Ibadan is the capital of Oyo State and one of the largest cities in Nigeria by area. It grew in the nineteenth century from a Yoruba war camp into a major political and trading centre, spread across a series of hills with rust-coloured rooftops stretching in every direction.
The city is home to Nigeria's first university, founded in 1948, and several firsts in the country's modern history. Today it mixes old neighbourhoods and busy markets with university campuses, parks and a growing events scene.
Top things to do in Ibadan
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See the city from Bower's Tower
Bower's Tower stands on Oke Are hill and gives one of the best views over Ibadan's rooftops. The surrounding hilltop is a popular spot for photos and quiet walks.
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Visit Cocoa House and Mapo Hall
Cocoa House, completed in 1965, was the first skyscraper in tropical Africa and was built with income from the region's cocoa trade. Mapo Hall, a colonial-era town hall on Mapo Hill, overlooks the old city and is used for civic ceremonies.
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Relax in Agodi Gardens
Agodi Gardens is a large public park with lawns, a lake, play areas and swimming pools. It is a favourite for family outings, picnics and weekend events.
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Walk through a forest reserve
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture campus has a protected forest and lake with walking trails and birdlife, and the University of Ibadan campus has its own zoological garden.
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Shop the markets
Dugbe, Bodija and Oja'ba are among the city's best-known markets, selling food, fabrics, household goods and crafts. Look out for adire and aso-oke cloth.
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Eat amala the Ibadan way
Ibadan is famous for amala, a smooth swallow made from yam flour, served with gbegiri (bean soup) and ewedu, often with assorted meat. Local bukas serve it from morning until it runs out.
Upcoming events in Ibadan
See more events in Ibadan
Festivals and culture
The Oke'Badan Festival celebrates the hill at the heart of Ibadan's founding story, with drumming, dancing and processions, and is usually held in March. Egungun masquerade festivals take place across the city during the year. Ibadan also hosts concerts, conferences and university events, especially around the end of the year.
Food to try
Amala with gbegiri and ewedu is the signature dish. Also try ofada rice, ewa aganyin (mashed beans with a dark pepper sauce), moin moin, akara, pounded yam with egusi, and roasted corn and pear in the rainy season.
Best time to visit
The dry season, from November to March, is the best time to visit, with dusty harmattan winds in December and January. The rainy season runs from about April to October.
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps, taxis and motorcycle taxis are common. Ibadan is about two hours from Lagos by road on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the Lagos-Ibadan railway runs passenger trains to Moniya station in the north of the city.
Questions about Ibadan
What is Ibadan known for?
Ibadan is known for its size, its hills and rooftop views, Cocoa House, Nigeria's first university, and its amala with gbegiri and ewedu.
How far is Ibadan from Lagos?
About 130 km. The drive usually takes around two hours, depending on traffic, and there is also a passenger train between Lagos and Ibadan.
What is the Oke'Badan Festival?
It is an annual festival honouring the hill linked to Ibadan's founding, with drumming, dancing and processions, usually held in March.
How do I find events in Ibadan?
Browse upcoming concerts, parties, conferences and free events in Ibadan on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
