As a British school, exploring the world and its various cultures should be given important consideration if you are aiming to transform learners into complete men ready for life’s adventures. If so, one of the most effective ways to introduce students to the real world is by planning vacations and trips for them.
Then, you might begin to wonder about the historic places in Africa that are worth visiting. Nigeria is a treasure trove of historical and cultural significance, with a rich legacy spanning many centuries.
From ancient kingdoms to colonial-era architecture, Nigeria has a lot to offer the curious traveller seeking to explore its heritage. Here are seven historic places in Nigeria you might visit with your students.
- Lagos City Hall
One of the many places worth visiting is the administrative headquarters of the British colonial government in Nigeria.
The Lagos City Hall is a famous landmark located in the centre of Lagos Island. It was built in 1906. The “Civic Centre,” a building from the colonial era, was once the seat of the Lagos City Council before becoming the colonial government’s administrative centre.
With its neoclassical architecture and illustrious history, it still stands as a proud reminder of the city’s colonial past.
- National Museum Lagos
Located in Lagos, the National Museum Lagos is a cultural and historical institution that showcases Nigeria’s diverse heritage. The museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts and artworks reflecting Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural history.
One of the most prized items in the museum is the magnificent Jemaa Head, a piece of terra-cotta art from the Nok culture that was created between 900 and 200 BC. The artefact, which bears the name of the village of Jemaa, was found there and offers a tangible link to Nigeria’s prehistoric past.
From prehistoric objects to contemporary art, there is something for everyone here.
- Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
How did an Austrian, Suzanne Wenger, adopt the Yoruba name Adunni Olorisa and become the devoted high priest of a Yoruba deity, Osun? Answers to this can be uncovered at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in South-Western Nigeria.
The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is heavily associated with the Osun Festival, which is held annually in August, and attracts a large number of visitors every year.
A visit to the Osun-Osogbo shrine can be an educational opportunity for students to learn about African history, art, and culture. They will be able to explore the sculptures, murals, and carvings that depict the stories of Yoruba deities, as well as the historical artefacts that are present in the shrine.
Furthermore, experiencing other cultures can help students appreciate the significance of traditional African beliefs and the values of community, family, and spirituality emphasised in African societies.
- Ikogosi Warm Spring and Resort
Can geology explain the wonders of a small community in South-Western Nigeria? Maybe not.
The Ikogosi Warm Spring and Resort is a natural phenomenon where warm and cold springs meet to form a confluence, creating a mesmerising sight. This unique geological feature is a wonder to behold and provides an opportunity to witness the power of nature.
Not only do the two springs meet, but they also fail to mix but rather flow together, and without any artificial assistance, they both keep their separate thermal properties; cold and warm.
- Kano City Walls
It is true that early civilizations erected city walls and gates to protect their citizens from outside threats. This does not exclude the historic city of Kano.
These impressive city walls in northern Nigeria, which date back to the 14th century and are regarded as some of the best examples of West African military architecture, are the city’s most well-known feature.
According to history, her walls were constructed to defend the city from invading enemies, and they are still in place today. It might be a good idea to nourish your eyes and mind with a view of the historic Kano city walls.
- Badagry Heritage Museum (Slave Trade Port)
Perhaps having a feel of the bonds that binds us as humans and also the need for peaceful co-existence is one of the lessons to learn in preparation for life outside the four walls of the college.
Of the many activities that may lead students to this realization is a visit to the Badagry Heritage Museum, located in Badagry, Lagos State. Once a bustling port that served as a hub for the slave trade in West Africa, today, serves as a reminder of the history of millions of men, women, and children who were forcibly taken from their homes and sent on a treacherous journey across the Atlantic.
Walking through the halls of this museum is a sobering experience, as it sheds light on the inhumane treatment of enslaved Africans and the impact it had on their lives. The museum’s collection includes artefacts, documents, and multimedia displays that bring the history of the slave trade to life. Visitors can view shackles, documents recounting transactions, and maps illustrating the routes taken by slave ships.
- Gidan Kwano
Gidan Kwano, also referred to as the Kano Palace, is a historical palace situated in Kano. The palace, which dates back to the 15th century, is renowned for its stunning architecture and ornate carvings and decorations. It was the Emir of Kano’s residence and continues to be a symbol of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
The Gidan Kwano which spans a 14-hectare area and is located in the centre of historic Kano city, is the oldest and largest traditional palace in Northern Nigeria. It was constructed by Sarkin Muhammadu Rumfa (also known as King Muhammad Rumfa), who ruled the Kano Emirate and all of Northern Nigeria from 1463 to 1499.
The Laterite palace has undergone numerous reconstructions to achieve its current splendour since the Fulani Jihad of 1805 while maintaining its historical significance.
In conclusion, Nigeria has an abundance of historic sites that are worth a visit for any British traveller. These sites offer a window into Nigeria’s rich and varied past, from ancient kingdoms to colonial-era architecture. A visit to these seven sites will take you on a journey that spans centuries and offers a glimpse into Nigeria’s fascinating history and culture.
