University Don Advocates Rewriting of African History, Educational Curriculum for Brighter Future
…As FULafia holds 44th Inaugural Lecture
A Professor of African Literature at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Prof. Mallam Al-Bishak, has called for the rewriting of African history and educational curriculum away from Eurocentric perspectives to reflect the true history of Africans and instill pride in younger generations.
According to him, such reforms would help chart a brighter and more prosperous future for the African race.
Prof. Al-Bishak made the call on Wednesday while delivering the 44th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Lafia.
The lecture, titled “Egyptology, Egyptomania and Khemetology: Literature and the Black African Literary Heritage as Masters of Homer, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, etc.”, attracted participants from different walks of life.
The professor from the Department of English and Literary Studies also urged Africans to reject the stigma of slavery and embrace pride in their identity.
“Africans must always be conscious of the slogans ‘Black is Beautiful’ and ‘I am Black and Proud,’” he said.
Prof. Al-Bishak stressed the urgent need to rewrite African history from an African-centered perspective.
“There is an absolute need to rewrite African history away from the Eurocentric perspective that seeks to denigrate Africa and its inhabitants, while exaggerating the capabilities of the white race in order to entrench Eurasian hegemony and keep Africans subservient,” he said.
He added that African educational systems must be redesigned to build confidence and self-worth among students.
“Along with that is the need to redesign the educational curriculum of African schools to inculcate pride in African pupils and equip them with the confidence to chart a greater future,” he stated.
The scholar lamented that colonial miseducation has negatively shaped African consciousness.
“Our history, just like our artifacts, has been stolen from us. We have been indoctrinated with an inferiority complex towards the white man, believing we are incapable of achieving anything independently and must rely entirely on him.
“The solution lies in taking our destiny into our own hands by reclaiming our history, restoring our leadership role in antiquity, and rebuilding our pride as a Black race,” he said.
Prof. Al-Bishak argued that Africa was once a global center of learning, with writing and scribal literature dating back over 7,000 years.
“Instead of speaking only about Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Abubakar Imam as pioneers of African literature, we should also be talking about Imhotep, Ptahhotep and Amenhotep,” he said.
He noted that while African scholars can learn from foreign ideas and theories, they should not depend entirely on them.
“Rather, they should develop indigenous theories to solve local problems and complement them with foreign theories where necessary,” he added.
Prof. Al-Bishak also called on the Vice-Chancellor to establish an Institute for Ancient African Studies to promote research into Africa’s historical contributions and achievements.
“This will inspire present and future generations to re-enact the greatness of our glorious past,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, his family, colleagues and supporters for their financial and moral support toward the success of the lecture.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, who chaired the occasion, urged academic staff to continue prioritizing research and innovation for the advancement of education and national development.
Prof. Kida described inaugural lectures as important platforms for professors to share their research achievements, innovation, teaching experiences and academic contributions.
“I congratulate Prof. Mallam Al-Bishak, the Department of English and the Faculty of Arts on this achievement,” he said.
He noted that the lecture was particularly significant because it explored a field that continues to generate scholarly interest and renewed appreciation of Africa’s contribution to global civilization.
“This topic invites us to reflect critically on the historical, cultural, literary and philosophical foundations of human civilization and the place of Africa within that narrative.
“Through Prof. Al-Bishak’s research and publications, he has explored the intersections between ancient Egyptian civilization, African cultural heritage, literary traditions and the intellectual history of humanity,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Prof. Kida also commended the University’s Inaugural Lecture Committee for its dedication in ensuring the success of the event.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Inaugural Lecture Committee, Prof. Josephine E. Odey, said the event featured practical exhibitions and other academic activities.
She appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and other stakeholders for their support.
In a vote of thanks, Dr. Suzan Dingba thanked the Vice-Chancellor and guests for attending the lecture and prayed for God’s blessings upon them.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a certificate and seal to the inaugural lecturer, Prof. Mallam Al-Bishak, by the Vice-Chancellor, alongside other ceremonial activities.
