The Federal Government has reintroduced Nigerian history as a compulsory subject in the national basic education curriculum to foster national identity, unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained this in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
Alausa said the comprehensive curriculum was designed to rekindle pride in Nigeria’s past, nurture civic consciousness, and prepare young Nigerians with the knowledge and values needed for responsible nation-building. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for championing the reform under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that history is not just a record of the past but a foundation for shaping responsible and patriotic citizens.
“For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study Nigerian History continuously from Primary 1 through Junior Secondary School 3. Students in SSS 1–3 will learn the 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,” he said.
According to him, pupils in Primary 1–6 will study Nigeria’s origins, heroes and heroines, traditional rulers and institutions, cultural heritage, political evolution, geography, environment, economy, religions, colonial administration, and post-independence governance. Students in JSS 1–3 will take Civic and Heritage Studies, which covers topics such as early Nigerian civilisations, pre-colonial states, West African empires, trans-Saharan trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence movements, and democratic governance, blended with civic values to strengthen identity and unity.
Alausa described the reform as a priceless gift reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development. He added that embedding civic education into the new curriculum would equip learners with knowledge and values necessary to respect diversity, uphold institutions, and contribute positively to society.
The minister confirmed that the revised Nigerian History Curriculum for Primary 1–6 and JSS 1–3 had been released. He said the Ministry would work with stakeholders to provide resources, retrain teachers, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective implementation.
He urged parents, educators, and communities to embrace the reform as a shared responsibility in raising patriotic, disciplined, and forward-looking citizens.
