By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
International Museum Day is a momentous occasion celebrated annually and it is a day set aside by the International Council of Museums to publicize and appreciate the important roles played by Museums in cultural preservation and heritage management.
It is on this premise that the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) organized its 2024 International Museum Day with the theme, “Museum for Education and Research”.
The event which took place in Abuja on Thursday 23rd May 2024, showcased lots of Nigerian cultural heritage, presentation of cultural display and poem rendition by secondary school students.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. John Sule who was represented by Rev. Dr. Ben Ugo Anamah, said that museums are not just repositories of artifacts and lyrics but are vibrant hubs of learning, discovery and exploration.
He added that they offer a unique environment where visitors can engage with the past, comprehend the present and shape the future.
He further highlighted the vital roles museums play in research and education to include; hands-on experience, interactive exhibits and immersive storytelling, thereby making learning fun and accessible for all ages.
“Museums inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and encourage creativity”, he added.
The Permanent Secretary noted that, through their collections and exhibitions, museums preserve our cultural heritage, promote cross-cultural understanding, and facilitate intergenerational dialogue as they serve as laboratories for innovative research, driving discoveries and insights in various fields, from art and history to science and technology.
He, however, noted that museums cannot achieve their full potential alone, which is why he enjoined every to join hands with the federal government to achieve the set goals, which include promoting, preserving, and protecting our rich cultural heritage in tandem with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
“Together, we can develop and enhance museum infrastructure, create engaging exhibitions and programs, support educational research initiatives, and preserve our cultural heritage for future generations.
“By working together, we can ensure that museums thrive as vibrant spaces for learning, creativity, and community engagement”, he advised.
In his welcome address, the Director General, National Commission for Museum and Monument Mr. Olugbule Holloway, said that the International Museum Day is worth celebrating because of the transformative power of museums as catalysts for intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and societal development.
According to him, this year’s international museum day celebration with the theme “Museums for Education and Research,” was carefully selected to highlight the crucial role these institutions play in fostering learning, discovery, and knowledge dissemination.
He noted that, “Museums serve as dynamic hubs of education, providing a wealth of resources and opportunities for lifelong learning. From curated exhibitions and interactive displays to educational programs and workshops, museums offer diverse avenues for individuals of all ages to engage with art, culture, history, science, and beyond.
“Moreover, museums are vital centres for research, serving as repositories of knowledge and facilitating scholarly inquiry across various disciplines. Through their collections, archives, and specialized resources, museums have contributed to advancing research and promoting a deeper understanding of the world around us”, he added.
Fielding questions from Journalists on how to harness modern technology to boost museum and monuments in this technology driven age in Nigeria, the Director General, National Gallery of Art Ahmed Sodangi revealed that in this new age of rapid technological advancement, museums and monuments have a unique opportunity to harness modern technology to enhance visitor experiences, promote accessibility, and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
Sodangi briefly elaborated on the use of Virtual Reality and Virtual Acuity to boost public awareness of museums and monuments in Nigeria. “With the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, museums can offer immersive virtual tours that allow visitors to explore exhibits and historical sites from the comfort of their homes”.
He added that virtual tours can reach a wider audience, including those who may not have the means to visit in person.
He further highlighted some other ways in which technology can be leveraged upon to boost museums and monuments in Nigeria to include: interactive exhibits, mobile apps, digital archives, augmented reality experience, data analytics, and online learning platform.
