Authors

Faniran, G. B.

Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Idowu, K. A.

Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria

Ojo, D. B.

Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Olayanju, O. A.

SpaceLab Ltd, Osogbo, Nigeria

Oyeleye, O.

School of Architecture, Ariel University, Israel

Ajobiewe, T. O.

Urban Policy Planning and Local Governments, Middle East Technical University, Turkey

Abstract

Neighbourhood vibrancy is increasingly recognised as a key indicator of urban liveability and functional performance, yet its drivers remain context-specific and under-theorised in rapidly urbanising African cities. This study investigates factors shaping residential neighbourhood vibrancy in Ibadan, Nigeria, with attention to spatial variation across core, transition, and suburban zones. A cross-sectional survey of residents was conducted using a structured questionnaire measuring perceived influence of twenty socio-economic, physical, institutional, and activity-based variables. Mean Item Scores (MIS) were used to rank influence levels, while Pearson Product–Moment Correlation analysis examined associations between explanatory variables and a composite vibrancy index. Results indicate that neighbourhood vibrancy in Ibadan is primarily structured by development intensity, with the number of buildings showing an exceptionally strong association with vibrancy. Economic variables—including job opportunities and economic events—also exhibit strong relationships, suggesting that vibrancy is closely tied to livelihood-driven activity systems. Socio-institutional variables such as safety and community initiatives demonstrate moderate influence, while amenity-based variables (green spaces, street art, and recreational points) show weak associations. Spatial analysis reveals a gradient in which core areas are driven by density and employment concentration, transition areas reflect governance-mediated influences, and suburban zones exhibit growing importance of economic events and nightlife. The findings challenge amenity-centric models of urban vibrancy derived from post-industrial contexts and instead support a density–livelihood framework more applicable to Global South urban systems. The study contributes empirical evidence to urban vitality theory and provides policy-relevant insight for planning interventions aimed at enhancing functional urban life in rapidly expanding African cities.

Keywords

Neighbourhood vibrancy Ibadan Municipality Urbanisation Land use GIS-based sampling

Citation of this Article

Faniran, G. B., Idowu, K. A., Ojo, D. B., Olayanju, O. A., Oyeleye, O., & Ajobiewe, T. O.. (2026). Factors Influencing Residential Neighbourhood Vibrancy in Ibadan Municipality, Nigeria. International Current Journal of Engineering and Science (ICJES), 5(8), 32-43. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.47001/ICJES/2026.508005 

Licence Copyright (c) 2026 International Current Journal of Engineering and Science. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 International Licence.

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