Governor Sule Champions Reintroduction of History in Schools, Donates ₦25m to Renovate Jos Museum

Amid growing calls from traditional rulers and stakeholders for the reintroduction of history in Nigeria’s secondary school curriculum, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi A. Sule, has pledged to lead advocacy efforts among the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Federal Ministry of Education to revive the subject.  

Governor Sule made the commitment during his speech at this year’s International Museum Day celebration at the National Museum in Jos, where the event spotlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Eggon people. He also announced a donation of ₦25 million for the renovation and equipping of the museum’s facilities.

  

“As an engineer, I am also a student of history,” Governor Sule said. “I accept the challenge from our father, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, to take this matter not only to the Northern Governors’ Forum but to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Minister of Education. History must return to our schools.”  

He emphasized that the reintroduction of history must be paired with a revival of reading culture. “Today, our children consume endless content on social media but struggle to read a single page from a book. We must change this to preserve our heritage.” 

Governor Sule commended the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for showcasing Eggon culture under this year’s theme: The Place of Museums in a Rapidly Changing Economy. He noted that Nigeria’s cultural erosion demands urgent action, and reintroducing history in schools could help reverse the trend.  

The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, echoed the governor’s sentiments, warning that a nation unaware of its past risks a disastrous future. “When I was in school, history was a core subject—we learned about the Kanem-Borno Empire, the Sokoto Caliphate, and Jaja of Opobo. But today, it has been replaced with civic education. Who is civil? Who is educating whom?”  

He urged leaders to act before Nigeria’s diverse cultural identities are lost. “We must rotate cultural events across states—Lafia, Gboko, Jos—so we understand one another better.”  

The Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, praised the Eggon people’s cultural display, stating, “The world must recognize the Eggon not just in number but in quality.”   

The Aren Eggon, Retired Justice Ahmed Ubangari, outlined activities for the two-day event, including traditional dances, arts exhibitions, and folktale performances aimed at promoting tourism and unity.  

Earlier, the curator of the National Museum Jos explained that this year’s focus on the Eggon nation highlights their unique cultural contributions. The event culminated in an exhibition of Eggon artifacts, showcasing their enduring social and moral values.