In view of the proposed partnership between the Department of Archeology and Museum Studies, Federal University Lokoja, and the National Commission for Museum and Monuments, Lokoja, Kogi State, the Curator of the Museum, Mrs. Rebecca Agbogun paid a working visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi in his office on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. 

During the meeting with the Vice-Chancellor who initiated the move, areas of mutual benefits between both Institutions were discussed, while the necessary paper works to finalize the partnership were to be concluded in earnest.

While speaking, the Head of Department, Archeology and Museum Studies, Professor Jonathan D. Ndera who led the delegation said that the partnership when signed would ensure that other critical components needed for learning, research and entertainment were introduced. He added that the status of the museum would be upgraded to reflect the efforts and contributions of the people who hosted and sustained the economy of the colonial government which its present status did not portray.

In her remarks also, the Curator alluded to the fact that the aims and objectives of the partnership would birth the inclusion of other areas of national interest that would broaden the scope of the Museum to accommodate History Museum, Archaeology Museum and Ethnographic Museum of Natural History, amongst other important areas.

As a build up to this synergy, Professor Ndera was earlier hosted by the Commission on May 18, 2022 where he presented a paper titled "The Power of the Museum" to mark the World Museum Day which took place at the National Museum and Monuments, Lokoja. 

In the presentation, Professor Ndera elucidated the importance of museum and its vast potentials of improving revenue generation, provides entertainment and serves as a veritable ground for research. The paper was a clarion call to the government to ensure an all-round development of the European Colonial Museum. 

The paper aptly discussed the nature and relevance of museums to the growth and development of human societies. He equally emphasised the importance of museum and the need to ensure adequate remuneration for officers assigned to work there, the needed expansion that would accommodate training for mutual benefits to both Federal University Lokoja and the National Museum and Monuments.

The visit was an indication of interest and willingness that will further facilitate the process leading to a smooth and robust partnership between both Institutions. It is hoped that the partnership will open up the Colonial Museum from its present status and refocus it with a view to providing more opportunities for teaching, research, and entertainment.  

The high point of the meeting was the presentation of gifts including T-Shirt and Magazines to the Vice-Chancellor by the Curator, Mrs. Rebecca Agbogun.