Mariam Abeeb
The immediate Past Chief of Staff to president, Professor Emeritus Ibrahim Gambari has lauded the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Education’s efforts for reintroducing the teaching of history in schools.
He made this known during his remark at the 70th Congress of the Historical Society of Nigeria and 6th Congress of the Association of African Historians held in Abuja.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government has reintroduced History as a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools.
The subject was removed in 2009 but is now returning to promote national identity, unity, and patriotism.
He explained that this move is expected to foster cultural awareness and prepare the younger population for national leadership.
He quoted Spanish essayist, George Sanni, emphasizing the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating its mistakes.
He urged all stakeholders, including educators, parents, and community leaders, to work together to ensure the successful implementation of the Historical Society of Nigeria’s initiatives.
Prof Gambari expressed hope that the next 70 years will be even more outstanding and globally impactful for the Historical Society of Nigeria.
“We all join to applaud President bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Education. I besides promoting a sense of national identity, this move will further foster cultural awareness and help our younger population prepare themselves for the great stars of national leadership ahead.
“This is hugely important, because as a Spanish essayist George Sanni elegantly put it, and I quote, Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat history’s mistakes. Let me take this opportunity that the savannah center for diplomacy, democracy and development, which I’m privileged to help and to help establish, is committed to collaboration with the Historical Society of Nigeria to promote African diplomacy, governance and cultural heritage,” he noted.
He emphasized that th Historical Society of Nigeria’s (HSN) role in documenting, preserving, and promoting Nigeria’s history.
According to him, the HSN has taken a frontline role in defining historiography for the African continent, using indigenous tools like oral tradition and cultural expression.
The Chairman, National Coordinating Council, NCC, HSN@70, Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, during his welcome remark at the opening ceremony of the Congress called for a strategic dialogue between the government and the Historical Society to explore initiatives like a National History Day.
The former chief of army staff emphasized the importance of digital media in telling epic stories of historical empires and making history engaging and enlightening.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Historical Society of Nigeria and its members in preserving history and combating collective amnesia.
The Acting President, HSN , Professor Zara Kwagne in her remark at the event reaffirmed the strong belief that Africa’s future is anchored on a clear understanding of its past and a profound appreciation of the triumphs and tribulations that have shaped the continent’s resilience and identity.
She pledged commitment to fast-tracking the development of the African continent.
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