"History as an agency of development" - by SMB Sesan
Johnson
With knowledge of the histories of constitutional
developments, political alliances and elections in (Pre and Post-Independence)
Nigeria, it's tenable to say one should not be aghast with the gales of
defections, decamping and/or cross-carpeting. But in recent times, I am
beginning to realise that post-1999 youths of this country lack basic knowledge
of the differences between governance and politics. Whereas until recent
intervention, history as a subject was removed from the curricula of secondary
school education in Nigeria with its attendant effects in higher institutions.
One of the arguments has been the connection between history and national
development?
With the ongoing project towards reintroducing the subject,
historical knowledge must be appropriated to promote human agency towards
development. To move forward, history scholars must demolish all the
pathologies and pedagogies of knowledges that undermine development in Nigeria;
and rejig all shades of paradigms on politics and governance. Why must we do
this? There's a high connection between history and development. We may not be
able to necessarily provide all the answers to all the problems of today but
our goal is to raise questions and also inspire citizens to raise fundamental
questions that provide development templates for the nation. This will enable
citizens to interrogate the policies and actions of policy makers and
politicians in proper perspective. Historical pedagogies and epistemologies
must not only amplify the elitist ideation but also use to elevate the welfare
of the poor.
Amidst the cacophony of discordant narratives and
dysfunctional political machinations pervading our political psychics, the
electorates must be aware that all of these are to win the souls of the masses.
As these politicians of all shades fight over identities, categories and
personal ego, the electorates must remain focus on the agenda for sustainable
development. As they remix their dichotomous fight of oneness and otherness
(APC versus PDP or other political parties); the electorates must
conscientiously look out for men and women endowed with integrity and
competence
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