The Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) has reaffirmed its central role in the reinstatement of History as a subject in Nigeria’s education curriculum, describing the achievement as the result of years of sustained advocacy and engagement with policymakers.
The Federal Government had removed History from the curricula of primary and secondary schools during the 2009/2010 academic session, but reintroduced it in March 2018 following pressure from stakeholders, led by the HSN.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja over the weekend, the Acting President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Mrs. Zara Kwaghe, said the Society waged a “relentless war” to ensure the return of History to Nigerian schools.
She also announced that preparations have been concluded for the 70th Congress of the Historical Society of Nigeria and the 6th Congress of the Association of African Historians, scheduled to hold in Abuja on Monday as part of activities marking the Society’s 70th anniversary.
“Now, the conference is not just a gathering of historians. It is our 70th anniversary, a moment to reflect on our journey — how we have contributed to scholarship, promoted nation-building, and enriched the academic world over the past seven decades,” Mrs. Kwaghe stated.
She noted that the conference, themed “70 Years of Resilience – Honouring Nigeria’s Past, Envisioning Its Future,” would examine the Society’s history, challenges, and future direction.
Highlighting the events lined up for the anniversary, Mrs. Kwaghe revealed that renowned Ethiopian-born historian, Emeritus Professor Bahru Zewde Woldehana, will deliver the 2025 Dike Memorial Lecture — named after Nigeria’s pioneering historian, Professor Kenneth Dike.
She described Professor Woldehana’s participation as a testament to the HSN’s commitment to intellectual collaboration across Africa and to celebrating outstanding contributors to historical scholarship.
The 70th anniversary, she added, will serve as both a celebration of resilience and a renewed call to strengthen History’s role in national development and identity formation.
