From Victor Osula Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Education has debunked reports claiming that the history textbook “Living History” was approved for use in Nigerian schools, clarifying that the publication is neither approved nor recommended for the national curriculum.
The ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, on Tuesday, said the government had to address “misleading reports and emotionally charged narratives” surrounding the book, including allegations that it excludes Igbo content.
Boriowo explained that “Living History” was never submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) for the mandatory review and evaluation required under the national curriculum.
“Consultations with NERDC leadership further confirmed that the textbook does not feature on the official list of approved instructional materials and is therefore not recommended for nationwide use,” she added.
The ministry urged parents, teachers, school proprietors, and the public to disregard the misinformation and refrain from using the book in classrooms.
Boriowo warned that the use of unapproved textbooks could undermine curriculum standards and negatively affect teaching quality and student learning outcomes.
“All approved textbooks strictly comply with the national curriculum and reflect Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, shared history, and core national values, while promoting inclusivity, balance, and unity,” the statement emphasized.
Boriowo also called for responsible public discourse on educational matters and advised stakeholders to verify the approval status of any textbook through official channels, including the NERDC, before adoption.
The key features and aspects of the “Living History” Series focuses on a range of topics, including pre-colonial African societies, the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and independence struggles.
The series also covers contemporary issues, such as kidnapping and human trafficking.
