The Federal Government has denied approving or endorsing a national History textbook alleged to exclude Igbo history, saying the book is not approved for use in Nigerian schools.
In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, the Federal Ministry of Education said attention had been drawn to misleading reports and public discussions about a History textbook titled “Living History”, including claims that it excludes Igbo content and has been approved for classroom use.
“The Ministry wishes to state clearly, firmly, and unequivocally that ‘Living History’ is NOT an approved textbook and has not been recommended for use in any Nigerian school by the Federal Ministry of Education,” the statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, said.
Boriowo said the book was never submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the statutory body responsible for reviewing and approving instructional materials under the national curriculum — and therefore does not appear on the official list of approved History textbooks.
“It has been confirmed that ‘Living History’ does not form part of the approved instructional materials for nationwide use,” the ministry added, urging parents, teachers, school proprietors, administrators and the general public to disregard speculation, misinformation and emotionally charged narratives surrounding the book and to refrain from its use in schools.
The ministry emphasized that the use of unapproved instructional materials undermines curriculum standards and may negatively affect teaching quality and learning outcomes, explaining that all approved textbooks reflect Nigeria’s cultural diversity, shared history and core national values.
“The public is encouraged to support responsible discourse, reject divisive misinformation, and verify the approval status of educational materials through official channels before adoption or use,” the statement added.
Education stakeholders were advised to consult NERDC for verified information on approved textbooks.
