The Department of Philosophy provides instruction in the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reason. Through lectures, seminars, tutorials, and research projects, students are equipped with critical thinking, analytical, and reasoning skills. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that prepare students for careers in academia, public service, and other fields requiring rigorous intellectual engagement, fostering a learning environment that encourages inquiry, reflection, and ethical understanding.
The programme is designed to deepen the culture of critical, independent and creative knowledge in reality at both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. We thread in the study of African Philosophy with a view to making philosophy relevant to the socio-economic and cultural needs of African societies, and Nigeria in particular. The Programme strives to remove the abstractness dominated by the Anglo-American tradition in Philosophy, especially when it was imported to African universities.
Vision
The vision of the Programme is to be the centre of academic excellence where knowledge, skills and values will be pursued relentlessly to ensure the flowering of human abilities, service to the Nigerian nation and the world at large within the context of traditional wisdom and culture.
Mission
The mission is to make students acquire skills using philosophical tools to evolve critical mindsets necessary for shaping individuals towards national development.
Our History
Philosophy as an academic programme, was established in the year 1983: the very year, the University took off. The programme started with just sixteen candidates, but today, the viability of the programme is evident by the number of the students on the programmes. Presently, the Department has about 497 students spread over four different levels, apart from about 10000 students it has to cater for in GST 212 (Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence).
This is a general course recommended by the National Universities Commission for all University students spread over all Faculties and Colleges in the University, such as, Social Sciences, Administration and Management Sciences, Law, Agriculture, Engineering, Pharmacy, Medical Sciences, and Education. Besides, the Department still services the Faculty of Law, specifically, with the following courses: Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy (PHL105), PHL 104 (History of Philosophy), LAW 102 (Introduction to Logic). In all, about 500 students are attended to by this Department every session.
The importance and productivity of the programme could be seen in the exemplary performance of our students in the labour market today. Many of our graduates are in the academic, social, civil, finance, commercial sectors and in the armed forces. This global philosophical practice and contribution to the development of Nigeria in particular, is as a result of the intellectual disposition of the programme and the commitment of our staff, which have experienced solid growth in their areas of study over the years.
Past and Current Heads of Department
| Session | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1982-1983 | Dr. O. Fasina | Lecturer 1 |
| 1983-1984 | Dr. O. Fasina | Lecturer 1 |
| 1984-1985 | Dr. O. Fasina | Lecturer 1 |
| 1985-1986 | Mr. J.A.I. Bewaji | Lecturer 1 |
| 1986-1987 | Dr. J. Omoregbe | Reader |
| 1987-1988 | Dr. S. Ogungbemi | Lecturer 1 |
| 1988-1989 | Dr. S. Ogungbemi | Lecturer 1 |
| 1989-1990 | Dr. S. Ogungbemi | Lecturer 1 |
| 1990-1991 | Mr. J.A.I. Bewaji | Lecturer 1 |
| 1991-1992 | Mr. Akin Onigbinde | Lecturer 1 |
| 1992-1993 | Mr. Ayo Fadahunsi | Lecturer 1 |
| 1993-1994 | Mr. Ayo Fadahunsi | Lecturer 1 |
| 1995-1996 | Dr. Ayo Fadahunsi | Lecturer 1 |
| 1996-1997 | Mr. S. Ade Ali | Lecturer 1 |
| 1997-1998 | Mr. S. Ade Ali | Lecturer 1 |
| 1998-1999 | Mr. S. Ade Ali | Lecturer 1 |
| 1999-2000 | Dr. Ayo Fadahunsi | Senior Lecturer |
| 2000-2001 | Dr. Ayo Fadahunsi | Senior Lecturer |
| 2002-2003 | Dr. Ayo Fadahunsi | Senior Lecturer |
| 2003-2004 | Dr. (Mrs.) E.O. Oduwole | Senior Lecturer |
| 2004-2005 | Dr. (Mrs.) E.O. Oduwole | Senior Lecturer |
| 2005-2006 | Dr. (Mrs.) E.O. Oduwole | Senior Lecturer |
| 2006-2007 | Prof. Ayo Fadahunsi | Professor |
| 2007-2008 | Dr. S. Ade Ali | Reader |
| 2008-2009 | Dr. S. Ade Ali | Reader |
| 2009-2010 | Dr. O.A. Balogun | Senior Lecturer |
| 2010-2011 | Prof. O.A. Balogun | Professor |
| 2011-2012 | Dr. S.O. Opafola | Senior Lecturer |
| 2012-2014 | Prof O.A. Balogun | Professor |
| 2015-2016 | Dr. S. O. Opafola | Reader |
| 2016-2017 | Dr. M.O. Onwuegbusi | Reader |
| 2018-2019 | Dr. B.O. Dasaolu | Senior Lecturer |
| 2019-2021 | Dr. B.O. Dasaolu | Reader |
| 2021-2022 | Dr. A. A. Aina | Reader |
| 2023-tilldate | Prof A.A. Aina | Professor |
Research Areas
The research focus of the Department is multidisciplinary with special interest in African Philosophical interrogation of studies in Western intellectual discourse. Most importantly:
- To build a Department that will make significant contributions to the quest of Nigerians for socio-economic and cultural development.
- To bridge the traditional gulf between Philosophy and social practice.
- To emphasise the importance of the creative development of an African contribution to global philosophical practice.
We believe that African perspectives must be interwoven into all core courses, such as Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics, Aesthetics and Socio-political Philosophy. The Department’s first and fourth year courses are also broadened to include Oriental and Continental European philosophies.
Facilities for Student Training
Besides office accommodation for staff, there are Special lecture rooms for our students at 300 and 400 levels as well as shared Large Lecture Theatres at 100 and 200 levels for the programme.
The Postgraduate students have dedicated lecture rooms designed for their convenience at the Department.
Departmental Organogram

Professor Adebayo Aina
Adebayo Aina joined Olabisi Onabanjo University on the 3rd of December, 1996 (29years ago) as Graduate Assistant and moved through the rank to Full Professor on the 1st October 2022. His area of interest is Philosophical Ethics and African Philosophy. He has published over forty journal articles and book of readings at both local and international outlets as well as one (1) edited book sponsored by TETFUND on African Philosophical discourse. Some of his thought provoking works include: “Crime, Punishment and the Proportionality Factor in Contemporary Society: The Yoruba Experience”, Philosophia Africana, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Ball State University, Muncie, USA. 18 (1): 9-20, 2016 and “In Quest for individual – community relationship in Contemporary age: Lessons from African (Yoruba) Thought System. 22(1) 369- 380, 2023. Bursa Uludag University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Journal of Philosophy, Doi:10.20981/kaygi.1132780. He has been teaching and conducting research effectively since then. He handled courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels with over one hundred (100) Long Essays, three (3) MA dissertations supervision and three (3) Doctoral thesis supervision. Over the years, Prof Aina had been Visiting Lecturer to Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria and had been external examiner and assessor at both local and International institutions such as University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Johannesburg, and University of Witwatersrand. Administratively, Professor Aina is the current Director of Centre for Continuing Education. He has served as Acting Head and Head, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, for four year. He has over the years been member of numerous Committees at the Department, Faculty and University, such as Sub-Dean (Postgraduate); Faculty representative at Cognate Faculties (Education and Law); Member and Chairman, Central Students Disciplinary Committee; Team Lead, University Mock Accreditation Committee; Chairman, Faculty Quality Assurance; Managing Editor, Journal of Philosophy and Development; Member, Review of Faculty Promotion Criteria; Departmental Examination Officer, etc. Professor Aina is a devoted Christian. He belongs to the Anglican Communion of Nigeria. He has served as Vicar’s Warden of Church of Epiphany Erunwon and Member of Parish Church Council for many years. He is devoted to the service of God and humanity. He is currently Synod delegate to Anglican Diocese of Ijebu as well as Member of Erunwon Archdeaconry Board.
Professor (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole
Professor (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole is a distinguished Professor of African Philosophy, Ethics, and Bioethics at the Department of Philosophy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. She previously served as Head of the Philosophy Department, Director of General and Entrepreneurial Studies, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sole Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Olabisi Onabanjo University. She holds a PhD, M.A., and B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and an MSc in Bioethics from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, as well as qualifications from Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, Netherlands, and the University of Padova, Italy, obtained through a consortium of universities. She has been teaching Philosophy for over thirty-nine years. Over the years, Prof. (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Oduwole has attended numerous academic and administrative conferences, workshops, and seminars worldwide. She has served as a visiting lecturer and external examiner for the Department of Philosophy both in Nigeria and internationally. Her research interests include African Philosophy and Studies, Ethics, Bioethics, and Gender Studies. She has been an editor and member of the editorial boards of various academic journals. She has published extensively both locally and internationally in reputable academic journals and books. Prof. (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Oduwole has been a keynote speaker at conferences in Nigeria and abroad. She has received awards and grants, and has facilitated entrepreneurial training for students at her university. Her collaborative research initiatives include her role as a guest speaker, advisory board member in research ethics, methodology, curriculum development, and evaluation, as well as a consultant and mentor for the Gambia Research Ethics and Methodology Training Initiative (GAMRETI) at the University of The Gambia, supported by the NIH Fogarty International Center. She served as treasurer of the Nigerian Philosophical Association. She is a member of professional organisations such as the Philosophers Association of Nigeria (PAN), the Bioethics Society of Nigeria (BESON), and the Nigerian Academy of Letters (MNAL), of which she has recently been elected a fellow. She is also the Vice-Chancellor Designate of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria. She has authored over fifty publications in reputable books and journals. She exhibits exceptional teaching skills and employs diverse, inclusive methods of instruction. She is a dedicated, organised, and committed academic, highly self-motivated, and an excellent administrator. Prof. (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Oduwole is a resilient, multitasking, results-oriented, energetic, honest, reliable, resourceful, and ethical individual. She is a team player, amiable, and God-fearing. She actively mentors upcoming academics and youth, engaging effectively and valuing feedback for ongoing personal and professional growth. She has pioneered teaching, examination, and supervisory roles at Crowther Graduate Seminary, Igbein, Abeokuta. She is a member of the Ajayi Crowther University Governing Board, representing Ibadan Province, and also serves on the Church of Nigeria Theological Accreditation and Regulatory Board, established by the Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of All Nigeria.
Oluwaseun Adeola Anifowose, Ph.D
Oluwaseun Adeola Anifowose, Ph.D., joined Olabisi Onabanjo University in August 2001 as an Assistant Lecturer and rose to Associate Professor in 2022. She earned her first degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University (2001), followed by Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Philosophy with a specialization in Bioethics from the University of Ibadan.
Dr. Anifowose further enhanced her expertise with a second Master’s degree in Bioethics from the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Masters in Bioethics program, a consortium of Katholieke University, Leuven (Belgium), Radboud University (Netherlands), and University of Padova (Italy), graduating with distinction (Cum Laude).
As a bioethics specialist, her research focuses on various ethical issues, including scientific research, surrogacy, transgender ethics, euthanasia, xenotransplantation, and human experimentation.
Dr. Anifowose has demonstrated leadership abilities through various roles, including representing the Erasmus Mundus program and serving on decision-making committees with esteemed professors from European universities.
Beyond academia, she chairs departmental and faculty committees and serves on several university committees, including the Faculty of Science Mock Accreditation team, ODL Quality Assurance committee, and Faculty of Arts Quality Assurance and Welfare committees. She also serves as Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator.
Oyenuga Olukayode Felix PhD
Oyenuga Olukayode Felix PhD joined Olabisi Onabanjo University on 2004 as Graduate Assistant and moved through the rank to Associate Professor. His interest is in the area of socio political and African philosophy. In recent years, he has focused on how Africa in general and Nigeria in particular can evolve cultural tools to ensuring development. He has published over twenty eight journal articles and book of readings at both local and international outlets.Some of his thought provoking works include: Satre’s philosophy of authenticity and intellectual development: lesson for Africa Vol12(1) pp1-5 2025; Cicero’s political philosophy and the nature of governance in Africa Vol 15(1) 2025; and Undergraduate’s work ethics and motivation for occupational preference what nexus therein Vol10(1) 2024. He has been teaching and conducting research effectively since joining the university. He has supervised Essays at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Over the years, Dr oyenuga has been member of Nigerian philosophical association and American Philosophical Association. He has attended and presented papers in both local and international conferences
Administratively, Dr oyenuga was the ASUU-OOU chairman( 2023-2025). He has over the years been member of numerous Committees at the Department, Faculty and University, such as Sub-Dean (Undergraduate); Level Adviser, Member, Departmental welfare committee, Departmental staff adviser(NAPS), Member, CESAP Task Force on School Fees, Department CCED coordinator, Departmental Examination Officer (DEO), Member, faculty of arts orientation committee, Member, Senate Representing Congregation, Member, Staff Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.
Dr oyenuga is a Christian of note. He belongs to the Catholic church of Nigeria. He is devoted to the service of God and humanity.
Dr. Oladele Idowu
Dr. Oladele Idowu is a Senior Lecturer in the Departent of Philosophy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. His areas of specialization are Socio-Political Philosophy and Logic, though he also has a flair for African philosophy. In different publications, he has contributed to the debate on how the phenomenon of globalization has adversely impacted African culture, and indeed, African identity, suggesting that the task of African scholars is to map out modalities by which the unequal exchanges that take place between African and foreign cultural values, can be resolved. In other papers, he argued that for Africa to harness the benefits of globalization without necessarily endangering the norms and ethos of African humanism, Africa needs to develop a policy for development which must be formulated from within, and connected to the global world according to experiences and terms dictated by African culture. Also, Dr. Idowu has done some interesting research on democracy, human rights and Africa’s quest for development, contending that the that the evolving democracy and good governance in Africa will require not only the discipline of the state and the reconstitution of politics, but also, the animation of the civil society and its democratic potentials. Dr. Oladele Idowu has participated in and presented papers in many conferences and workshops
Dr. Adefarasin Victor Olusegun
Dr. Adefarasin Victor Olusegun is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; where he has been a faculty member since 1998. He has been serving the University meritoriously in different capacities. He is actively involved in research, teaching and supervising students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Dr. Adefarasin V. O. holds B. A. (Hons.), Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago- Iwoye; M. A.; PhD., University of Lagos. His research interests are in the areas of Socio-Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Feminism. In recent years, he has focused on how Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular, can make use of her own resources towards all-round development. He is a member of Nigerian Philosophical Association; Member, Centre for Black African and Arts Civilization. He has attended and presented papers in Local, National and International Conferences. He is currently researching on How Nigeria, and Africa as a whole can rely on themselves, develop and join the comity of nations. Dr. Adefarasin is a freelance writer, a commentator on local, national and international issues, a versatile lecturer and a guru in Master of Ceremonies.
Dr. Abiodun Toluwalase Ajayi
Dr. Abiodun Toluwalase Ajayi is a senior lecturer in the department of Philosophy Faculty of Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria. She joined Olabisi Onabanjo University on the 16th March, 1999 as Graduate Assistant. She holds Bachelor, masters and Doctorate degrees in Philosophy. She specializes in Epistemology and Feminist Philosophy. She has published over 30 journal articles and book of readings at both local and international outlets. She is a member of several professional organizations, some of which are: Philosophers Association of Nigeria, European Centre for Research Training and Development Network, IRDI Research and Development Network, National Association of Women Academics. Her publications include articles in Journal of Philosophy and Development, West African Journal of Philosophical Studies, Unimaid Journal of Women Studies, Journal of Research in National Development. She has also attended Several conferences and workshops both local and international.
Dr. Abayomi Sharomi
Dr. Abayomi Sharomi lectures at the Department of Philosophy Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. Prior to joining OOU he was a researcher with the Institute of Africa and Diaspora Studies (IADS), University of Lagos. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctorate Degrees in Philosophy all earned from the University of Lagos. Prior to studying Philosophy, Dr. Sharomi earned a National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. Dr. Sharomi researches in and teaches Ethics, Sociopolitical Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Phenomenology and Existentialism, Epistemology, Development Ethics, African Studies with budding interests and research in Social Ethics, Business Ethics and Islamic Ethics. He is a facilitator and researcher with the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) Virginia, USA (Lagos office) where he participates in integration of knowledge. He is equally an Affiliate Researcher with the IADS. Dr. Sharomi was part of a team that won one of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) National Research Fund Grants (2020) on scarification at the IADS, University of Lagos. He is a member of professional associations including Philosophers Association of Nigeria (PAN), Socio-Political Philosophy Academy of Nigeria, Lagos Studies Association, and Canadian Association of African Studies.
Funmilayo A. Ade-Ali
Funmilayo A. Ade-Ali joined Olabisi Onabanjo University on 14th January, 2008 (17 years ago) as a Graduate Assistant, and moved through the ranks to Senior Lecturer on the 1st October, 2024. Her area of interest is Epistemology and African Indigenous Knowledge. She has published over (17) Journal Articles and chapters in books of readings at both Local and International Outlets.
Administratively, she has been member of various committees both at the Department, Faculty, and University. She is a representative of the Parents-Teachers Association on the Board of the International School, Olabisi Onabanjo University (IS-OOU). She is also a member of the Board, Olabisi Onabanjo University Staff School (OOUSS). Additionally, she is a member of the Departmental Quality Assurance. Dr Ade-Ali is a devout Christian and Lay Preacher of the Methodist Church Nigeria. She serves as Secretary to the Idode Methodist Church, Nigeria, and as a Synod Delegate to the Ijebu Diocese, Methodist Church, Nigeria.
Dr. Ajibola Moruph Surakat
Dr. Ajibola Moruph Surakat is a Lecturer I in the Department of Philosophy at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, in the Faculty of Arts. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for fostering critical thinking, Dr. Surakat specialises in Logic, Socio-Political Philosophy, and Child Development. His scholarly work notably explores the intersection of philosophy and education, focusing on the moral development of children. Dr. Surakat’s doctoral dissertation, titled “Mathew Lipman’s Philosophy for Children as a Paradigm for Children’s Moral Development in Nigeria,” reflects his commitment to applying philosophical concepts to real-world educational challenges. Through this research, he advocates for the integration of philosophical inquiry into childhood education as a means to nurture ethical reasoning and moral growth among Nigerian children. Dr. Surakat has contributed to the field through various publications on Philosophy for Children, highlighting innovative approaches to teaching philosophy at the grassroots level. His work not only enriches academic discourse but also aims to influence educational practices and policies in Nigeria. As an academic and researcher, Dr. Surakat is dedicated to advancing philosophical knowledge and its practical applications, particularly in the development of young minds. His expertise and contributions position him as a valuable member of the academic community at Olabisi Onabanjo University and beyond.
Mr. Oluwabori Oyelana
Mr. Oluwabori Oyelana is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, Olabisi Onabanjo University. He finished with a First Class (Hons) as the best graduating student, Department of Philosophy from Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2016 and obtained his Masters degree from the University of Ibadan. His areas of interest include Bioethics, Socio-political Philosophy, Existentialism, African Philosophy and Philosophy of Mind. Mr. Oyelana has several awards in his name and publications in both local and international journals. Some of his articles include “Ethical reflections on the impact of genetic engineering on biodiversity. Journal of Science, Ethics and Education, 1(3),23-29. DOI: 10.54664/CMGZ6373, “A Philosophical Appraisal of the flagrant violations of fundamental human rights in Nigeria. Ifiok: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 8(2), 195-214”; “Epistemic foundations of informed consent. Nigerian Journal of Philosophical Studies, 3 (1), 140-155; “Organ transplantation: Life-line or death-row, Kampala International University Journal of Humanities, 5 (4), 157-165. Mr. Oyelana is currently undertaking a research in Genetic Engineering and its implications on the concept of Identity and Authenticity within the African cultural milieu.
Contact Information
- Address: Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
- Email: phl@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Upcoming event
16
Dec
2025Matriculation for Fresh Students (2025/2026 Session)
- 10:00am4:00pm
Colleges and Faculties
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