Professional Management of Classical Heritage Sites in Nigeria: The Case of Nok Culture Sites in Kaduna State

Nigeria possesses significant classical heritage resources, including the Nok terracotta culture sites of Kaduna and Plateau States, which represent one of sub-Saharan Africa's most important early artistic civilisations and have direct relevance to the emerging field of African classical studies. This study examines the professional management of Nok culture heritage sites in Kaduna State, assessing current conservation practices, tourism management, community relations, and institutional governance. A professional case study methodology was adopted, conducting field assessments at four documented Nok site locations in Jaba and Jema'a LGAs, alongside interviews with 15 National Commission for Museums and Monuments officials, eight community leaders, and five heritage management professionals. Documentary review of site management plans, excavation permits, and community benefit records from 2018 to 2023 was also conducted. Findings reveal that Nok heritage sites suffer from inadequate professional management infrastructure, insufficient security against illegal excavation, minimal community benefit-sharing arrangements, and limited interpretive infrastructure for educational tourism. International heritage management standards under UNESCO World Heritage guidelines are not met at any of the assessed sites. The study concludes that Nok heritage management in Kaduna State requires significant professional capacity investment and proposes a Professional Nok Heritage Management Framework incorporating site security protocols, community liaison mechanisms, and interpretive centre development. Adoption by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments as a pilot management model is recommended.

Keywords: heritage management, Nok culture, Kaduna State, classical heritage, site conservation