The Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria has officially disowned a History textbook titled Living History, stating that it has not been approved for use in schools across the country. This announcement, made on February 4, 2026, aims to clear up confusion after public debates and social media discussions suggested the book was part of the national curriculum. The Ministry clarified that the book never underwent the mandatory review process required for instructional materials.
According to a statement from the Director of Press and Public Relations, the textbook was never submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). The NERDC is the statutory body responsible for evaluating and approving books to ensure they align with the official national curriculum. Because it bypassed this evaluation, the Ministry emphasized that the book should not be found in any classroom or recommended by school administrators.
The controversy surrounding the book stemmed from allegations that its content was inaccurate and, in some cases, excluded significant cultural history, specifically regarding the Igbo people. These claims sparked a wave of public concern among parents and educators who were worried about the quality and fairness of the information being taught to students. By disowning the text, the government is attempting to reassure the public that educational standards are being strictly monitored.
In addition to the content concerns, the Ministry urged parents, teachers, and school proprietors to disregard any misinformation claiming the book is "officially endorsed." They reminded school leaders that using unapproved materials can undermine the educational goals set by the state. The government reiterated that only books appearing on the official NERDC-approved list are permitted for nationwide use to maintain a unified and accurate historical narrative.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Education highlighted its commitment to providing "future-ready" and "skills-driven" education for Nigerian students. They encouraged educational stakeholders to remain vigilant and only utilize resources that have been verified for accuracy and inclusivity. This move is seen as part of a broader effort in 2026 to sanitize the education sector and ensure that students are learning from high quality, vetted materials.
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