Ibadan, long considered Nigeria’s literary capital, will host the Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest 2025) this October, a new gathering that hopes to blend the city’s storied past with a vision for its creative future.
Set for October 24–25, the two-day festival will open with virtual sessions on Friday before moving to a physical event at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Saturday. Its theme, “The Past as Prologue to the Future,” gestures toward a dialogue between heritage and innovation — a reflection on how storytelling, art, and culture continue to shape education, community, and national identity.
IbaFest builds on successful prelude events earlier this year, including a tribute to poet Professor Niyi Osundare, which drew nearly a thousand participants both online and onsite — an early indication of the festival’s growing resonance within Nigeria’s cultural scene.
The festival will feature readings, performances, exhibitions, and conversations led by some of Nigeria’s most celebrated voices. Emeritus Professor Dan Izevbaye will deliver the keynote address, alongside notable guests such as Prof. Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, Prof. Hyginus Ekwuazi, Prof. Doyin Aguoru, Prof. Akin Adesokan, Olubunmi Familoni, Ayo Oyeku, Nze Sylva Ifedigbo, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor, and Adedayo Agarau, among others.
IbaFest would also bring together secondary school students from public and private schools in Ibadan for an interactive student-author session. This will enable students to learn from renowned and award-winning authors on the act and art of storytelling thereby contributing to national development through the Creative and Cultural Industries.
From Ibadan to Nigeria, IbaFest is a call to remember, reflect, and reimagine. It is a space for intergenerational dialogue, bold expression, and creative innovation—bringing together students, scholars, artists, and cultural leaders from across the country.
IbaFest 2025 will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 24–25, 2025. The virtual sessions hold on Friday, October 24, from 10 a.m., while physical sessions follow on Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m., at the Olusegun Aganga Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
To register, click here.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
