Education

• Muna Tengi
• 3 Min Read
• 861 Views

Everything You Need To Know About University Of Ibadan

The University of Ibadan (UI) is a public research university located in Ibadan, Nigeria. It was established in 1948 as University College Ibadan, initially part of the University of London. In 1962, it gained independence and became the oldest institution in Nigeria to confer degrees. The University of Ibadan has played a significant role in shaping Nigeria's political, industrial, economic, and cultural landscape through its alumni network. Its rich history and impact have elevated it to one of the most esteemed universities in Africa.

History of University of Ibadan

Sultan Bello Hall was officially opened by Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello at University College Ibadan on February 2, 1962 (with Kenneth Dike on the left and Ahmadu Bello on the right).

The university's origins are connected to the University of London. Initially established in 1948 as University College Ibadan (affiliated with the University of London), it operated under the academic supervision of the University of London until 1967. This recommendation came from the Asquith and Elliot Commissions on Higher Education in the British colonies, suggesting the creation of two University Colleges in Ghana and Nigeria. Yaba College, founded in 1932 in Lagos, had been the first tertiary education institute in Nigeria, focusing on vocational education and teacher training.

The limited goals of Yaba College, coupled with the demand from Nigerian nationalists for broader education, led to the establishment of University College Ibadan in 1948. The institution became the first degree-awarding body in Nigeria, formed by transferring staff and students from Yaba Higher College to Ibadan.

Adopting the British university system, Kenneth Mellanby became its first principal in 1947, officially commencing operations on January 18, 1948. The sod for its permanent site was cut on November 17, 1948 (now celebrated as Founders' Day). Eminent architects Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew designed the first buildings in a tropical modernist style during the 1950s.

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, University College Ibadan attained full independence in early 1962 and changed its name to the University of Ibadan. The Rt. Hon. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first Prime Minister, became the first Chancellor in late 1963, celebrated with drums on the university playing fields. Kenneth Dike, the first Nigerian vice-chancellor, had the university library named after him.

Faculties and Departments in University of Ibadan

1. Faculty of agriculture and forestry

• Department of animal science

• Department of agricultural economics

• Department of agronomy

• Department of forest resources management

2. Faculty of arts

• Department of music

• Department of religious studies

• Department of Arabic and Islamic studies

• Department of communication and language arts

• Department of European studies

• Department of history

• Department of theatre arts

• Department of philosophy

3. College of medicine

• Department of human nutrition

• Department of obstetrics and gynaecology

• Department of ophthalmology

• Department of paediatrics

• Department of physiotherapy

• Department of radiotherapy

• Department of surgery

• Department of biochemistry

• Department of epidemiology, medical statistics and environmental health (emseh)

• Department of health policy and management

• Department of health promotion and education

• Institute of advanced medical research and training

• Department of medicine

• Department of obstetrics and gynaecology

• Department of physiology

• Department of preventive medicine and primary care

• Department of psychiatry

4. Faculty of education

• Department of teacher education

• Department of adult education

• Department of guidance and counselling

• Department of human kinetics and health education

5 Faculty of pharmacy

• Department of pharmaceutics and industrial pharmacy

6. Faculty of science

• Department of mathematics

• Department of physics

• Department of statistics

• Department of botany

• Department of geology

• Department of microbiology

• Department of zoology

7. Faculty of the social sciences

• Department of psychology

• Department of economics

• Department of geography

• Department of sociology

8. Faculty of technology

• Department of electrical and electronic engineering

• Department of mechanical engineering

• Department of industrial and production engineering

9. Faculty of veterinary medicine

• Department of veterinary physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology

10. Africa regional centre for information science

Accommodations in University of Ibadan

The University of Ibadan offers accommodation through its 15 halls of residence, catering to approximately 30% of students enrolled in regular studies. Among the well-known halls are Lord Tedder Hall, Kenneth Mellanby Hall, Sultan Bello Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, Independence Hall, Tafawa Balewa Hall, Kuti Hall, Queen Idia Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Obafemi Awolowo Hall, the largest female hall in West Africa.

Important Things to know about University of Ibadan

• Official Website: www.ui.edu.ng
• Vice-Chancellor:  PROFESSOR AYO BANJO
• Estimated Students:  Over 41,743
• Location:  Oduduwa Road, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.