In a move aimed at preservation of historical records, Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Initiative and the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) have launched WikiHeritage Fellowship to unearth and digitise Lagos historical archives,
A statement issued in Lagos by the President, Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, Mr. Olushola Olaniyan said the initiative a strategic collaboration to unearth, digitise, and publish rare archival documents through a digital public good (DPG) such as Wikipedia and bridging the gap between archives and the public.
Olaniyan explained that the project emerged as a strategic response to the critical lack of authoritative and reliable sources supporting the online documentation of Nigeria’s history.
He noted said that the project will premiere in Lagos State because of the State’s rich culture, technological advancement and its and administrative structure.
The statement read in part: ‘’ As part of this initiative, the organising partners are pleased to announce the launch of a Fellowship Program, which will run from June 18 to June 30, 2025. The fellowship will train selected participants in archival research, leadership, and digital documentation, preparing them to serve as custodians of Nigeria’s historical legacy.
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‘’We designed this idea to preserve and digitise hundreds of historical records, including manuscripts, letters, maps, and public documents that have remained largely inaccessible to the public.
The goal is to ensure that Nigerian history is no longer confined to physical vaults but is made openly available and accessible to students, educators, researchers, and the global public.
‘’Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation contributes its expertise in free knowledge dissemination and a robust volunteer community to enrich Wikipedia and its sister projects with verified historical content. The Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Initiative provides leadership development, youth engagement, and digital literacy training. The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) offers access to rare archival resources and provides institutional support for their proper digitisation and preservation.’’
Olaniyan added: ‘’This collaboration is also strategically aimed at making pre-Internet archival resources available in digital formats, enabling them to be used as citable, verifiable sources to enhance the quality and depth of historical content about Lagos and Nigeria on Wikipedia and similar knowledge platforms.
“We believe that our history should not be hidden in vaults. This project is about preserving our heritage and making it openly available, responsibly and accurately.”