FG Orders the Return of History in Schools

Nigeria is set to reintroduce history as a mandatory subject in its primary and secondary school curriculum, starting from 2025, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the country’s Education Minister, during a review of the education sector for 2024.

History was removed from Nigerian schools in 2008 and replaced by subjects such as social studies, government, and civic education. The decision was based on factors including declining student interest, limited career opportunities for history graduates, and a shortage of qualified history teachers.

However, recent academic research has shown the long-term effects of this policy. A study tracing the history of education in Nigeria found that the removal of history led to significant gaps in national consciousness, historical scholarship, and the country’s ability to foster a shared identity. The absence of history education has been linked to challenges in nation-building, government accountability, and ethnic cohesion.

The research suggested that history’s removal stemmed from a focus on science and technology, economic considerations, and political factors, which left Nigeria without a robust framework to address its ethnic, religious, and political challenges.

Despite these setbacks, the reintroduction of history is seen as a crucial step toward revitalizing national identity and encouraging a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s past. Advocates, including the Historical Society of Nigeria, have welcomed the government’s decision, underscoring history’s role in nation-building, education, and fostering unity.