The Federal Government has reintroduced History as a compulsory subject from primary to senior secondary school sixteen years after it was removed
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa made the announcement on Wednesday via X post, saying the move will “strengthen national identity, unity, and patriotism.”
“For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, which integrates History with Civic Education,” the statement read.
According to the Ministry, Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, culture, politics, economy, colonial rule, and post-independence governance, while junior secondary students will study ancient civilisations, trade, the 1914 amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values.
“History is not merely a record of the past, but a vital foundation for shaping responsible and patriotic citizens,” they said, calling the move “a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development.”
The Ministry said it has released the revised curriculum, will retrain teachers, and provide learning materials for smooth rollout nationwide.
History was removed in 2009 under the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration due to low enrolment and a shortage of teachers. Steps to revive it began in 2022 under former Minister Adamu Adamu.
