By CJ Okuns
The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to further academic and scientific initiatives in archaeology, cultural preservation, and the management of Nigeria’s heritage.
Since its establishment in 2020, MOWAA has been dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, expanding knowledge, and celebrating West African arts and culture. Having previously partnered with institutions like the British Museum, Edo State Government, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), this new partnership offers further opportunities for researchers from UI and UNIBEN to access MOWAA’s advanced laboratories and upcoming archival resources. It also provides avenues for joint research, targeted facility upgrades, and technical training.
Earlier this year, MOWAA signed a five-year partnership with the University of Oxford, aimed at developing its archaeological science laboratories. Additionally, MOWAA embarked on a groundbreaking project involving pre-construction archaeology and digital mapping of historic monuments in Benin, in collaboration with the British Museum, the German Archaeological Institute, and the NCMM. This initiative aims to elevate Nigeria’s archaeological practices to global standards, while protecting the nation’s heritage and creating career opportunities in archaeology, heritage management, and conservation.
The new partnership with UI and UNIBEN underscores MOWAA’s broader mission to serve both local and regional (West African) cultural practitioners and to connect them with global expertise.
MOWAA has also announced that it will host a seminar on the Futures of Archaeology in November, bringing together delegates from its university partners, the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), the British Museum, the NCMM, and the Archaeological Association of Nigeria (AAN).
Commenting on the partnership, UI’s Professor Aderemi Ajala expressed enthusiasm for future joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, and community engagement activities, all of which would enhance knowledge and cultural exchange within Nigeria and internationally.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Professor L.I. Salami, highlighted the growing leadership of Africans in archaeological research and heritage management, praising MOWAA’s Unearth Graduate Fellowship Programme. She noted that the programme has provided students with hands-on experience in heritage management, making MOWAA an extension of the university campus. “By combining our academic expertise with MOWAA’s innovative approach to cultural preservation, we are confident this partnership will empower the next generation of scholars and practitioners here in Benin City,” she said.
MOWAA’s Director, Ore Disu, stated that the MoU represents a promising future for heritage preservation in West Africa and opens new possibilities for advancing scientific and innovative practices in Nigeria. “Together, we can revitalise these crucial vocations, create jobs and work experience, and amplify the outstanding scholarship present in Nigeria and the region,” Disu added.
Support ACJ UNIBEN's goal of always bringing truth to light.
Excellent campus journalism requires financial support. Yet, it is this very journalism that contributes to an informed campus community, transparency in educational institutions, and an engaged student body. To continue offering free access to top-notch campus journalism, we invite you to consider making a modest contribution to this worthwhile endeavor. Your support for ACJ UNIBEN's campus journalism ensures its relevance and availability to all students, free of charge, fostering an informed and active campus community.
DONATE