The federal government has brought back history as a core subject in Nigeria’s Basic Education Curriculum after a 13-year hiatus, marking a significant shift in the country’s educational priorities. Speaking during Channels Television’s End-of-Year Special Review Show, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa explained that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to prioritise Nigerian history in schools. The initiative seeks to deepen students’ understanding of the nation’s cultural and historical heritage, fostering a greater appreciation of Nigeria’s past and its relevance to the future.
Minister Tunji Alausa announced the reintroduction of Nigerian History in basic education, following President Tinubu’s directive. The subject, removed in 2009 during President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure due to concerns about job prospects and Teacher shortages, faced widespread criticism. Advocates of the move have long argued that teaching History is essential for fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s heritage, strengthening national identity, and equipping students with critical thinking skills to learn from Nigeria’s past and navigate its future.
Fostering cultural pride and unity through History.
Beyond its educational value, the subject serves as a vital tool for fostering cultural pride and continuity. Nigeria, a nation known for its remarkable diversity with over 250 ethnic groups, risks losing its collective memory if its history remains untaught. The stories of pre-colonial civilisations, the struggle for independence, and the socio-political challenges of the post-independence era are vital chapters of the nation’s story. These narratives, when taught in classrooms, help young Nigerians understand their unique Cultural Heritage and build respect for the traditions and contributions of various ethnic groups. This understanding, experts assert, can reduce ethnic tensions and promote a greater sense of national unity.
Reintroducing History into schools also holds promise for addressing a critical issue of modern times—misinformation and distortion of facts. In today’s digital era, where Social Media plays a dominant role in shaping perceptions, the proliferation of fake news has become a significant concern. Many young Nigerians, lacking a strong foundation in historical knowledge, are vulnerable to misleading narratives and Misrepresentation of events. Teaching History equips students with the tools to critically analyse information, question sources, and understand the context of events. By fostering these skills, the reintroduction of History can create a more informed citizenry capable of discerning truth from falsehood. .
Collaborative efforts will strengthen History’s success.
However, the implementation of this initiative presents challenges, primarily the shortage of qualified teachers, an issue that deepened after the subject’s removal in 2009 led to a decline in demand for specialised educators. Recognising this, former Education Minister Adamu Adamu launched a training programme before his exit to prepare teachers for the subject’s return. While commendable, this effort requires significant expansion under the current administration to address the existing shortfall effectively. Beyond teacher training, the government must also prioritise updating the curriculum to ensure it is engaging and relevant. This includes producing high-quality textbooks, incorporating multimedia resources, and creating interactive learning tools that bring historical events to life for students, fostering a deeper appreciation of the subject.
Furthermore, the reintroduction of History also calls for a collaborative effort among stakeholders to make it a success. Education policymakers, teachers, parents, and students all have roles to play in ensuring that the subject’s return to the curriculum achieves its intended impact. Policymakers must prioritise funding and support for teacher recruitment and training, while educators must embrace innovative teaching methods to make the subject interesting and relatable for students. Parents, on their part, should encourage their children to embrace the study of History and view it as a valuable tool for understanding their identity and role in society. Meanwhile, students should approach the subject with an open mind, recognising its importance not only as an academic pursuit but also as a means of becoming more informed and engaged citizens.
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As schools prepare to implement this change, the hopes of many are pinned on the transformative potential of education. Beyond imparting knowledge, the subject has the power to inspire a generation to learn from history, celebrate its achievements, and avoid repeating its mistakes. Stakeholders hope that the return will ignite a renewed passion for understanding Nigeria’s heritage, empowering young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. With the right resources, training, and support, this reintroduction could mark the beginning of a new era for Nigerian education, where the lessons of the past illuminate the path to a brighter and more cohesive future.