A professor of African literature at the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), Mallam Al-Bishak, has proposed the creation of an Institute of Ancient African Studies at the university. He made the recommendation during his 44th inaugural lecture on Sunday, advocating for a dedicated centre to house ancient African discoveries, histories and archival materials. The institute would include a museum and serve as a repository for emerging African historical records, according to Al-Bishak, who specialises in Egyptology.
He stated that Nigeria currently lacks any institution devoted exclusively to ancient African histories, and establishing the centre at FULAFIA would fill this gap. The professor linked the initiative to broader cultural and economic benefits, noting it could attract visitors and generate revenue. He credited his interest in Egyptology to reading Africa Before They Came by Gabriel Welch while in secondary school, followed by further research inspired by Margaret A. Murray's The Splendor That Was Egypt. Al-Bishak said he would donate his personal collection of ancient African historical materials to the institute if established, adding that such a move would ensure public access to knowledge after his death.
The proposal places responsibility on FULAFIA and Nasarawa State to act on a plan that exists only as a recommendation so far. Students and researchers should monitor whether the university moves to establish the institute or commits resources toward its development.
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