Baze University offers ₦25 million for research on local calendar systems

Baze University in Abuja has launched a ₦25 million grant to help with research on indigenous calendar systems. The founder, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, announced this support on Tuesday. He made the announcement during the university’s seventh inaugural lecture, which was given by the Vice-Chancellor, Abiodun Adeniyi, a professor, at the campus in Abuja.

The announcement came right after the Obaro of Kabba, Solomon Awoniyi, shared details about a unique calendar system from his kingdom. After the lecture, Mr Awoniyi greeted everyone with a happy new year, explaining that the new year according to his kingdom’s calendar is today.

“Our own January is in the month of June. Our own new year and festival starts today. That’s why I am saying happy new year to everybody,” the traditional ruler said at the start of his speech.

Mr Baba-Ahmed expressed his surprise at the existence of this tradition in Nigeria. He called it a significant discovery for the country’s intellectual landscape. He said it shows important aspects of Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritage.

“If there is anything I got from this lecture, in fact, in a very long time, it is to discover that there is a Nigerian culture that has a calendar. This is huge,” Mr Baba-Ahmed said. “I am blown away by the fact that there is a Nigerian culture that has a calendar. Do you know how important this is?”

He drew comparisons between this discovery and the well-known calendars of ancient civilisations like the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, as well as the Chinese and Indian calendars. He pointed out that Nigeria has not done enough to record and promote its own indigenous knowledge systems.

Mr Baba-Ahmed then invited those interested in researching this topic to apply for funding. “There is a Nigerian culture that has a calendar, and we have been quiet about it. Baze University will not allow this to remain untouched. I am opening the floodgates. Whoever wishes to research into the Nigerian calendar, I have dedicated ₦25 million for this.”

He also highlighted the role of universities as places for intellectual inquiry. He believes that academic discussions are key to finding knowledge that can help with national development.