Museum Education Programmes: Their Relevance To Tourism

The persuasive nature of museum education programme in time past has been misconceived in Africa and in Nigeria to be precise, and hence approach to tourism has been neglected and unimportantly adopted in the recent plans of the country. Until the invading of British government, Nigeria had appreciated and held its culture in high esteem but since civilization or independence, museum education have been accorded lower priority in the current scheme of  events. This is as a result of excessive borrowing of culture. However, much progress has been made since the modernization of museum, which houses our cultural heritage to embrace special areas such as the cradle of civilization in Nigeria. To a considerable extent, museum education promote tourism and tourism industries as seen especially in countries that look into and plan objectively for economic earner, no matter what their manufacturing mineral or agricultural resources may be. Thus museum collections were and still remain the cradle of systematic tourism development.

            Museum education programmes is an important avenue, where the past and the present cultures of our people can be showcased.  In other words, archaeology and anthropology instead of taking us to their fields to present to us their findings can (may) reach us through museum education of their findings. The education programme is a very important mechanism for portraying the culture of a place and it is vital for developing cultural tourism. All over the world, museum education programme is the single important point where tourist may first show their appearance. It is also a place where at a glance the culture of the people is viewed. Museum education whether permanent or temporary, always attracts large numbers of people who want to learn and know more about the world around them. Both formal and informal method can be used to carry out museum education. A tourism- culture phenomenon, when embraced could help broaden the people’s horizon about tourism and its benefits. It will also enable them to play a stewardship role over their cultural/ archaeological heritage. However, museum education provides relevant information to intending tourist, peoples way of life and their believe system. By these they will be acquainted on the dos and don’ts of the host community. When tourists visit the host community they contribute to the development of the destination visited, these can be through increase in economy, social way of life and infrastructural development. In addition, through museum education programmes, museum helps to ensure the preservation and conservation of the communities’ cultural and natural heritage; also they offer facilities for cultural events and activities. Such activities go a long way in developing tourism within the area and can also enhance the quality of people’s lives, through making them to have a sense of identity.  “Museum is indeed a place that tells man who he is, where he came from, and the ingenuity of the ancestors”