The Federal Government has reintroduced Nigerian History as a compulsory subject in the basic education curriculum, marking a significant reform aimed at strengthening national identity, fostering unity, and instilling patriotism among students.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education said the announcement was jointly made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad.
According to the statement, the policy was endorsed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The ministers thanked the president for his support, describing the reform as a “priceless gift to the nation.”
“For the first time in decades, pupils will study Nigerian History continuously from Primary 1 to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3),” the statement noted.
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At the senior secondary level, a new subject—Civic and Heritage Studies—will be introduced, merging Nigerian History with Civic Education. The revised curriculum will cover the country’s origins, notable historical figures, culture, political and economic developments, geography, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.
Junior Secondary students will specifically learn about early Nigerian civilizations, pre-colonial states, West African empires, European contact, the 1914 amalgamation, independence struggles, and the evolution of democratic governance. Civic lessons will also be embedded to promote tolerance, unity, and respect for diversity.
The ministers emphasized that the reform is designed not only to reconnect young Nigerians with their heritage but also to equip them with values essential for nation-building.
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“The embedding of civic education in the curriculum would equip learners with the values needed to respect diversity, uphold institutions, and contribute positively to society,” the statement added.
The Ministry further disclosed that the revised curriculum for Primary and Junior Secondary levels has been released. Plans are underway to collaborate with stakeholders to provide resources, retrain teachers, and ensure effective implementation.
Parents, educators, and communities were urged to support the initiative, which the government described as a shared responsibility in raising disciplined and patriotic citizens.