FG Denies Approving History Book Accused Of Excluding Igbo
FG Responds to Controversial History Textbook
THE Federal Ministry of Education has responded to widespread public concern over a history textbook allegedly approved for use in Nigerian schools that was accused of erasing the Igbo from Nigeria’s ethnic history.
The textbook, titled Living History, has trended heavily on social media following claims that it omitted the Igbo from the list of major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The controversy sparked public outrage, particularly among Igbo stakeholders, who described the alleged exclusion as misleading and divisive.
Ministry Disowns the Book
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday 3 February 2026, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, categorically denied claims that the book was approved or recommended for use in Nigerian schools.
According to Boriowo, the ministry neither sanctioned nor endorsed Living History as an instructional material, stressing that it was not part of the official list of government-approved textbooks.
No Submission to NERDC
Boriowo explained that investigations revealed the textbook was never submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) for review and evaluation, a mandatory requirement for all instructional materials intended for use under Nigeria’s national curriculum.
She disclosed that consultations with the leadership of NERDC confirmed that the book was not assessed, reviewed, or approved by the council, and therefore lacks official authorization for nationwide use in schools.
Clarification on Ethnic Representation
While online reports suggested that the book was in use in parts of the South-West and allegedly excluded the Igbo ethnic group, the ministry clarified that, contrary to such claims, the book reportedly lists the Igbo among Nigerian tribes. Nonetheless, the ministry maintained that its content and circulation remain unauthorized.
Warning Against Unapproved Materials
The ministry cautioned parents, teachers, school proprietors, and education stakeholders against using unapproved textbooks, warning that such practices could undermine curriculum standards and compromise teaching quality and learning outcomes.
Boriowo stressed that only textbooks vetted and approved by NERDC align with national educational objectives and ensure accurate representation of Nigeria’s history, culture, and diversity.
Commitment to National Unity
She further reassured Nigerians that all officially approved history textbooks reflect Nigeria’s shared heritage, cultural diversity, and core national values, emphasizing unity, inclusion, and factual accuracy.
The ministry also called for responsible public discourse, urging the public to verify claims through official channels before circulating information that could heighten ethnic tensions or spread misinformation.
