The University of Cambridge has honored Nigerian PhD student Stanley Jachike Onyemechalu for his groundbreaking research on the Nigeria-Biafra war. Onyemechalu, a doctoral researcher in the Department of Archaeology, was named runner-up in the early career research category for his Legacies of Biafra Heritage Project (LBHP).
His project delves into the intricate relationship between cultural heritage and the lingering effects of the war in southeastern Nigeria. In collaboration with the Centre for Memories in Enugu, LBHP engages young people in art-based public initiatives, such as the Dancing Memories exhibition, to encourage intergenerational dialogue and preserve historical narratives.
Onyemechalu’s work focuses on the cultural impact of the war on present-day Igboland, exploring themes of conflict, intangible heritage, and the complexities of memorialization, representation, and silencing. His research not only offers a critical West African perspective but also contributes to the broader global discussion on heritage and conflict.
Supported by the University of Cambridge’s Public Engagement Starter Fund and the Wenner-Gren Foundation, LBHP has gained recognition for its innovative approach. Onyemechalu expressed his gratitude to the university, funding bodies, and collaborators for their support in advancing this important historical discourse.
