The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, have expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to revitalising the teaching of Nigerian History in schools.
They described this move as a landmark achievement that will reconnect children with their country’s past, enrich their understanding of national heritage, and strengthen the values of unity, patriotism, and responsibility.
The revised curriculum has been carefully structured to guide learners across all levels—from primary to senior secondary schools—through Nigeria’s historical journey.
Primary School Curriculum (Primary 1–3)
At the foundational stage, pupils will be introduced to the concept of history and why it matters. Key areas include:
Meaning and importance of history
People and places in Nigeria
Traditional rulers and title holders
Primary School Curriculum (Primary 4–6)
In upper primary classes, learners will gain deeper insights into Nigeria’s social, political, and religious past, including:
British rule and colonialism
Missionary activities in Nigeria
Independence and the role of nationalist leaders such as Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Herbert Macaulay
The rise of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria
Traditional occupations and economic activities of the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba people
Junior Secondary School Curriculum (JSS 1–3)
At the junior secondary level, the curriculum will broaden students’ historical knowledge by exploring:
The significance and sources of history
Early civilizations such as the Nok culture and Igbo Ukwu
Centralized states and kingdoms of pre-colonial Nigeria (Hausa city-states, Yoruba kingdoms, Igbo societies)
The impact of trans-Saharan trade and the transatlantic slave trade
The role of traditional institutions in governance and society
Senior Secondary School Curriculum (SSS)
For senior secondary schools, History will be integrated with Civic and Heritage Studies, focusing on:
Citizenship and civic responsibilities
Nigeria’s political and constitutional development
National identity and cultural heritage
The role of education in national growth
Preservation of Nigeria’s historical and cultural landmarks
The ministers commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for restoring History to the classroom, stressing that the initiative will inspire young Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of past generations, learn from the nation’s triumphs and challenges, and contribute meaningfully to its future.
“By reigniting the study of History, this administration has given our children a priceless gift—the knowledge of who we are as a people and the vision of what we can become”.