History to return as standalone subject in schools by 2025 – Education Minister
By Kunle Sanni
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the reintroduction of history as a standalone subject in Nigeria’s basic education curriculum, effective from 2025.
This directive follows a mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the subject in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television, Dr. Alausa expressed concern over the lack of historical knowledge among younger Nigerians, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting them with the country’s heritage.
“President Bola Tinubu has mandated the reinstatement of history in our schools, and it has been reintroduced into the curriculum.
“From 2025, students in primary and secondary schools will study Nigerian history as a core part of their education,” he stated.
Dr. Alausa underscored the role of history in fostering national identity, integration, and unity.
He highlighted the alarming gap in historical awareness, particularly among Nigerians under 30, describing it as unprecedented and detrimental to national development.
The reintroduction of history builds on efforts initiated in 2018 under former Education Minister Adamu Adamu.
At the time, the federal government directed the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to separate history from social studies and develop a dedicated curriculum to emphasize its importance in nation-building.
This renewed focus, Dr. Alausa explained, is part of a broader strategy to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge needed to appreciate their country’s heritage, understand past challenges, and draw lessons to shape the future.
The minister concluded by affirming the federal government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless implementation of the revised curriculum, which aims to produce informed and patriotic citizens.
