The Nigerian government has formally reinstated Nigerian history as a subject in the nation’s basic education curriculum, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu. This move marks the end of a 13-year absence after the subject was removed in 2009 under the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Speaking during Channels Television’s End-of-Year Special Review Show on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed the development. “President Tinubu has mandated the return of Nigerian history as a subject in basic education,” he stated.
The subject was originally abolished due to claims of limited job opportunities for history graduates and a shortage of qualified history teachers. However, its removal had drawn criticism over the years, with many arguing that it deprived young Nigerians of understanding their heritage, culture, and the nation’s socio-political evolution.
This reintroduction aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to strengthen the educational system and promote national identity. It is expected to foster a greater sense of patriotism and a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s rich historical legacy among students.
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, though many educationists and cultural advocates have praised the decision as a step toward addressing the knowledge gap in Nigerian history among younger generations.
