ABU Archaeology Museum Unveils Student-Curated Exhibition

The Ahmadu Bello University Museum of Archaeology on Monday unveiled a new exhibition curated by students of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies.

The exhibition, titled 'A Journey Through Nigeria's Archaeological and Cultural Legacy', was unveiled by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, on Monday, August 24, 2026. It is billed to run for the next six months.

The exhibition was curated by the Department's Classes of 2025 and 2026.

It takes visitors on an engaging journey through Nigeria's rich archaeological and cultural heritage by carefully selecting objects to explore different dimensions of human life, creativity, technology, belief, identity, and community.

Rather than presenting objects as isolated artefacts, the exhibition encourages visitors to discover the stories and knowledge embedded within them.

The Vice-Chancellor was represented at the occasion by the Dean of Arts, Prof Mohammed Sule, who was taken through the various exhibition stands by the Coordinator, Museum Studies, Dr Ishaq Isah Ishaq, alongside other staff members of the Department.

The exhibition began with an imaginary archaeological landscape, explaining the process of archaeological excavation and demonstrating how archaeologists uncover and interpret evidence of the past.

This was followed by archaeological pictures, which bring fieldwork to life through photographs documenting surveys, excavations, and other aspects of archaeological practice.

The Coordinator, Museum Studies, Dr Ishaq Isah Ishaq, said the event would continue through a series of showcases featuring traditional basketry, farming implements, carved wood sculptures and masquerades.

He said it would also feature traditional warfare materials, leather works, musical instruments, traditional textiles, pottery, copper and alloy ornaments, including different forms of bangles and necklaces.

According to Dr Ishaq, the theme of the exhibition was more than a display of objects.

"It is an invitation to discover the creativity, knowledge, beliefs, technologies, and identities that have shaped Nigerian communities across generations and to reflect on the responsibility of preserving this heritage for the future," he said.

He noted that the distinctive feature was its emphasis on the connection between archaeology and living cultural traditions.

Dr Ishaq said the exhibition represented an important educational achievement for the students who curated it, adding that the Classes of 2025 and 2026 had applied practical knowledge of museum exhibition, collections interpretation, and heritage communication.

He further stated that the exhibition reflected the museum's commitment to using its collections as platforms for teaching, research, public engagement, and heritage awareness.

Those in attendance included staff members of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, including Prof M K Aliyu, mni; Prof J D Ndera; Dr Abubakar Abdulkadir; and Rabiu Yusuf. Also present were Heads of Department, top academic staff, and other guests.