How Really First Is the University of Ibadan?
Established way back in 1948, the University of Ibadan, fondly known as UI, claims to be Nigeria’s first university. It started as a satellite campus of the University of London, riding on the coattails of its British mother until 1962 when it finally decided to grow up and become an independent university. UI’s journey from being a mere appendage of its British parent to a full-fledged institution is like a coming-of-age story, though some might argue it’s still a work in progress.
Academics in the University of Ibadan
Initially offering courses in Arts, Science, and Medicine, UI now boasts sixteen faculties, including Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, and some other fancy names. UI also hosts the Pan African University Life & Earth Sciences Institute for the West African sub region, a mouthful that sounds more like a poorly written sci-fi novel than an academic institution. It’s like a mini-African Union but with more PowerPoint presentations.
When it comes to postgraduate education, UI is all about quantity. The Postgraduate School, which they claim to be one of the largest in Africa, enrolls half of the university’s students, spewing out around 3,000 Master’s degrees and 250 Ph.Ds every year. With numbers like that, you can’t help but wonder if they’re handing out degrees in exchange for cafeteria meal tickets.
Infrastructure at University of Ibadan
The infrastructure is a mixed bag: some buildings definitely time-traveled from the colonial era while others try their best to keep up with modern standards. Despite its supposed commitment to excellence, UI often struggles with basic services like keeping the lights on and the water running.
Now, let’s talk about student accommodation. UI has twelve Halls of Residence that can only manage to squeeze in a minority of her students. The rest are left to fight it out off-campus. Living on campus might seem like a poor experience until you hear from the many who left to brave the off-campus life. From dodgy landlords to fluctuating rent prices, finding a decent place to live can feel like a full-time job. Students often have to deal with the erratic schedules of the local power supply and the sometimes questionable quality of amenities.
Ibadan: The Really Endearing Famous City Of Many Firsts
The Students
UI loves to brag about its alumni, who have supposedly contributed to Nigeria’s political, industrial, economic, and cultural development. However, it seems like the university is quick to take credit for any successful Nigerian who once set foot on its campus, whether or not UI had anything to do with their success.
And then there’s the Student Union. Once a powerful force that could rally the entire student body, it now often seems like a shadow of its former self. Administrative pressure and phantom hurdles from the university authorities have turned what was once a vocal and proactive organization into a more subdued entity. While the union still exists to represent student interests, its influence is a far cry from the days when it could challenge university policies and advocate effectively for student welfare.
Despite It All
Nevertheless, UI continues to be a beacon of learning. Its alumni network boasts individuals who have gone on to excel in various fields, and the university’s reputation for academic excellence remains intact. Students learn resilience and adaptability, skills that serve them well long after they leave the university.
The University of Ibadan is a complex blend of primitivism and modernity, excellence and inefficiency. It’s a place where the past and the present collide, creating an environment that is as challenging as it is enriching.
So, if you’re looking for a university experience that’s boring, the University of Ibadan is the place to be. Just remember to pack a good dose of patience and a sense of humour—you’ll need both to survive.
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