Bowen University

Bowen University
Motto	Excellence and Godliness
Type	Private
Established	17 July 2001
Affiliation	Nigerian Baptist Convention
Vice-Chancellor	Jonathan Oyebamiji Babalola
Students	5,000
Location	Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria; 7°37′25″N 4°11′20″E / 7.6236297°N 4.1889662°E
Campus	Urban
Website	bowen.edu.ng
	Location in Nigeria

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]

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.

^[11]

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

References

^ "Bowen University". University Rankings & Reviews. uniRank. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
^ Iheoma Hendy, Bowen University: Courses, Fees, And Other Salient Academic Facts, buzznigeria.com, Nigeria, June 13, 2017
^ Stanley D. Brunn, The Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics, Springer, USA, 2015, p. 959
^ "History". Retrieved 31 August 2023.
^ Joel Carpenter, Christian universities are growing rapidly in Africa, universityworldnews.com, UK, February 03, 2017
^ uniRank, UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW, unirank.org, Australia, retrieved May 8, 2021
^ Bola Bamigbola, Bowen University Radio marks 2nd anniversary, punchng.com, Nigeria, October 8, 2019
^ Oladimeji, Utibe (26 March 2025). "23rd Matriculation Ceremony". Bowen University. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
^ "About Bowen University". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
^ "Bowen University Governing Council". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
^ "Bowen University Convocation". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
^ "Bowen University Rankings". EduRank. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
^ "List of Approved Private Universities in Nigeria". National Universities Commission. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
^ "About Bowen University". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
^ "Campus Life – Bowen University". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
^ "Bowen University School Fees". PrepsNG Scholars. Walker. Retrieved 31 December 2023.

External links

Official website

[1] "Bowen University". University Rankings & Reviews. uniRank. Retrieved 22 December 2016.

[2] Iheoma Hendy, Bowen University: Courses, Fees, And Other Salient Academic Facts, buzznigeria.com, Nigeria, June 13, 2017

[3] Stanley D. Brunn, The Changing World Religion Map: Sacred Places, Identities, Practices and Politics, Springer, USA, 2015, p. 959

[4] "History". Retrieved 31 August 2023.

[5] Joel Carpenter, Christian universities are growing rapidly in Africa, universityworldnews.com, UK, February 03, 2017

[6] uniRank, UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW, unirank.org, Australia, retrieved May 8, 2021

[7] Bola Bamigbola, Bowen University Radio marks 2nd anniversary, punchng.com, Nigeria, October 8, 2019

[8] Oladimeji, Utibe (26 March 2025). "23rd Matriculation Ceremony". Bowen University. Retrieved 21 February 2026.

[9] "About Bowen University". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.

[10] "Bowen University Governing Council". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.

[11] "Bowen University Convocation". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.

[12] "Bowen University Rankings". EduRank. Retrieved 24 February 2026.

[13] "List of Approved Private Universities in Nigeria". National Universities Commission. Retrieved 24 February 2026.

[14] "About Bowen University". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.

[15] "Campus Life – Bowen University". Bowen University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.

[pulse-16] "Bowen University School Fees". PrepsNG Scholars. Walker. Retrieved 31 December 2023.

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v t e Association of African Universities
Algeria	University of Algiers 1 University of Constantine 1 Oran University 1 University of Ouargla University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene
Angola	Agostinho Neto University
Benin	University of Abomey-Calavi
Botswana	Botho University Botswana Accountancy College Botswana International University of Science and Technology Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Botswana
Burkina Faso	Nazi Boni University University of Ouagadougou
Burundi	University of Burundi
Cameroon	University of Bamenda University of Buea University of Douala University of Dschang University of Maroua University of Ngaoundéré University of Yaoundé I
Cape Verde	Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde
Central African Republic	EUCLID University of Bangui
Chad	University of N'Djamena
Republic of the Congo	Marien Ngouabi University
Cote d'Ivoire	International University of Grand-Bassam Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Catholic University of Bukavu University of Kinshasa University of Kisangani University of Lubumbashi
Egypt	Ain Shams University Al-Azhar University Alexandria Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology Alexandria University Benha University Cairo University Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology Egyptian e-Learning University Helwan University Mansoura University Menoufia University Minya University Misr University for Science and Technology October 6 University Pharos University in Alexandria South Valley University Suez Canal University Tanta University The American University in Cairo The British University in Egypt University of Sadat City Zagazig University
Eritrea	University of Asmara
Eswatini	University of Eswatini
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Addis Ababa University Ethiopian Civil Service University Haramaya University Hawassa University Jimma University Mekelle University St. Mary's University Wollega University
Gabon	Omar Bongo University
Ghana	Accra Institute of Technology Accra Technical University African University College of Communications All Nations University Ashesi University Bluecrest University College Central University George Grant University of Mines and Technology Ghana Institute of Languages Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Koforidua Technical University Kumasi Technical University Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University Presbyterian University College Radford University College Regent University College of Science and Technology Regional Maritime University University for Development Studies University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University of Energy and Natural Resources University of Ghana University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Professional Studies University of Media, Arts and Communication Valley View University Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College
Kenya	African Virtual University Catholic University of Eastern Africa Daystar University Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Egerton University International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenyatta University Maseno University Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Moi University Mount Kenya University Multimedia University of Kenya South Eastern Kenya University Strathmore University Umma University University of Eldoret University of Nairobi
Lesotho	National University of Lesotho
Liberia	Cuttington University Stella Maris Polytechnic University United Methodist University
Libya	Al Asmarya University for Islamic Sciences Al Zawiya University Misurata University Sabha University University of Benghazi University of Tripoli
Madagascar	University of Antananarivo University of Toamasina University of Toliara
Malawi	Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Malawi University of Science and Technology UNICAF University of Malawi
Mali	University of Bamako
Mauritania	University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya
Mauritius	Open University of Mauritius University of Mauritius University of Technology, Mauritius
Morocco	Mohammed First University Mohammed V University University of al-Qarawiyyin
Mozambique	Catholic University of Mozambique Eduardo Mondlane University Maputo University
Namibia	International University of Management Namibia University of Science and Technology University of Namibia
Niger	Abdou Moumouni University Higher Institute of Mining, Industry and Geology Maryam Abacha American University Niger
Nigeria	Abia State University Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Adamawa State University Ahmadu Bello University Al-Hikmah University Babcock University Bayero University Bells University of Technology Bowen University Crawford University Delta State University, Abraka Ebonyi State University Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology, Owerri Federal University of Technology, Yola Gombe State University Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Michael Okpara University of Agriculture National Open University of Nigeria Niger Delta University Nnamdi Azikiwe University Osun State University Pan-Atlantic University Redeemer's University Rivers State University University of Abuja University of Africa University of Agriculture, Abeokuta University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Lagos University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usman Dan Fodio University
Rwanda	Université Nationale du Rwanda
Sierra Leone	Njala University University of Sierra Leone
Somalia	Benadir University East Africa University Puntland State University
South Africa	Cape Peninsula University of Technology Central University of Technology Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University North-West University Rhodes University University of Cape Town University of Fort Hare University of Johannesburg University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State University of Limpopo University of Pretoria University of South Africa University of Stellenbosch University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand University of Venda University of Zululand Walter Sisulu University
South Sudan	University of Juba
Sudan	El Imam El Mahdi University Omdurman Ahlia University Red Sea University University of Science and Technology
Tanzania	Ardhi University Muslim University of Morogoro Mzumbe University St. Augustine University of Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania University of Dar es Salaam Zanzibar University
The Gambia	University of the Gambia
Togo	Université de Lomé
Uganda	Busitema University Uganda Christian University Uganda Management Institute Uganda Martyrs University
Zambia	Cavendish University Copperbelt University Mulungushi University University of Zambia Zambian Open University
Zimbabwe	Africa University Bindura University of Science Education Chinhoyi University of Technology Great Zimbabwe University Harare Institute of Technology Lupane State University Midlands State University National University of Science and Technology University of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Open University

v t e Universities in Nigeria
Federal	Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo Ahmadu Bello University Bayero University Kano Federal University, Birnin Kebbi Federal University Dutse Federal University, Dutsin-Ma Federal University, Gashua Federal University, Gusau Federal University Kashere Federal University, Lokoja Federal University of Applied Sciences Kachia Federal University, Otuoke Federal University Oye Ekiti Federal University, Wukari Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru Federal University of Lafia Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun Federal University of Technology Akure Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology Owerri Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Modibbo Adama Federal University of Technology, Yola National Open University of Nigeria Nigeria Maritime University Nigerian Army University Biu Nigerian Defence Academy Nnamdi Azikiwe University Obafemi Awolowo University University of Abuja University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Jos University of Lagos University of Maiduguri University of Nigeria University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usmanu Danfodiyo University
State	Abia State University Uturu Adamawa State University Adekunle Ajasin University Akwa Ibom State University Ambrose Alli University Bauchi State University Bayelsa Medical University Benue State University Borno State University Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Cross River University of Technology Delta State University Ebonyi State University Edo University, Iyamho Ekiti State University Enugu State University of Science and Technology Gombe State University Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Imo State University Kaduna State University Kano State University of Technology Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Lagos State University Nasarawa State University Niger Delta University Olabisi Onabanjo University Ondo State University of Science and Technology Osun State University Plateau State University Rivers State University Sokoto State University Sule Lamido University Tai Solarin University of Education Taraba State University The Polytechnic, Ibadan Umaru Musa Yar'adua University University of Africa, Toru-Orua Yobe State University Bukar Abba Ibrahim University Yusuf Maitama Sule University Zamfara State University
Private	Achievers University Afe Babalola University Ajayi Crowther University Al-Hikmah University American University of Nigeria Anchor University Arthur Jarvis University Augustine University Ilara Babcock University Baze University Bells University of Technology Benson Idahosa University Bingham University Bowen University Caleb University Caritas University CETEP City University Chrisland University Christopher University Coal City University Covenant University Crawford University Crescent University Elizade University Fountain University Godfrey Okoye University Gregory University Hezekiah University Igbinedion University Joseph Ayo Babalola University Kings University Koladaisi University Kwararafa University Landmark University Lead City University Madonna University McPherson University Mountain Top University Nile University of Nigeria Nok University Novena University Obong University Oduduwa University Pan-Atlantic University Paul University Peaceland University Redeemer's University Nigeria Renaissance University Rhema University Ritman University Salem University Samuel Adegboyega University Tansian University University of Mkar Veritas University Wellspring University Wesley University Western Delta University

v t e Christian universities in Africa
Ghana	ANU CUG Central CSUC GCUC MUC MUCG Pent Vars PUG Regent Ghana VVU
DRC	UNILUK UCB UCG-RDC UCKIN UEA UPC USB UKA
Kenya	AIU ANU CUEA Daystar University KABU KHU KeMU PAC PUEA St. Paul's University Tangaza UEAB
Nigeria	ACU BU BIU ECWA-BU BoU Caritas Uni CU Crawford University MadonnaU Obong University RUN SU UniMkar WUSTO Veritas
Tanzania	MMU AUT SJUT Tumaini UoA
Uganda	BMU CBU NDU UCU UMU UniK USHG
Other countries	Angola UMA UCAN Cameroon UA Cosendai UCAC Ivory Coast ASUNICAM Liberia AMEU Cuttington Malawi CUM ULivingstonia Mozambique UCM Rwanda AUCA UCK South Africa HBC St. Augustine Zambia ZA University Zimbabwe AfricaU CUZ Solusi

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