The Institute of African Studies which was founded in 1963, it combines research with teaching in order to deepen knowledge in African culture.The general objective is to meet the need expressed in the Nigerian Federal Report, Investment in Education (Ashby Report 1960) for Nigerian Universities:
"…to foster the study of African history and antiquities, its languages, its societies, its rocks and soils and vegetation and human life". That is to further knowledge and understanding of African societies and culture with a view to contributing to the development process. The special research emphasis is on Nigerian and African cultures. With these broad objectives, the Institute provides opportunities for inter-disciplinary research in a number of topical areas in the field of African Studies. It aims specifically at:

(i) A serious study of Nigerian societies and cultures with particular emphasis on the peoples of the South-Eastern states.

(ii) Providing an institutional base for visiting Africanists from other universities. Creating and sustaining an academic environment in which scholarly enterprises can flourish and inter-disciplinary efforts promoted and regarded.

(iii) Providing an institutional base for visiting Africanists from other universities. Creating and sustaining an academic environment in which scholarly enterprises can flourish and inter-disciplinary efforts promoted and regarded.

(iv) Building up institutional resources such as a research library.