To the best of the author's knowledge, this study, conducted from July, 1968 to June, 1969, is the first comprehensive sociological survey of an African university.   This study did not begin with a set of specific hypotheses to be tested, nor does the research include everything of conceivable relevance to the University of Ilosho (U .I.). Instead, the focus is on the political structure of U.I., on social stratification and mobility, and on problems of ethnicity. These closely interrelated problems are of great importance to the development of Nigeria, where U .I. is located.