By: Adeosun Ewatomi
The Federal Government has officially reintroduced Nigerian History as a compulsory subject in the national basic education curriculum.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, who disclosed the development, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for championing the landmark reform under the Renewed Hope Agenda.They stressed that History is not just a record of the past but a vital foundation for shaping responsible and patriotic citizens.A statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, confirmed that, for the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will now study Nigerian History continuously from Primary 1 through Junior Secondary School 3. In addition, Senior Secondary School students (SSS1–SSS3) will learn a newly developed subject, Civic and Heritage Studies, which integrates Nigerian History with Civic Education.
“This innovative approach ensures learners understand the nation’s story while cultivating the values of citizenship, responsibility, and service,” the statement said.Outlining the curriculum, Boriowo explained:
Primary 1–6: Pupils will explore Nigeria’s origins, heroes and heroines, traditional rulers and institutions, cultural heritage, political evolution, geography, environment, economy, religions, colonial administration, and post-independence governance.
Junior Secondary School (JSS1–JSS3): Students will study Civic and Heritage Studies, covering topics such as early Nigerian civilisations, pre-colonial states, West African empires, trans-Saharan trade, European contacts, amalgamation, the independence movement, and democratic governance, blended with civic values to strengthen identity and national unity.
She quoted the Ministers as describing the reform as a “priceless gift to the nation,” one that reconnects children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to Nigeria’s development.
“Embedding civic education into the new curriculum will equip learners with the knowledge and values necessary to respect diversity, uphold institutions, and contribute positively to society,” the statement added.