During the Republic of China, the predecessor of Nanjing University was National Central University. Its scale is grand, its disciplines are complete, and its teachers are strong, ranking first among universities in China, so it is called "the highest institution of learning in the Republic of China". In Princeton University's ranking of world universities from 65438 to 0948, Central University ranks first in Asia. During this period, famous professors from Central University gathered, and masters such as Xu Beihong, Xu Zhimo, Li, Zhang Daqian, Ma Yinchu and Wen Yiduo all taught at Central University. Other well-known scholars who teach at Central University include Liang, Hu Huanyong, Cai Qiao, Lou, Liu Yizhi, Gao, Dai Xiuzan, Zong Baihua, Jin Shanbao, Yuzhe Zhang, Tong Dizhou, Zeng Zhaolun, Xu Cai, Li Xueqing, Ouyang Yi, Zhang Xiruo, Luo Zongluo, Zhao Zhongyao and so on.

After the founding of People's Republic of China (PRC), Central University was renamed Nanjing University. At present, Nanjing University is a comprehensive national key university directly under the Ministry of Education and the Central Government. Among the world-class universities, "Project 2 1 1" and "Project 985". After the founding of New China, famous scholars who have taught in Nanjing University include Feng Duan, Qu Qinyue, Min Naiben, Zhang, Su, Fang Cheng, Gong Changde, Xing, Wang Guanghou, Cheng Rongshi, Hu Hongwen, Chen Hongyuan, Chen Yi, Guo Lingzhi, Wang Dezi and Wu Rongzhi. Honorary professors include Master of International Law, Master of Chinese Studies, Tsung i Jao, Master of Art History and Academician of China Academy of Sciences.