The oldest universities in Nigeria were created out of the urge to provide quality education and a higher level in the educational system. They mostly started as affiliated institutions before finally gaining full autonomy. These universities, as of today, are one of the best in Nigeria and Africa.
Here are the oldest universities in Nigeria:
1. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is the oldest in Nigeria. It was founded in 1948 but started as University College Ibadan. This university commenced due to a recommendation by Asquith and the Elliot Commissions on Higher Education of the British colonies, that two universities that would be affiliated with the University of London should be set up in Ghana and Nigeria.
The University of London was in charge of the affairs of the University of Ibadan at the beginning, such as its academic programmes and awarding of degrees until 1967. The University of Ibadan has contributed immensely to Nigeria economically, politically, industrially, and culturally through its graduates.
2. University of Nigeria
The law to establish a university in the Eastern region was passed in 1955. The United States and the United Kingdom were involved in the Physical and educational planning of the institution. The University of Nigeria was formally opened in 1960. It is the first indigenous and self-governing institution in Nigeria designed in line with the American educational system.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University
The idea of starting another institution in the Western region was because of the perceived politicisation of education opportunities in Nigeria. The university was established in 1961 after the region passed a vote to create a Provisional Council for the institution. This university was formerly “University of Ife” and then was changed to “Obafemi Awolowo University” to honour the first premier of the western region who at first thought of establishing the institution.
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4. Ahmadu Bello University
The law to establish Ahmadu Bello University was passed by the Northern Region’s legislature in 1961. It was officially opened in 1962 and called the University of Northern Nigeria. It is a public research university in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Ahmadu Bello University has affiliated institutions which are the Bayero University Kano and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University including, colleges of education, polytechnics, and schools for preliminary studies.
5. University of Lagos
The University of Lagos is one of the five oldest universities in Nigeria, known as the “first generation universities.” It was founded in 1962; and till date, it is ranked as one of the top best universities in Nigeria and Africa. The university currently has three campuses. One in Surulere, its College of Medicine; and two in Akoka, Yaba — as the main campus.
6. University of Benin
The University of Benin started as an Institute of Technology. It was recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as a full-fledged university in 1971. In 1975, it became a federal government-owned institution. The University of Benin is a public research university in Benin, Edo state. The institution has two campuses.
7. University of Maiduguri
The University of Maiduguri is a federal institution established by the federal government of Nigeria in 1975. It’s an institution very keen on research, especially in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and conflict resolution. The University of Maiduguri is the main higher learning institution in North-Eastern Nigeria.
8. University of Calabar
The University of Calabar became an independent institution in 1975 after being affiliated with the University of Nigeria. It is referred to as one of Nigeria’s second-generation universities. It was the first institution to automate the students’ registration process through its portal. The same process also applies to the alumni; they can request their transcript online. All these make the University of Calabar unique.
9. University of Jos
The University of Jos started as a satellite campus of the University of Ibadan in 1971. The first set of students was admitted in 1972 for the Bachelor of Arts degree programme and pre-degree. The military government then changed and established the institution in 1975.
10. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin was established in 1975 by a decree of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria. It is the institution with the highest number of foreign students in Nigeria. It is the most sought-after higher institution in Nigeria and the largest university in the country.
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