By: IBITUNDE FAVOUR ANJOLAOLUWA. 

Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan holds the position of being the oldest university in Nigeria. The institution is known for its academic excellence and rich history. It was originally known as University College, Ibadan, located at the old site at Eleyele. At its establishment, the university was affiliated with London University. However, In 1962, the institution was granted a full independent status.  Hence, the name was changed to the University of Ibadan, UI. The establishment of the University is traceable to the report of the Asquith and Elliot Commissions which were set up by the British Government in 1943. 

FACULTIES.

The University of Ibadan had three founding faculties, which are, Arts, Science, and College of Medicine. Today, there are 17 faculties, namely: Arts, Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Economics, The Social Sciences, Law, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Technology, Education, Public health, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Renewable natural resources, Clinical sciences, Management and Multidisciplinary Studies and Environmental design and management.

The University of Ibadan has the largest Postgraduate School in Africa, as the school offers Degrees in Masters and PhD.  The institution also has a Distance Learning Centre where the same courses taken by full-time undergraduates are open to students who are unable to attend classes in person.

ADMINISTRATION.

In UI, there are two important bodies of governance, the university Senate and the council. The Senate advises on the appointment of academics to senior posts in a two-year appointment of academics to senior posts including two-year appointments of deanships. The day-to-day affairs of the university are under the affairs of the two Deputy Vice Chancellors of Administration and Academics, while the Vice Chancellor oversees both.

Kenneth Dike was the first Vice Chancellor of the University, and the library of the school, Kenneth Dike Library (KDL) is named after him. The current VC of the University is Professor Kayode Adebowale. 

HALLS OF RESIDENCE.

The University of Ibadan has thirteen Halls of Residence (three for Postgraduate students and ten for Undergraduate students). Postgraduate Halls, all are mixed, except Adetowun Ogunsheye Hall, which is only for ladies( Tafawa Balewa Hall, Abdusalami Abubakar Hall, Adetowun Ogunsheye Hall) Undergraduate Halls: Female(Obafemi Awolowo Hall, Queen Idia Hall, Queen Elizabeth II Hall) Male: (Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, Great Independence Hall, Lord Tedder Hall, Kenneth Mellanby Hall, Sultan Bello Hall, Ransome Kuti Hall). The last hostel, Alexander Brown Hall, is for Medical Students and it is located at University College Hospital (UCH).

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL.

In 1952, University College Hospital was established as the teaching hospital of the University of Ibadan (U.I.). Construction of the hospital started in 1953 and the hospital was formally opened in 1957. The site of the hospital is located two miles away from the university,

NOTABLE ALUMNI

The University has produced great and well-recognized individuals, such as Wole Soyinka, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Christopher Okigbo, Eniola Badmus, Segun Akinlolu (Beautiful Nubia), and Femi Osofisan, amongst others.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE.

Popularly known as “The First and The Best,” the school academics keep on pushing the students to be the best. According to the Center for World University Rankings, the rank of school is in 1167th position and it is ranked 1st in the country, also being the first in West Africa.