Oyo State

Lore & Background

Ibadan, the capital, was the administrative center of the old Western Region under British colonial rule. The state is noted for many 'firsts' in Nigeria, including the first university (University of Ibadan, founded 1948), first television station (NTA Ibadan), first stadium, first railway line, and first teaching hospital (University College Hospital, Ibadan). The state's economy remains largely agrarian, with Shaki described as its breadbasket; key crops include cassava, cocoa, and tobacco.

Reader's Guide

Oyo State holds a central place in Nigerian history and development. As the successor to the Oyo Empire, it preserves the legacy of one of West Africa's most influential pre-colonial states. Its capital, Ibadan, was once the second most populous city in Africa and remains a major urban and educational hub. The state's pioneering role in Nigerian education, media, and infrastructure—hosting the first university, television station, and teaching hospital—underscores its modern significance. The state's population of nearly 8 million (2022 projection) makes it the sixth most populous in Nigeria, and its large land area makes it the biggest in Southern Nigeria. The attempted separatist uprising in 2024 highlights ongoing political tensions within the region.

Did You Know?

• Oyo State is the biggest state in Southern Nigeria in terms of landmass.
• The first television station in Africa, NTA Ibadan, is located in Oyo State.
• The state's capital, Ibadan, was formerly the second most populous city in Africa.
• The endangered African wild dog, Lycaon pictus, was historically present in the Old Oyo National Park but is now locally extirpated.