Overview and History of Bowen University, Iwo

 
Bowen University, located in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and Christian values.  Established in 2001 by the Nigerian Baptist Convention, it has grown into a reputable institution known for its commitment to integrity, academic excellence, and godliness.  With a diverse range of programs and a focus on holistic education, Bowen University continues to make significant strides in the Nigerian higher education landscape. 

##History and Background
The roots of Bowen University trace back to 1854 when the family of the late Rev. Thomas Jefferson Bowen initiated a school in Ijaiye Orile, present-day Oyo State.  This modest beginning evolved into a vast network of Baptist primary and secondary schools across Nigeria by 1960, reflecting the Baptist commitment to education and moral development. 

##Vision for a Baptist University
The aspiration to establish a Baptist university in Nigeria was first conceived in 1938.  This vision materialized over the decades, culminating in the official approval by the Federal Government of Nigeria on July 17, 2001.  Bowen University commenced academic activities on November 4, 2002, with 506 pioneering students across three faculties: Agriculture, Science and Science Education, and Social and Management Sciences.  

##Motto and Core Values
Bowen University's guiding motto is "Excellence and Godliness," encapsulating its dedication to high academic standards and Christian principles.  The institution's core values include: 

Godliness: Fostering a Christ-centered environment.

Excellence: Striving for superior academic and moral standards.

Entrepreneurship: Encouraging innovation and self-reliance.

Innovation: Promoting creative problem-solving and research.

Social Responsibility: Instilling a sense of duty towards community and nation. 


##Colleges and Faculties
Bowen University operates a modified collegiate system comprising seven fully operational colleges: 

College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science

College of Computing and Communication Studies

College of Health Sciences

College of Law

College of Liberal Studies

College of Management and Social Sciences

College of Postgraduate Studies 


These colleges offer a diverse array of programs, including Medicine (MBBS), Law (LL.B.), Engineering, and various Arts and Science disciplines.  

##Research and Innovation
A notable achievement is the establishment of the Virginia Tech-Nigerian Bowen Equatorial Aeronomy Radar (VT-NigerBEAR), the world's first and only deployed Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) around the equator.  This high-frequency radar network investigates the Earth's upper atmosphere, contributing to global atmospheric research.  

##Accreditation and Rankings
Accreditation:
Bowen University is officially recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria, ensuring that its programs meet national academic standards.  

Rankings:
UniRank (2024): Ranked 59th in Nigeria and 8,866th globally.

EduRank (2025): Ranked 46th in Nigeria and 5,786th globally, with notable research outputs in biology, medicine, and environmental science.  

##Leadership: Vice-Chancellor
The current Vice-Chancellor is Professor Jonathan Oyebamiji Babalola, appointed as the 5th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University.  He is a Professor of Biophysical Chemistry with over 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and administration across various countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Argentina, Italy, and India.  Professor Babalola has made significant contributions to fields such as hemoglobin reactivities, lipid transfer, membrane fusion, and electrochemistry.  He is a recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship and holds fellowships with several prestigious organizations, including the Nigeria Academy of Science and the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK).  

##Notable Alumni
Bowen University boasts an array of distinguished alumni who have excelled in various fields:

Damilola Adegbite: Renowned Nigerian actress and model, known for her roles in "Tinsel" and "Flower Girl."

Eva Alordiah: Acclaimed Nigerian rapper, make-up artist, and entrepreneur, recognized for her contributions to the music industry.

Odumodublvck (Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu): Popular Nigerian rapper and songwriter, known for his dynamic performances and genre-blending music.

Kaylah Oniwo: Esteemed