Falola: History, a therapy for healing Nigeria

DDG Weekly Column

Falola: History, a therapy for healing Nigeria

If Nigeria would rebuild its nationalism values to keep a tab on its developmental course, there would be a need for more investment in historical research and studying the subject from primary to tertiary education level as a necessity and not an option

Toyin Falola, Distinguished Humanities Professor, University of Texas, Austin, at the Second Distinguished Lecture Series, Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University (Wednesday, August 10, 2022)

A fortnight ago, acclaimed Humanities scholar, Oloruntoyin Falola, was a guest speaker at the Lagos State University. Organised by the Department of History and International Studies, the lecture characteristically turned out to be a memorable occasion with Falola showing in clear terms what Nigeria had missed by neglecting the study of history, opening up a path to redemption and remediation. No doubt, it is easy for a historian to discuss the value of his discipline, not just to humanity but especially to a country like Nigeria tottering in the wilderness and in search of a compass for redirection. It is a different case altogether when a mature historian of Falola’s stature takes on such a subject showing bit by bit how history can help to reclaim the greatness that Nigeria once dreamed of but has since veered off.