The Role of Natural History Museum in the Development of a Nation

The role of natural history museum in the life of a nation involves: conducting research into the vast natural history heritage and biodiversity of the country; serving as a repository, of natural objects, source materials and taxonomists in that country; creating scientific awareness; on natural history resources of the nation through annotated exhibitions for public enlightenment in display galleries, publications works hops and human development etc., natural history museum prepares data bases on natural history resources, ecological diversity of the country and thus facilitate an information-retrieval system on them for use by the public, tourists and the scientific community as a basis for sustainable development. It also provides identification services on natural objects and rich fauna, flora and minerals resources to user groups especially pest control workers in Agriculture, veterinary/human medicine and science teachers. The Obafemi Awolowo University, Natural history museum Ile-ife Nigeria has in her repository among other things, Type specimens e.g., the Ewekoro formation and giant fossil turtle from Sokoto. Scientists deposit their type specimens in museum all over the world. It is hoped that more scientists all over Nigeria will continue to send their type specimens to the museum. Other individuals and groups should also donate towards the activities of the museum as A.G Leventis foundation has recently donated ≤460,000 (x14.8 million) to complete the museum s physical structure.