The Dominican Institute is located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It is owned by the Catholic Church and was established in 1978. It is home to a magnificent chapel that is an architectural masterpiece which incorporates African art designs reflecting the diverse African cultures and also a University. The Institute has a very large land mass and this vast land is superbly beautified with well-trimmed lawns and buildings with fascinating architectural designs to add to the aesthetic value of the Institute. To complement the serene atmosphere which it possesses, are evergreen trees that are so strategically planted giving room to pathways that allows one to take long walks and reflect on issues without any sort of disturbance.
The entrance to the Institute is very attractive and speaks volumes on the beauty of the institute. First, the beautiful red gates leads to a roundabout which is beautified with a huge Christmas tree in the middle. The roundabout bursts into two roads perfectly lined with trees, one leading to a large space which can be used to host events and an orchard while the other road leads to the car park, University, the Chapel for worship on Sundays, the relaxation center, and dining halls.
The chapel features a pond which is used to rear catfish and a freshly kept lush of green surroundings.
There is also a tall tower which holds only a huge ancient bell which is rung when its time to gather together in the worship place. Most of the structures in the chapel building are wooden; the floor tiles, the chairs, the pillars in which various African art designs are carved on and the altar, the ambience of this worship place is so profound, you could almost immediately melt in prayers.
The relaxation center is yet another beauty to behold. Its walls are made of stones which are engraved with crosses of different sizes, shapes and colors making it so exceptional and soothing for relaxation. There are chairs arranged in clusters in the hall of the relaxation center to aid group discussions and for the sake of families that wish to hangout in this place. There is also an organ to the far left of the relaxation center for anyone with an interest in music to play with
After the relaxation center is the dining hall for the upcoming priests, the kitchen is to the left of the dining hall then the right leads to the car park, basketball court, the residing area of the priests and the University. The university was established in 2016. It has only three faculties; science, arts and social science.
The Dominican Institute is situated on a hill and the Chapel makes it an iconic landmark since the tower can be seen by anyone coming from Oyo Road. This Institute is one that you must visit to appreciate the peace that serene environment provides and the beauty of the ancient buildings.
The back gate of the institute leads to the university of Ibadan while the front gate leads to Ventura mall. Only Ibadan residents would understand this distance, the Dominican community is really large!
