The Federal Ministry of Education has issued a formal rebuttal to widespread reports and public discussions claiming that a History textbook titled "Living History" has been approved for the Nigerian school system. In a decisive press statement released on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Ministry clarified that the publication has neither been vetted nor recommended for use in any educational institution across the federation. This clarification comes at a critical time when the government is intensifying efforts to standardize the History curriculum in primary and secondary schools to ensure that Nigerian students receive a balanced and factual representation of the nation's past.
Non-Compliance with Statutory Approval Processes
The Ministry’s statement emphasized that the textbook in question was never subjected to the mandatory review process of the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). The NERDC is the only statutory body in Nigeria empowered to review, evaluate, and approve instructional materials to ensure they align with the National Curriculum. Because the authors and publishers of "Living History" failed to submit the material for assessment, the NERDC could not evaluate its content for accuracy, cultural sensitivity, or pedagogical suitability. Consequently, the book does not appear on the official list of approved History textbooks for any level of education.
Upholding National Curriculum Standards
A thorough review of the endorsed textbook list, conducted in collaboration with the leadership of the NERDC, confirmed that "Living History" is not an approved instructional material. The Ministry warned that the introduction of unapproved books into the classroom poses a significant risk to the integrity of the education sector. Such materials can undermine curriculum standards and lead to inconsistent learning outcomes that may confuse students or provide them with historically inaccurate information. The Ministry further reiterated that all approved textbooks are carefully selected to reflect Nigeria’s cultural diversity, shared history, and national values, fostering national unity and a sense of shared identity among the youth.
Directive to Education Stakeholders
The Federal Ministry of Education, through the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, has urged all stakeholders including parents, teachers, school proprietors, and administrators to remain vigilant. Stakeholders are advised to disregard misinformation and refrain from using unapproved textbooks in schools. School administrators and parents are encouraged to always verify the status of any textbook through official NERDC channels before adoption or purchase. The statement concluded with a powerful reminder that education thrives on truth and unity thrives on understanding. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the Nigerian educational system is built on a foundation of verified knowledge and standardized instructional materials.