Nigerian Government Reintroduces History Into Basic Education Curriculum
The Nigerian government has announced the return of history as a standalone subject in the nation’s basic education curriculum, marking a significant step toward reconnecting young Nigerians with their cultural and national heritage.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa disclosed the development during a recent appearance on Channels Television, emphasizing the importance of the subject in fostering national identity and integration.
“History, a vital part of nation-building, has been missing from the Nigerian education system for a long time,” Mr. Alausa said. “We now have people up to 30 years old who are totally disconnected from our history. This doesn’t happen in any part of the world.”
He further stated that President Bola Tinubu has mandated the reintroduction of the subject, with implementation set to begin in primary and secondary schools in 2025.
The teaching of history was removed from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum in 2008, reportedly due to low student interest and concerns over limited career prospects for history graduates. The subject was subsequently integrated into social studies.
Efforts to reintroduce history began in 2016, when the National Council on Education approved its reinstatement as a standalone subject. Then-Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, directed the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to develop a revised curriculum. In 2018, Adamu announced its return, aiming to use history as a tool for national integration and nation-building.
However, the initiative faced hurdles, including inadequate planning and consultation, which led to delays in implementation. By 2022, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) had trained 3,700 teachers to prepare for the subject’s return, but the rollout remained stalled.
The reintroduction of history has been hailed by education stakeholders as a positive step. Stephen Knabayi, Chairperson of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, expressed support for the move.
“For me and the union, this is a great development,” Mr. Knabayi said, noting that the earlier failure to implement the subject stemmed from insufficient planning.
With history now set to return to classrooms in 2025, experts and educators hope the move will help young Nigerians develop a deeper understanding of their past and its relevance to contemporary challenges.
