There are still questions about whether thousands of items held at large institutions globally, including the British Museum, will ever be returned.
“We have 169 tourist sites in the state, and none has been listed as a national monument,” said Governor Seyi Makinde.
The minister recalled that the artefacts were looted from the ancient Benin Kingdom during the Benin Expedition of 1897 by the British force.
The educational space is expected to “support learning, facilitate reflection and promote common ideals between the United States and Nigeria.”
The U.S. says it is committed to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Artefacts worth £2.5 million have been handed over to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime.
Germany will not return Nigeria’s stolen artefacts until July 2022, says the federal government, following a negotiation with the European country.
