Ibadan is the capital and most populous city of Oyo State in Nigeria. It is recognized as the country's largest city by land area, spanning 3,080 square kilometres (1,190 mi2). The metropolitan area has a population of approximately 4.3 million people, making it one of the most significant urban centers in Nigeria.
Historically, Ibadan served as the capital of the Ibadan Republic during the 19th century, which was one of the most powerful states in contemporary Yorubaland. At the time of Nigeria's independence in 1960, it was the largest and most populous city in the country and ranked second in Africa behind Cairo.
The city is currently noted for its rapid growth and development. It is ranked as one of the fastest-growing cities in sub-Saharan Africa according to the UN Human Settlements Program (2022). Additionally, Ibadan ranks third in Nigeria and fifth in West Africa on the tech startups index and joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016.