Tinubu Orders Return of History to Basic Education Curriculum

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the reintroduction of History as a subject in Nigeria’s basic education curriculum, a move aimed at addressing its 13-year absence Edutimes Africa Learnt.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this directive during an interview on Channels Television’s End-of-Year Special Review Show on Tuesday. According to Alausa, President Tinubu has prioritised the restoration of Nigerian History to ensure younger generations understand the nation’s past.

History was removed from the curriculum in 2009 under the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua due to declining student interest, limited job opportunities for graduates, and a shortage of qualified teachers.

However, the decision faced widespread criticism for its long-term negative effects.

Former Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had earlier initiated steps to reintroduce the subject, citing its absence as a factor in the erosion of civic values, moral decline, and weak national cohesion. At the inauguration of the initiative in Abuja, Adamu, represented by the then Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Opiah, described the removal as a “monumental mistake” with grave consequences.

“History used to be one of the foundational subjects in our classrooms, but for inexplicable reasons, its teaching was halted. This led to a disconnect from the past and a weakening of our national identity,” Adamu had said.

As part of the reintroduction efforts, 3,700 teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were selected for specialized training. Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), explained that the training, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), would enhance teachers’ capacity to deliver the updated History curriculum effectively.

Adamu had emphasized the importance of retraining teachers to ensure mastery and engagement. “Equipping educators with the right skills is critical to making the subject impactful for students,” he noted.

The reintroduction of History is expected to foster a better understanding of Nigeria’s heritage, promote national unity, and instill civic values among young learners.