Incorporate Public History, Museum Studies into Curricula, Falola Urges FG, Others

A recipient of The Danny Williams and Arden Williams Public History Award, Titilope Rosemary Falola, has urged the federal, state and local governments as well as the managements of private tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to incorporate public history and museum studies into the curricula of institutions in the country.

She stated that if repatriated treasures are to be well managed, it becomes needful for a new generation of historians and conservators equipped with practical skills in museum management, collection care, archiving, and curation.

Falola, a graduate of Museum Studies, University of West Georgia, appealed to the all tiers of government in Nigeria and other stakeholders to prioritize funding to improve museum infrastructure.

According to her, it is also necessary to provide state-of-the-art storage, climate control systems, and security in museums across the country.

She said: “The conversation around repatriation of artifacts from Western museums to their countries of origin, including Nigeria, has rightly gained global attention. However, while the West advocates for the return of looted artifacts, Nigeria must take action to ensure that its museums are adequately prepared to receive and conserve these cultural treasures. The dialogue about restitution cannot be one-sided. We, in Nigeria, need to address the shortcomings in our museum sector if we are to responsibly manage the heritage being returned to us.”

“It is counterproductive for the West to push for the repatriation of our cultural artifacts while we are not investing in the infrastructure required to house them. Many Nigerian museums suffer from poor funding, insufficient conservation facilities, and a lack of trained personnel. Repatriation is not just about returning artifacts—it is about ensuring these treasures are preserved for future generations. Without proper investment in our museums, we risk losing the very items we fought to bring home.”

She added: “The Nigerian government must prioritize funding to improve museum infrastructure, providing state-of-the-art storage, climate control systems, and security. This will allow our museums to properly care for sensitive artifacts, many of which require specific environmental conditions to prevent deterioration. If we don’t address these issues, the very objects we reclaim may degrade over time, undermining the significance of their return.

“A critical step in preparing for the future is the incorporation of public history and museum studies into Nigerian university curricula. If we are to manage these repatriated treasures, we need a new generation of historians and conservators equipped with practical skills in museum management, collection care, archiving, and curation.”

The graduate of History and International Studies, of the University of Ilorin, urged universities to offer hands-on experience in museum collections and allow students to directly engage with artifacts, learn proper conservation techniques, and understand the importance of exhibition design and museum administration.

According to her, by training future professionals in museum studies, a workforce capable of running museums to global standards would be built.

She added that this would ensure the sustainability of the nation’s cultural heritage.

Falola said: “We cannot solely rely on external pressure to return our artifacts. Nigeria must demonstrate its commitment to heritage conservation by addressing the internal challenges that our museum sector faces. If we focus on improving our museums—both through government funding and educational reforms—Nigeria can become a leader in the global movement for cultural heritage preservation. Only then will the repatriation conversation move from a symbolic gesture to a lasting legacy for our nation.”