Why History Matters: Lessons from the Past for Today's World

History is often overlooked in school curriculums worldwide, with some people arguing it’s irrelevant in today’s world. Personally, I believe the opposite is true—understanding history is essential for progress, and it should be taken seriously in schools for our future’s sake.

In Nigeria, history is a subject offered in many schools, though it’s not always compulsory. When I started senior secondary school, history became a mandatory subject, especially for art students. I remember my friends often complaining about how hard it was to learn, especially when exams required them to write about past events in detail. Even though it was quite challenging for some of them, I still feel studying history is truly valuable, and it offers students insights they might not come across initially.

Adding history to the curriculum benefits students by expanding their knowledge and help them understand the world they live in. For instance, although I didn’t take history as a student, I learned about the history regarding the origins of the Yoruba people in Ile-Ife—a lesson that’s stayed with me and enriched my understanding of Nigerian culture and identity. It’s fascinating to learn where we come from and how these roots shape our communities today. This understanding of culture can actually strengthen a sense of unity and identity and even qualities that benefit any society.

One of history’s greatest lessons is that we can learn from past mistakes to avoid repeating them. Think about a conversation with an elder, like a grandmother, sharing stories of her youth and all she’s witnessed in the past. Those stories often reveal life lessons about resilience, caution, or wisdom that feel deeply relevant in today’s world. Hearing these stories can inspire us to live differently and make better choices than previous generations. That’s one of history’s gifts—it allows us to draw from generations of experience and avoid pitfalls we might otherwise fall into.

Without history, the present as we know it wouldn’t even exist. Everything we have today, from technology to political systems, was built upon the experiences, successes, and failures of those before us. When we ignore history, we ignore the foundation of our own lives and miss out on valuable lessons. It is by learning from past struggles and triumphs that people continue to grow, innovate, and build societies with stronger foundations.

In my university, I’m glad to see history included in the curriculum, even though few students choose to study it. I believe that with more people taking an interest in history, we could see a positive shift in our society. By learning from the past, we’re better equipped to tackle modern challenges and avoid mistakes made by our parents or forefathers. History has the power to teach us about resilience and progress, which are essential for developing the kind of society we all want to live in.

Ultimately, i believe history isn’t just about memorizing dates and events. It’s about understanding how we got here, what shaped our world, and how we can move forward. School boards should recognize the importance of history and encourage more students to study it, not only as a subject but as a crucial part of building a wiser, more informed society. In a world that’s changing rapidly, history remains a steady guide, helping us understand what it means to be human and how we can create a better future.

image is from MetaAi.