The Federal Government has reintroduced Nigerian History as a compulsory subject in the national basic education curriculum, a move aimed at fostering national identity, unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the policy in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.

Alausa explained that the comprehensive curriculum was designed to rekindle pride in Nigeria’s past, nurture civic consciousness, and prepare learners with the knowledge and values required for nation-building. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for championing the reform under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study Nigerian History continuously from Primary 1 through Junior Secondary School 3. Students in SSS1–3 will learn the newly developed subject Civic and Heritage Studies, which integrates Nigerian History with Civic Education,” the minister said.

Under the new curriculum, pupils in Primary 1–6 will study Nigeria’s origins, cultural heritage, heroes and heroines, traditional rulers and institutions, political evolution, geography, religion, economy, colonial administration, and post-independence governance.

Junior secondary students will take Civic and Heritage Studies, which will cover topics including early Nigerian civilisations, pre-colonial states, West African empires, trans-Saharan trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence struggles, and democratic governance, blended with civic values to strengthen identity and national unity.

“This innovative approach ensures learners understand the nation’s story while cultivating the values of citizenship, responsibility, and service,” Alausa added.

He described the reform as a “priceless gift to the nation,” reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to Nigeria’s development. Embedding civic education into the curriculum, he said, would equip learners to respect diversity, uphold institutions, and contribute positively to society.

The Ministry of Education has released the revised Nigerian History Curriculum for Primary 1–6 and JSS1–3, and plans to collaborate with stakeholders to provide resources, retrain teachers, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation.