Overview and History of Augustine University

 
Augustine University, Ilara-Epe (AUI) is a private Catholic institution located in Ilara, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria.  Established in 2015, AUI is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and moral integrity, aligning with its motto, Pro Scientia Et Moribus—Latin for "For Learning and Character"  .

##History
The vision for Augustine University was conceived by His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the former Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.  Recognizing the need for quality higher education, the Archdiocese, which had previously established numerous primary and secondary schools, decided to found a university.  This initiative led to the formation of a planning and implementation committee chaired by Professor Joseph O. Obemeata, a retired professor from the University of Ibadan.  The committee's mandate was to establish a world-class institution that would attract and develop talented individuals from diverse backgrounds  .

##Campus and Facilities
Augustine University is situated on a 153.84-hectare campus along Igbonla Road in Ilara-Epe.  The campus encompasses facilities such as classrooms, administrative offices, student hostels, a library, laboratories, workshops, and staff quarters.  The university's location is surrounded by several communities, including Odo-Ragunsin, Odo-Yangunsin, Igboye, Ibonwon, and Odo-Suola  .

##Academic Programs
AUI offers a range of undergraduate programs across various faculties.  Some of the courses include: 

Accounting

Banking and Finance

Biochemistry

Business Administration

Chemistry

Computer Science

Economics

English Language

Environmental Biology

Mathematics

Microbiology

Philosophy

Physics

Religious Studies 


These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that combines academic rigor with moral and ethical training  .

##Leadership
Vice Chancellor: Professor Christopher Bode Odetunde
Professor Odetunde, an esteemed academic in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, assumed the role of Vice Chancellor in October 2020. His educational background includes degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Iowa State University, Texas A&M University, and the Southeastern Institute of Technology, Alabama. Before joining AUI, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Kwara State University, Malete.

##Student Life and Campus Culture
Augustine University fosters a vibrant and inclusive student community rooted in the values of intellectual growth, moral uprightness, and spiritual development. Students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, sports, cultural events, and religious societies. The Catholic foundation of the university plays a central role in shaping student life, promoting community service, discipline, and strong ethical values.

The university chapel hosts regular masses and spiritual retreats, providing an avenue for worship and reflection. In addition, student organizations and leadership bodies such as the Student Representative Council (SRC) ensure that the voices and welfare of students are actively represented and addressed.

##Research and Innovation
While Augustine University is still relatively young, it has committed itself to fostering a research-driven academic culture. Faculty members and students are encouraged to engage in scholarly research, with particular emphasis on areas relevant to national development and global sustainability. The university aims to build robust research centers in science, technology, humanities, and social sciences.

Efforts are underway to establish partnerships with local and international institutions, fostering knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and access to global best practices in higher education.

##Community Engagement and Outreach
The university recognizes its role in contributing to the development of the local community and society at large. As part of its mission, AUI regularly engages in outreach programs in education, health, and youth development. These initiatives help bridge the gap between academia and society, offering students real-world opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways.

Through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects with non-governmental organizations and public institutions, Augustine University plays an active role in community development.

##Vision and Mission
Vision:
To be a leading global institution of higher learning that provides high-quality education anchored in truth, integrity, and service to humanity.

Mission:
To pursue truth and excellence in teaching, research, and community service, nurturing students who are intellectually competent, morally upright, and socially responsible.

##Admission and Scholarships
Augustine University offers a transparent and merit-based admission process, open to both national and international students. Admission into the university is guided by the requirements of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria.

In recent years, with support from individuals like Mr. Femi Otedola, the university has significantly increased access to scholarships and financial aid. These scholarships aim to ensure that gifted and hardworking students, regardless of financial background, have the opportunity to receive a quality university education.

##Future Prospects
With ongoing infrastructure development, expansion of academic programs, and the support of key stakeholders, Augustine University is poised to become one of the leading private universities in Nigeria and West Africa. Plans to introduce postgraduate programs and specialized research centers are in the pipeline, reflecting the institution’s ambition to evolve into a full-fledged university of global repute.