……….as FULafia holds 44th Inaugural lecture.
A Professor of African Literature at the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Mallam Al-Bishak has called for the re-writing of African History and Educational Curriculum away from Eurocentric perspective in order to inculcate pride in the African pupils and reflect the real and original history of the people.
This, he said will also chart a brighter and greater future the the African race.
Prof. Al-Bishak made the call when he made presentation at the 44th Inaugural Lecture Series of the Federal University of Lafia today Wednesday.
It would be reported that the Inaugural lecture had it topic : Egyptology, Egyptomania and Khemetology: Literature and the Black African Literary as Masters of Homer, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle etc and it brought together people from all works of life.
Prof. Al-Bishak of the Department of English and Literary Studies also called on Africans to reject stigma of slavery,
“Africans must always be conscious of the slogans “Black is Beautiful” and I am Black and Proud” he said.
According to him “there is the absolute need to re-write African history away from the Eurocentric perspective that seeks to denigrate Africa and its inhabitants.
“And exaggerate the capabilities of the white race with a view to entrenching the Eurasian hegemony and hold Africans subservient to them.
“Along with that, is
the need to redesign the educational curriculum of African schools so as to inculcate pride in the African pupils and imbibed them the confidence to chart a greater future” he said.
He said that African minds are blocked by colonial mis-education.
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Our history, just as our artifacts has been stolen from us.
“We have been indoctrinated with inferiority complex to the whiteman, where we believe that we are incapable of doing anything independently.
“But absolutely rely on the whiteman. The solution is taking our destiny into our own hands by reversing our history and restoring our leadership role in antiquity and our pride as a black race” he said.
Prof. Al-Bishak said that the lecture hopefully established that Africa was the mecca of learning (Writing and Scribal literature in antiquity dating over 7000 years ago.
“Instead of talking about Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka and Abubakar Imam as pioneers of Africa literature.
“We should be talking about Imhotep, Ptahhotep, Amenhotep, etc,
“It is not to say that African scholars should not use foreign ideas or theories but should not depend entirely on them.
“Rather, they should evolve their own theories as workable solutions to their own local problems and then complement them with foreign theories where necessary” he added.
Prof. Al-Bishak called on the Vice Chancellor to establish the institute for Ancient African studies where robust research is carried out about the greatness of the black man in Antiquity.
“As an inspiration to the present and future generations so as to re-enact the same magic of the glorious past” he said.
Prof. Al-Bishak, appreciated the Vice Chancellor of the University, his family, Colleagues and others for their financial and other support for the success of the lecture series.
On his Part, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Lafia and Chairman of the occasion, has urged academic staff to continue to embark on research and innovation for the development of the education sector and the country at large.
Prof. Kida said that the inaugural lecture served as a platform for Professors to share their experiences/achievements in research, innovation, engagement and teaching activities.
“I congratulate Prof. Mallam Al-Bishak, the Department of English and the Faculty of Arts on this achievements.
“Today’s lecture is particularly significant because it explores a field that continue to generate scholarly interest, intellectual debate and renewed appreciation of Africa’s contribution to world civilization.
“This topic invited us to reflect critically on the historical, cultural, literary and philosophical foundations of human civilization and the place of Africa within that narrative,
“Through Al-Bishak research and publications, he has explored the intersections between ancient Egyptian civilization, African cultural heritage, literary traditions and the intellectual history of humanity” he said.
The VC expressed appreciation to the University Inaugural lecture committee for their commitment to ensure the success of the inaugural lecture.
Earlier, Prof. Josephine E Odey, Chairperson, Inaugural Lecture, Committee (ILC) said that the lecture would feature practical exhibition among others.
She appreciated the VC and other personalities for their support towards the success of the inaugural lecture.
In a vote of thanks, Dr. Suzan Dingba appreciated the VC and other personalities for attending the inaugural lecture and prayed God to bless them abundantly.
It would be reported that the inaugural lecture featured the presentation of Certificate and Sealed to the Inaugural lecturer, Prof. Mallam Al-Bishak by the VC of the University among other activities.
