Ahmadu Bello University Museum of Archaeology today unveiled a new exhibition curated by students of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies.
A statement from the Public Affairs Directorate Office of the VC said the exhibition, billed to be on for the next six months, is curated by the Department’s Classes of 2025 and 2026.
It was unveiled at the University Museum of Archaeology by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, on Monday, 24th August, 2026.
Christened ‘A Journey Through Nigeria’s Archaeological and Cultural Legacy’, the exhibition takes visitors on an engaging journey through Nigeria’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage.
This is by carefully selecting objects to explore different dimensions of human life, creativity, technology, belief, identity, and community.
Rather than presenting objects as isolated artefacts, the exhibition encourages visitors to discover the stories and knowledge embedded within them.
The Vice-Chancellor was represented at the occasion by the Dean of Arts, Prof Mohammed Sule, who was taken the various exhibition stands by the Coordinator, Museums Studies, Dr Ishaq Isah Ishaq, alongside other staff members of the Department.
It began with an imaginary archaeological landscape, explaining the process of archaeological excavation and demonstrating how archaeologists uncover and interpret evidence of the past.
This was followed by archaeological pictures, which brings fieldwork of archaeology to life through photographs, documenting surveys, excavations, and other aspects of archaeology practice.
The Coordinator, Museum Studies, Dr Ishaq Isah Ishaq, said the event would continue through a series of showcases, featuring traditional basketry, farming implements, carved wood sculptures and masquerades.
He said it would also feature traditional warfare materials, leather works, musical instruments, traditional textiles, pottery, copper and alloy ornaments, including different forms of bangles and necklaces.
The theme of the exhibition, according to Dr Ishaq, was more than a display of objects.
“It is an invitation to discover the creativity, knowledge, beliefs, technologies, and identities that have shaped Nigerian communities across generations and to reflect on the responsibility of preserving this heritage for the future”, he said.
According to him, the distinctive feature was its emphasis on the connection between archaeology and living cultural traditions.
The exhibition, he further said, represented an important educational achievement for the students who curated it.
Dr Ishaq said the Classes of 2025 and 2026 had applied practical knowledge of museum exhibition, collections interpretations, and heritage communication.
He further stated that the exhibition reflected the museum’s commitment to using its collections as platforms for teaching, research, public engagement, and heritage awareness.
Those who attended the unveiling of the exhibition included some staff members of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, including Prof M K Aliyu, mni; Prof J D Ndera; Dr Abubakar Abdukadir; and Rabiu Yusuf.
They also included many Heads of Department, top academic staff, and many guests.
