The Contributions of Abdullahi Smith to the Development of African Historiography

History and historiography have been part of the existence of humans, the study of which has gradually attracted the attention of scholars. History has received its share of attention, while historiography is gradually following its trend. Though the duo are part and parcel of each other, the later tend to be shied away from by many scholars and students of history. Historiography assists historians not only to understand history but also to understand the process and the actors behind writing and study of history. It is in this perspective that the contribution of a scholar, writer and teacher of history, Abdullahi Smith are examined with a view to understanding and evaluating his contributions to development of African historiography, more particularly that of Northern Nigeria. Historical method of enquiry is applied while collecting, collating of materials and writing this write up. It is discovered that the efforts of Abdullahi Smith have raised several important issues concerning the study of history and historiography of Northern Nigeria more particularly the growth and development of settlements to towns and to cities as a process of natural growth, rather than formations by conquerors and warlords.
Keywords: History, historiography, contributions, decolonisation, African perspective