From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo
The former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Pro Chancellor of the Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State, Engr. Dr. Andrew Yakubu Laah said he advocated for the creation of a department of Kwararafa history at the institution to preserve the Kwararafa cultural history as a foundation for a progressive future.
Dr. Yakubu stated this last Weekend shortly after he was awarded with a honorary doctorate degree in Science by the community based university in Wukari.
He explained that understanding historical roots is significant in shaping a promising future, saying, “If we do not know where we are coming from, we may not likely know where we are going”.
The former GMD added that being a descendant of the great Kwararafa Kingdom, inspired him to advocate for the creation of the department, stressing that it will open room for historians across the world to visit the University for more authentic insight on the history of the kingdom.
Dr. Yakubu also explained the need for the Middle belt and other cultures across the country to embrace their rich cultural heritage as a means of positioning themselves as leaders rather than just following the global trend.
“For us to stand out as a unique kingdom, and to compete with other cultures across the globe, we must invest and celebrate our unique cultural heritage.
“While the world should be competing with us as first-generation leaders in culture and creativity, we have abandoned that position. It is time to do things differently by investing in uplifting our culture”, he said.
Dr. Yakubu further pledged to use his connections and experience to rally round support for the development of the University.
“The ultimate aim is to make the university self-sufficient and better positioned to serve the community’s educational needs.
“We will come up with a scheme to enhance the teaching and learning environments within the school and give the students access to high-quality educational opportunities.
The School was founded in 2005 as a community based university, by the Jukun chiefdom, under the leadership of the paramount ruler, the Aku Uka, to
focus on students’ intellectual and moral development.//.