Students from Kwara State University’s Department of History and International Relations have introduced “Historia Aphirica Recherche,” a platform dedicated to promoting and preserving Africa’s diverse heritage.
According to Muhammad Hadji, the driving force behind the initiative,
“Our academic passion fuels this endeavor, as we aim not only to educate ourselves but also to set an example for colleagues across Nigerian universities and beyond. We utilize the media, particularly X, formerly known as Twitter, to achieve this.”
The concept for Historia Aphirica Recherche-HAR originated in January 2023, but active development commenced in October of the same year, with intermittent pauses for mid-academic exams, which were later rescheduled, and continued in March.
The organization’s mission extends beyond cultural promotion; it seeks to address historical exploitation in Africa and advocate for the inclusion of history in primary and secondary education. This, they believe, will provide a foundation for solving societal issues.
Uthman Akorede, a student involved in the initiative, emphasized the challenges faced by Africans regarding imposed aspects of identity such as religion, language, leaders, and borders.
“It’s illogical to defend elements we didn’t choose,” he stated. “That’s why we, as aspiring students of this esteemed institution, unite to advocate for African unity, convinced it will enhance our global stature.”