Article Details

History is an evidence-based discipline that seeks objectivity through the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of historical evidence. Inspired by Leopold von Ranke’s emphasis on historical objectivity as an ideal, historians continue to pursue rigorous methods that prioritize critical evaluation of sources. Historical evidence is generally divided into primary and secondary sources. Primary sources, including archival documents, government records, oral traditions, and artefacts, provide firsthand accounts of past events, while secondary sources such as books, journal articles, newspapers, theses, dissertations, and credible digital materials offer interpretation and analysis. Although Nigerian historical scholarship has traditionally placed greater emphasis on primary sources, this paper argues that secondary sources possess significant value, particularly in contemporary research where primary materials may be unavailable or insufficient. Advances in information technology have expanded access to digital resources, creating new opportunities for historical investigation and scholarship. The study challenges the perception that secondary sources are inferior and emphasizes that meaningful historical analysis often requires a balanced combination of both primary and secondary evidence. Using a qualitative research approach based primarily on secondary sources, this paper examines the evolving relationship between traditional archival methods and modern information resources. It argues that effective historical research in the twenty-first century should integrate diverse sources to produce balanced, comprehensive, and credible interpretations of the past. Such an approach will enhance historical scholarship and enable researchers to address emerging questions with greater depth and accuracy.

Secondary Sources, Primary Sources, Objectivity, Historical Analysis, Evidence,