Pre-degree Background

With the introduction of the course unit system in Nigerian Universities in the 1977/78 Session the Concessional Entrance Examination was abolished in 1978 and admission to Universities became centralized through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Well over one million applicants seek admission every year into universities which now have a combined capacity of about 250,000. The competition is quite stiff and good preparation will result in better performance by the students. This background establishes the need for a Pre-Degree Programme in the arts and the sciences that would serve as a platform to equip prospective students for university admission, give them a good head-start and promote superior studentship in the university.

Programme Philosophy

In accordance with the vision and objectives of the University, it is believed that the Pre-Degree Programme will promote individual self-development and remedy the deficiencies carried over from the secondary school in the ability to speak, read and write and to receive instruction in order to successfully undertake a university programme.

Programme Structure

The Pre-Degree Programme is an intensive coaching curriculum to prepare high school graduates for university work. The courses of study which are those of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) subjects include English Language which is compulsory for all students, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Government, English Literature and Religious Studies. Students are required to choose three subjects in addition to English. The curriculum is structured into two contact periods each of 18 weeks with four contact hours per week for each subject. There is a three-week break between the first and second contact periods and one week of examination at the end each contact period.

Programme Description

The programme is an intensive coaching curriculum aims at ensuring adequate exposure to fundamentals of concepts and preparation of eligible students for University admission and a good head-start for University work. The courses of study which are those of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) subjects include English Language which is compulsory for all students, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Government, English Literature and Religious Studies. Students are required to choose three subjects in addition to English.

An overall score of 60% and above in the examinations and continuous assessment (comprising regular tests, assignments and the end of Contact period examination) is required to be qualified for consideration for admission into Year 1 of the relevant degree programmes of the University. Admission is based strictly on merit and entry requirements and in proportion to the admission quota of the University for the various Faculties.

It is worthy of note that the O. A. U. Pre-Degree Programme, as presently operated, surpasses the minimum expectations of quality as approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The programme also promotes individual self-development and remedies the deficiencies carried over from the secondary school in the ability to speak, read and write and to receive instruction in order to successfully undertake a University programme.

Students are admitted into the Pre-Degree Programme under the following broad options and subject combinations:

Options/Fields	Subject Combinations
Arts	Government/Literature in English/Religious Studies (GLR)
	Economics/ Government/Literature in English (EGL)
Biological Sciences	Biology/Chemistry/Physics (BCP)
Physical Sciences	Chemistry/ Mathematics/ Physics (CMP)
	Geography/ Mathematics/ Physics (GMP)
Social Sciences	Economics/Government/Mathematics (EGM)
	Mathematics/Geography/Economics (MGE)

Programme Objectives

• To source superior students for the University’s degree programmes and stem the high rate of dropouts from the University.
• To ensure adequate preparation of eligible secondary school graduates for University work.
• To enhance analytical and independent learning abilities and promote the intellectual development as well as oral and written skills of students.

Programme Duration

The programme normally runs for two (2) contact periods both within nine (9) calendar months. It is structured into two (2) contact periods each of 16 weeks with a minimum of four and maximum of five contact hours per week for each subject. There is a three-week break between the first and second contact periods and one two weeks of examination during each contact.

The end of the programme usually precedes the beginning of the University academic session. Closures of the University do not affect the programme.

Mode of Study

Face to face at the Obafemi Awolowo University purposely built Distance Learning Study Centre at Moro, Ife North Local Government Area, Osun State.

Programme Prerequisites

Applicants for admission into the Programme are expected to have a minimum of five O’ Level Credits at one or two sittings including English Language; credits in Mathematics and three other Science subjects for all Science based courses; credits in Mathematics and three other Social Science subjects for all Social Science based courses and credits in four Arts subjects for all Arts based courses. Eligible candidates are selected for admission through an entrance examination.