The Department of Chemistry was one of the pioneer departments of the university at the inception of academic activities in 1982.

The Department provides its students with a broad-based knowledge of modern theoretical and practical chemistry for solving problems related to the environment, industry, agriculture, health, defence, mines and power, science, and technology. The department has passed through a series of accreditation exercises by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and has been awarded full accreditation.

The past Heads of the Department from onset to date are: Dr. S. Yeboah (1982-1985), Dr .O.  Amire (1986-1987), Dr. S. O. Nwankwa (1987-1991), Dr. C. O. Aboluwoye (1991-1993),  Dr. O. Olaofe (1993-1995), Dr. C. O. Aboluwoye (1995-2000), Dr. E. O. Olanipekun (2000-2001), Dr. S. S. Asaolu (2001-2003), Dr. E. I. Adeyeye (2003-2005), Dr. I. Ogunlade (2005-2007), Prof. O. Olaofe (2008-2009), Prof. E. I. Adeyeye (2009-2010), Dr. H. N. Ogungbenle (2010-2011), Prof. E.T. Akintayo (2011-2012), Dr. F. J.  Faleye (2015-2017). Prof. H. N. Oluwagbenle (2018-2020), Dr. S. A. Olagboye (2020-2022). Dr. (Mrs). O.A. Akinwunmi is the current Head of Department (2023 till date).

Presently, the Department is endowed with academic staff who are highly rated and respectable; four (4) Professors, two (2) Readers, four (4) Senior Lecturers, and one (1)  Assistant Lecturer. Their names are:  Dr. (Mrs.) O. A. Akinwunmi, Prof. S.S Asaolu, Prof. E. T. Akintayo, Prof. S. O. Adefemi, Prof. H. N. Oluwagbenle, Dr. S. A. Olagboye, Dr. A. J. Adesina, Dr. O. A. Ibigbami, Dr. (Mrs.) A. M. Olatunya, Dr. O. K. Popoola and Mrs S. E. Ige.