Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has made it clear that the reintroduction of history into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools across Nigeria last year by the Federal Government was aimed at making us to know where we are coming from as a people.
He stressed that the re-introduction of the subject was in recognition of its contribution to the socio-political, economic and cultural development of Nigeria.
Professor Osinbajo, who spoke today, August 17, at the inauguration of the Nigeria History Fund by the James Adekunle Ojelabi Foundation, said: “when the Federal Government decided to reintroduce history into the curriculum across primary and secondary schools last year, it was a decision borne out of the recognition that first our children must know where they are coming from and have an understanding of the life that preceded them.
“History is far too essential for us to deprioritise. It encourages us as individuals to not restrict ourselves to thinking in the short-term, but to remember that we too are living histories.”
Professor Osinbajo said that Nigeria cannot chart a course forward without understanding “where we are coming from.
“Vision is important but so too is memory. Nation building requires us to develop both faculties of imagination and remembrance. Indeed, this stewardship of national memory is a cardinal civic obligation.
“The future of a Nigeria that works for all of us, regardless of religion or ethnicity, depends on a full and accurate knowledge of our histories.”
The Vice President said that the nation’s diversity as a unique strength for promoting national development would not be realized without a thorough understanding of its different cultural practices and social norms which are embedded in history.
“We are blessed to belong to a nation that possesses such a rich history of art, technology, trade, metallurgy, political administration among many fields of human endeavour but this bountiful inheritance is often underexplored and underappreciated.
“History is a vast reservoir of cultural, spiritual and social capital waiting to be mined by a generation that will not neglect the ancient landmarks of our odyssey as a people.
“Whilst our ethnic diversity is a great strength, one of the biggest challenges to nation-building is this same ethno-religious diversity which can also engender detrimental social conflict.”
Professor Osinbajo described the Nigeria History Fund as a befitting tribute to the late historian, James Adekunle Ojelabi, saying: “as black people, as Africans, as Nigerians, we must reclaim our histories and nurture academic environments that make that possible.”
He commended the late historian, Prof. Osinbajo who he said was someone for whom so much of his life was dedicated to ensuring that the stories of our past were given the attention they rightfully deserve.
He said that supporting history students with a scholarship scheme is a thoughtful tribute to his legacy.
“I am also delighted to hear that the fund will keep conversations alive about the importance of history for modern day Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of the Trinity House, Lagos, who was Guest Speaker at the occasion, underscored the importance of history in the development and affirmation of people and their communities.
The event which coincided with the first anniversary of the James Adekunle Ojelabi Foundation, featured presentation of awards to deserving individuals, including notable historians, like Prof. Bolanle Awe, Prof. Banji Akintoye among others.
