Fifteenth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

Museums need to take the centre for societal and communal developments for better understanding of cultures and cultural practices in developing nations like Nigeria. This will contribute immensely to the construction of individual and communal identity of the people they represent and exhibit to the rest of the world. Through the collection and display of tangible and intangible artefacts in varied artforms, ranging from architecture to religious artefacts, the Nigerian museums from inception seeks to exhibit the diverse cultures of the people. From their collection they become not only an education and leisure space but a resource. As such they become a hub to different educational establishment within the country. Sadly, the Nigerian museum is yet to take the rightful place of an educational resource. This paper through a mixed methodology approach highlights the problem that faces the museum education in Nigerian museums. It considers the role of EUNIC cluster in Nigeria in funding trainings on museum education. The paper reviews the state of museum education in Nigeria and the need for reformation to engage a more focused learning aim that aids history and construction of identity. The paper concludes by providing insight and answers to the following questions a) what constitutes museum education and communication in Nigeria, b) who is museum education for and c) what possible areas of improvement can be adopted?