A Professor of History at Osun State University, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, emphasized the critical role of studying and preserving history as a means of establishing personal identity. He made these remarks during a two-day workshop titled “Cutting-Edge Knowledge Production for 21st Century Historian and Diplomat,” held at Adeleke University in Ede.
Prof. Oyeweso highlighted that each individual has a unique history that deserves preservation. “If you don’t write your history, they will write your history for you. They will give a different father, different mother to you,” he stated, stressing the importance of taking ownership of one’s historical narrative.
He further explained that Osun State University prioritizes micro history, asserting that these smaller historical narratives collectively contribute to the broader national history. “History is not taken at the top,” he said, pointing to the significance of understanding history from the grassroots level.
Dr. Fidelis Egbe, Vice President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, spoke about the workshop’s purpose of addressing biases regarding the discipline of history. He emphasized the connection between knowing one’s history and maintaining a sense of identity. “If you don’t know who you are, if you don’t know your history, you will lose your identity, and once you lose your identity, you cease to be a human being,” he warned.
Dr. Egbe mentioned that the Historical Society had previously conducted this methodology workshop in Abuja for four years, and the decision to decentralize it was reached during the last council meeting. Adeleke University is the first institution to host the workshop outside of the capital, and he urged participants to take the initiative seriously, particularly in applying learned methodologies in their daily lives.
Dr. Mary Alaba, Acting Head of the Department of History and International Studies at Adeleke University, expressed that the workshop aimed to foster collaboration and inquiry among participants. She noted that studying history goes beyond memorizing dates and events; it involves critically analyzing sources, interpreting evidence, and constructing compelling narratives that connect past events to the present.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by Dr. Abioye Oyewusi, a commissioner in the Teaching Service Commission, highlighted the issue of historical distortion as a factor in ongoing communal crises among the Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin communities in the state. He stated, “The conference has come at a timely period. History lets the facts speak for themselves,” and urged participants to remain committed to factual representation in their historical work.
Adeleke cautioned against emotional attachment to land becoming a weapon for conflict, stressing that it leads to cycles of violence without clear objectives. He encouraged historians to adhere to the truth, regardless of emotional connections, to prevent the distortion of historical facts.
The workshop was organized by Adeleke University in collaboration with the Historical Society of Nigeria and 11 other universities across the South-West region.