand the university’s examination pattern, aptitude test structure, repeated topics, and frequently asked questions. Practicing past questions helps candidates become familiar with the CBT format and improve confidence before the screening exercise.
Candidates are also encouraged to participate in regular OAU CBT practice tests to improve examination readiness, time management, speed, and overall performance. Studying consistently and practicing under timed conditions can significantly increase a candidate’s chances of success.
Due to the highly competitive nature of admission into OAU, candidates are advised to practice past questions regularly, stay updated with admission information, and prepare thoroughly for both the aptitude test and subject-based questions.