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University of Abomey-Calavi
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The University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) is the largest and oldest public university in Benin. Established in 1970 as the University of Dahomey, it was renamed in 2001 after the nearby city of Abomey-Calavi. The sprawling campus is home to numerous faculties, research institutes, and professional schools covering a vast range of academic disciplines, from natural sciences to the humanities. As the country's leading academic institution, UAC plays a critical role in educating Benin's future leaders and skilled workforce. The university is widely recognized for its research output and its ongoing contributions to national socioeconomic development. Despite challenges such as high student enrollment numbers, it remains a vital hub for intellectual exchange and social activism. The campus functions almost like a self-contained city, featuring its own residential halls, extensive libraries, and sports facilities. UAC stands as a premier symbol of educational aspiration and scientific progress in the Republic of Benin.
- Location: Benin
- Top sights: Place des Enarques · Espace Mayton
- Nearby: Azizakouè (38 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 21 | 33 | 78 | 119 | 174 | 216 | 165 | 93 | 198 | 172 | 55 | 20 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The campus of the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin is a vast area with several faculties. Visitors can enter the grounds during the day, but access to some buildings is restricted.
Typical hours
The campus is typically open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During semester breaks, access may be limited.
Photography
Photography on the campus grounds is usually allowed. In libraries and administrative buildings, photography without permission is prohibited.
Time needed
A walk around the main campus takes about one to two hours. If you want to see the various faculties and the botanical garden, you need more time.
Combine with
Combine the campus visit with the nearby Musée Honmè and the Royal Palace of Abomey. Also the city of Cotonou with its markets is easily reachable.
Getting there
The campus is located in Abomey-Calavi, about 20 kilometers from Cotonou. It is reachable by taxi or bus („taxi-brousse”).
Insider tip
Visit the small botanical garden on campus, which displays a variety of native plants. Ask students for directions to the cafeteria - they offer cheap local food.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1970 as the University of Dahomey
- Oldest and largest university in the Republic of Benin
- Renamed after the city of Abomey-Calavi in 2001
- Comprises numerous faculties and professional schools
- Central hub for national research and higher education
- Home to tens of thousands of students on a large campus
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town University of Abomey-Calavi (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the campus open to visitors?
Yes, you can usually enter the campus freely and walk around.
How many students are there?
It is the largest university in Benin with tens of thousands of students.
Are there canteens on-site?
Yes, there are numerous affordable food stalls for students.
Where is the university located?
In Abomey-Calavi, a suburb north of Cotonou.
Can you watch sports events there?
Football matches are frequently held on the university sports fields.
University of Abomey-Calavi: where is it located?
University of Abomey-Calavi is located in Benin.
University of Abomey-Calavi: what is there to see?
Highlights include Place des Enarques, Espace Mayton.
University of Abomey-Calavi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
University of Abomey-Calavi: why is it worth visiting?
The University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) is the largest and oldest public university in Benin.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Centenary of Evangelization Monument
A monument in Ouidah commemorating the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries in Benin.
Reconciliation Place
A spiritually and historically significant plaza in Ouidah marking the end of the slave trade and the healing of history.
Friendship Stadium
The largest stadium in Benin, located in Cotonou, serving as the main venue for national football matches and major cultural events.
Bulgaria Square
A notable plaza in Cotonou that commemorates international cooperation during the socialist era.
Cotonou Airport
Cadjehoun International Airport is Benin's primary air transport hub, connecting the country to the world.
Lenin Square
A historic square in the Akpakpa district that commemorates the political roots of modern Benin.
Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge
A modern bridge in Cotonou inaugurated for the 50th anniversary of independence, improving traffic flow.
Cotonou City Hall
The seat of the Cotonou municipal government, a central building for local politics and administration.
Nature
Sô River
The Sô is a river in southern Benin that flows parallel to the Ouémé and empties into Lake Nokoué.
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Lake Nokoué
Lake Nokoué is the largest lagoon in Benin, located north of the city of Cotonou.
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Ouémé River
Benin's longest river, flowing over 500 kilometers and serving as a vital waterway for agriculture, fishing, and regional transport.
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Porto-Novo Lagoon
The Porto-Novo Lagoon stretches along the capital of Benin, connecting the Ouémé River to the Nigerian border.
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Lake Ahémé
Lake Ahémé is a major lagoon in southwestern Benin, known for its rich fish stocks.
More places
Abomey-Calavi Botanical Garden
A university research and leisure garden that introduces children to the local flora.
Drabo Monkey Sanctuary
A community-managed forest sanctuary in Drabo dedicated to the protection of the endemic red-bellied monkey and other local primates.
Bird Habitat of Lake Nokoué
The wetlands and reed beds of Lake Nokoué, which serve as a vital nesting and feeding ground for thousands of migratory and resident bird…
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Fishing Port of Cotonou
The center of Benin's fishing industry, where hundreds of pirogues and trawlers land their catch daily.
SOBEBRA Brewery Cotonou
Benin's leading brewery, producing a variety of beers and soft drinks for the entire West African market.
Cotonou Petroleum Terminal
A strategic facility for the import and storage of fuels, serving Benin and neighboring countries.
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ)
A massive industrial project north of Cotonou, specializing in the processing of local raw materials such as cotton and cashew nuts.
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Sèmè-Kpodji Industrial Area
A growing industrial area near the Nigerian border, combining logistics, production, and trade.