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 N15 billion, was formally approved by the university management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, on November 6.

The vision for a Faculty of Architecture was first conceived in 2022 by the former Head of the Department of Architecture, Prof. Adesoji Jiboye, following the National Universities Commission’s (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, and organised by the Ife Architecture Students’ Association (IFASA). The event was attended by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mobolaji Adeniyi, who pledged the institute’s full backing toward actualising the faculty.

The meeting, attended by the 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 — Akintunde Akinajo, Dare Sanni and Femi Ogunlana — was presented during the management session.

In recognition of his leadership and support, 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, symbolising the official beginning of a new era for OAU’s architecture education.

The new faculty will comprise five departments: Architecture and Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Furniture and Product Design.