When I received the news that I had been awarded a bursary to attend the Museum Ethnographers Group (MEG) 50th Anniversary Conference in Liverpool, I was genuinely thrilled. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Back home at the University of Ibadan, our museum had just embarked on a vital digital documentation and cataloguing project. Attending MEG’s conference was not only an exciting opportunity to travel and engage but also incredibly relevant to the ongoing work we’re doing in Nigeria.

The MEG Chair, Meghan, and her team extended immense support to make my physical attendance in Liverpool possible. From sorting necessary arrangements to ensuring a warm welcome at the conference venue, the entire team was absolutely wonderful. It’s rare to find such thoughtfulness and professionalism seamlessly combined. They made me feel not just like a participant, but a valued contributor to the conversations unfolding throughout the sessions.

Rich Sessions, Richer Connections

The conference itself was thoughtfully structured, and the range of sessions truly lived up to the theme. As someone deeply invested in museum work particularly from an African context each presentation offered insights I found both refreshing and affirming. There was a careful balance between theoretical discussions and practical case studies, many of which mirrored the challenges and potentials I’m currently navigating at the University of Ibadan.

My Own Presentation

“Unveiling the History and Tradition in the Digital Space: Yoruba Pottery in Ethnography Museum University of Ibadan, Nigeria”, received heartening feedback. It was encouraging to see genuine interest in how we’re trying to preserve African histories and traditions using modern digital tools. The questions and conversations that followed my paper helped me reflect more deeply on our strategies and inspired a few new ideas I’ve brought back to my team in Ibadan.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the MEG Conference was the chance to build meaningful connections. I met curators, scholars and museum professionals from various parts of the UK and beyond. These interactions have opened doors for ongoing knowledge sharing, collaborative thinking, and possibly future partnerships. Museum work is deeply relational, and this network of like-minded professionals is one of the greatest gifts MEG has given me.

Discovering Liverpool

Liverpool itself was an absolute delight. I had heard of its rich musical history and maritime significance, but experiencing it firsthand was something else. I had the chance to visit the University of Liverpool campus and was awed by its size and historical architecture. Just nearby, I took time to explore the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral—a breathtaking structure of modernist design that felt both sacred and striking.

One of my favourite excursions was to the historic Albert Dock. The blend of old and new—the preserved warehouses, the museums, the shops and restaurants made it a vibrant place to walk through. I even managed to fit in a quick tour of Anfield Stadium, the iconic home of Liverpool FC. Although I am not an ardent football fan, the energy and history of the place were contagious.

The city centre was also lively and warm, with stores offering everything from art supplies to fresh coffee. Walking through Liverpool’s streets was a lesson in how a city can hold its past and present together beautifully.

The Unexpected Challenges

Of course, adjusting to Liverpool wasn’t without its hiccups. The English accent, particularly in Liverpool, took some getting used to. I struggled a little at first with clarity during conversations, especially in fast-paced environments or crowded spaces. But with time, I adapted, and it even became something I enjoyed trying to mimic!

The weather, however, was an entirely different story. Coming from Nigeria, where temperatures were hitting 38°C, arriving to a chilly 6°C was like walking into a freezer. I felt the cold most intensely in my fingers and earlobes. For the first few days, I was layered in jackets and scarves, clutching warm drinks. Eventually, as the sun made more frequent appearances, I started to acclimate and enjoy the cool, crisp air. But let’s just say I developed a newfound respect for thermal wear!

A Few Misses, and Many Hits

One regret I have (and I think others might share this) is that we didn’t manage to take a group photograph of all the participants. It would have been a cherished memento, especially considering the 50year milestone we were all celebrating. In another 50 years, it would have served as a historical archive in its own right.

But any small misses were far outweighed by the many memorable highlights. Chief among them was my visit to the National Museum Liverpool. The museum’s approach to storytelling its layout, its integration of voices, its commitment to inclusive representation left a strong impression on me. As someone who works daily with historical artefacts and narratives, I was inspired by how the museum engaged both emotion and intellect in its exhibitions. It wasn’t just informative, it was immersive and often moving.

A Lifetime Experience

The MEG Conference wasn’t just an academic gathering. For me, it was a lifetime experience one that validated my current professional journey and expanded the way I think about museum practice. It challenged me to consider new questions: How do we tell histories that are not our own, with honesty and respect? How do we make museums more accessible, especially in digital spaces? How do we keep tradition alive while embracing innovation?

Liverpool gave me the space to think about these questions alongside people who care just as deeply. It gave me friendships, ideas, memories, and even a bit of a British accent (though mine’s still very rough around the edges!).

To Meghan and the MEG team, to Aayushi for managing the digital end of things, and to everyone who made my visit meaningful I say a heartfelt thank you. I returned to Nigeria not just with conference notes, but with a renewed passion for museum work.