Transparency and Integrity

8/17/2020

"History Too Important To Be De Prioritized" FG, Gives Reasons For Reintroduction In Primary And Secondary Schools


The Federal Government has given reasons for the reintroduction of History as a subject in Primary and secondary schools, Says it contributes to Economic and Sociopolitical development. 

The vice president Yemi Osinbajo on Monday via a statement by his spokesperson Laolu Akande at an inauguration of the Nigeria History Fund put together by James Ojelabi Foundation on the 1-Year anniversary of the foundation, said that History has contributed immensely to the Economic, sociopolitical development of the country adding that the importance of History to a nation are numerous and cannot be ignored.

He 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 de-prioritize. It encourages us as individuals to not restrict ourselves to thinking in the short-term, but to remember that we too are living histories.

“ We cannot sure-footedly 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 full and accurate knowledge of our histories.”

Awards were also presented to persons who merited them. Some of which are; prominent historians like Prof. Bolanle Awe and Prof. Banji Akintoye among others. Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of the Trinity House, Lagos, was the guest speaker, also highlighted the 'importance of history in the development and affirmation of people and their communities.'

While stressing on the role of history in harnessing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Osinbajo said the nation’s diversity is a peculiar advantage, fostering national development and it would not be realised without understanding diverse cultural social norms and practices rooted in History.

He said

“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.”

The vice president described the Nigeria History Fund as a befitting tribute to the late historian, James Adekunle Ojelabi,

He said,

 “As black people, as Africans, as Nigerians, we must reclaim our histories and nurture academic environments that make that possible.”

He also commended late Ojelabi  stressing that he 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, 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.”

3 comments:

  1. It is surprising that the federal government suddenly realised the importance of history in nation building.
    As a nation it is good we confront our fears by the reintroduction of history both in primary and secondary education.
    I am worried about the formulation of the historical contents or curriculum. The curriculum must be fit for purpose devoid of bias.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CONCERNING REINTRODUCTION OF HISTORY AS A SUBJECT IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.
    - By Harry Fanon

    It is surprising that the federal government suddenly realised the importance of history in nation building.
    As a nation it is good we confront our fears by the reintroduction of history both in primary and secondary education.

    I am worried about the formulation of the historical contents or curriculum. The curriculum must be fit for purpose devoid of bias.
    Cheers,
    Harry Fanon (Ahiazu Cave)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, History is really an important discourse in the lexicon of nation building and human understanding. There are great historians ready to prepare good currriculum without bias for both primary and secondary education. let's continue to keep History alive through the Hisory foundation scholarship.

    ReplyDelete