About three years ago, I bought my first book at the FEM-MAN Books Ltd. Sango Ibadan branch. And a year later, over ten books at the same store.
But then it gets boring; I want to read something other than a self-help book. I wanted to read a variety of genres of books, say history or behavioral economics, and many more. So, my hunt for bookstores began.
Since then, I’ve been to multiple bookstores and occasionally still buy motivational books. But with the stores I’ve discovered, my interest has multiplied to read more.
In any case, here are the top 9 bookstores to buy books to read in Ibadan.
Sidenote: All stores in Ibadan won’t open on Thursday until 10 am. That’s due to the sanitation program running in Oyo State, in which Ibadan is the capital.
Best Bookstores to Discover
1. Fem-Man Books Ltd – Sango
Fem-man bookstore is owned by a renowned Nigerian pastor, Femi Emmanuel, which officially makes it a Christian bookstore. With that, you’d think the bookstore only sells Bibles and Rhapsodies of Reality, but that’s not the case.
You’ll find all sorts of motivational books, such as the Atomic Habits, to buy at their two stores, located at Sango and Dugbe, Ibadan. But if you’re a Lagos reader, you’ll find their branch in Ikeja. At all their branches, they sell only new books.
The beautiful thing is that you don’t have to be present at the physical store to get the book(s) that you want. You could call the office line (07036545096) or the secretary (+2348167217252) to order the book that you want, and it will be delivered. Only additional cost for delivery.
Official address
- No. 16, Post Office, Opp. Zenith Bank, Dugbe, Ibadan.
- No. B9, Railway Complex, Opp. PHCN Dugbe, Ibadan.
- Nipco Petrol Station, J. Allen, Dugbe, Ibadan.
Lagos Branch
- No. 12, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.
2. University of Ibadan Bookshop – UI
This might be one of the biggest bookstores in Ibadan, located at the University of Ibadan, as you would expect, coming from its name. The store itself is gargantuan and filled with all varieties of new books to buy.
You’ll find UNILAG bookstore here.
The surprising part about this bookshop is that I found the books there to be relatively expensive compared to others that I’ve visited.
3. Joy To The World Christian Bookshop – Ijokodo, Waec Junction
Entering this bookstore will leave you speechless because of the sheer number of books stored in the modest cubicle.
Although originally, it was supposed to sell only Christian books, but no. You’ll find all sorts of motivational books, self-help books, and writing materials.
Unfortunately, they only operate physical stores at Shop B6, Mesiogo Shopping Complex, WAEC Junction, Sango-Eleyele Road, Ibadan, Nigeria.
4. Sonrise Bookshop – Eleyele
This particular bookstore is owned by a Christian organization, the Gethsemane Prayer Ministry International, located at Eleyele bus stop, Eleyele, Ibadan.
You’ll find only Christian reading materials in this store, including audio CDs. The salesperson told me that only the organization’s materials are sold in the store.
5. Sunshine Bookseller – Eleyele Road
Sunshine Bookseller is a physical bookstore that you can visit in Ibadan. Any books of your interest are available, especially autobiographies and political books
However, the most important part of this bookstore is its online store. Every book available at the physical store, which you can visit, is also available at this online bookstore.
You select, pick, and pay, and it will be delivered in no time to your chosen address. The owner (Mr. Adewale Aloko) told me that Sunshine Bookseller has partnered with GIG Logistics to provide smooth delivery for customers. They operate worldwide.
6. Scripture Union Bookshop – Samonda
You’ll not be able to purchase either Atomic Habits or the 48 Laws of Power here because it does not exist. But if it’s a Bible, either Yoruba or English, even the New and Old Testaments, it’s abundantly stocked here. Neatly organized in alphabetical order as per title.
It is located at the S.U. House, Opp. Old Airport, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
7. O.A.J. Bookshop – Dugbe
This is not a complicated bookshop in any way. They sell mostly secondary school books and every school class below that. You’ll also find some Christian books. Other than that, nothing more.
Most books here aren’t really for me; I’d rather read on my PDF readers at my convenience.
8. The Bookseller Limited -Jericho
This is the Mecca of bookstores in Ibadan, where every desired book is available. There’s not a genre of books that’s not likely to be found here. Headquartered in Ibadan, at 52 Magazine Road, Jericho, Ibadan.
Although my favorite section of the bookstore is the history section, but the books in this section are less frequently updated. However, unless you have decided exactly what to buy, you’ll be mesmerized by their vast collection of books and may end up checking out more books than originally intended.
If awards were to be given to bookshops on headies, this would win the composer of all time. The reason is that books found on their shelves were clinically categorized in genre order. To top it all off, the bookstore placed a comfortable chair for customers to peek into books before buying.
If Abuja is where you stay or hoping to visit, check out these handpicked bookstores in Abuja.
9. Nigerian Baptist Bookstore – Oke Bola
Exactly as the name above implies, it’s a christian bookshop to the core. The last time I visited, some books of famous Nigerian pastors in the stores include:
- Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
- Pastor David Oyedepo
- Patore E A Adeboye
Simply put, Bibles and christian materials are dominant here. But that’s not all there is. Believe it or not, I was able to find some Islamic books that interest me in the store, though I didn’t buy it.
Other than religious books, motivational books could also be found on the shelf here. Pen, pencil and other writing material are also available to be bought here.
The store has an online website, but it’s not what I’d call a functioning e-store. Better to visit the store in person to pick whatever book you want to buy.
And Finally
Which of these bookstores have you visited and what do you have to say about them?
