Abstract:

This paper considers the challenges facing the humanities in general and highlights the author’s personal experiences and achievements in the field of humanities education in Nigeria. Essentially, the paper traces the historical evolution of the humanities in Nigeria before considering current developments and challenges. Interestingly, the paper contextualises and critiques the long-standing policy that privileges science and social science-based courses in admissions, job placements, funding and societal recognition. This development has contributed to consigning the humanities to the margins of scholarship in Nigeria. Significantly, the paper recognizes the fact that the development of new techniques, concepts and theories in related disciplines imply that almost all scholars in the humanities have to acquaint themselves with the basic fundamentals of science and social science research. Consequently, the paper advocates for an inter / multidisciplinary approach to humanistic scholarship. The study concludes by articulating the centrality of the humanities to the quest for knowledge and societal advancement.