Discover 4 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Benin City (Nigeria). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Royal Palace of Oba, Ogba Zoo, and Benson Idahosa University. Also, be sure to include University of Benin in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Benin City (Edo).
Table of Contents
Royal Palace of Oba
The Royal Palace of Oba of Benin is notable as the home of the Oba of Benin and other royals.
The palace, built by Oba Ewedo, is located at the heart of ancient City of Benin. It was rebuilt by Oba Eweka II after the original building was destroyed during the 1897 war with the British. The palace was declared a UNESCO Listed Heritage Site in 1999.
The Royal Palace of Oba of Benin is a celebration and preservation of the rich Benin culture. Most of the visitors to the palace are curators, archaeologists or historians.[1]
Ogba Zoo
Zoological park in Benin City, Nigeria. Ogba Zoo is a state-owned zoological park in Benin City, capital of Edo State, Nigeria.
The nature park was established in 1971 in a forest reserve in the Ogba District, four kilometers from the town center.
The area covers 750 acres of land and water, and is home to local and other wild species, including primates, lions, giant tortoises, rock pythons, equine and antelope species.
Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed described the zoo as one of Nigeria's top tourist destinations.[2]
Benson Idahosa University
University in Benin City, Nigeria. Benson Idahosa University is a private, Christian university Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
BIU (previously named Christian Faith University) was renamed in honor of Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a Charismatic Pentecostal minister from Benin City, Nigeria, and reflects his evangelical beliefs. He was the first president of the university. The current president of Benson Idahosa University, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Faith Emmanuel Benson Idahosa, son of Benson Idahosa, is the Bishop of CGMi Faith Arena and Co-ordinator, Next Generation Leadership of the Church of God Mission.
BIU is accredited by Nigeria's higher education accreditation body, the National Universities Commission. It is the only university in Africa with international membership with the United States National Academy of Inventors. Benson Idahosa University has maintained an enviable record in sports. BIU has maintained the best performance by any private university in Nigeria in all editions of Nigerian Private Universities Games, Nigerian Universities Games and West African Universities Games.[3]
University of Benin
University in Benin City, Nigeria. University of Benin is a public research university located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It is among the universities owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria and was founded in 1970. The School currently has two campuses with fifteen faculties including a central library called the John Harris Library. The buildings in UNIBEN are sparsely built, they are not close to each other.
UNIBEN has a teaching hospital called University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), a very big hospital with all specialities and medical fields, there are also various units such as SERVICOM, Medical Records, Nurses and Doctors house, laundry services, catering and many more.[4]