This is a big school in Nigeria. 
This school is in Nigeria. 

The University of Ibadan is in Nigeria. 
In 1962, it became its own independent school. This change happened after Nigeria became free in 1960. The first Nigerian leader of the school was Kenneth Dike.
Many students study here. There are about 33,000 students in total. They learn in 92 different departments. These cover subjects like science, law, and art. The school is very famous. It is ranked as the number one school in Nigeria. Many great people studied here. One famous student was Wole Soyinka. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature. 
The University of Ibadan is a very important school in Nigeria. 
Learning at the university happens in many different ways. There are 92 academic departments for students to choose from. These departments are grouped into 17 different faculties. Some students study in the College of Medicine to learn about health. Others study subjects like Law, Arts, or Science. The school also has many special institutes for deep research. Students can live in one of 15 different halls of residence. 
The story of the school began a long time ago. In 1948, it opened as University College Ibadan. At that time, it was a branch of the University of London. Two groups called the Asquith and Elliot Commissions suggested this idea. Before this, Yaba College in Lagos was the main place for higher learning. But many Nigerians wanted more types of education. So, staff and students from Yaba Higher College moved to Ibadan. Kenneth Mellanby became the very first principal in 1947.
Many important people have led the university over the years. In 1962, the school became fully independent. This happened after Nigeria gained its independence in 1960. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the first Chancellor in 1963. He was also the first Prime Minister of independent Nigeria. Kenneth Dike was the first Nigerian vice-chancellor. 
The university has a very strong reputation today. In 2016, it was the first Nigerian school to join the top 1,000 in the Times Higher Education rankings. It is currently ranked as the number one university in Nigeria. 
The University of Ibadan (UI) is a prominent federal university located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. 
Academic life at the university is organized through a complex and detailed structure. There are 92 academic departments grouped into 17 distinct faculties. These faculties include Arts, Science, Agriculture, Law, and many others. Some specialized departments, like Dentistry and Public Health, form the College of Medicine. 
The university also provides a complete living environment for its large community. There are 15 different halls of residence on campus. These halls provide housing for about 30% of the regular student population. Some of these halls have famous names, such as Kenneth Mellanby Hall and Sultan Bello Hall. One notable residence is Obafemi Awolowo Hall, which is the largest female hall in West Africa. The campus also features botanical and zoological gardens for study and relaxation.
The history of the institution began with the recommendations of two groups. The Asquith and Elliot Commissions on Higher Education suggested creating new universities. They recommended that the University of London establish branches in Ghana and Nigeria. In 1948, the institution opened as University College Ibadan. It was a branch of the University of London, which supervised its academic programs. Staff and students from Yaba Higher College moved to Ibadan to help form the new college. Kenneth Mellanby was appointed as the first principal in 1947.
As Nigeria moved toward independence, the university underwent significant changes. In 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. This led to a drive to make many local institutions fully independent. In early 1962, University College Ibadan became the independent University of Ibadan. In late 1963, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became its first Chancellor. He was also the first Prime Minister of independent Nigeria. Kenneth Dike served as the first Nigerian vice-chancellor. The university library is now named in his honor.
The Kenneth Dike Library is a central part of the university's academic mission. 
The university is recognized globally for its academic excellence and high rankings. In September 2016, it became the first Nigerian university to enter the top 1,000 of the Times Higher Education rankings. It has consistently appeared in the top 10 African universities in the Webometrics Rankings. Currently, Webometrics ranks it as the number one university in Nigeria. The US News and World Report also places it as the 350th best global university. These numbers show the institution's massive impact on the world stage.
Many highly influential people have graduated from the University of Ibadan. The alumni list includes a Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka. It also includes many famous writers, such as Chinua Achebe. Many leaders in science, law, and politics have also studied here. For example, Emeka Anyaoku served as the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The university has produced many experts who lead in business and government. This legacy of success continues to drive the university's mission today.
🖼️ Images & Media (3)
More to explore
✨ What else?
Related topics you might enjoy
🔬 Go deeper
More advanced topics to explore
🪜 Step back
Simpler topics to build understanding
What is Nepedia?
A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.