Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife: History and the Legacy of Its First Leader

Introduction

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities. Established in 1962, it was originally named the University of Ife before being renamed in 1987 in honor of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a Nigerian statesman and pioneer of free education in Western Nigeria.

The university was conceived during Nigeria’s post-independence era as a center for academic excellence, cultural preservation, and national development. Its first Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi, played a crucial role in shaping its early vision and academic direction.

This paper explores:

• The historical background of OAU’s establishment

• The life and leadership of its first Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hezekiah Oluwasanmi

• The university’s early academic structure and challenges

• Its contributions to Nigerian education and national development

• The evolution of OAU into a leading African university

By examining these aspects, we gain insight into how OAU became a symbol of intellectualism, activism, and cultural pride in Nigeria.

1. Historical Background: The Founding of OAU

Post-Independence Vision for Higher Education

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, regional governments sought to establish universities to foster development. The Western Region, under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, prioritized education as a tool for progress.

The University of Ife was established in 1961 by the Western Regional Government to:

• Provide high-quality education for Nigerians.

• Promote indigenous knowledge and African studies.

• Reduce dependency on foreign institutions.

Why Ile-Ife?

Ile-Ife, regarded as the spiritual and cultural homeland of the Yoruba people, was chosen for its historical significance. The city’s connection to Yoruba mythology and its central location in the Western Region made it ideal for a university that would blend modern education with African heritage.

Official Establishment and Early Years

The university was formally inaugurated on June 8, 1962, with temporary facilities at the Ibadan campus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) before moving to its permanent site in Ile-Ife in 1967.

2. The First Leader: Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi (1962-1966)

Who Was Hezekiah Oluwasanmi?

Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi (1925-1988) was a Nigerian agricultural economist and the first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ife. Born in Ondo State, he studied at:

• University College Ibadan (UCI)

• University of London (BSc & PhD in Agricultural Economics)

Before his appointment, he worked at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he contributed to agricultural research.

His Vision and Leadership at OAU

As the first Vice-Chancellor, Oluwasanmi laid the foundation for OAU’s academic excellence. His key contributions included:

1. Academic Structure & Curriculum Development

   • Established faculties in Arts, Science, Social Sciences, and Agriculture.

   • Introduced African-centered courses (Yoruba Language, African History, Indigenous Science).

2. Infrastructure Development

   • Oversaw the construction of the permanent campus, designed by Israeli architect Arieh Sharon to reflect African aesthetics.

3. Research & Innovation

   • Promoted agricultural research to support Nigeria’s farming economy.

   • Encouraged interdisciplinary studies blending science and humanities.

4. Student Welfare & Activism

   • Supported student unions and intellectual debates.

   • Maintained a progressive, anti-colonial academic environment.

Challenges Faced

Oluwasanmi’s tenure coincided with Nigeria’s First Republic crisis and the 1966 military coup, which disrupted academic activities. Despite political instability, he ensured the university remained functional.

He resigned in 1966 but left a lasting legacy before his death in 1988.

3. Early Academic Structure and Growth

Founding Faculties and Programs

OAU started with four faculties:

1. Faculty of Arts (Literature, Philosophy, African Studies)

2. Faculty of Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

3. Faculty of Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Sociology)

4. Faculty of Agriculture (Agronomy, Animal Science)

Notable Early Alumni

OAU produced some of Nigeria’s most influential figures, including:

• Wole Soyinka (Nobel Laureate in Literature)

• Femi Falana (Human Rights Lawyer)

• Niyi Osundare (Renowned Poet)

4. OAU’s Role in Nigerian Development

Cultural Preservation & African Identity

OAU became a hub for:

• Yoruba language studies

• African traditional religion research

• Pan-African intellectual movements

Political Influence & Student Activism

• Students and lecturers were active in anti-military protests (1980s-1990s).

• The university was a stronghold for progressive politics.

Scientific & Agricultural Contributions

• Pioneered tropical agriculture research.

• Developed engineering innovations for rural development.

5. Challenges Over the Years

• Funding shortages due to government neglect.

• Student protests over fees and welfare.

• Political interference during military rule.

Despite these, OAU remains a top-ranked Nigerian university.

6. OAU Today: A Legacy of Excellence

• Ranked among Nigeria’s top 3 universities.

• Over 13 faculties and 100+ departments.

• Continues to produce leading scholars, activists, and innovators.

Conclusion

OAU’s founding was a bold post-independence project to create a world-class African university. Under Prof. Oluwasanmi, it became a beacon of knowledge, activism, and cultural pride.

Today, OAU stands as a testament to Nigeria’s intellectual resilience, proving that education can drive national transformation.

References

• A History of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU Press, 2005)

• Hezekiah Oluwasanmi, Education and Nation-Building (1972)

• Wole Soyinka, You Must Set Forth at Dawn (2006)