CHRICED and University of Abuja Forge Partnership for Heritage Centre
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and the University of Abuja have officially entered into a collaborative agreement to create a dedicated centre focused on safeguarding the culture, history, and identity of Abuja's original inhabitants. This partnership was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the university, marking the launch of plans for the Abuja Original Inhabitants Heritage Centre.
University Leadership Highlights Global Academic Impact
During the MoU signing ceremony, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, praised the initiative as a pivotal achievement in the institution's efforts to advance research and internationalise its academic offerings. He emphasised that the centre is poised to become a worldwide hub for indigenous studies, drawing scholars from across Africa and beyond. "We believe this will be an international centre of excellence where people from different parts of the world will come to study indigenous heritage, traditions and identity," he stated, committing the university to provide the necessary administrative and academic support to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Addressing Marginalisation Through Cultural Preservation
Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED, explained that the project was initiated in response to the ongoing marginalisation and displacement faced by Abuja's indigenous communities. He highlighted that many natives of the Federal Capital Territory have been systematically excluded from political participation and decision-making processes, despite being the original inhabitants of the land. "Over two million indigenous people in Abuja are completely excluded. Their lands have been taken over, their means of livelihood destroyed, and they are displaced repeatedly in the name of development," he remarked.
Zikirullahi further detailed that beyond advocacy efforts, the centre will function as a cultural repository, preserving the history, artefacts, and traditions of these communities for future generations. "There is a need to establish a monument that will showcase their culture, their values, their traditions and history. If these are erased, then their identity is gone," he added. The facility is designed to include research units, cultural displays, and tourism components, positioning it as both an academic and leisure destination.
Support and Development Plans for the Centre
According to Zikirullahi, the project receives backing from the MacArthur Foundation and will serve as a research and policy hub addressing indigenous issues, climate responsibility, and inclusive development. He stressed that thorough due diligence is currently underway to ensure structural integrity and environmental compliance before construction begins. "A project of this magnitude requires approvals across multiple levels. We are ensuring that all architectural designs and environmental standards are met. Hopefully, within the next few weeks, construction will commence," he disclosed.
Global Relevance and Academic Integration
Prof. Momodu Kassim Momodu, Chairman of CHRICED's Board, described the initiative as a groundbreaking project with global significance. He noted that upon completion, the centre is expected to attract researchers from around the world and foster partnerships with similar international institutions. "A research centre like this will draw scholars interested in indigenous knowledge from all over the world. It will become a reference point not just for Nigeria, but for Africa," he said, expressing confidence in CHRICED's ability to deliver the project based on its history of impactful interventions.
Additionally, Prof. Matthew Dada, Director of the Centre for Indigenous Studies at the university, characterised the MoU signing as a historic event that will strengthen indigenous identity within the academic sphere.
