Bowen University, Iwo Osun State, Nigerian, the premier Baptist University in Africa, was established on 17th July 2001 upon approval by the federal Government of Nigeria, to provide a well rounded University education to Nigerians who are willing to profit from it.
The University is under the proprietorship of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. It is named after the late Reverend Thomas Jefferson Bowen, the American missionary, who pioneered Baptist mission work in Nigerian in 1850.
The legal status of Bowen University is post-secondary institution and private – not –for- profit organization.
Being one of the pioneers private Universities in Nigeria, Bowen University started with an initial student population of 506 in three faculties – Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Science and Sciences Education and Faculty of Social and Management Sciences. This was a great feat made possible as a result of the accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) led to getting approval for her programmes.
The University celebrated a significant landmark commemorating the effort in November, 2012, when several of its products were gathered to give testimonies about the effort of the University to promote excellence teaching, learning and research.
Though a relatively young University, Bowen University has been waxing stronger in research and recording outstanding performance. The University has been encouraging staff and students to aim at excellence in research, academic and related activities.
Bowen University is totally committed to the age long principles held by the Baptists. These are clearly spelt out in the University’s vision, mission and philosophy.
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS OF THE UNIVERSITY
The historical landmarks of the University include the following:
- Accreditation of Courses by NUC and Different Professional Bodies at different times and stages.
- 2009: Commencement of programmes in Physiology, Anatomy and Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery(MBBS).
- 2010: Introduction of postgraduate Studies
- 2012: Commencement of Law Programme
- 2012: 10th Anniversary Celebration
- 2015 Commencement of pragrammes in nursing Science and Physiotherapy.
So far, Bowen University is the first and only private university running physiotherapy programme in Nigeria.
- 2016: full accreditation of medicine programme by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), thus leading to the induction and graduation of its first set of Medical students in November, 2016.
In term of higher education provision in Nigeria, Bowen University remains one of the best. Established as a private institution at a when the standard of education in Nigeria was almost at its lowest level, Bowen University among other institutions of its class, has successfully introduced many initiative that were considered impossible initially.
In November 2012, the University celebrated some of its achievements at its 10th anniversary which was a clear evidence of the intentions of the institution to evolve a world-class University. This is borne out of the core values of integrity, academic excellence, intellectual engagement, professionalism accountability, character formation and Goodliness.
Bowen University has always remained in the fore-front of academic exchange through its linkage activities. At present, the University maintains working partnership/linkage agreements with Rothamsted Experimental station, Harpenden, UK; Liverpool-Hope University, UK; University of York, UK; Alabama A & M University; Mary Hardinsimmons University, Taxas, USA; Baylor University, Taxas, USA; Southern Hemisphere GIS Training School, USA; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria; IITA and the Nigerian Institute for Social and Economic Research, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Towards personal and professional development, the University organizes various international and national conferences, seminars and workshops for its staff and students.
Members of Staff, under the University Staff Development Programme are sponsored to attend conferences both within and outside the country. They are also granted study leave, as required.
In its existence of a decade and a half, the University has been headed by three Vice-chancellors: Professor Joseph Taiwo Okedara who was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor from 2001-July 2003; Professor Timothy Oyebode Olagbemiro from August 2003- July 2013; and Professor Matthews A. Ojo who has been at the helm of affairs from 1st August, 2013 till date.
It is, indeed, noteworthy that in the last three years the University has witnessed tremendous achievements in the areas of physical and academic development. The achievements include the following: construction of lecture rooms and staff offices, construction of principal Officers quarters, construction and asphalting of campus road network, building of halls of residence for students and establishment of more academic programmes.
The University promises to continue to wax stronger and be a University of choice for students, parents and staff members.
