The Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS) has been inaugurated by the Federal Government, marking a significant milestone in the realm of cultural education and advancement. This specialized institution aims to train individuals for groundbreaking studies and the promotion of Nigerian culture and history.
Chief Biodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), disclosed this development in a statement released on Saturday through his media aide, Caleb Nor. The establishment of NACUS is part of an initiative to foster cultural renaissance in Nigeria.
Ajiboye emphasized that NACUS would serve as the nation’s foremost center for cultural education, boasting accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer the National Diploma in Cultural Administration & Human Resources (NDCAHR) program. Additionally, the institution offers a Postgraduate Diploma program in affiliation with Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, highlighted plans for NACUS to operate across four geographical zones of Nigeria, with campuses in Abuja, the Northern Zone, the Southern Zone, and the Eastern Zone.
Efforts are underway to ensure that certifications from NACUS are recognized and employable in the civil service, as well as in various sectors including cultural enterprises, tourism agencies, and hospitality industries.
Ajiboye underscored the government’s commitment to cultural revitalization, noting that the elevation of NICO’s training school to a full-fledged higher institution reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This move signals a recognition of the pivotal role of culture in national development and policymaking processes.
Recognizing the importance of cultural identity, Ajiboye emphasized the significance of incorporating indigenous cultural content into the educational curriculum from primary to tertiary levels. He asserted that reclaiming Nigeria’s cultural heritage would instill a sense of originality and strengthen national identity.
Furthermore, Ajiboye highlighted NACUS as a crucial step towards promoting cultural proficiency among Nigerian youths, fostering job creation, and leveraging the nation’s cultural wealth in entertainment and fintech sectors.
In essence, the establishment of NACUS represents a pivotal shift towards prioritizing and harnessing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage for sustainable development and national identity.