FISA Excursion To National Commission For Museum and Monuments

On May 30th, 2023, the Federation of Igbo Students Association made a visit to the National Commission of Museums and Monuments. 

The National Commission of Museums and Monuments is the government agency responsible for the preservation, protection, and promotion of Nigeria's cultural heritage. The visit of the Federation of Igbo Students Association was an opportunity for them to engage with the agency and discuss ways to preserve the cultural heritage of the Igbo people.

Come along with me let me take you on a virtual ride of the Event.

Students arriving the meeting point venue at Universities of Jos permanent site.

National Commission of Museums and Monuments,Museum of traditional Nigerian architecture (MOTNA).

The assistant director of  museum of traditional Nigerian architecture (Motna)in the person of Mrs Uche Joy gave a welcome remark.

Also Ibrahim kamndu the deputy director of Museum of traditional Nigerian architecture (Motna ) was equally happy to have us and told us that the artifacts we were about to see all the architectural designs were made from locally made materials

Our tour began.. 

Our First stop was the bight of Benin (South-South ,Nigeria)

Receiving lectures about Benin kingdom,one of the strongest and hardest to conquer during the pre colonial era.

Candid picture of students paying attention to the lectures 

We were told this lines in the building represented that it was a  Benin chief’s house 

Inside the bight of Benin .. phenomenal I must say 

This was dedicated to commemorate Professor Zbigniew. R dmochowski (1906-1982) a polish scholar who was a chief architect and supervisor of the construction of the museum.

Next stop was this ruins which signified the Katsina Emirate house

The Great Kano walls replica

Next we visited the Zaria Emirate ,this was a typical example of the indigenous  Zaria court where the Alkali system of government was practiced and where a man goes to divorce his wife.

This compound signifies the Yoruba House hold of South-Western ,Nigeria.

A typical Tiv settlement compound . Tiv is a tribe dominatly found in Benue,North-Central Nigeria.

This Tiv hut is where the wife usually gives birth.

Next is a typical Gwari chief Compound. The Gwaris are a tribe dominantly found in Abuja,Fct

The tour was made more fun from the tunes which emanated from the flute (oja in ibo language) of one of the students.

Then we had to trek a little distance to see more historical monuments 

The Indigenous Rukuba settlement. The Rukuba are a tribe found in Plateau state,North-Central,Nigeria.

On our way to our final tour destination, I saw this beautiful nursery beds of plants and flowers ..it was quite a scenery, indeed Jos & plateau state as a whole is blessed.

We finally got to the South Eastern zone of the museum and the atmosphere was lit… indeed Igwe bu Ike which when translated to English means there’s strength in unity.

Cross section of FISA students at final tour destination 

We were told that this was peculiar example of the first Igbo stormy building by an Igbo man.

Next we saw another Igbo compound,this one was significant because it had tiny rooms that I couldn’t even take pictures of to depict our ancestral heritage.. some students renamed it one man one woman room lol 

Our Final Destination was the Mbari Shrine,which had different deities Like gods and goddesses of Wealth,Health,Virginity,Pregnancy etc. We were also told to use our backs to enter the shrine so that we don’t upset the gods and goddesses. 

Chilling with Amadioha with 100 others 

Next was the photo session with the deputy director and assistant director which concluded our excursion 

We finally went back to the reception ground and was welcomed by the Mc Mazi Dike Dike ,who happened to be an Alumni member of Fisa,he ended this wonderful experience with a dance competition and cash prizes to be won by winners.

Male Dancers from different south eastern states showcasing their talents..i can see the Fisa President Boniface showcasing some dangerous moves there 

The female dancers from the different south eastern states didn’t come to play either , indeed what a man can do a woman can do better.

The Visit was a great success, as it fostered a closer relationship between the Federation of Igbo Students Association(University of Jos chapter) and the National Commission of Museums and Monumebts . The students were able to share their ideas on how to preserve the cultural heritage of the Igbo people and the agency was able to offer their expertise on the best ways to do so. 

Indeed this is one of my best experiences as I leave university of Jos, I am of the opinion that classroom teaching should also involve excursions like this for students to explore and learn new things 

And this is me ..won’t hurt to see the face behind the pictures.

Thanks for reading this post and you can share your thoughts and comments with me on this Adios…till next time