The study examined the level of autonomy in one of Nigeria's third-generation universities. Findings indicated that generally government intervention was rated as not unreasonable. Specifically, the study discovered that government never exerts any influence on the appointment, discipline, tenure and dismissal of staff; entry standards and pass and failure rates of students; curriculum and teaching; research and publication; and membership and control of senate, academic boards and staff. However, from time to time, government exerts its influence on the appointment and dismissal of vice chancellors; pay and conditions of service of staff; admissions quotas for minority groups; introduction of new teaching fields; membership and control of governing councils; standards in particular subjects and accreditation of courses; number of students to be admitted; closure and amalgamation of courses; and duration of academic years. Often, government exerts its influence on the control of governing councils and quality control of academic standards, number of students to be admitted and the level of fees to be charged by the universities. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)