Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria has organised an International Conference with the theme: “The Making and Building of Nigeria: People, Places, Time, and Legacies 1914-2024.
The conference was organized in collaboration with the Pan African Strategic and Policy Research Group and held at Arewa House, Kaduna.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Kabir Bala, highlighted the significance of the conference, which aimed to reflect on the nation’s evolution over the past century.
In a keynote address delivered by Alkasum Abba from the Centre for Democratic Development, Research, and Training Zaria, titled A Panoramic Political History of Nigeria, 1914-2024.
He described six distinct phases of Nigeria’s political history, starting with the colonial consolidation in 1914, the rise of radical nationalism in the 1930s, and the power struggles between political elites leading up to independence in 1960.
Alkasum Abba traced the crises and conflicts of the 1960s, the attempt to restore civilian rule from 1971, and Nigeria’s democratic challenges from 1999 to 2024.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s economic turbulence, especially under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Abba expressed concern over the impact of recent IMF-inspired reforms, which have led to a sharp rise in the price of petrol, from N165 to over N900 per litre, a 500% increase.
“The naira’s devaluation against the dollar, from N460 to N1600, has further destabilized the economy, which heavily depends on imports.
Additionally, a 300% hike in electricity tariffs has exacerbated production costs, further straining industries and citizens.
Abba called for urgent policy changes to avoid further economic hardship and social unrest.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Gen. Ishola Williams (Rtd), Dr. Asmau Maikudi from Kaduna Polytechnic commended the university for fostering intellectual collaboration.
He expressed appreciation for ABU’s commitment to ideas over financial gain, emphasizing the importance of education and health as budgetary priorities.
He stressed that Nigeria continues to lose its direction due to a failure to learn from its past.
He advocated for more journals, books, and videos that focus on Nigeria’s unique history.
He further urged ABU to lead by renaming its History Department to “Ourstory Department” and establishing centers for the study of pre colonial Africa and Nigeria’s history.
He also called for support from TETFUND to revive and promote the teaching of Nigeria’s story, ensuring the nation’s past guides its future.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), lauded ABU Zaria and Arewa House for their contributions to research and historical documentation.
He highlighted the role of Arewa House in shaping intellectual discourse around Nigeria’s historical milestones and its ongoing efforts to modernize its libraries and archives.
He said, the conference provided a platform for scholars and policy makers to reflect on Nigeria’s century-long journey and explore intellectual pathways for overcoming contemporary challenges.
In his remarks at the event, the Director of the Centre for Historical Research and Documentation, Arewa House, Dr. Shuaibu Aliyu stated that the event is part of an ongoing series.
Cov/Adamu Yusuf
