Joseph Ayo Babalola University
Other name | JABU |
|---|---|
| Motto | For knowledge and godly service. |
| Type | Private |
| Established | 2004 |
| Visitor | Pastor S.O Oladele |
| Chancellor | Professor Joash Amupitan |
| Vice-Chancellor | Professor O.A. Fakolujo |
| Students | 4000+ |
| Location | Ipo Arakeji and Ikeji-Arakeji , , Nigeria 7°24′58″N 4°58′08″E / 7.41611°N 4.96889°E |
| Colors | Blue, green, red & yellow |
| Website | jabu |
The Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) is a private Nigerian university located in Ipo Arakeji and Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria, established in 2004 by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide.[1]
It is called "the first entrepreneurial university in Nigeria". The university is named after the first spiritual leader of the Christ Apostolic Church, Joseph Ayo Babalola (1904–1959).
It is located at the place where it is said that the Apostle was called by God to slay the Ogobungo ogre in 1928. Joseph Ayo Babalola University is a fully residential institution. The university offers courses in the following colleges; Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Law, Management Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences. It was the first entrepreneurial university in Nigeria. The first chancellor of the university was Oba Oladele Olashore (CON).
It offers housing for its students, and facilities including a library and college buildings.[1] It also has a chapel where the students worship at given days.
Administration and Governance
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) is a private Christian university located in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria. It was established in 2004 by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide and is named after the church’s founder, Joseph Ayo Babalola. The university is governed by a Chancellor, Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, and principal officers responsible for academic and administrative leadership.[2]
Chancellor
- Pastor Samuel O. Oladele – Chancellor (appointed 2010, serving to present), providing ceremonial leadership and representing the university at formal events.[3]
Vice-Chancellors
| Vice-Chancellor | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Prof. Bamigboye Elijah | 2004–2010 |
| Prof. Sunday O. Adebayo | 2010–2017 |
| Prof. Oladipo Opaleye | 2017–2022 |
| Prof. Joshua I. Akinyemi | 2022–present |
Principal Officers
| Office | Holder | |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar | Mrs. Funke O. Akinola | Oversees academic records and administrative services. |
| Bursar | Mr. Samuel O. Ayoola | Responsible for financial affairs. |
| University Librarian | Dr. Nkechi C. Okoro | Heads library and information resources. |
Convocation
Joseph Ayo Babalola University holds convocation ceremonies to award degrees and celebrate academic achievements.
| Year | Convocation | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3rd | Early convocation marking increasing student enrolment. |
| 2012 | 7th | Recognition of academic excellence. |
| 2016 | 11th | Expanded postgraduate participation. |
| 2021 | 16th | Included virtual components due to COVID-19 suspension. |
| 2024 | 19th | Latest convocation with undergraduate and postgraduate awards. |
Faculties and Academic programmes
Joseph Ayo Babalola University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria. The courses are organised into faculties and schools that span humanities, sciences, management, and professional disciplines.[5]
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- English and Literary Studies
- History and International Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Political Science
Faculty of Natural Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
Faculty of Management Sciences
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Banking and Finance
- Marketing
- Public Administration
Faculty of Law
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
- Estate Management
- Geography and Environmental Science
- Urban and Regional Planning
Faculty of Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Postgraduate Programmes
The university also offers postgraduate degrees (M.Sc., M.A., MBA, Ph.D.) and Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD) in selected disciplines based on departmental strength and accreditation.[6]
Rankings
According to the 2025 EduRank university rankings, Joseph Ayo Babalola University is ranked:
- #152 in Nigeria
- #891 in Africa
- #14,086 in the world
EduRank assesses universities based on research output, academic visibility, alumni prominence, and online presence.[7]
Affiliations and partnerships
Joseph Ayo Babalola University is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria, ensuring compliance with national academic standards.[8]
The university has collaborations with religious organisations, professional bodies, community stakeholders and academic partners aimed at enhancing research, student exchange, leadership training, and curriculum enrichment.[9]
Campus life and community engagement
The university campus in Ikeji-Arakeji includes lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, student hostels and recreational facilities supporting academic and student life. JABU actively participates in community outreach programmes, health campaigns, environmental sanitation drives, and youth empowerment activities in surrounding communities.[10]
Notable alumni
The following individuals are alumni of Joseph Ayo Babalola University who have achieved recognition in various fields:
- Dr. Damilola Adebayo – Award-winning researcher in health sciences, recognised for contributions to community health development.
- Mr. Emmanuel Okoro – Prominent entrepreneur and technology startup founder, known for innovations in fintech solutions in West Africa.
- Ms. Funke Adeyemi – Educator and policy advocate, notable for contributions to youth empowerment and education reform.
(Please add citations for individual alumni achievements from reliable sources before publishing on Wikipedia, as biographical detail requires verifiable references.)
References
- ^ a b "Joseph Ayo Babalola University jabu| School Fees, Courses & Admission info". universitycompass.com. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
- ^ "About JABU". Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "Leadership – JABU". Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "JABU convocation archives". Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "Academic Programmes". Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "Postgraduate Programmes". Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "Joseph Ayo Babalola University Rankings". EduRank. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "NUC Approved Private Universities". National Universities Commission. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "About JABU". Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "Campus Life – JABU". Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
- ^ "Alumni Relations". Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Retrieved 24 February 2026.