Ilorin Emirate Scholars of Nupe Origin’s Role in The Educational Curriculum of The Emirate

Abstract

Education is the basis of uprightness, morality, credible and reliable technology, and security, which are essential for life sustenance. The foundation of standard education lies in a sound curriculum. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the University of Timbuktu in the defunct Songhai Empire of West Africa competed successfully with European Universities in all spheres of knowledge.  However, in the twenty-first century, none of the West African universities possessed the quality attained by their counterparts in the industrialized countries. This indicates that many things went wrong in our universities' evolutionary trends and development. This study examined the historical contributions of Nupe scholars alongside other ethnic groups (Hausa, Yoruba, and Fulani) of Ilorin Emirate origin to the educational development of the geographical entity, to enable the reform of our educational system for positive growth. The paper adopted a historical research method, which involved a case study approach, using archival materials, oral interviews, text content analysis, comparative analysis, and internet materials to assess the causes and courses of the dysfunctional educational system in the Ilorin Emirate. The study concluded that the scholars of Nupe extractions from the Ilorin Emirate contributed immensely to the enrichment of the academic curriculum of the Emirate. Although this was sustained, there was a slow pace in its further development, which adversely impacted the educational development of the Ilorin Emirate.