FORMER Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore has urged the government to include museum study in the school curriculum, saying that this is one of the ways to re-position museums as a major source of revenue is for .
Omisore who declared that tourism is no doubt a major contributor to the foreign direct investment said parts of the way out of the decline nature of museums and monuments in the country is to make a trip to the museum compulsory for both Primary and Secondary school students in order to increase the curiosity among youths thereby generating more revenue in that regard.
The erstwhile Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation and Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the request recently at the 2017 International Museum Day organized by National Commission for Museums and Monuments, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan.
He noted that parts of ways to encourage research among youths is to create inter-school competitions in museum.
While speaking on the topic “Museums and Contested Histories: Saying the Unspeakable in Museums”, Omisore who averred that “Museums in Nigeria are historical centres which attempt to preserve the heritage and culture of a people by keeping the memories of our forefathers evergreen” called for branding and increase of social media presence in museums and national monuments.
“Museums and Government should collaborate with agencies such as TETFUND, UBEB and all other boards responsible for education in Nigeria to include museum study in the curriculum and make a trip to the museum compulsory for all primary and secondary schools for a particular class or classes every year at a subsidized rate and also ensure that an examination is set to evaluate their knowledge on the heritage of Nigeria. This would increase the curiosity amongst the youths as well as increase the revenue generated by museums in Nigeria.
“Create inter-school competitions in the museum in order to encourage curiosity and research among the youths about their heritage.
“The world is evolving and has been described as a global village where social media plays a major role in awareness and publicity, hence the need to reposition Nigeria’s vast and rich cultural heritage which is displayed in the museum as a major tourist front and in order to expand and increase tourism to the world”, he stressed.
Omisore further added that there is need for infusion of technology into the display of artefacts, photographs, documents, art works etc such as creating a 5D experience of these artefacts and an attractive simulation of historical moments.
He continued, ” in a bid to attract more visitors, the museums should have more flexible hours, leisure places, multiple exhibition facilities, shops, restaurants in order to satisfy customers’ needs.
“To increase more awareness about the museum, the authorities should collaborate with other cultural agencies and support local festivals. Charity begins at home hence the quest for knowledge about the beauty of Nigerians heritage should be aroused in our children who are future of tomorrow”, he reiterated.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to personalities which include Senator Omisore and Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Mr. Toye Arulogun among others.
