Kwara Senator seeks establishment of History and Archaeology Varsity
A bill seeking establishment of the University of History and Archaeology in Esie, Kwara State on Wednesday scaled second reading in the senate.
Tne bill was sponsored by Senator Lola Ashiru representing Kwara south in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Sen Ashiru said that the proposed History and Archaeology University would be specially dedicated to research and training.
He stressed that the choice of Esie in Kwara South Senatorial District as the proposed site was due to its richness and unique historical monuments.
He said: “The university, when established would be specially dedicated to research and training in history and archaeology, and all other related disciplines.
“The first National Museum in Nigeria was established in 1945 at Esie to house the world’s largest collection of relics in soft stone sculptures at Esie. More discoveries are still being made on that site which provides a justification for the host of this proposed university”.
It would encourage the advancement of learning and the opportunity of acquiring a higher and liberal education in the field of history and archaeology.
“It would provide courses of instruction and training to various levels of personnel required for the field of history and archaeology”.
Sen. Ashiru further explained that it would develop and offer academic and professional programmes, post graduate research leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, and higher degrees in history, archaeology, and related fields.
“To establish appropriate relationships with other national and international institutions involved in training, research and development of historical and archaeological studies.
“It is a matter of common knowledge that History and Archaeology go to the root of human existence. We can only appreciate our present and properly direct our future if we are well equipped with the Knowledge of the past”, he stated.
He emphasized that “the central objective was to use such findings to mobilize Nigerians towards greater commitment to nation building.
He bemoaned the removal of history as subject from secondary school curriculum, stressing that history, archaeology and related disciplines have fallen short over the years in Nigeria.
“The establishment of this specialized university will further enhance the economic influx of visitors Worldwide as in the Pyramids in Egypt, the temples in Greece, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Great Wall in China, among many others.
“The proposed University will serve as centre for periodic international conferences, research and cultural exchange centre for the whole world”.
