Debo Adeoye, Ibadan
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has approved the establishment and building project of a new Faculty of Architecture, marking a historic milestone in the university’s drive toward academic expansion and infrastructural excellence.
The project, estimated at ₦15 billion, was formally approved by the University Management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on November 6, 2025.
The vision for a Faculty of Architecture was first conceived in 2022 by the immediate past Head of the Department of Architecture, Prof. Adesoji David Jiboye, following the National Universities Commission (NUC)’s approval of six new programmes under the proposed faculty.
Prof. Bamire’s administration embraced the idea wholeheartedly, giving consistent support to what has now evolved into one of the university’s most ambitious development projects.
The initiative gained new momentum during the Ife Architecture Summit 2.0, held on May 19, 2025, and organized by the Ife Architecture Students’ Association (IFASA). The event was attended by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Arc. Mobolaji Adeola Adeniyi (PNIA, FNIA), who pledged the Institute’s full backing toward actualizing the faculty.
The meeting, which had in attendance university management, NIA Osun Chapter representatives, and students, further aligned professional and academic aspirations in architectural education.
The design proposal, developed by the 1995/1996 B.Sc. Alumni Set of the Department of Architecture — Arc. (Hon) Akintunde Akinajo, Arc. Dare Sanni, and Arc. Femi Ogunlana — was presented during the management session.
In recognition of his leadership and support, the NIA Osun Chapter presented an Award of Excellence to Prof. Bamire.
Following the approval, a brief visit and prayer session were held at the proposed site, symbolizing the official beginning of a new era for OAU’s architecture education.
A Faculty of Five Departments
The new Faculty will comprise five departments:
Architecture and Design
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
Furniture and Product Design
Its design concept draws from Arieh Sharon’s master plan for OAU, blending the university’s signature organic architectural style with modern sustainability features such as natural ventilation, efficient lighting, and topographical harmony.
The university has called on alumni, philanthropists, corporate bodies, and development agencies to partner in realizing the ₦15 billion project.
“All support toward this historic development will be duly recognized,” the statement added.
Interested partners and donors are encouraged to contact the School Management or visit the Department of Architecture, OAU, Ile-Ife.
Pull Quote:
“This project reinforces OAU’s legacy as Africa’s most beautiful campus and a cradle of architectural innovation.”
