Hope Waddell Training Institution Tour

An ancient missionary building in Hope Waddell Training Institution.

Hope Waddell Training Institution Tour

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Overview

  • Duration:4 hours 30 minutes
  • Travelers:5 guests
  • Tour Type:Daily tour, Group tour, Private tour
  • Language:English
Established in 1895 by the United Presbyterian Mission in Scotland, Hope Waddell Training Institution (HWTI) in Calabar is Nigeria's first comprehensive school and premier secondary institution. Named after Rev. Hope Masterton Waddell, it was founded to offer both academic education and technical vocational skills, becoming a pioneer in maritime training, agriculture, and technical trades in West Africa.

Why You Should Visit

Visiting HWTI offers a unique journey back to the cradle of Western education in Eastern Nigeria. It is a living museum where you can walk through the history of Nigerian education, witnessing early colonial-era architecture, such as the historic wooden "Premier Building" (presently being restored) and the remnants of the first printing press set up in 1920. It is an essential stop for historians, researchers, and tourists interested in the educational, missionary, and political history of Nigeria.
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Highlights

  • The Premier Building: A historic multi-story wooden building over 120 years old, once a bustling hub for technical education and now a heritage landmark.
  • First Printing Press (1920): Site of the first industrial-scale printing press in Nigeria, which published the Calabar Observer on May 30, 1902.
  • Legacy of Pioneers: The alma mater of Nigeria’s first President, , and pioneering academic Dr. Alvan Ikoku.
  • Historic Vocational Training: Historical site of groundbreaking vocational training in carpentry, blacksmithing, and tailoring, which transformed regional development.
  • Location/Architecture: Located on Diamond Hill in Calabar, offering a serene atmosphere with historic European-style architecture.

Includes/Excludes

  • Shared tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hope Waddell Training Institution located?

It is located on Diamond Hill in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Is the school still active?

Yes, Hope Waddell is still an active, renowned secondary school in Calabar.

Is it open to the public?

While it is a functioning school, visitors can often get permission to walk around and see the historic buildings. The best time to visit is during weekends or school holidays.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes and clothing.
A camera.
Sunscreen.
A sense of historical appreciation.

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