By Adéníran AbdBasit Adéyẹmí

Having been founded in 1948, the University of Ibadan (UI) holds the prestigious title of Nigeria’s first university , evolving from a humble satellite college under the University of London to an independent institution in1962. Carved in the heart of Ibadan, Oyo State, UI has become a beacon of intellectual excellence, fostering some of the most influential figures in Africa and beyond.

With a reputation for academic rigor and leadership development, UI has consistently shaped Nigeria’s political, economic, legal, and literary landscapes.

Nevertheless,it has produced some of Nigeria’s most distinguished figures in governance, literature, activism, and academia. These alumni have made lasting impacts both nationally and globally. Here are 10 few among the exceptional graduates whose work continues to shape the world.

1.LOLA KOLA

Lola Kola is a psychiatrist, medical sociologist, and global mental health researcher. She earned her Ph.D. in medical sociology from the University of Ibadan and is a senior research fellow at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health within UI’s Department of Psychiatry. She has worked extensively on integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, including mobile health applications for teenage mothers with depression.

Between 2011 and 2014, she served as a national consultant for mental health at the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria, leading the implementation of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). She was also recognized as an Emerging Global Leader (2018–2024) by the National Institutes of Health (USA), with research support from institutions such as the UK Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, and Canada’s IDRC. Additionally, she is an adjunct associate professor at Lead City University.

2. EYITAYO LAMBO

Eyitayo Lambo is a renowned Nigerian health economist and former Minister of Health (2003–2007). He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Economics from the University of Ibadan. As Minister, he played a key role in Nigeria’s health sector reforms, particularly in health financing and policy development. His contributions include the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve healthcare access in Nigeria.

3. KAYODE AKINSOLA

Kayode Akinsola, being soiled from department of Law, Faculty of Law, later became a renowned business lawyer, strategy and policy consultant. He is the President of Queens Group Africa and Managing Partner at Queens Attorneys LP. Over the years, he has worked with top financial institutions, providing corporate legal guidance. His contributions to business law, governance, and arbitration have positioned him as a thought leader in Nigeria’s legal landscape.

However, he has built a reputation for excellence in corporate law, offering strategic advisory services to multinational corporations and government entities. His expertise spans business restructuring, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution, making him a sought-after legal consultant. Through Queens Group Africa, he has fostered economic development by providing innovative legal solutions that drive sustainable business growth across various industries.

Beyond his legal practice, Akinsola is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and policy reforms. He frequently speaks at industry conferences, sharing insights on corporate governance and investment strategies in Africa. His leadership at Queens Attorneys LP reflects his commitment to ethical legal practices and empowering businesses with the legal frameworks necessary for long-term success.

4. GRACE ALELE- WILLIAMS

Grace Alele-Williams was a brilliant chap from the department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science. Now, a trailblazer in education, Grace Alele-Williams made history as Nigeria’s first female Vice-Chancellor at the University of Benin. She championed women’s education and mathematics research, inspiring generations of female scholars.

5. ANIEBIET INYANG NTU

Aniebiet Inyang Ntui, a Nigerian diplomat. Earned a Master’s in Library, Archival & Information Science** and a Diploma in Computer Techniques from UI.

She is the European Climate Pact Ambassador (since 2022) and University Librarian, UNICAL. Named Nigeria’s Most Read Researcher (2022), she has chaired global summits and contributed to climate justice, public health, and environmental research. In 2023, she met President Zelenskyy on the Kakhovka Dam disaster.

6 . KASHIM SHETTIMA

Kashim Shettima GCON, Nigeria’s 15th Vice President, earned a Master’s in Agricultural Economics from UI (1991). He lectured at UNIMAID before moving into banking, rising to General Manager at Zenith Bank.

He served as Borno State Governor (2011–2019), Senator (2019–2023), and became Vice President in 2023. Shettima oversees economic planning and represents Nigeria at key global events, including the 2024 UN General Assembly.

7. AKINYINKA OMIGBODUN Akinyinka Omigbodun is a distinguished Nigerian professor of gynecology and obstetrics. A graduate of the University of Ibadan’s College of Medicine (M.B.B.S., 1980), he later became a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons. He served as a former provost of the College of Medicine, UI, and has led key institutions such as the West African College of Surgeons and the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA). His research focuses on gynecologic oncology, and he has contributed to social development and reproductive health initiatives. He is also a governing council member of Osun State University.
8. FOLASHADE MEJABI YEMI-ESAN

Folashade Mejabi Yemi-Esan CFR is a distinguished Nigerian civil servant and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation since March 4, 2020. She obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Ibadan in 1987,graduating as the best dental surgery student. She later earned a certificate in health planning and management and a Master’s degree in Public and International Administration.

Yemi-Esan began her career at the Federal Ministry of Health, where she rose to the rank of Director. She also served as Permanent Secretary in several ministries, including Information & Culture, Education, and Petroleum Resources. In 2019, she was appointed Acting Head of Civil Service of the Federation and was officially sworn into office in 2020.

9. NIYI OSUNDARE

Niyi Osundare gained bachelor’s degree in English at the faculty of Arts. He is a Nigerian poet, dramatist, linguist, and literary critic. Born on 12 March 1947, inkéré, Nigeria, his poetry is influenced by the oral poetry of his Yoruba culture which he hybridizes with other poetic traditions of the world, including African-American, Latin American, Asian, and European.

10. MARY LAZARUS

Mary Lazarus is a Nigerian actress, movie producer, and former model. She earned a B.Sc. in Geography from the University of Ibadan, graduating with a 4.4 CGPA. Originally starting as a model in 2002, she transitioned to acting in 2009, making her debut in Waiting Years. In 2017, she made her directorial debut with Dance To My Beat, which she also produced.

Lazarus won the City People Movie Award for Most Promising Actress (English) in 2018 and was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards the same year. She has also worked on commercials for Airtel and MTN.