Federal Government Refutes Claims Over Igbo-Excluding History Textbook

The contentious “Living History” textbook has apparently garnered criticism for allegedly excluding Igbo content, although the Federal Ministry of Education has denied endorsing it.

The ministry made it clear that no Nigerian school is permitted to use this book.

According to reports, the Federal Government emphasized that “Living History” has never been submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) for review in a statement released on Tuesday (today) by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

The ministry claims that NERDC is the statutory authority in charge of examining, assessing, and authorizing educational resources that adhere to the national curriculum.

According to the statement, “the book was neither included on the official list of approved History textbooks nor recommended by NERDC.”

The ministry revealed that an examination of officially approved teaching materials and discussions with NERDC leadership verified that “Living History” is not included in the approved textbooks for use in classrooms nationwide.

Parents, educators, school owners, and administrators were asked by the ministry to ignore rumors, false information, and “emotionally charged narratives” about the book.

The use of unauthorized teaching resources could compromise curriculum standards and have a detrimental impact on teaching and learning results, it said.

“All approved textbooks promote inclusivity, balance, and unity while reflecting Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, shared history, and core national values,” the ministry said, adding that they closely adhere to the national curriculum.

Folasade also urged the public to reject divisive falsehoods, encourage responsible conversation, and confirm educational materials’ approved status through proper channels before using them in classrooms.

For confirmed information about approved textbooks, the public is urged to contact NERDC. The truth is the foundation of education. Understanding fosters unity, the message continued.