Between Ethnicity and Ethnic Nationalism: The Igbos in the University of Ibadan, 1948-1966

Abstract

This paper explores the role of ethnicity in promoting ethnic nationalism in the premier University of Ibadan.
The Igbos were used as a case study since the pioneer vice chancellor, Kenneth Onwuka Dike, was of Igbo
origin. Also, the timeline has been significant since the University was established in 1948. Hence, it was the
position of this paper that the University of Ibadan typifies what was going on in the larger society as a reflection
of the town and gown relations. The paper also adopts historical methodology in its analysis. It concludes that
ethnic factors became a major factor centered on the Igbos not because they were worse than the Yoruba and
Hausa but because in the circumstances in which history has pushed them, they were less discreet, more
articulate, and able to irritate and provoke others.