This study sought to determine the aetiologic agents and predisposing factors for microbial keratitis in the catchment areas of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. It also evaluated the visual outcome of management and factors associated with poor visual outcome. Fifty-one patients with non-viral microbial keratitis were seen at University College Hospital, Ibadan between April 2005 and March 2006. Each patient underwent thorough ocular examination and corneal scrapings for Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity. They were then commenced on frequent topical Ciprofloxacin 0.3% eye drops (a broad-spectrum antibiotic agent). Treatment was modified according to microscopy and culture results where necessary, and when indicated, topical antifungal agent was added. Participants were followed up for three months to determine the visual outcome and corneal structural changes. The study identified Staphylococcus aureus and Non-haemolytic streptococcus as the commonest aetiologic agents responsible for microbial keratitis in the cases studied. The main predisposing factor was trauma in 32(62.8%) patients. Twenty-five (48.1%) patients achieved final visual acuity of 6/18 or better following treatment at three months of follow up. The study also showed that 32 (62.8%) patients did not present to hospital for evaluation until after one week and 46 (90.2%) of them had applied at least one medication (in some cases harmful chemical or traditional herbal preparation) prior to presentation with disastrous consequences. These findings have important public health implications for the prevention and treatment of microbial corneal ulceration in South Western Nigeria. Health education of patients about the importance of early presentation to hospital and the adverse effects of self medication especially the use of corticosteroids and traditional herbal medications is stressed.