Olofunmilayo I. Olopade

Established some 67 years ago, the University of Ibadan, UI as it is fondly referred to, is the first University in Nigeria. Until 1962 when it became a full fledged independent University, it was a College of the University of London in a special relationship scheme. The University, which took off with academic programmes in Arts, Science and Medicine, is now a comprehensive citadel of learning with academic programmes in thirteen Faculties namely, Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, the Social Sciences, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Technology, Law, Public Health and Dentistry. The Faculties of the Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health and Dentistry are organized as a College of Medicine. The University has other academic units among which are: Institute of Child Health, Institute of Education, Institute of African Studies, Centre for Child Adolescent and Mental Health, Centre for Educational Media Resource Studies, African Regional Centre for Information Science (ARCIS), Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CEPACS), Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics and Law (CPEEL), Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), and Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI),Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT), Centre for Drug Discovery, Development & Production (CDDDP), Centre for Control & Prevention of Zoonosis (CCPZ). A new National Institute for Maternal Child & Neonatal Health (NIMCNH) & Institute for Infectious Diseases are under construction. A new School of Business (UISB) is expected to take off later this year. The University, as part of efforts to fulfil a God given mandate of promoting Nigeria’s development, established a Research Foundation (UIRF). The University of Ibadan Postgraduate School is, well acknowledged within and outside the country as one of the largest in Africa and the flagship of Postgraduate Education in Nigeria as it produces the much required human resources for the entire Nigerian University system, the Nigerian public and private sectors and beyond. The Postgraduate School enrolment takes about 50% of the entire student enrolment. University of Ibadan produces an average of 3,000 Masters & 250 Ph.Ds every year. The University currently hosts the Pan African University Life & Earth Sciences Institute on behalf of the West African Subregion. This is an initiative of the African Union. The programme is in its 2nd year and has 97 students from all over Africa. The University is, however, not resting on its oars as it intends to be ranked among the best universities worldwide, in keeping with its Mission statement: There are twelve Halls of Residence which provide accommodation for about 30% of the population of students in the regular studies mode; and three others under construction with the support of the FG Revitalisation Funds. The University has 1212 housing units, out of which of which 609 units are occupied by senior staff and 603 units by junior staff. The University of Ibadan is, therefore, a truly complex organization. Its governance is based on the Committee System; all the Boards and Committees report to Council and/or Senate. In order to carry out its main functions of teaching, research and community service, the University has been providing to a large extent, basic services like electricity and water supply, security, health facilities and other municipal services to its staff and students. Through its alumni and alumnae, the University of Ibadan has, in the past six decades contributed significantly to the political, industrial, economic and cultural development of Nigeria. Mission Statement To expand the frontiers of knowledge through provision of excellent conditions for learning and research To produce graduates who are worthy in character and sound judgement To contribute to the transformation of society through creativity and innovation To serve as a dynamic custodian of society’s salutary values and thus sustain its integrity.