Ibadan: An exhibition showcasing a rare collection of currencies has opened at the Cornelius Adepegba Museum of African Art, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the exhibition, tagged ‘An Exhibition of Dele T. Fawole Numismatic Collection,’ features works spanning over 30 decades. The collection, owned by exhibitor Dele Fawole, includes currencies from various countries, comprising historic notes and coins that reflect economic transitions such as redenominations and devaluations.
Fawole stated that his passion for collecting currencies during his travels was the driving force behind the exhibition, with over 80 percent of the items collected personally. The idea to publicly exhibit the collection was suggested by Prof. Ohioma Pogoson, Honorary Curator of the Museum. Fawole expressed gratitude to the Institute for supporting the exhibition, which he described as the successful realization of a long-considered idea accumulated over 30 years.
Prof. Ohioma Pogoson shared that curating the exhibition was a novel experience, marking his first time organizing a display of flat but three-dimensional materials. He acknowledged challenges such as funding and display logistics but found the outcome rewarding. Pogoson emphasized that the exhibition transcends economics as currencies also represent art, culture, and history. He highlighted the educational value for younger audiences and students, noting that many had not seen some of the featured currencies, like high-value Zimbabwean notes or Biafran currency from the Nigerian civil war era.
Prof. Sola Olorunyomi, Director of the Institute, described the exhibition as a multidisciplinary showcase, drawing interest from political scientists, artists, architects, and students. He noted that the display aligns with the Institute’s core mandate by integrating history, politics, art, and education into a single experience. Olorunyomi expressed satisfaction with the audience’s reception, particularly noting interest in the 50 billion Zimbabweans note and Biafran currency, which are significant symbols of economic and political history.
Olorunyomi commended the curator’s efforts and mentioned that the timing of the exhibition coincided with the resumption of students, sparking interest within the academic community. He also announced that the exhibition marks the launch of a new salon space within the museum, which will enhance the Institute’s capacity to engage with the public and promote African studies through innovative displays.
Prof. Senayon Olaoluwa, also from the Institute of African Studies, praised the exhibition’s dynamism, noting its progression from bronze to metal works, to the numismatic collection, with an Industrial Arts Exhibition to follow.
