Education, development, and cultural preservation stakeholders recently launched the HerStory of Nigeria school tour at Queens College, Lagos. The initiative focuses on documenting and teaching the contributions of Nigerian women, which are largely absent from existing historical narratives.
Initiative Overview
Driven by ASIRI Magazine, the program combines in-school engagements with a digital advocacy campaign to introduce students to the roles of women in Nigeria's socio-political development. It also unveiled an illustration-based magazine designed for young learners.
The launch came amid concerns that history education has weakened in classrooms and public consciousness. Speakers warned that gaps in historical knowledge, particularly about women, could affect identity formation and future decision-making.
Founder's Perspective
Dr. Oludamola Adebowale, founder of ASIRI Magazine and curator of the project, said the initiative addresses a long-standing gap in how Nigerian history is taught and preserved, especially regarding women. He explained that his interest deepened after encountering archival materials on Nigerian women during research at Oxford University—records he had not previously seen despite his background in historical research.
Adebowale stated that the project was developed as a structured response to that gap, aiming not only to retell stories but also to document and preserve them in an accessible, research-driven format. The initiative includes developing a central digital archive where materials on Nigerian women can be accessed by students, teachers, and researchers. He emphasized moving beyond fragmented or informal sources.
“This is a legacy project building a unified digital repository that will serve generations to come,” he said.
Future Expansion
Beyond Lagos, Adebowale noted that the project is designed as a nationwide intervention that will evolve over time. Future editions will extend to other regions with different historical themes. He also highlighted the magazine's accessibility, available in both physical and digital formats, alongside an online platform with additional materials. He called for support from the government, private sector, and international partners to expand the initiative.
