The federal government has reinstated Nigerian history as a compulsory subject in basic education to promote national identity, unity, and responsible citizenship
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,” Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced on Wednesday.
Alausa said the comprehensive curriculum will rekindle pride in Nigeria’s past, nurture civic consciousness, and equip pupils with the knowledge and values needed for nation-building. “For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study Nigerian History continuously from Primary 1 through Junior Secondary School 3,” he stated, adding that Senior Secondary students will take a new subject, Civic and Heritage Studies, combining Nigerian History with Civic Education.
Primary pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, governance, and culture, while junior students will explore early civilisations, colonial history, independence, and democratic governance. Alausa thanked President Bola Tinubu for championing the reform and promised teacher retraining, resources, and monitoring to ensure effective implementation. He urged parents, educators, and communities to embrace the policy as a shared national responsibility.