B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Education > Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education (ASSED) > B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies

The B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies programme provides you with a comprehensive and scholarly understanding of Islam—its teachings, traditions, history, values and contributions to human civilisation. The programme equips you with the knowledge and pedagogical skills required to teach Islamic Religious Studies effectively at the basic and senior secondary school levels.

You will study Qur’anic sciences, Hadith, Fiqh, Islamic history, Arabic grammar, ethics, Islamic civilisation and contemporary issues affecting Muslim societies. This training strengthens your interpretive ability, ethical reasoning, communication skills and cultural awareness, preparing you to guide learners in their spiritual, moral and intellectual growth.

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts Education (Islamic Religious Studies) integrates foundational and advanced Islamic studies with professional teacher training. You will explore Qur’anic exegesis, Prophetic traditions, Islamic jurisprudence, early Islamic history, Islamic philosophy, comparative religion and the role of Islam in modern society. In addition to subject content, you will learn about educational psychology, curriculum development, teaching methods and classroom management, enabling you to deliver Islamic Religious Studies effectively and confidently.

This programme runs for four years through UTME admission and three years through Direct Entry, guiding you from basic Arabic and introductory Islamic studies to advanced theological, historical and pedagogical competence. Through lectures, field experience, school observations, digital learning resources, micro-teaching and teaching practice, you will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to prepare learners for responsible living and sound moral judgement. 

Course Curriculum

The curriculum is structured across 100–400 levels, offering you a progressive understanding of Islamic texts, traditions, history and pedagogy.

Your introductory courses provide a foundation in Islamic and Arabic studies, including:

  1. Introduction to the Study of Religion
  2. Introduction to Islamic Religious Studies
  3. Arabic Grammar I
  4. Arabic Reading and Comprehension
  5. Life of Prophet Muhammad
  6. Early Islamic History

You deepen your scriptural and historical knowledge through courses such as:

  1. Qur’anic Studies
  2. Hadith Studies
  3. Arabic Grammar II
  4. Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
  5. History of Islam in West Africa
  6. Islamic Ethics and Moral Education

Your studies expand into advanced themes and interpretive methods, including:

  1. Qur’anic Exegesis (Tafsir)
  2. Advanced Hadith Studies
  3. Islamic Political Thought
  4. Islamic Civilisation and Culture
  5. Contemporary Issues in Islam
  6. Comparative Religion

At this level, you refine your analytical and professional competence through courses such as:

  1. Advanced Islamic Jurisprudence
  2. Islamic Philosophy
  3. Religion and Human Values
  4. Methods of Teaching Islamic Religious Studies
  5. Curriculum Development in Religious Education
  6. Teaching Practice

Entry Requirements

To gain admission into the B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies programme, you must satisfy one of the following entry pathways:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. You must have at least five credit passes in English Language, Islamic Religious Studies or Arabic, Mathematics, and any other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant subjects.
  3. Meet the departmental and university cut-off marks.
  4. Demonstrate interest and aptitude for religious studies, ethics, Arabic literacy and cultural understanding.
  5. Satisfy all other general admission requirements of the University.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. You must have five credit passes, including English Language, Islamic Religious Studies or Arabic, Mathematics and other relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. Possess NCE, ND, or equivalent qualifications in Islamic Studies, Arabic or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Hold Advanced Level passes in relevant subjects such as Islamic Studies, Arabic or Religious Studies.
  4. Provide academic transcripts and supporting documents during the application.
  5. Meet the general Direct Entry admission regulations of the University.

Why study at OOU?

Studying B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University gives you access to a balanced, academically grounded and ethically oriented programme that explores the teachings, values and cultural traditions of Islam. The programme is delivered by experienced scholars and educators committed to developing your intellectual abilities, moral insight and professional teaching skills. You will benefit from:

  1. A curriculum that integrates Qur’anic studies, Hadith, Fiqh, history, ethics and contemporary Islamic thought.
  2. Strong emphasis on Arabic literacy to support proper understanding of Islamic texts.
  3. Practical teacher training through micro-teaching, lesson planning and full teaching practice.
  4. A learning environment that promotes critical thinking, scholarship and spiritual development.
  5. Exposure to modern instructional technologies and digital tools for teaching and learning.
  6. Opportunities to engage in community outreach, religious education activities and cultural dialogue.

Through this programme, you will gain the knowledge, skills and values needed to teach Islam effectively, promote moral development and contribute positively to your community and the broader society.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that allows you to explore a significant topic within Islamic studies or Islamic Religious Education. This project enables you to demonstrate your ability to engage in scholarly inquiry, interpret Islamic texts, analyse contemporary issues and apply appropriate research methods.

Working with your supervisor, you will:

  1. Select a topic related to Qur’anic studies, Hadith, Fiqh, Islamic history, Islamic civilisation, ethics or religious education.
  2. Conduct research using qualitative, textual, analytical or historical methods.
  3. Analyse scriptural texts, scholarly commentaries, historical records or educational practices.
  4. Present your findings in a well-structured, coherent and academically rigorous research report.

Your research project serves as the culmination of your academic training, preparing you for careers in education, religious leadership, counselling, community development or further studies in Islamic-related fields.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Education (Islamic Religious Studies), you must fulfil 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 the minimum credit units prescribed for the four-year degree (UTME) or three-year degree (Direct Entry).
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.
  5. Fulfil all teaching practice, micro-teaching and school-based experience requirements.

Grading and Degree Classification

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

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies, a degree that prepares you to excel as an educator, scholar, counsellor and community leader, with the knowledge and values required to contribute meaningfully to society.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Islamic Religious Studies Education equips you with the knowledge, communication skills and ethical awareness needed for a wide range of career paths. Your training prepares you for roles within education, community development, religious institutions and social support sectors.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Islamic Religious Studies teacher
  2. Arabic language instructor
  3. Islamic education coordinator
  4. Mosque school administrator
  5. Ethical and moral education instructor
  6. Community development officer
  7. Religious counsellor
  8. Curriculum developer (Religious Studies)
  9. Research assistant in religion and culture
  10. NGO programme officer
  11. Interfaith dialogue facilitator

You may find employment in:

  1. Public and private primary and secondary schools
  2. Islamic schools and Arabic education centres
  3. Ministries and agencies focused on education, religion and culture
  4. NGOs and community-based organisations
  5. Centres for interfaith and peacebuilding activities
  6. Religious institutions and training centres

The programme also offers a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Islamic Studies, Arabic Studies, Education, Theology, Peace and Conflict Studies, Religious Studies, History, and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Possess at least five O-Level credit passes including English Language, Islamic Religious Studies or Arabic, Mathematics and other acceptable subjects.
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental cut-off mark.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Possess NCE, ND or equivalent qualifications in Islamic Studies, Arabic or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess the required O-Level credit passes.
  3. Upload your academic transcripts and supporting documents through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

You may start the application process or check your admission status through the University’s official admissions portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Religious Studies programme is managed by a team of dedicated academics and experienced researchers within the Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Faculty of Education.

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 Education (B.A. (Ed.))
  6. Faculty = Education
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Education, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities