The University of Ibadan (UI) is Nigeria’s oldest university, founded in 1948 as the University College, Ibadan (UCI). Its establishment marked a significant milestone in the country’s educational history, representing an effort to provide higher education on Nigerian soil rather than requiring students to travel abroad. Over subsequent decades UI became a central institution for learning, research and leadership in Nigeria and West Africa.
Colonial Education Context
Before 1948, Nigerians seeking university-level education went abroad. Secondary schools such as King’s College, Lagos; Government College, Umuahia; and others prepared students for overseas degrees. Locally, Yaba Higher College (established in 1932) provided post-secondary certificate courses, but none granted full degrees.
The need for a degree-awarding institution in Nigeria emerged as nationalist sentiment grew and as colonial officials acknowledged the need for indigenous professionals. The Asquith Commission (1943), along with the Elliot Commission, recommended setting up university colleges in British West Africa. UCI was part of that recommendation.
Founding and Early Days (1947-1948)
In May 1947, Dr Kenneth Mellanby was appointed Principal-designate. He arrived in July 1947 and began preparations. Staff and equipment were sourced in part from Yaba Higher College. The temporary site was the old 56th Military General Hospital at Eleyele, about 8 kilometres from what would become the permanent site.
Academic work began 18 January 1948, with 104 students entering three Faculties: Arts, Science, and Medicine. Degree programmes were under the University of London via a special relationship. The formal foundation‐stone ceremony for the permanent Ibadan site took place on 17 November 1948.
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Transition to Autonomy (1960-1962)
Following Nigerian independence in 1960, the push for educational self-rule intensified. By 1962, UCI became fully autonomous as the University of Ibadan, via the University of Ibadan Act. This act formally established the institution as a body corporate, transferring responsibilities and enabling it to award its own degrees.
In 1963, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, became first Chancellor.
Expansion and Academic Development
After autonomy, UI expanded its faculties and programmes. It added faculties such as Agriculture, Forestry, Education, Social Sciences; brought in postgraduate courses; increased student enrolment; and developed research institutes. The library, teaching hospital (UCH, established in 1957), and other infrastructure grew.
Challenges, Institutional Resilience and Impact
Like many higher education institutions in post-colonial Africa, UI has faced challenges: funding constraints, political interference, brain drain, and periodic student unrest. However, it maintained high academic standards and became a key producer of graduates in many fields. Alumni include writers, scientists, public officials and scholars of regional and global standing.
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Author’s Note
The University College, Ibadan was founded in 1948 with 104 students, three faculties, and under affiliation with the University of London. Kenneth Mellanby served as initial Principal. It became autonomous as University of Ibadan in 1962, with its own degree-granting powers. Over time it expanded academically and institutionally, withstanding political and economic challenges.
The history of UI illustrates that establishing a credible higher education institution requires not just founding, but sustained investment, academic autonomy, and alignment with national priorities. Nigeria’s educational ambitions since independence have often depended on such pioneer institutions.
References
- University of Ibadan. “About Us.” UI official site.
- University of Ibadan. “History / From a proud history to an assured future.” UI official site.
- Wikipedia contributors. “University of Ibadan.” Wikipedia.
