The Federal Government has officially reintroduced Nigerian History as a compulsory subject in the national basic education curriculum.
Abuja Times reports that this initiative reaffirms the government’s commitment to fostering national identity, unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
According to the Ministry of Education, For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study Nigerian History continuously from Primary 1 through Junior Secondary School 3, for the first time in decades.
In a statement on Wednesday, by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said students in Senior Secondary School (SSS 1-3) will be introduced to the newly developed subject, Civic and Heritage Studies, which integrates Nigerian History with Civic Education.
Emphasizing that this innovative approach ensures that learners appreciate the nation’s narrative while cultivating values of citizenship, responsibility, and service.
Suwaiba stated that Primary 1–6 Pupils will explore a range of subjects including Nigeria’s origins, notable 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 engage with Civic and Heritage Studies, covering significant topics such as early Nigerian civilizations, pre-colonial states, West African empires, trans-Saharan trade, European contacts, amalgamation, the independence movement, and democratic governance.
This curriculum she said, is designed to blend civic values with historical education, thereby strengthening national identity and unity.
The Ministers conveyed that this reform represents a priceless gift to the nation, re-establishing children’s connections to their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and dedication towards Nigeria’s progress.
They highlighted that embedding civic education into the curriculum will empower learners with the essential knowledge and values needed to respect diversity, uphold institutions, and contribute positively to society.
The Ministry has released the revised Nigerian History Curriculum for Primary 1–6 and JSS 1–3. To facilitate effective implementation, it will collaborate with stakeholders to provide learning resources, retrain educators, and enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
This comprehensive curriculum aims to rekindle pride in Nigeria’s past, nurture civic consciousness, and equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and values indispensable for responsible nation-building.
The Federal Government urges parents, educators, and communities to embrace this historic reform as a shared responsibility in nurturing patriotic, disciplined, and forward-looking citizens.