The John W. Hanson papers pertains to Hanson’s affiliation with the University of Nigeria’s School of Education. It contains meeting minutes, notes from advisory committees, faculty meetings, and information on the curriculum established for the School of Education at the University of Nigeria, and requirements for teachers. There is one folder that contains notes on the teachers union in Nigeria. Also included in this collection are newspaper comments ranging from 1961-1965.

Also contained in the collection are some published materials, including copies of The Record, a student newspaper published by the School of Journalism at the University of Nigeria. The published materials also include published copies of the Queen’s act establishing the University. A 1961 copy of Africa Report that contains an article about Nigeria establishing a “land-grant” university is included. This article discusses MSU’s assistance with this effort. There is also a copy of "An Overview of the University of Nigeria" from 1967.