FG Brings Back History: Subject Now Compulsory in All Primary, Secondary Schools After 16-Year Absence

In a landmark policy shift, the Federal Government has officially reintroduced History as a compulsory subject across Nigeria’s primary and secondary schools, 16 years after it was scrapped from the curriculum under the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration.

The Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement released via its official X handle on Wednesday, announced that pupils from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary School 3 will now study Nigeria’s history in a structured curriculum designed to rekindle national identity, pride, and patriotism.

“For the first time in decades, Nigerian children will trace their heritage from the classroom, beginning at Primary 1 through JSS3, while SSS students will engage in Civic and Heritage Studies — a rich integration of History and Civic Education,” the Ministry disclosed.

What Pupils Will Learn

Primary 1–6: Early origins of Nigeria, heroes, rulers, diverse cultures, economy, politics, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.

JSS1–3: African civilisations, kingdoms and empires, ancient trade, European contact, the 1914 amalgamation, independence, democratic struggles, and civic values.

SSS1–3: A new blend of History and Civic Education under “Civic and Heritage Studies,” deepening understanding of governance, national struggles, and civic responsibilities.


The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing what they described as a “historic and transformative reform.”

“History is not merely a record of the past — it is the foundation for shaping patriotic, responsible citizens,” the ministers affirmed, describing the policy as a priceless gift to future generations.

Teacher Training and Resources

The Ministry announced that the revised curriculum has already been developed, and a comprehensive training program for teachers will begin nationwide. Additional resources and strict monitoring will also be provided to ensure the smooth implementation of the subject across schools.

Why History Was Removed in 2009

History was controversially dropped from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum in 2009. The decision was justified at the time on the grounds that students were losing interest in the subject, coupled with a shortage of qualified teachers and limited career opportunities for graduates.

Steps Toward Reintroduction

In 2022, former Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, initiated the process of restoring the subject by training history teachers at the basic education level in Abuja. However, until now, the subject remained largely optional in the few schools that offered it.

With this latest directive, History will no longer be sidelined but taught as a compulsory subject across all schools in Nigeria — ensuring that a new generation of Nigerians will grow up grounded in the nation’s story.