UNILAG’s IADS Marks Black History Month, Urges Stronger Global Awareness on African Self-Representation
The Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), University of Lagos, on Wednesday commemorated the 2026 Black History Month with a call for intensified global awareness on African self-representation and Nigeria’s role in shaping Black history worldwide.
The celebration, themed “Century of African Self-Representation; Nigeria in the Globalisation of Black History,” coincides with the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, first observed in 1926 in the United States as “Negro History Week” before evolving into a month-long national commemoration every February.
Speaking at the event, Director of IADS, Prof. Ayo Yusuf, described Black History Month as a moment of “intentional reflection and intensified global awareness,” noting that the institute represents a structured and sustained effort to advance similar ideals beyond the annual celebration.
According to Yusuf, both Black History Month and IADS contribute to a broader movement aimed at educating, empowering and connecting people of African descent across the globe.
“We gather here today to formally recognise and reflect upon the enduring contributions and achievements of Black individuals and communities whose works have shaped societies, strengthened institutions and enriched cultures across generations,” he said.
He explained that the institute’s mandate is structured around 70 per cent research, 20 per cent teaching and 10 per cent advocacy, emphasising that its core mission aligns strongly with the principles of Black History Month.
Yusuf noted that the commemoration provides an opportunity to examine history with clarity, appreciate progress made, and acknowledge the resilience, innovation and excellence that continue to define Black experiences worldwide.
He added that while Black History Month operates as a global commemorative period, IADS offers an academic and institutional framework that sustains conversations on African heritage and diasporic experiences throughout the year.
The director said the institute regularly organises public lectures, seminars, exhibitions and community outreach programmes focusing on colonialism, cultural resilience, Pan-Africanism and the ongoing contributions of Africans and the diaspora to global development.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. David Aworawo, Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, said the 2026 theme was apt as it seeks to assess developments over the past century regarding the contributions of people of African descent globally.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s role in the globalisation of Black history, particularly in the documentation of historical struggles and advocacy for freedom, liberty and equality.
“African self-representation has expanded tremendously, and Nigeria has featured prominently in this endeavour,” Aworawo said.
He noted that Nigeria’s contributions in documenting history and supporting anti-colonial struggles across the continent have positioned the country as a key player in advancing Black self-representation.
Aworawo further stated that Nigeria had taken significant risks in confronting racial inequality and colonial domination, adding that its role in shaping Black consciousness globally remains substantial.
The event also featured a quiz competition among secondary schools in Lagos State, designed to promote historical awareness among young learners.
Participating schools included Queen’s College Lagos, Maryland Comprehensive High School, Igbobi College, Grace School, Federal Government College Ijanikin, Holy Child College and Dansol School, among others.
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At the end of the competition, Maryland Comprehensive High School emerged overall winner, followed by Igbobi College in second place, while Onike Girls Junior School secured third position.
The 2026 celebration marked the eighth edition of the institute’s annual Black History Month event, which began in 2019, reinforcing its commitment to preserving African narratives and strengthening global recognition of Black heritage.
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