“Living History” Textbook Not Approved for Nigerian Schools, Federal Ministry of Education Clarifies
Amid growing public debate and online claims, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education has issued a firm clarification: “Living History” is not an approved textbook for use in Nigerian schools and was never reviewed by the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
Ministry Sets the Record Straight
The Federal Ministry of Education says it has observed misleading reports suggesting that a History textbook titled “Living History” was approved for Nigerian schools or rejected after content reviews. According to the Ministry, these claims are false.
In a clear statement, the Ministry stressed that “Living History” is not approved, not recommended, and not recognised for use in any Nigerian primary or secondary school.
“The book was never reviewed by NERDC and does not appear on the official list of approved History textbooks,” the Ministry stated.
Why “Living History” Is Not Approved
The Ministry explained that all instructional materials used in Nigerian schools must pass through NERDC, the statutory body responsible for reviewing and approving textbooks in line with the national curriculum.
However, in the case of “Living History”:
- The book was never submitted to NERDC for review
- NERDC did not evaluate or endorse the book
- The title is absent from the official approved History textbook list
Because it did not go through this mandatory process, the book cannot be legally or academically recognised for classroom use.
Findings After NERDC Consultations
Following consultations with NERDC leadership and a review of the officially endorsed textbook list aligned with Nigeria’s revised History curriculum, the Ministry confirmed that “Living History” does not qualify as an approved instructional material for nationwide use.
This confirmation, the Ministry says, should put an end to speculation surrounding the book’s status.
Warning to Parents, Teachers, and School Owners
The Ministry has advised parents, teachers, school proprietors, and education administrators to avoid unapproved textbooks and ignore misinformation circulating online or offline.
According to the Ministry, the use of unapproved learning materials can:
- Undermine national curriculum standards
- Distort historical learning
- Negatively affect students’ learning outcomes
Schools are therefore urged to exercise caution when selecting instructional materials.
How to Verify Approved Textbooks
The Ministry emphasised that approved textbooks are carefully selected to reflect Nigeria’s cultural diversity, shared history, and national values.
To avoid mistakes, stakeholders are advised to confirm textbook approvals through official NERDC channels, noting that a simple verification step can prevent unapproved books from entering classrooms.
Final Word from the Ministry
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and accurate historical teaching, concluding with a reminder:
“Education thrives on truth. Unity thrives on understanding.”
You may also like to read: Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education Cracks Down Hard on Exam Malpractice — What JAMB Students Must Know
