Bowen University
University in Nigeria
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bowen University is a private Baptist Christian Nigerian university located at Iwo in Osun State, Nigeria. It is affiliated with the Nigerian Baptist Convention.[1]
| Motto | Excellence and Godliness |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 17 July 2001 |
| Affiliation | Nigerian Baptist Convention |
| Vice-Chancellor | Jonathan Oyebamiji Babalola |
| Students | 5,000 |
| Location | , , 7°37′25″N 4°11′20″E |
| Campus | Urban |
| Website | bowen |
  Location in Nigeria | |
History
The university was founded on 17 July 2001 by the Nigerian Baptist Convention in the old 1,300-acre (6 km2) campus of the Baptist College.[2][3]
The Federal Government of Nigeria approved the establishment of the university, and it was subsequently licensed to operate by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
A Provisional Governing Council was inaugurated on 22 August 2001, with Professor J.T. Okedara as Vice Chancellor and Mr E. A. Lawale as Registrar. Academic activity started on 4 November 2002, with 506[4] students admitted into the Faculties of Agriculture, Science, Science Education, and Social and Management Sciences.[5]
In 2009, the NUC approved degree programmes in Medicine (MBBS), Anatomy (B.Sc) and Physiology (B.Sc) into the university and in 2011, Bowen University received approvals to begin the Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Law. In 2017, the University had about 5,000 students.[6] In 2018, the university launched a radio station[7] which was managed and operated by their Mass Communications Department.
Last matriculation : Bowen last matriculation ceremony was held in 30th, September 2025[8]
Faculties and courses offered in Bowen Univewaslheld
- e
- l Sciences (COMSS)
- Clege of Law (COLAW)
- College of Health Siences (COHES)
- College of Liberal Studies (COLBS)
- College of Computing and Communication Studies (COCCS)
- College of Environmental Sciences (COEVS)
College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (COAES)
- B.Sc. Microbiology
- B.Sc. Pure and Applied Biology
- B.Sc. Biochemistry
- B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry
- B.Sc. Mathematics
- B.Sc. Statistics
- B.Sc. Physics
- Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric.)
- B.Sc. Food Science and Technology
- B.Eng. Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- B.Eng. Mechatronics Engineering
- B. Agric. Extension and Social Engineering (SAFE)
College of Management and Social Sciences (COMSS)
- B.Sc. Accounting
- B.Sc. Banking and Finance
- B.Sc. Business Administration
- B.Sc. Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
- B.Sc. Economics
- B.Sc. Sociology
- B.Sc. Political Science
- B.Sc. International Relations
- B.Sc. Political and Law
College of Law (COLAW)
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
College of Liberal Studies (COLBS)
- B.A. Music
- B.A. Theatre Arts
- B.A. English
- B.A. History and International Studies
- B.A. Religious Studies
Administration
Bowen University is a private Christian university located in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. It was established in 2001 by the Nigerian Baptist Convention and is governed through a structure of a Chancellor, Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, and principal officers responsible for academic and administrative leadership.[9]
Chancellor / Pro-Chancellor
- Dr. Israel Oludotun Raji – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council (2021–present). The Chancellor serves as ceremonial head of the university.[10]
Vice-Chancellors
| Vice-Chancellor | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Prof. Dapo Asaju | 2002–2013 |
| Prof. J. A. O. Akinbiyi | 2013–2018 |
| Prof. Timothy Omotoso | 2018–present |
Principal Officers
| Office | Holder | |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar | Mrs. Adeola Adefemi | Oversees academic records and administration. |
| Bursar | Mr. Olufemi Adewale | Manages financial affairs. |
| University Librarian | Dr. Mercy A. Johnson | Heads library and information resources. |
Convocation
Bowen University holds convocation ceremonies to confer degrees, awards, and honours upon graduating students.
| Year | Convocation | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 5th | Early convocation ceremony celebrating growth in undergraduate programmes. |
| 2012 | 11th | Featured increase in postgraduate graduands. |
| 2017 | 16th | Recognised expansion across faculties. |
| 2021 | 20th | Held with virtual elements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| 2024 | 23rd | Latest convocation ceremony with undergraduate and postgraduate awards. |
Rankings
According to the 2025 EduRank university rankings, Bowen University is ranked:
- 75th in Nigeria
- 489th in Africa
- 9,647th in the world
EduRank assesses universities based on academic research output, online prominence, and notable achievements of alumni.[12]
Affiliations and partnerships
Bowen University is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria, ensuring its academic programmes meet national standards.[13]
The university has collaborations with academic, community and industry partners aimed at enhancing research, student exchange, and practical skills training. These include partnerships with professional bodies and local organisations to support curriculum development and leadership training.[14]
Campus life and community involvement
Bowen University’s campus in Iwo includes academic buildings, residential hostels, libraries, and recreational facilities designed to support student learning and holistic education. The institution also engages in community service, health outreaches, and educational empowerment programmes for surrounding communities.[15]
Notable people
Alumni of the college include:
- Bukky Abaniwonda, Canadian actress of Nigerian descent.[16]
- Damilola Adegbite, Nigerian Actress.
- Eva Alordia, Nigerian Rapper.
- Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, Nigerian gospel singer.
- Layi Wasabi, Nigerian Skit Maker and Content Creator
Gallery
Bowen Worship Centre
Timothy Olagbenro Library
Jubilee Cafeteria
