Institute for Historical Studies, Biographical Research, Documentation, and Legacy (IHS-BiRD & L)
We are dedicated to preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the notable individuals that have shaped it. Through research and documentation, using cutting-edge contemporary techniques, we bring to light, legacies of notable figures, transformative events, and cultural milestones that inspire and define Nigeria.
"Memoria Futuri" — Memory of the Future
Preserving Yesterday, Inspiring Tomorrow
What We Do
Through comprehensive research and meticulous documentation, we preserve Nigeria's historical narrative and influential figures.
Promoting Historical Knowledge
Promoting and Advancing Historical Studies, Biographical Research, and Documentation of Sources for Historical Reconstruction.
Legacy Preservation
Preserving the Legacy of Significant Historical Figures, Events, and Organizations for the Benefit of Future Generations.
Education & Outreach
Providing Educational Support, Resources, and Programs to Deepen Understanding of History’s Impact on Society.
Collaboration
Facilitating Scholarly Collaboration and Research Initiatives in Historical Studies
Publications
Printing, Publishing, and Collaborating on Media for Promoting Historical and Biographical Knowledge.
About IHS-BiRD & L
The Institute for Historical Studies, Biographical Research, Documentation, and Legacy (IHS-BiRD & L) is a dedicated research and preservation organization committed to the systematic study, documentation, and preservation of Nigeria's rich historical heritage.
Founded with the conviction that history shapes our understanding of the present and future, IHS-BiRD & L serves as a beacon for scholars, researchers, historians, and the general public seeking to understand the complexities and achievements of Nigerian society.
Our work spans across multiple disciplines—history, biography, archival science, and cultural preservation—bringing together experts dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories that define our nation.
Through rigorous research methodologies and innovative digital platforms, we make historical knowledge accessible, relevant, and engaging for contemporary audiences while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and scholarly integrity.
What We Stand For
"Memoria Futuri" — Memory of the Future
Our core values guide every aspect of our research, documentation, and preservation work.
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of academic honesty, factual accuracy, and ethical practices in all our research and documentation work.
Inclusivity
We celebrate diverse perspectives and ensure that all voices, from all regions and communities, are heard and preserved in our historical narratives.
Excellence
We pursue rigorous scholarship and methodological excellence, setting the standard for historical research in Nigeria and beyond.
Accessibility
We make historical knowledge freely available and accessible to students, researchers, and the general public through various platforms and formats.
Our Vision
To be the leading authority in Nigerian historical research and biographical documentation, fostering a society where history is valued, studied, and used as a foundation for informed decision-making and cultural pride.
Our Mission
To conduct rigorous historical research, preserve biographical narratives, and make these treasures accessible through publications, digital platforms, and educational initiatives that empower Nigerians to understand and celebrate their heritage.
Founder's Message
The “great digital divide” between the Global North and South, particularly Africa, which Ali Mazuri described as the digitized and the digi-prived, a gravitation from the haves and the have-nots, is no longer just about access to hardware. It now includes soft representation: the visibility of people, communities, and cultures on digital platforms. It is the divide between the represented and the underrepresented or overlooked: between those whose stories shape global knowledge through broad digital exposure and those whose histories remain undocumented, and thus vulnerable to distortion, misrepresentation, or erasure.
I founded IHS-BiRD & L to help close the digi-prived gap by nurturing a digital generation of historians in the tradition of Jacob Egharevba, J. F. Ade-Ajayi, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, and Akiga Sai. Drawing on oral sources and multidisciplinary approaches, as championed by historians like Kenneth Onwuka Dike, Yusuf Bala Usman, Abdullahi Smith, Bolanle Awe, Obaro Ikime, Yakubu Ochefu and Mahmud Modibbo Tukur; our goal is to document our history digitally and make it accessible for future generations.
— Founding President/Executive Director
(IHS-BiRD & L)
Blog
Discover our latest updates, reflections, historical commentary, project updates, institutional announcements, and thought pieces on Nigerian history, biographies, leadership, and heritage preservation.
Support Our Mission
Your support enables us to continue preserving Nigeria's historical heritage, conducting vital research, and making these treasures accessible to future generations.
Make a Direct Donation
Contribute financially to support our research and preservation activities.
Spread the Word
Help us reach more people by sharing our mission and initiatives on social media.
Partner With Us
Collaborate on research projects or institutional partnerships.
500+
Historical Documents Archived
150+
Distinguished Figures Documented
5000+
Researchers & Scholars Served
Let's Connect
Have questions? Want to collaborate? Need more information about our work? We'd love to hear from you.
Get in Touch