‘History, historians are critical to nation’s building, development’

The importance of history and historians was highlighted recently when scholars and eminent Nigerians gathered last Sunday in Osogbo to celebrate the appointment of Professor Siyan Oyeweso as the pro-chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Although the event was meant to be a merrymaking one, probably because of the personality involved and his contribution to research, the significance and the role of history and historians to a society’s development became the thrust. And this was evident in the presentation by Emeritus Prof.

Toyin Falola who bankrolled the event and travelled all away from the US to be part of the memorable evening. Falola stated that traditionally, or maybe generally, historians are often downplayed because society does not understand the very connection that exists in their craft and the maintenance, if not sustenance, of a virile and agile society. “Beyond scribal documentation of the epochal events that occur in a place and to a people over some time, the masses are often unaware of the tremendous ways through which historians offer their contributions to the advancement of the world.

“Firsthand experience, however, has revealed that not only are historians the foundational pillars that provide stamina for societal infrastructure and philosophy, but they are also the backbone that makes their continued existence and sustenance possible. “Being an historian, for example, was what exposed Professor Oyeweso to the art of understanding .