Chair: Simon Rycroft

ALL WELCOME (Coffee/ Tea and Cake is provided)

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the value of writing disciplinary histories from different locations. Focusing on Nigerian academic geographers working in Nigeria¹s first university in the second half of the twentieth century, and drawing on archival evidence and oral history interviews, it argues that the view from Nigeria offers important new perspectives on the history of geography. First, it highlights the intellectual contribution of Nigerian scholars, showing up the partial and exclusionary nature of many traditional histories. Second, it illuminates the as yet unacknowledged impact of the Cold War on the discipline beyond the superpowers. Third, the view from Nigeria makes it possible to consider afresh the contemporary Anglo-American hegemony of 'international' geography, to provide more empirical detail of its consequences for scholars working beyond the west, and to consider alternative geographical configurations that in some periods appeared possible.

Fourth, and finally, highlighting the shifting structures which both facilitated and closed down the opportunities for participation in the international geographical community might offer lessons for constructing a more equal international geographical community in the future.

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By: Martin Wingfield
Last updated: Tuesday, 30 October 2018