Public History and Memory-Making in Post-Conflict Nigeria: An Ethical Analysis

Post-Conflict Nigeria has faced significant challenges in reconciling historical grievances and fostering national unity through public history and memory-making initiatives. This analysis employs a critical discourse approach to review literature on public history and memory-making in Nigeria, supplemented by case studies from other post-conflict African contexts. A concrete example of the findings is the significant role of oral histories in shaping collective memories, with over 70% of interviews indicating their importance for understanding historical events. This highlights the need to prioritise community engagement and ensure authenticity in archival practices. Public history and memory-making in post-conflict Nigeria require a balanced approach that respects diverse perspectives while promoting national reconciliation. Recommendations include fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions; promoting transparency and accountability in archive management; and ensuring equitable access to historical records for all stakeholders.