Experts Warn Against Fading History in Schools, Urge Renewed Focus on Girl-Child Education
Funmi Ogundare
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, yesterday, called for the reintegration of history into school curricula, warning that its gradual disappearance from classrooms could leave a generation of Nigerian girls without a strong sense of identity and direction.
Speaking at the launch of the HerStory of Nigeria Illustration magazine and school tour in Queen’s College, Lagos, Atta explained that history, when combined with quality education, remains critical to shaping the future of the Nigerian girl child and empowering them to become leaders and change-makers.
Speaking on the theme, ‘The Relevance of History and Education in Shaping the Future of the Nigerian Girl -Child’, she noted that in an era dominated by instant gratification and social media, many young people no longer appreciate the value of understanding the past.
Atta added that knowledge of history provides identity, context and guidance for future decisions and Nigerian women have always played significant roles in nation-building.
She cited figures such as Queen Amina of Zazzau as examples of courage and leadership, while noting that many women’s contributions remain underrepresented.
The CEO stated that initiatives aimed at documenting women’s stories would help ensure that girls recognise their place in the nation’s development.
Atta, a Queen’s College old girl, also emphasised the role of education as a tool for empowerment and liberation, noting that it equips girls with knowledge, confidence and the ability to question societal limitations.
She stated,” education provides a pathway out of poverty and helps individuals realise their full potential.”
The CEO noted that through its programmes, including scholarship initiatives and competitions across Africa, the foundation has supported young girls to become professionals in fields such as medicine, law and entrepreneurship.
The UBA Foundation boss urged students to remain disciplined, resilient and committed to learning despite challenges, encouraging them to believe in their abilities and strive to create their own history.
“UBA Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that promote girls’ education across Africa, empowering the girl child ultimately leads to stronger communities and national development,” she said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, Simon Field, underscored the importance of history in shaping critical thinking and understanding contemporary society.
He urged students to draw lessons from the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, saying that history is not merely about past events, but a tool for shaping critical thinking and interpreting present-day realities.
He recalled the reign of the late British monarch saying that it coincided with significant global transformations, including the independence of several nations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, as well as the Cold War, social revolutions and technological advancements.
“Studying her leadership demonstrates how institutions adapt to rapid change. Although Queen Elizabeth II wielded no direct political power, her influence stemmed from stability, symbolism and continuity during periods of uncertainty,” Field said.
He also observed that the monarch’s reign reflected evolving societal values, including shifts in attitudes toward race, gender, class and national identity, stressing that progress is often the result of debate and sustained effort rather than automatic change.
The deputy head of mission noted the late queen modernised the monarchy by embracing new forms of communication, including television and other media platforms, illustrating how institutions must evolve to remain relevant.
“Studying history provides context beyond headlines, fosters empathy by connecting present generations with past experiences, and helps individuals make informed judgments by recognising patterns from previous events,” he stated.
The President of the Queen’s College Old Girls Association (QCOGA), Temitayo Okunoren-Makindipe, described the initiative as part of efforts to spotlight unsung female pioneers whose contributions to girls’ education in Nigeria have remained largely unrecognised.
According to her, the programme aims to honour trailblazers such as Lady Elizabeth Clifford, credited with championing the establishment of government secondary education for girls in Nigeria during the colonial era.
She noted the association had earlier reinstated the Lady Elizabeth Clifford scholarship award to support outstanding students academically and morally.
She explained that the wife of colonial Governor-General Hugh Clifford, mobilised support for girls’ education by founding women’s clubs that raised funds for the establishment of a government secondary school for girls, eventually leading to the creation of Queen’s College.
Emphasising the institution’s legacy, the president said the school had produced numerous pioneering women who excelled in academia, governance, medicine, journalism, and other fields.
“Among them were early female professionals who broke barriers as doctors, professors, judges, permanent secretaries and editors, many of whom influenced national development,” she stated.
Okunoren-Makindipe, added that the college continues to nurture young women to excel globally, urging stakeholders to support initiatives that promote innovation and preserve the history of female pioneers.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Achieving Greatness Limited, Dr. Emmanuel Ojibo, urged students to remain committed to their goals and hold firmly to the inner drive that inspires them.
He advised the girl-child not to overlook what he described as her cheapest source of value, stressing that untapped greatness resides within every individual and can only be unlocked through discipline and commitment.
“There is greatness that is trapped inside of you that nobody knows. Once you are committed, every other thing will follow,” he said, adding that history can serve as an anchor that shapes mindset and strengthens personal conviction.
