Reintroduced history: Pupils to study subject from Primary 1 to JSS 3

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Education has explained that the reintroduced Nigerian History subject for basic and secondary schools 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.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, in a statement, further explained that basic school pupils will study Nigerian History continuously from Primary 1 through Junior Secondary School (JSS 3), while students in Senior Secondary School (SSS 1–3) will learn the newly developed subject, Civic and Heritage Studies, which integrates Nigerian History with Civic Education.

According to the minister, pupils in Primary 1–6 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.

He stated that students in Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3) will 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.

He said the innovative approach ensures that learners understand the nation’s story while cultivating the values of citizenship, responsibility, and service.

He called on parents, educators, and communities to embrace the historic reform as a shared responsibility in raising patriotic, disciplined, and forward-looking citizens.

“This reform represents a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to Nigeria’s development. Also, embedding civic education into the new curriculum will equip learners with the knowledge and values necessary to respect diversity, uphold institutions, and contribute positively to society.

“To ensure effective implementation, we will collaborate with stakeholders to provide resources, retrain teachers, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation frameworks,” he said.