Why History Was Removed
In 2009, under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, history was removed from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum. The official reasons included low student interest, limited job prospects for history graduates, and a shortage of qualified teachers (Sahara Reporters). The subject was subsumed into a broader social studies framework, which critics argued diluted its depth and focus.
However, some stakeholders, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, have suggested the removal was deliberate, aimed at suppressing knowledge of Nigeria’s complex history, particularly sensitive events like the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Soyinka described it as an “intellectual rape,” arguing it was an attempt to dissuade people from learning about the country’s past (BusinessDay). While no definitive evidence supports a conspiracy, the decision coincided with a broader shift toward prioritizing science and technology over humanities, reflecting economic and policy trends of the time.
Consequences of Absence
The removal of history has had profound effects on Nigerian society. Many young Nigerians, now up to 30 years old, lack a comprehensive understanding of their country’s evolution, leading to a weakened sense of national identity. Minister of Education Tunji Alausa expressed concern that this disconnection is unique globally, stating, “It doesn’t happen in any part of the world” (allAfrica). The absence of history education has been linked to increased ethnic and regional tensions, as younger generations lack context for Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
Former Minister of education Adamu Adamu noted in 2022 that the lack of historical knowledge threatened national cohesion, with the country retreating into “primordial sentiments” (Sahara Reporters). The erosion of civic values and moral education, often reinforced through historical narratives, has also been cited as a consequence, contributing to social challenges like corruption and distrust.
Plans for Reintroduction
The reintroduction of history, announced in January 2025 by Minister Tunji Alausa, is set to begin in the 2025 academic year. President Bola Tinubu mandated this change, emphasizing history’s role in nation-building (allAfrica). The Nigeria Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) has developed a standalone curriculum for primary one to Junior Secondary School (JSS) III, approved by the National Council on Education in 2016. In 2022, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) trained 3,700 teachers to prepare for the subject’s return, with further training planned (Sahara Reporters).
The curriculum aims to cover key events, figures, and themes in Nigerian history, from pre-colonial kingdoms to modern nationhood. Efforts to ensure nationwide implementation include updating teaching materials and engaging state education boards. However, previous attempts in 2018 and 2022 faltered due to inadequate planning, raising hopes that 2025 will mark a successful rollout.
The Value of History Education
History education is vital for fostering critical thinking, understanding societal origins, and promoting national unity. In Nigeria’s diverse context, a well-crafted history curriculum can bridge ethnic and regional divides by highlighting shared experiences and achievements. It equips students to analyze past events, draw lessons for the present, and envision a cohesive future. As historian Jideofor Nelson noted, history graduates excel in fields like journalism, demonstrating the subject’s versatility beyond academia (The Guardian).
Globally, history is a cornerstone of education, providing context for cultural and political developments. Its absence in Nigeria has left a gap that the reintroduction seeks to fill, aligning with the BrainBurst mission to empower critical inquiry and contextual understanding.
Debates and Challenges
While the reintroduction is widely welcomed, concerns persist about its execution. Some fear the curriculum may be sanitized to avoid controversial topics like the civil war or colonial legacies, potentially undermining its educational value. Others worry about teacher quality, given the historical shortage of history educators. The National Union of Teachers (NUT) emphasized the need for thorough planning to avoid past failures, as seen in 2018 (allAfrica).
Debates also surround the narrative approach. Will the curriculum emphasize unity or confront divisive issues? Ensuring inclusivity and accuracy requires input from historians, educators, and civil society to avoid bias. These challenges highlight the need for robust implementation strategies to maximize the subject’s impact.
Shaping Nigeria’s Future
The reintroduction of history in 2025 offers Nigeria a chance to reconnect its youth with their heritage, fostering a generation equipped to navigate the country’s complexities. Success hinges on comprehensive teacher training, an inclusive curriculum, and adequate resources. By embracing its past—warts and all—Nigeria can build a stronger, more unified future, aligning with BrainBurst’s vision of empowering critical thinkers. As the nation embarks on this journey, the lessons of history will guide its path forward.
References
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