

Artistic exterior of the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos
On the morning of Thursday, July 25th, 2018, students of the Southcreek Centre boarded a bus and drove all the way down to the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos. When we got there, we were received by a woman, Mrs. Julie Paul, who introduced the museum to us and addressed us on the rules and regulations of the museum. The National Museum was founded in 1957 by the English archaeologist, Kenneth Murray.
First, we went to the art gallery, where we saw lots of pictures and art creations depicting Nigeria in its true and diverse nature. The museum has a notable collection of Nigerian art, including pieces of statuary, carvings, archaeological and ethnographic exhibits. Of note is a terra-cotta human head known as the Jemaa Head (c. 900 to 200 BC), part of the Nok culture. The piece is named after Jema’a, the village in Kaduna State where it was uncovered.

The Jema’a Nok head
Next, we saw the pictures of all the Nigerian past and present leaders which lined a section of the walls. This was so interesting and detailed. It truly brought the Nigerian history to life. Finally, we saw the State car in which General Muritala Mohammed, Nigeria’s fourth Head of State, was assassinated on 13 February 1976, at the age of 37.

The State car
There were so many other interesting details of our history as a Nation well preserved at the National Museum.
The visit to the National Museum was most enlightening and educational. The National Museum should be supported, funded and maintained because it helps Nigerians to become patriotic citizens and helps to preserve and immortalize the great history of Nigeria.