B.A. Islamic Religious Studies

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of Religious Studies > B.A. Islamic Religious Studies

If you are interested in understanding Islam as a religion, a way of life, and a global civilisation, the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Religious Studies provides a thorough, balanced, and intellectually engaging foundation. The programme helps you develop a deep understanding of the Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic law, theology, history, and culture.

You will explore the spiritual, moral, legal, and social dimensions of Islam, examining how Islamic teachings have shaped societies across Africa, the Middle East, and the wider world. Your studies will also help you build strong analytical, interpretive, and communication skills essential for leadership, teaching, community service, and interfaith dialogue.

At OOU, Islamic Religious Studies is taught in a scholarly and inclusive way that encourages critical thinking, cultural understanding, and respect for diversity while staying rooted in authentic Islamic scholarship. 

Course Overview

The B.A. Islamic Religious Studies programme provides a comprehensive study of Islamic doctrine, law, history, and spirituality. You will examine foundational Islamic texts and explore how Islamic principles influence personal behaviour, governance, ethics, and social life. The programme covers key areas such as:

  1. Qur’anic studies and exegesis (Tafsir)
  2. Hadith studies (Prophetic traditions)
  3. Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and legal thought
  4. Islamic theology (Kalam)
  5. Islamic history and civilisation
  6. Arabic grammar, reading, and interpretation
  7. Comparative religion and interfaith relations
  8. The curriculum integrates classical Islamic scholarship with modern academic approaches, enabling you to appreciate the role of Islam in contemporary society and global discourse.

Through lectures, seminars, language training, fieldwork, and research, you will gain the intellectual tools to interpret Islamic texts, analyse moral and social issues, and contribute to religious education and community development.

Course Curriculum

The B.A. Islamic Religious Studies curriculum follows the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) and combines foundational knowledge with advanced scholarship in Arabic, Islamic law, and religious thought.

You will begin with introductory courses that help you build essential language and religious knowledge, such as:

  1. Arabic Grammar I
  2. Introduction to Islamic Studies
  3. Qur’anic Studies I
  4. Hadith Studies I
  5. Communication in English
  6. The Nigerian Peoples and Culture

These courses provide the linguistic and conceptual foundation needed for deeper study in later years.

Your second year focuses on expanding your understanding of Islamic texts, law, and history through courses such as:

  1. Arabic Grammar II
  2. Qur’anic Studies II
  3. Hadith Studies II
  4. Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) I
  5. Islamic History and Civilisation
  6. Entrepreneurship and Digital Humanities

You will begin to critically analyse Islamic teachings and understand their relevance to cultural and societal development.

At this stage, you will deepen your knowledge of theology, law, and comparative religion through courses such as:

  1. Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) II
  2. Islamic Theology (Kalam)
  3. Comparative Religion
  4. Ethics in Islam
  5. Research Methodology in the Arts
  6. Islamic Philosophy

These courses strengthen your analytical and interpretive skills, preparing you for advanced scholarship and research.

Your final year consolidates your expertise through advanced and specialised courses, including:

  1. Advanced Qur’anic Interpretation (Tafsir)
  2. Islamic Legal Theories
  3. Islam and Contemporary Issues
  4. Leadership and Governance in Islam
  5. Research Project

The research project allows you to conduct an in-depth study of a chosen topic in Islamic Religious Studies, guided by a qualified academic supervisor.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.A. Islamic Religious Studies programme at Olabisi Onabanjo University, you must satisfy one of the following entry pathways:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. At least five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language, Islamic Religious Studies, and any other Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. A genuine interest in Islamic studies, Arabic, and the moral, cultural, and historical aspects of Islam.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Five SSCE credit passes, two of which must be at the Advanced Level in relevant subjects.
  2. A National Diploma (ND), Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), or University Diploma in Islamic Studies, Arabic Studies, or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Candidates with recognised qualifications from Islamic institutes or colleges may also be considered if they meet the University’s standards.

All applicants must additionally meet the general entry requirements of the University.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Islamic Religious Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you a balanced blend of academic rigour, spiritual insight, and cultural relevance. The programme is ideal for individuals who seek a deep understanding of Islam and wish to apply Islamic knowledge in education, leadership, research, and community development. You will benefit from:

  1. A comprehensive curriculum covering Qur’anic studies, Hadith, Fiqh, theology, Arabic language, and Islamic civilisation.
  2. Experienced lecturers and scholars trained in classical Islamic studies and modern academic research.
  3. Opportunities for fieldwork, community engagement, and interaction with Islamic institutions.
  4. Training in Arabic, enabling you to interpret Islamic texts with greater accuracy and depth.
  5. A supportive academic environment that encourages critical thinking, ethical reflection, and intercultural understanding.
  6. Preparation for careers in education, religious leadership, mediation, media, and public service.

At OOU, Islamic Religious Studies helps you cultivate intellectual discipline, cultural awareness, and moral integrity, qualities essential for leadership and community influence.

Research Project

In your final year, you will complete a research project that demonstrates your ability to analyse Islamic teachings, interpret religious texts, and evaluate social or ethical issues from an Islamic perspective. Under the guidance of a qualified academic supervisor, you will:

  1. Choose a research topic in Qur’anic studies, Hadith, Islamic law, theology, ethics, history, or comparative religion.
  2. Conduct textual, historical, or analytical research using appropriate scholarly methods.
  3. Engage with classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship.
  4. Present your findings clearly, logically, and with academic integrity in a written dissertation.

Your research project is a key element of your training, preparing you for roles in teaching, community leadership, and further academic study.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Religious Studies, you must satisfy the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon fulfilling these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) Islamic Religious Studies, a respected qualification that opens opportunities in education, community leadership, public service, and interfaith relations.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Islamic Religious Studies equips you with analytical, cultural, and communication skills that make you valuable in both religious and secular fields. Your training enables you to interpret religious texts, understand cultural dynamics, and address ethical issues in contemporary society.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Islamic educator or lecturer
  2. Imam, da’wah worker, or religious leader
  3. Arabic and Islamic studies teacher
  4. Ethics and cultural advisor
  5. NGO officer (faith-based development programmes)
  6. Mediator or peacebuilding facilitator
  7. Researcher or writer on Islamic and social issues
  8. Programme officer in community or youth development
  9. Media consultant on religious and cultural affairs

You may find employment in:

  1. Educational institutions at all levels
  2. Mosques, Islamic organisations, and faith-based centres
  3. Government ministries related to education, culture, and interfaith affairs
  4. Non-governmental organisations involved in peacebuilding and community development
  5. Media houses producing religious and cultural content
  6. International organisations focused on cultural dialogue and social cohesion

The degree also prepares you for postgraduate studies in Islamic Studies, Arabic, Religious Studies, Conflict Resolution, and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Choose Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and Islamic Religious Studies as your preferred course.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Hold five SSCE credit passes, including English Language and Islamic Religious Studies, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in and meet the requirements of the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold an NCE, ND, or University Diploma in Islamic Studies, Arabic Studies, or related fields with a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess five SSCE credit passes, including English Language and Islamic Religious Studies.
  3. Upload all transcripts, certificates, and documents through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

For more details or to begin your application, visit the University’s admissions portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. Islamic Religious Studies programme is supervised by a team of experienced scholars within the Department of Islamic Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts. The Department fosters a supportive academic environment that encourages intellectual growth, cultural understanding, and ethical discipline.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  6. Faculty = Arts
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities