The Federal Government said it has reintroduced Nigerian history as a compulsory subject in the national basic education curriculum to foster national identity, unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the reasons in a statement made available to reporters in Abuja by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

In the statement, the minister said that the comprehensive curriculum was designed to rekindle pride in Nigeria’s past, nurture civic consciousness, and prepare young Nigerians with the knowledge and values required for responsible nation-building.

Alausa also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for championing the landmark reform under the Renewed Hope Agenda, just as he emphasised that history is not merely a record of the past, but a vital foundation for shaping responsible and patriotic citizens.

According to the Minister, Primary 1to 6 pupils will explore Nigeria’s origins, heroes and heroines, traditional rulers and institutions, cultural heritage, political evolution, geography, environment, economy, religions, colonial administration, and post-independence governance.

Students in JSS1 to 3, he said, would study Civic and Heritage Studies, covering topics such as early Nigerian civilisations, pre-colonial states, West African empires, trans-Saharan trade, European contacts, amalgamation, the independence movement, and democratic governance blended with civic values to strengthen identity and national unity.

According to the Minister, this reform represents a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to Nigeria’s development.

He added that embedding civic education into the new curriculum would equip learners with the knowledge and values necessary to respect diversity, uphold institutions, and contribute positively to society.