*OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT | PRESS RELEASE*

*_WHY WE RESTORED HISTORY TO OUR SCHOOLS - OSINBAJO_*

__Our children must know where they are coming from… Vision is important, so too is memory”-_

Though the reintroduction of history into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools across the country last year by the Federal Government received commendation from many, the decision was not just borne out of the need to restore the subject in schools but in recognition of its contribution to the socio-political, economic and cultural development of Nigeria, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday at the inauguration of the Nigeria History Fund by the James Adekunle Ojelabi Foundation. The fund is dedicated to, among other things, supporting history students with a scholarship scheme.

According to the Vice President, “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.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “…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.”

Speaking on the role of history in harnessing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Prof. Osinbajo said 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.

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.”

Describing the Nigeria History Fund as a befitting tribute to the late historian, James Adekunle Ojelabi, the Vice President said “as black people, as Africans, as Nigerians, we must reclaim our histories and nurture academic environments that make that possible.”

Commending the late historian, Prof. Osinbajo said “…as 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.”

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.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
17th August 2020

Paper work and lies...that's what they are good at.
Go to 90% of nigeria schools and you will find out they this shit has not been implemented. Do they even have history teachers, they will ask chemistry teacher to be taking history or a corper that studied mathematics

Can someone tell me which adminstration removed it in the first place and the reason for doing so?

Great! Those who removed it had sinister intention of hiding the facts of the past. Every great nation have place for their history.

athaboi:
Paper work and lies...that's what they are good at.
Go to 90% of nigeria schools and you will find out they this shit has not been implemented. Do they even have history teachers, they will ask chemistry teacher to be taking history or a corper that studied mathematics

Since History was stopped at least 7 or 8 years ago, there will be a lapse before all schools are covered via recruiting the teachers etc. The VP never said every vacancy was filled for teachers. Just that the teaching of History is being reintroduced in schools. We've more than enough History graduates to fill those teaching positions. Don't really see what your problem is. I guess you're one of those that have been conditioned to criticise the govt in any and every circumstance, being Madam Perfect of course.

Nice

I have observed that Hausa -Fulanis are always worse when made the minister of Finance,Health,Power,Education,commerce and virtually every ministries when compared to a Southerner

Prior to the 2009/2010 academic session when History ceased to be taught in schs,the 1st schls founded in Nigeria by missionaries, the traditional status of history as a crucial subject flourished &the teaching of history continued to be given adequate space in learning& teaching

Even if they reintroduce it will they include topics about the civil war, asaba massacre or the pogroms in the North...

U can’t build a framework on which to base ur life without understanding hw things work in d world. History paints us a detailed picture of hw society, technology, nd govt worked way back wen so dat we can better understand how it works now. We will forever be grateful to u Mr VP

The truth about Nigeria\Biafra war scared the federal government of Nigeria into pulling the plug of history curriculum in elementary and secondary schools. I guess federal government of Nigeria seemed to have gathered enough falsehood to counter to truth of Nigeria\Biafra that it decided to reintroduce history curriculum to Nigerian schools. Or maybe the visit to Umuahia war museum by Yemi Osinbajo has something to do with the change of heart.

What history is the VP talking about please?

Dedetwo:
The truth about Nigeria\Biafra war scared the federal government of Nigeria into pulling the plug of history curriculum in elementary and secondary schools. I guess federal government of Nigeria seemed to have gathered enough falsehood to counter to truth of Nigeria\Biafra that it decided to reintroduce history curriculum to Nigerian schools. Or maybe the visit to Umuahia war museum by Yemi Osinbajo has something to do with the change of heart.

Don't worry, the truth will be embedded in the history.
Some animals wake up one morning and decided to kill other people's fathers to solve the political problem of the country.
The children of those murdered in cold blood rose in anger to make a mince meat of the relatives of the killers.
Correct me if I'm wrong, history is cool.

Oga leave history and plan for the future jare

7lives:


Don't worry, the truth will be embedded in the history.
Some animals wake up one morning and decided to kill other people's fathers to solve the political problem of the country.
The children of those murdered in cold blood rose in anger to make a mince meat of the relatives of the killers.
Correct me if I'm wrong, history is cool.

I guess fools are allowed to write too. If the relatives of the so-called killers were remotely involved in the purge of the corrupt politicians, the so-called children would not have a chance to cough.