The Place of Christian Missions in the History of Printing Press in Nigeria.
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Date
2014-06
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Department of History and International Relations, Veritas University Abuja
Abstract
Christian Missions have been famous for the introduction of Christianity into Nigeria since 1842. In addition, different Christian domination thought it wise to westernize Nigeria through western education which they brought into the country. This effort perhaps may be perceived as one of the best legacies the Christian missions gave to the generality of Nigerians. Apart from the aforementioned achievements, the Christian missions introduced the printing presses into the country which gave impetus to the printing of reading materials and religious books which improved the literacy and literary standards of Nigerians. It is against this background that this paper intends to examine the place of Christian missions in the history of printing press in Nigeria. This area of study has been neglected by researchers not knowing that the importation of printing technology was necessitated by the Christian missions to further preach Christianity and its doctrines to different Christian disciples in Nigeria. The example of the Revered Henry Townsend who was reported to have brought the first printing press in Nigeria in 1852 is note worthy. This produced news bulletin to the churches and the whole Nigeria. It has been difficult to separate the history of Nigerian press from the history of Christian religion in Nigeria because the history of press would not be accomplished without a reference to the tremendous contributions of the Christian Missions in Nigeria (Sobowale, 1985:27).
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Eliasu, Y. (2014): The Place of Christian Missions in the History of Printing Press in Nigeria. Vuna Journal of History and International Relations, 2(1), 98-107, Published by: Department of History and International Relations, Veritas University Abuja.