University of Ibadan

University of Ibadan is a public university located in Ibadan, Nigeria.

It traces its foundation to 1940 when the British colonial government of Nigeria set up the Higher Education Commission to study the feasibility of introducing a university for Nigeria. It proposed that such a university be set up in Ibadan, then the capital of Western Nigeria. Founded in 1948 as a university college, pertaining to a special relationship with the University of London, the University College Ibadan - UCI for short - was thus established as academically autonomous, yet with the degree awarded by the University of London. In 1962, UCI was conferred the status of a full university and became the University of Ibadan. During the post-independence periods, UI had very rapid expansion. A few other faculties were also set up: Law, Education, and Agriculture. The student population increased constantly, from a little over 5,000 in the late 1960s.

In this period, the UI led the way in the expansion of university education in Nigeria. The university opened a series of outreach institutions, celebrating its honorable work in promoting African scholarship and culture, which included the Institute of African Studies. UI also played a very key role in the establishment of universities in Nigeria, assisting out in many forms for the universities that had just been established. The university experienced challenges during the late 20th century until the early 21st century, along with new opportunities. UI faced a struggle against limitations of funding, migration of studied individuals, and an infrastructure deficit. But UI was also ready to make the most of opportunity from either the growth of the economy of Nigeria or from an increased access to higher education. For years now, UI has put much emphasis on improving its research growth and international partnership. The university has undertaken conscious efforts to enhance the standard of teaching and learning.

University of Ibadan is ranked as the #1 top university in Nigeria during 2025. This is the same rank as last year.