A Nigerian historian and Africanist, Chief Anthony Prest on Saturday hailed the administration of President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the return of history studies to primary and secondary schools in the country.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online, the historian gave the commendation during open art exhibition in Abuja.

Prest is the son of Chief Arthur Prest, one of the founders of Action Group and deputy leader to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

His commendation comes barely three months after the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa announced that the President has mandated the return of Nigerian History as a subject in primary and secondary schools after it was scrapped from the education curriculum in 2009.

However, Prest described it was a welcome development, saying no society can progress without the people knowing about the history.

He said, “I am happy that Asiwaju brought history back to our schools. That’s dynamism. You know history is very important. Our children need to be told everything. You can see there’s a big debate in America about teaching the history of slavery. I think history is a good thing.

“We are also going to start educating our kids on Pan-Africanism in primary and secondary schools in Abuja. We are going to provide buses and mobile exhibition tents that tell the story of slavery, its abolition, major players in the illicit trade and the liberation of Africa.

“Nigerians need to begin to understand that we come from possibly the richest country in the world. I am hopeful Nigerians will enjoy it. We just need to be patient with Mr President. The man is working 24 hours a day. They don’t sleep in the villa.”

He also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu for upholding the struggle for democratic value rights long before he became a senator and the leader of the country.



https://punchng.com/historian-hails-fg-for-returning-history-in-education-curriculum/