Tourist Attractions in Ibadan

Visiting the city with a sea of brown roofs anytime soon? Or are you there and  already bored to your toes, tired of visiting the mall and cinema?

Once the largest city in West Africa, Ibadan ranks next to Lagos in population. This town blends old world charm and modern attractions to give you a quaint relaxing atmosphere.

It is an important transit point for people who travel between northern areas and the coast. Situated in south-western Nigeria, it is the Oyo State capital.

Here are some super fun places for you to see in Ibadan:

The University of Ibadan

Founded in 1948, the first university in Nigeria is still waxing stronger in academic excellence. The university was established as College of the University of London, until it was converted into an autonomous university in 1962. The institution has lots of canteens, a hotel, and several fun spots such as the Zoological Garden which was founded in 1948. It remains one of the best zoological gardens in Nigeria. It has a wide variety of wild animals such as gorillas, lions, monkeys, chimpanzees, crocodiles, baboons, snakes, antelopes, ostriches, etc.

The Botanical Garden houses various species of plants which are grown to give a scenic environment. The garden is used for picnics, retreats, relaxation, and research purposes.

The Museum of National Unity 

One of the best ways to explore the history and culture of Nigeria is to visit the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, it holds an array of priceless historical artifacts. This museum is classified into four distinct galleries: the Unity Gallery, Masquerade Gallery, Pottery Gallery and Yoruba Gallery.

The Unity Gallery is a compilation of a wide variety of musical instruments from all over Nigeria.

The Yoruba Gallery gives insight into the nation’s transitory past, faith, and numerous archaeological findings.

The Pottery Gallery displays a unique collection of ceramic vessels that served different purposes.

The Masquerade Gallery is dedicated to various departed spirits that are an integral part of Nigeria. This segment of the Museum also displays a wide range of exotic masks and several musical devices.

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Cocoa House

Built by late Obafemi Awolowo in the 60s, this building is the first skyscraper ever to be built in Africa and it was constructed from the proceeds of cocoa sold for export.

Agodi Gardens, Ibadan

This is a lovely park right at the centre of Ibadan city. The park, which spreads over 13 acres of land is a good example of multiple land use for forestry, entertainment and recreation. It’s nursery, arboretum, park and Zoo blend into one another to make the garden unique. The view at night is just breathtaking.

Mapo Hall

This is an unmissable colonial edifice located right beside Bere Market in Ibadan. The building, which was just recently refurbished is a home to the courts and visitors will be taken aback by the outstanding pillars and the general structure.

The Bower’s Tower

The over 60 feet tall tower is on the hill top of Oke Are in Igbo Agala (Agala forest) area of Ibadan. It is the highest hilltop in the city and it has about 47 spiral staircases. The tower gives a panoramic view of all the important places in the ancient city. One can see a bird ’ s eye view of the University College Hospital (UCH), University of Ibadan, Cocoa House , Dugbe Market , Agodi Gardens , Iwo Road, Ife Road, Olorunsogo and the defunct Lagos/ Ibadan Toll Gate . Other far- flung places like Adamasingba , Felele, and many more become visible. Some of these places are far flung but standing atop the tower gives one a bird’s eye view of them. No better place to take a cute selfie, I assure you.

Ibadan is a town ripe with culture and rich history, no one should ever miss out on this much fun in one city.