Ibadan As A Gasping City: A View of Urban Slums

This study examines the key factors affecting urban sustainability in Ibadan, Nigeria, with a
focus on slum communities. Using a cross-sectional survey design, the research aims to identify statistical
relationships between sustainability and variables such as access to clean water, healthcare, education,
poverty levels, environmental degradation, and employment opportunities. Data were collected from four
purposively selected slum communities—Beere, Oja-Oba, Mokola, and Oke-Ado—using a multistage
sampling technique, resulting in a sample size of 400 respondents. A structured questionnaire was
administered to measure indicators related to basic services, environmental quality, and socio-economic
conditions. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation were used for data analysis. The findings reveal that
healthcare access, poverty, environmental degradation, limited educational opportunities, and
unemployment are significant challenges in these communities. Poor healthcare services, high poverty
levels, inadequate waste management, and environmental pollution contribute to socio-economic
difficulties. The study concludes that addressing these challenges requires multi-dimensional strategies,
including improved infrastructure, poverty alleviation programs, stronger environmental policies,
enhanced education systems, and greater employment opportunities. Collaborative efforts from both
government and private sector stakeholders are essential for fostering sustainable development in Ibadan's
slum communities.
Keywords: Ibadan, slums, urban sustainability, poverty, healthcare, education, employment,
environmental degradation, urbanization.