The Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria has moved to clarify confusion surrounding a history textbook titled Living History, assuring parents, teachers and the wider public that it is not among the officially approved educational texts for schools in the country. The clarification comes amid widespread discussion on social media and in some news outlets about the status of the book and claims that it had been endorsed for use in classrooms across Nigeria, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
In a statement released in Abuja, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, addressed what it described as “misleading reports and public discussions” regarding the book. The statement categorically stated that Living History is not on the list of instructional materials approved by the Federal Ministry of Education, and has not been recommended for use by the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the statutory body responsible for reviewing and accrediting textbooks in line with the national curriculum.
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Why the Ministry Took Action
According to the ministry’s communication, the book in question was never formally submitted to NERDC for review and evaluation, which is a mandatory process for any educational material intended for nationwide use. Because this process was not followed, Living History was omitted from the official register of approved History textbooks and instructional materials that align with Nigeria’s curriculum standards.
The Education Ministry’s clarification was prompted by claims circulating that the book had been approved, and by allegations that it might exclude content relevant to the Igbo ethnic group. The ministry’s statement firmly rejected these claims, urging Nigerians not to be misled by “speculation, misinformation, and emotionally charged narratives” about the book.
Officials stressed that using unapproved textbooks such as Living History can undermine educational standards, distort the teaching and learning process, and cause confusion among educators and students alike. They reminded stakeholders that approved texts are carefully vetted to ensure they align with the national curriculum and reflect Nigeria’s cultural diversity, historic complexity, national values, and commitment to inclusivity and balance.
What Textbook Approval Means in Nigeria
Textbook approval in Nigeria is governed by a structured process that involves submission to NERDC for rigorous review. This process ensures that instructional materials are appropriate for classroom use and meet established educational standards before being included on the official approved list. Publishers and authors seeking to have books approved must follow this process to have their materials considered for adoption in public and private schools.
Education experts say having a formal approval system helps protect the integrity of the curriculum, supports consistent learning outcomes, and reduces the risk of misinformation, especially in subjects like history, where narratives can have cultural, social and political implications. Unapproved texts, they argue, risk presenting unverified interpretations of historical events, which could shape young people’s understanding of the past in ways that are not aligned with national educational goals.
Government Appeal to Schools and Families
In its statement, the Federal Ministry of Education specifically urged parents, teachers, school proprietors and administrators to disregard the misinformation about Living History, advising against its use in classrooms. The ministry also called on the public to verify the approval status of any educational material through official channels, particularly with NERDC.
The ministry made it clear that Nigeria’s approved textbooks are chosen to uphold a balanced view of history that honours the diverse cultures and shared struggles that make up the nation. These textbooks aim to foster unity and understanding among students across the country.
This clarification follows previous instances where the government has publicly disavowed books perceived to contain controversial or inaccurate historical content. In mid-2025, the ministry issued a similar statement disowning a history textbook alleged to distort aspects of Yoruba heritage, emphasising that it had not been commissioned, authored or approved for use in Nigerian schools.
As debates about curriculum content and historical narratives continue, the Federal Ministry of Education’s recent clarification on the Living History book highlights the importance of established approval processes and the need for educators and families to rely on verified sources when selecting learning materials.
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