Between Commoditization and Utilitarianism: Knowledge Production, Historical Scholarship, and Development in Nigeria

Abstract

History teachers from the late twentieth century have been faced with relevance crisis of their discipline due to the commoditization of almost all disciplines and the perceived poor economic value of history. Government disposition to liberal art subjects and the highly monetized society have not helped matter as historical scholarship have been relegated. Given the continued relevance of history graduates to Nigerian economy, this paper argues that beyond its utilitarian value, its commodity value is also not in doubt; even when not flaunted, it subsists. Its economic value could be better enhanced not for the purpose of engaging in needless competition but to make it more attractive to younger generations of Nigeria while its utilitarian purpose remains.