MUSEUMS are places where historical materials are kept. These materials are specifically kept in order to remind the people of their past.
However, not many know that museums also contribute to national development. Apart from the fact that historical artefacts are kept in museums, the museum also has different sections, especially the education department, which train people in different arts like craft making, tye and dye and paintings. These trainings then help participants become self-employed.
There are also different programmes organised by the museum, with most targeted at school children and physically challenged people in the society.
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These programmes help to boost the capacities of participants, thereby making them more knowledgeable in certain issues.
Exhibitions, painting contests, among others are also organised by the museum, with many artists using the platform provided to launch themselves into national prominence.
While it may seem that everything about the museum is on the serious note, the museum is also a place of entertainment, where people can go to relax.
Going through the historical materials is another form of entertainment and education, as one is transported back to the period when those materials were in use by our forebears.
Having said all these, efforts must be made to ensure that more people visit the museum. It can form part of the things to do for pupils in primary and secondary schools in the country, while those in tertiary institutions can have it as part of their General Studies programmes.
In short, the knowledge acquired about our past will help in preparing the people for the future.
*Ajo is of the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan.
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