The Federal Government has brought back History as a compulsory subject in Nigerian schools. Officials say the move will help rebuild national identity, unity, and patriotism among children.
The Ministry of Education made the announcement on its official X account on Wednesday. It described the reform as “a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development.”
“For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, integrating History with Civic Education,” the ministry explained.
What Pupils Will Learn
The revised curriculum is designed to give young Nigerians a sense of belonging.
“Primary 1–6: Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.
JSS1–3: Students will study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values,” the ministry added.
The government also promised retraining for teachers, better teaching materials, and stronger monitoring.
Why History Was Removed Before
History was first removed in 2009 after the launch of the New Basic Education Curriculum. Officials at the time claimed students were avoiding the subject, that jobs for History graduates were scarce, and that schools lacked qualified teachers.
By 2017, the Nigeria Education Research and Development Council announced plans for its return. The first real step came in 2022, when the Federal Government started retraining teachers for the reintroduction of the subject.
Many educationists believe restoring History is long overdue. The subject had once shaped Nigeria’s leaders and thinkers before it disappeared from classrooms. Now, pupils will grow up with a stronger knowledge of the diverse cultures of Nigeria, its political evolution and struggles.
Do you think this will truly rebuild unity among Nigeria’s children, or is it just another policy on paper?
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