What We Do
Promoting and Advancing Historical Studies, Biographical Research, and Documentation of Legacies.
Preserving the Legacy of Significant Historical Figures, Events, and Organizations for the Benefit of Future Generations.
Providing Educational Support, Resources, and Programs to Deepen Understanding of History’s Impact on Society.
Facilitating Scholarly Collaboration and Research Initiatives in Historical Studies
Printing, Publishing, and Collaborating on Media for Promoting Historical and Biographical Knowledge.
About Us
Who We Are
The Institute for Historical Studies, Biographical Research, Documentation and Legacy (IHS-BiRD & L) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study of history and the dissemination of historical knowledge.
Our Foundation
Officially incorporated on 28 October 2024 under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 (RC No. 8035631), the Institute was established to respond to the neglect of modern historical documentation and the dismissal of Africa’s oral traditions by global platforms.
Our Passion
We believe history is a vital part of education. It deepens our understanding of the world and shapes identity. With a strong commitment to rigorous research, we document legacies and share knowledge that connect Nigeria’s past with its present and future.
Our Work
IHS-BiRD & L identifies and preserves the stories of underrepresented but influential individuals, pivotal events and key institutions. We make these stories digitally accessible and ensure they remain available for future generations, even within the evolving global knowledge system.
Our Founder
The Institute was founded by Bem Max Nomor, a historian, broadcaster, journalist, management consultant and leadership researcher, with a vision to safeguard and celebrate Nigeria’s rich heritage.
Our Impact
Through our work, we aim to inspire pride, reflection and a strong sense of identity among Nigerians, especially the younger generation. We are committed to making Nigerian history visible, credible and central on the global stage.
Our Emblem: Memory in Motion
At the heart of our crest lies an open book, its pages still turning. It symbolizes history not as a static archive, but as a living, ongoing study. We are writing it in real time, one Nigerian story at a time.
Featured in the open book is a photograph of Nomor (meaning hero in Tiv), the founder’s grandfather – reminds us that many of our true heroes remain unsung. We exist to change that.
Above the open book is a shelve lined with volumes of history books: histories already uncovered, documented, and preserved. They represent our growing digital archive – open to the world, accessible to all.
Together, the books speak a single truth about us:
📖 We study history to write it.
📚 We write it to preserve it.
🌍 We preserve it to empower generations.
IHS-BiRD & L
Memoria Futuri — Memory of the Future.
What We Stand For
Our Guiding Principles
Institute for Historical Studies, Biographical Research, Documentation,
and Legacy (IHS-BiRD & L)
Motto
Memoria Futuri
Vision
A future defined by Nigerian history told through Nigerian voices.
Mission
To connect Nigeria’s past with its present and future through inclusive historical scholarship and digital legacy preservation.
Our Core Values
The guiding principles that shape our mission to preserve Nigeria’s past and inspire its future
Truth first: We uphold historical accuracy and integrity
All voices count: We amplify overlooked and underrepresented stories.
Preservation with technology: We use innovation to protect and share our heritage.
Our own story: We tell Nigerian history through Nigerian eyes.
History for growth: We empower through accessible historical education.
Guardians of memory: We preserve the past for future generations.
Together we know more: We champion collaboration in knowledge-building.
Justice through legacy: We correct omissions and celebrate forgotten heroes.
Founder’s Message
I founded the Institute for Historical Studies, Biographical Research, Documentation and Legacy (IHS-BiRD & L) out of necessity. A necessity I came to recognize through nearly two decades of active engagement with knowledge production on digital platforms.
Since 2009, I have been an active contributor to Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, writing and editing countless entries with a passion for preserving facts, correcting inaccuracies, and amplifying lesser-known stories. But over the years, I came face-to-face with a deep systemic issue whereby voices and narratives from Africa, particularly Nigeria, were often excluded…
PublicRecords.NG
publicrecords.ng is a citizen-driven digital archive where Nigerians can[…]
Nigerian Dictionary of National Biography (NDNB)
A Historical Record of Notable Nigerians 1. Project Overview[…]
Charter of the Order of Service and Legacy (OSL)
The Order of Service and Legacy is an honour[…]