20 fun facts about the University of Nigeria

1. University Of Nigeria, Nsukka was first established in 1955 but was officially opened on October 7, 1960.

2. UNN operates three campuses: Nsukka (main campus), Enugu, Ituku-Ozalla, and Aba.

3. UNN is the first full-fledged indigenous and autonomous university in Nigeria, founded to promote higher education and indigenous culture.

4. The university was modelled after American educational systems, which emphasised a broad-based education, combining academic and practical knowledge.

5. UNN’s motto is “To Restore the Dignity of Man.” This shows its commitment to human development and moral integrity.

6. The logo of the University features a lion, symbolising courage and strength.

7.The university opened its doors to students on October 7, 1960, just six days before Nigeria’s independence, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history.

8. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President, was the visionary behind the establishment of UNN.

9. Students and staff at UNN are affectionately known as “Lions and Lionesses,” a nod to the university’s emblem and its spirit of strength and leadership.

10. The university has produced many distinguished alumni, including Chinua Achebe, Genevieve Nnaji, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, to mention a few.

11. The Nsukka campus features several historical buildings, including the Freedom Square and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, which are significant landmarks.

12. The Ooni of Ife, one of the biggest traditional rules in Yoruba land is the Chancellor of the University.

13. The first Vice Chancellor of the University is Dr. George Marion Johnson and he was in office from 1960 – 1964.

14. It was the first land-grant university in Africa and one of the five most reputed universities in Nigeria.

15. Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra of Kent, representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Nigerian independence celebrations, performed the opening ceremonies and laid the foundation stone of one of the university’s early buildings.

16. UNN began classes on 17 October, 1960 with an enrollment of 220 students and 13 members of the academic staff.

17. UNN became the first fully-fledged university in Nigeria, since the University College Ibadan was still at that time a university college granting London degrees until it cut ties with London in January 1963, becoming the University of Ibadan.

18. UNN is affiliated with several institutions such as Yaba College of Technology, College Of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, College of Education, Nsugbe to mention a few.

19. UNN is located in the Eastern part of the country but has students trooping in from all parts of Nigeria.

20. It was formerly known as University of Biafra from July 1967 to January 1970.