A bill for the establishment of the University of History and Archaeology in Esie, Kwara state on Wednesday passed second reading at the senate.
The proposed university when established would be specially dedicated to research and training in history and archaeology, and all other related disciplines, the sponsor of the bill, Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara south) has said.
Leading a debate for the establishment of the University, Senator Ashiru disclosed that the Bill was read for the first time on Tuesday, 17th of March, 2020, stressing that the choice of Esie in Kwara South Senatorial District as the proposed site was due to its richness and unique historical monuments.
“The first National Museum in Nigeria was established in 1945 at Esie to house the world’s largest collection of relics in soft stone sculptures at Esie. More discoveries are still being made on that site which provides a justification for the host of this proposed university”.
Justifying the bill, the lawmaker noted that it would encourage the advancement of learning and the opportunity of acquiring a higher and liberal education in the field of history and archaeology.
He added that it will provide courses of instruction and training to various levels of personnel required for the field of history and archaeology.
Continuing, he explained that it will develop and offer academic and professional programmes, post graduate research leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, and higher degrees in history, archaeology, and related fields.
“To establish appropriate relationships with other national and international institutions involved in training, research and development of historical and archaeological studies.
“It is a matter of common knowledge that History and Archaeology go to the root of human existence. We can only appreciate our present and properly direct our future if we are well equipped with the Knowledge of the past.
“The proposed university sought to be established by this bill is a specialized institution, which would be specially dedicated to research and training in history and archaeology, and all other related disciplines.
He bemoaned that history, archaeology and related disciplines have fallen short over the years in Nigeria.
Consequently, he observed that the proposed university will dedicate sustained attention to these matters among others concerns. “The central objective is to use such findings to mobilize Nigerians towards greater commitment to nation building.
“The establishment of this specialized university will further enhance the economic influx of visitors Worldwide as in the Pyramids in Egypt, the temples in Greece, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Great Wall in China, among many others.
“The proposed University will serve as centre for periodic international conferences, research and cultural exchange centre for the whole world”.
Senator Ashiru affirmed that the establishment of the University of History and Archaeology at the present site of the Museum at Esie in Kwara State will further preserve these soft stones in human form and enable the students to have in depth knowledge of these historical relics irrespective of race, religion, state or nationality.
