Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Professor Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Jawondo, has urged the federal government to rejig the nation’s academic curricula and make study of history in schools a prerequisite for every student.
He said regardless of area of specialization in academic pursuits, the study of history as a subject must be made compulsory to avoid distortion.
In an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital, North Central Nigeria, Jawondo advocated that history should be an independent subject on the timetable for students.
He beseeched government not to pair history with any other course on the timetable
Jawondo, a Professor of History and former Head of the Department of History and International Studies of the University, said those who sought to destroy the country were responsible for the removal of history from the academic curricula.
He pointed out that the anti-history study elements did so to discourage people from knowing about the history and formation of the country and cover up their past.
The Don noted that another reason for the removal is an attempt to stop the emergence of ‘radicals’ who will question governmental policies due to their knowledge of histories of other countries.
Professor Jawondo also bemoaned the generational gap the years of absence have caused.
He noted that this has created a generation of youths who know little to nothing about the country and might be a source of problem to the country.
The Don, however, noted that individuals and civil society organisations are struggling to right the wrongs through writing of books.
Meanwhile, the historian has called on the federal government to prioritise the welfare of the families of the deceased soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
He explained that the commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day should be beyond the pomp and celebration
Professor Jawondo maintained that the remembrance serves as a reminder for the government to cater for the families of the fallen soldiers.
Professor Jawondo’s appeal came in view of the recently commemorated Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
He lamented that the present day remembrance of fallen soldiers has been mainly ceremonial with little or no respite given to the families of the deceased soldiers compared to the pre-colonial and colonial era of the country.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated nationwide on the 15th of January annually to commemorate and salute the selfless services of soldiers who fought gallantly to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Don commended the government of Kwara State under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum for prioritizing culture as a means of development in the state.
