Understanding education programmes at Ife museum

By Olawuni Rebecca Toyin

THIS piece will be incomplete discussing Museum Education without the definition of museum. Therefore, a museum is an institution that cares for (conserves) a collection of artefact and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary.

On the other hand, museum education is a specialised field devoted to developing and strengthening the educational roles of informal education spaces and Institutions such as Museums.

In a crucial report called ‘Excellent and Equity’, published in 1992 by the American Association of Museums, the educational role of Museums was identified as the core to Museums’ services to the public. As museum education has developed as a field of study and interest in its own right, efforts have been made to record its history and to establish a research agenda to strengthen its position as a discipline in the wider work of museums.

Apart from the above, museum education is the intentional use of collections and resources to facilitate lifelong, non-formal learning and personal development for diverse audiences. It focuses on accessibility, crucial thinking and engagement through guided tours, workshops, interactive exhibits and digital content designed to foster deeper connections with culture and history.

Also, museum education involves using a museum’s resources and collection to facilitates learning for diverse audiences. It includes activities like tours, workshops, and interactive exhibits that promote active, inquiry-based learning, focused on accessibility and inclusivity. Museum education aims to engage visitors, enhance their understanding, and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural, historical or scientific content to foster active citizenship and lifelong learning in a non-formal learning context.

It is of paramount importance to note that, museum education in Nigeria enhances cultural awareness by showcasing diverse heritage, fostering national identity and supporting school curricula through interactive exhibitions and community outreach. It bridges generational gaps, encourages research, promotes social harmony, and intangible traditions.

Museum educational programmes: Museum educational programmes are vital for democratising, fostering critical thinking and promoting empathy through interactive hands-on experiences. They bridge formal schooling with formal learning, enhance accessibility for diverse audiences and build community connections while cultivating lifelong learning habits.

They play important roles and bring benefits to the development of Museum as an institution and also help in creating cultural awareness in the societies and building community connections.

Types of museum educational programmes: School programmes and K-12 Engagement. This is arguably the bedrock of museum education. Field trips to museums have been a rite of passage for generations of pupils, but today’s school programmes are far more sophisticated than simple guided tours. They are often curriculum-aligned, designed to complement classroom learning and bring subjects to life in tangible ways.

Public and family programmes: These programmes are designed for the general public, often on weekends or evenings, and are frequently geared towards families with children of varying ages. The goal is to make museum visit enjoyable, educational, and accessible for everyone.

Digital and virtual education programs: This has profoundly impacted museum education, opening up unprecedented opportunities for reach and engagement. 

Community outreach and partnership: Museums are increasingly recognising their responsibility to serve their entire community, not just those who walk through their doors. Outreach programme extends the museum’s mission into neighbourhoods, community centres and schools. These initiatives are powerful tools for building trust, fostering goodwill.

Adult and lifelong learning programmes: Learning doesn’t stop after formal schooling, and museums are incredible resources for adult learners seeking intellectual enrichment, skill development, or social connection.

Therefore, it is good to say that, the vibrancy that museum education programs bring is simply irreplaceable.

Olawuni is Chief Museum Education Officer at National Museum, Ile-Ife.