ASSESSMENT OF TOURISM POTENTIAL IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL

GOVERNMENT

ON

PROJECT PROPOSAL

SUBMITTED

BY

RABIU ADEYINKA GBEMISOLA

2018233100059

TO

DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING IN PREPARATION OF

HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PROJECT

SUPERVISOR

TPL MRS OYEJIDE

 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Tourism is a significant driver of economic growth and cultural exchange worldwide, with the

potential to transform local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and promote regional

development. In Nigeria, tourism remains an underdeveloped sector despite its rich cultural

heritage, historical sites, and natural attractions. Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is one of the

oldest cities in Nigeria and holds a unique place in the country's history and culture. Ibadan

North Local Government Area (LGA), in particular, is home to several potential tourist

attractions, including historical landmarks, cultural sites, and educational institutions. However,

these potentials have not been fully harnessed or promoted, leading to a missed opportunity for

economic and social development in the region.

Ibadan North LGA, as the heart of Ibadan, boasts a variety of sites that could attract both

domestic and international tourists. These include the University of Ibadan, the first university in

Nigeria; Agodi Gardens, a serene park ideal for leisure activities; and the Cocoa House, the first
skyscraper in tropical Africa. Additionally, the area is rich in cultural heritage, with traditional

festivals, arts, and crafts that reflect the Yoruba culture. Despite these assets, the tourism sector

in Ibadan North LGA has not developed to its full potential, and the area remains largely

unexplored by tourists.

The lack of infrastructure, inadequate marketing, and insufficient investment in the tourism

sector are some of the factors contributing to the underutilization of Ibadan North’s tourism

potential. There is also a need for a comprehensive assessment of the existing and potential

tourism sites, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the sector. This study seeks to

address these gaps by assessing the tourism potentials in Ibadan North LGA, identifying the

factors hindering the growth of tourism, and proposing strategies for enhancing the area's

attractiveness to tourists.

The findings of this study will be crucial for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and investors

who are interested in developing the tourism sector in Ibadan North. By highlighting the

untapped tourism potentials and providing recommendations for improvement, the study aims to

contribute to the sustainable development of the local economy and the preservation of cultural

heritage in Ibadan North LGA.

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

Despite the rich cultural and historical heritage of Ibadan North LGA, the tourism sector in the

area remains largely underdeveloped. The potential of tourism to contribute to economic growth,

job creation, and cultural preservation is not being fully realized, leading to missed opportunities

for the local community and the region as a whole. Several factors contribute to this
underdevelopment, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of investment, poor marketing, and

limited awareness of the tourism attractions available in the area.

Ibadan North LGA hosts a number of sites that could draw significant numbers of tourists if

properly developed and promoted. However, many of these sites are either under-maintained or

lack the necessary facilities to attract and retain visitors. For instance, the University of Ibadan,

which is not only an educational institution but also a historical site, has the potential to attract

academic tourists, alumni, and researchers from around the world. Yet, the tourism infrastructure

within and around the university is inadequate, with limited accommodation options, poor road

networks, and insufficient promotional activities.

Moreover, the potential for cultural tourism in Ibadan North LGA is vast, given the rich Yoruba

culture and traditions that are still very much alive in the area. Festivals, traditional ceremonies,

and arts and crafts are integral parts of the local culture, but these cultural assets are not

effectively marketed or packaged for tourism. As a result, tourists who visit Ibadan North often

miss out on these unique cultural experiences, and the local economy does not benefit as much as

it could from tourism-related activities.

The problem is further exacerbated by the lack of a coherent tourism development strategy for

the area. Without a strategic plan that addresses the needs of tourists, invests in infrastructure,

and promotes the area’s attractions, Ibadan North LGA is unlikely to compete with other more

developed tourist destinations in Nigeria and beyond. This study seeks to explore these

challenges and provide a comprehensive assessment of the tourism potential in Ibadan North

LGA, with the goal of identifying opportunities for growth and development in the sector.
1.3 Justification

The justification for this study lies in the significant potential of tourism as a tool for economic

development, cultural preservation, and social transformation. Tourism has been identified as a

key sector that can drive growth in many developing economies, including Nigeria. However, for

tourism to fulfill this role, it is essential to identify and develop areas with high potential for

attracting tourists. Ibadan North LGA, with its rich history, cultural heritage, and educational

institutions, is one such area that has the potential to become a major tourist destination if

properly harnessed.

Ibadan North LGA is strategically located in the heart of Ibadan, making it accessible to both

domestic and international tourists. The area is home to several historical and cultural landmarks,

which, if developed, could attract a wide range of tourists, including cultural tourists, academic

tourists, and leisure tourists. The economic benefits of developing tourism in Ibadan North LGA

could be substantial, including job creation, increased income for local businesses, and enhanced

revenue for the local government through tourism-related taxes and fees.

Furthermore, the development of tourism in Ibadan North LGA would contribute to the

preservation of the area's cultural heritage. Many of the traditional practices, festivals, and crafts

that are part of the Yoruba culture are at risk of being forgotten due to modernization and

globalization. By promoting these cultural assets as part of a tourism strategy, the local

community can ensure that these traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.

This study is also justified by the need to provide empirical data and insights that can inform the

development of a tourism strategy for Ibadan North LGA. Currently, there is limited research on
the tourism potential of the area, and policymakers lack the information needed to make

informed decisions about tourism development. By conducting a comprehensive assessment of

the tourism potential in Ibadan North LGA, this study will fill this gap in the literature and

provide a foundation for future planning and investment in the sector.

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the key tourism attractions in Ibadan North LGA, and how are they currently

being utilized?

2. What are the challenges hindering the development of tourism in Ibadan North LGA?

3. How does the current state of infrastructure and facilities in Ibadan North LGA affect

tourism development?

4. What is the level of awareness and perception of Ibadan North LGA as a tourist

destination among potential tourists?

5. What strategies can be implemented to enhance the tourism potential of Ibadan North

LGA?

1.5 Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this study is to assess the tourism potential in Ibadan North LGA and to

identify strategies for enhancing the area's attractiveness to tourists. The specific objectives of

the study are:

 1. To identify and document the key tourism attractions in Ibadan North LGA, including

historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural attractions.

2. To evaluate the current state of infrastructure and facilities available to support tourism in

Ibadan North LGA.

3. To identify the challenges and barriers to tourism development in Ibadan North LGA,

including issues related to infrastructure, investment, and marketing.

4. To assess the level of awareness and perception of Ibadan North LGA as a tourist

destination among both domestic and international tourists.

5. To propose strategies for improving the tourism potential of Ibadan North LGA,

including recommendations for infrastructure development, marketing, and investment.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is focused on assessing the tourism potential of Ibadan North LGA, Oyo

State, Nigeria. The study will examine the existing tourism attractions in the area, including

historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural attractions. It will also assess the state of tourism

infrastructure and facilities, such as accommodation, transportation, and visitor services, and

how these impact the attractiveness of Ibadan North as a tourist destination.

Geographically, the study is limited to Ibadan North LGA, which includes several key

neighborhoods and institutions that are of interest for tourism development. The temporal scope

of the study will focus on the current state of tourism in the area, with some consideration of

historical trends and future projections based on the findings.

The study will involve both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys of

tourists and local residents, interviews with key stakeholders, and analysis of existing data on

tourism in the area. The study will not extend to other local government areas in Ibadan, as the

focus is specifically on the tourism potential of Ibadan North LGA.

1.7 Study Area

Ibadan North LGA is one of the five local government areas that make up the Ibadan metropolis,

the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. It is a key administrative and residential area that includes

several prominent neighborhoods, institutions, and landmarks. The area is bordered by other

LGAs in Ibadan, including Ibadan South-East, Ibadan North-East, and Ibadan South-West.

The LGA is home to a variety of educational institutions, the most notable being the University

of Ibadan, Nigeria's premier university. This institution not only contributes to the educational

and cultural landscape of the area but also serves as a significant point of interest for academic

tourists and alumni. Other important landmarks within Ibadan North LGA include Agodi

Gardens, a popular recreational park, and the Cocoa House, an iconic skyscraper with historical

significance.

The cultural landscape of Ibadan North LGA is rich with traditional Yoruba heritage, reflected in

its festivals, arts, and crafts. The area is known for its vibrant markets, traditional architecture,

and community events that showcase the local culture. These cultural assets, if properly

developed, could serve as major attractions for cultural tourism.

The climate in Ibadan North LGA is tropical, with a distinct wet and dry season. The area

experiences heavy rainfall during the wet season, which can impact tourism activities,
particularly outdoor attractions. However, the dry season offers favorable conditions for tourism,

with cooler temperatures and less rainfall.

The population of Ibadan North LGA is diverse, with a mix of long-term residents, students, and

professionals. This diversity is reflected in the variety of cultural and social activities that take

place in the area. The local economy is driven by a mix of education, commerce, and small-scale

industries, with potential for growth in the tourism sector if properly harnessed.
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

The literature on tourism development in Nigeria highlights several key challenges and

opportunities that are relevant to the assessment of tourism potential in Ibadan North LGA.

Nigeria is often cited as a country with vast tourism potential, given its diverse cultural heritage,

natural resources, and historical landmarks. However, the tourism sector in Nigeria remains

underdeveloped due to a range of factors, including inadequate infrastructure, limited

investment, and poor marketing.

One of the key themes in the literature is the importance of infrastructure in supporting tourism

development. Studies have shown that the availability of good roads, reliable transportation,

quality accommodation, and other essential services is critical to attracting tourists and ensuring

their satisfaction. In many parts of Nigeria, including Ibadan North LGA, infrastructure is often

inadequate, which can deter potential tourists and limit the growth of the tourism sector.

Another important theme is the role of cultural heritage in tourism. Nigeria, and particularly the

Yoruba region, is rich in cultural assets that have the potential to attract cultural tourists. These

include traditional festivals, arts and crafts, historical sites, and religious practices. However, the

literature suggests that these cultural assets are often under-promoted and not effectively
integrated into tourism strategies. This is particularly relevant for Ibadan North LGA, where

there is significant potential for cultural tourism, but where marketing and promotion efforts are

currently lacking.

The literature also highlights the importance of community involvement in tourism development.

Engaging local communities in the planning and management of tourism can lead to more

sustainable and inclusive outcomes. When local residents are involved in tourism, they are more

likely to support tourism activities and help preserve cultural and natural resources. In the

context of Ibadan North LGA, involving the local community in tourism development could help

address some of the challenges related to infrastructure and cultural preservation.

Furthermore, studies have emphasized the need for a strategic approach to tourism development

that includes clear goals, targeted investments, and effective marketing. Without a coherent

strategy, tourism development efforts can be fragmented and ineffective. In the case of Ibadan

North LGA, a strategic approach that focuses on the area's unique strengths—such as its

educational institutions, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks—could help to unlock its

tourism potential.

Overall, the literature suggests that while there are significant challenges to tourism development

in Nigeria, there are also considerable opportunities, particularly in areas with rich cultural and

historical assets like Ibadan North LGA. By addressing the key barriers to tourism development

and implementing targeted strategies, it is possible to transform the area into a thriving tourist

destination.
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Research Methodology

This study will employ a mixed-methods research approach, combining both quantitative and

qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. This approach will allow for a comprehensive

assessment of the tourism potential in Ibadan North LGA, capturing both numerical data and in-

depth insights from key stakeholders.

The quantitative component of the study will involve surveys administered to a representative

sample of residents, tourists, and tourism stakeholders in Ibadan North LGA. The surveys will

include questions related to the types of tourism attractions in the area, the frequency and

purpose of visits, the quality of infrastructure and services, and perceptions of Ibadan North as a

tourist destination. The data collected from these surveys will be analyzed using statistical

techniques to identify patterns, trends, and correlations.

The qualitative component of the study will involve in-depth interviews with key stakeholders,

including government officials, tourism operators, cultural leaders, and community members.

These interviews will explore the challenges and opportunities for tourism development in

Ibadan North LGA, as well as the perspectives of different stakeholders on how to enhance the

area's tourism potential. Thematic analysis will be used to identify common themes and insights

from the qualitative data.

Field observations will also be conducted to assess the physical condition of tourism attractions,

infrastructure, and facilities in Ibadan North LGA. These observations will include visits to key

sites such as the University of Ibadan, Agodi Gardens, and Cocoa House, as well as an

evaluation of transportation networks, accommodation options, and visitor services. The

observations will provide context for the survey and interview findings and help to identify areas

for improvement.

Secondary data sources will also be utilized, including government reports, tourism studies, and

historical documents. These sources will provide background information on the tourism sector

in Ibadan North LGA and help to contextualize the study's findings. The secondary data will be

used to support the analysis and to inform the development of recommendations.