The Yakubu Gowon University formally known as University of Abuja has agreed to partner with the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) to establish a heritage center aimed at preserving the cultural identity and history of the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The decision was reached on Wednesday at the university during a high-level meeting between CHRICED officials and the university management, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Patricia Lar.
Presenting the proposal, Professor Momodu Kassim, CHRICED Board Chairman, said the centre will serve as a documentation and research facility, featuring a curriculum dedicated to indigenous rights studies and offering scholarships for postgraduate research.
“The University of Abuja presents a strategic location for the proposed Abuja Heritage Centre aimed at preserving the cultural identity and history of the original inhabitants of the FCT.” Kassim said.
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Dr. Zikirullahi Ibrahim, Executive Director of CHRICED, highlighted the challenges faced by indigenous communities of the FCT, describing their situation as one of “statelessness, political exclusion, and systemic marginalization.”
“This centre will serve as a vital platform to preserve their history, culture, and rights,” Dr. Ibrahim added.
On his part, Mr. Victor Emejuiwe, CHRICED Program Manager, said the scope of study would extend beyond FCT natives to encompass indigenous groups across Nigeria.
“The center would serve not only as a documentation and research facility but would also feature a curriculum dedicated to indigenous rights.” He said.
Emejuiwe also announced that “scholarships for postgraduate research in indigenous studies would be awarded to the first cohort of students from the University of Abuja, at both MSc and PhD levels.”
In her remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Patricia Lar expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, drawing parallels with a similar project she observed at Leeds Trinity University in the United Kingdom.
“I witnessed a vibrant heritage center that showcased the local culture, which left a lasting impression,” Prof. Lar recounted, referring to her visit alongside 27 other Nigerian Vice Chancellors.
The Vice Chancellor stressed the urgency of the project, stating, “There is an urgent need to safeguard the history of indigenous communities and prevent cultural erasure.”
She noted that the University currently hosts 87 community development centers, many focusing on indigenous matters, and suggested aligning the heritage center project with these existing efforts.
Following the productive discussions, a committee led by Prof. Sadeeque Abba and Prof. Rhoda Mundi has been established to work with CHRICED on the implementation details.
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The committee will formalize a Memorandum of Understanding between CHRICED and the University of Abuja.
Prof. Lar has set an ambitious timeline, recommending “no more than two months” to finalize all arrangements for the landmark project, which is expected to significantly enhance the university’s academic and community development efforts while preserving the cultural heritage of the FCT’s original inhabitants.
The CHRICED delegates at the meeting included Prof. Momodu Kassim, Board Chairman, Prof. A.B. Ahmed, Board Member and Hajia Nafisat Ado, Board Member, Dr. Zikirullahi Ibrahim, Executive Director.
Others were Mr. Sani Shuaibu, Assistant Director, Finance & Management and Mr. Victor Emejuiwe, Program Manager.