The Natural History Museum was established in 1971/72 academic session as a sub-unit under the then Department of Biological Sciences; but was subsequently upgraded to the status of an autonomous Institute in 1982 with the following objectives:

1. to conduct research into the vast natural history heritage of Nigeria.
2. to serve as a repository of natural and cultural objects in Nigeria.
3. to create scientific awareness on natural history resources of Nigeria through

annotated exhibitions for public enlightenment in display galleries, publications, workshops etc.

1. to prepare data bases on natural and cultural resources of Nigeria, and thus facilitate an information retrieval system on them for use, by the public, and the scientific community as a basis for sustainable development.
2. to provide identification services on natural and cultural objects to user groups especially pest control workers in Agriculture, Veterinary and Human Medicine and historians and archaeologists.

  It must be emphasized that the Natural History Museum is the first of its kind in Nigeria and it is a major Museum in West Africa. It has a formidable and diversified staff which makes collaborative work more interesting and colourful. Therefore, it demands a renewed support from the University administration in order to fulfil the vision of its founding fathers in particular efforts should be made to complete the Museum building even if it is in a modified form. This will put the Obafemi Awolowo University in limelight as a center of excellence in conservation studies in addition to generating funds from both local and international visitors