HISTORY

The Department of Computer Science is one of the foundational pillars in the academic evolution of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa. Its history dates back to the early years of the institution—formerly known as the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH)—where Computer Science emerged as a pioneering programme within the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science.

Early Beginnings (2010 – 2012)

The Computer Science programme officially commenced during the 2010/2011 academic session with the admission of eighteen (18) foundation students into the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree programme. At inception, the programme did not operate as an independent department but was coordinated from the Office of the Acting Dean, Faculty of Science. This early structure allowed the programme to take off smoothly while laying the foundation for its future expansion.

By 2012, the Department of Mathematical Sciences—which housed both Mathematics and Computer Science—was headed by Dr. E. A. Okeyinka (now Professor E. A. Okeyinka, Emeritus Professor of Computer Science). His leadership marked a period of structural organization and academic development within the nascent programme.

Growth Under the Department of Mathematical Sciences (2012 – 2020)

Following Dr. Okeyinka’s tenure, the leadership of the Department of Mathematical Sciences transitioned to the late Professor T. G. Okedayo, who was appointed to oversee activities related to both Mathematics and Computer Science programmes. His administration strengthened academic coordination and expanded the operational capacity of the department.

The leadership progression continued with:

1. O. T. Amumeji

2. E. A. Oyekan

3. A. J. Ikuomola

During this period, the Computer Science programme operated as a unit under the Department of Mathematical Sciences, one of the four departments in the School of Sciences. The programme’s philosophy was deeply rooted in producing technologically competent graduates equipped to respond to societal needs in diverse computing fields.

Transition to a Full-Fledged Department (2020/2021 Academic Session)

A major milestone in the programme’s development came in the 2020/2021 academic session, when the Computer Science unit evolved into a full-fledged Department of Computer Science under the School of Science and later placed under the newly established School of Information and Communication Technology now School of Computing in October 2024. This transition aligned with global trends in computing education and reflected the University's commitment to strengthening ICT-driven academic programmes.

The pioneer Head of the Department of Computer Science was Professor A. J. Ikuomola, whose visionary leadership laid the groundwork for departmental autonomy, curriculum enhancement, laboratory expansion, academic staff development, research output and played a significant role in strengthening research visibility and academic restructuring within the department.
He was succeeded by Professor Adebayo Adetunmbi, who served as Head of Department while on sabbatical.
The Department is currently headed by Dr. O. A. Gbadamosi, under whose leadership the department continues to expand in instructional quality and student support services.

Academic Staff Strength and Learning Facilities

The department currently boasts:

1. Seven (7) full-time academic staff

2. Three (3) adjunct academic staff

3. One (1) administrative staff

To support teaching and learning, the department maintains well-designed and fully equipped laboratories used for practical sessions in programming, networking, software development, database management, and emerging technologies.

Programme Structure and Curriculum Development

From inception, the Computer Science programme has offered courses leading to the B.Tech. (Honours) degree in Computer Science, anchored strictly on the National Universities Commission (NUC) prescribed syllabus. With the introduction of the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), the programme has continued to update its curriculum to reflect national standards and global best practices.

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of ICT and computing fields, including:

1. Computer Programming

2. Algorithms and Data Structures

3. Software Engineering

4. Computer Networks

5. Artificial Intelligence

6. Database Systems

7. Web Technologies

8. Operating Systems

9. Computer Architecture

10. Information Security

11. Entrepreneurship in ICT

The programme is structured to produce graduates equipped for careers as software engineers, computer programmers, system analysts, computer/network engineers, ICT consultants, cybersecurity analysts, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

Academic Achievements and Graduate Output

The historic pioneering set of the programme completed their studies and graduated during the 2014/2015 academic session. Since then, the department has produced multiple sets of graduates who have excelled in the private sector, public sector, academia, entrepreneurship, and global ICT industries.

Postgraduate Programme Development

In addition to its undergraduate offerings, the Department of Computer Science has expanded its academic portfolio to include postgraduate programmes, which are now in their third academic session. These programmes strengthen research, innovation, and the development of advanced computing expertise, affirming the department’s commitment to contributing to national and global ICT advancement.

The Department of Computer Science continues to play a central role in the transformation of ICT education at OAUSTECH. With sustained faculty development, infrastructure growth, research productivity, and strong administrative leadership, the department remains committed to producing highly skilled graduates capable of driving technological innovation and digital transformation across Nigeria and beyond.

View Course Information: B.Sc. Computer Science