‘Living History’ Controversy: Authors Refute Igbo Omission Allegation
Social Media Claim Under Scrutiny
A viral Facebook video alleging that Igbo history was excluded from Living History for Junior Secondary Schools has triggered debate over representation in Nigeria’s educational materials. Yet the publisher and authors of the series insist the accusation is inaccurate and misleading.
Accessible Publishers Ltd described the claim as “false and malicious,” maintaining that the textbooks contain substantial material on Igbo history appropriate for junior secondary learners.
The company stated that its publications strictly adhere to standards set by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.
Inside the Textbooks
An examination of the books reveals multiple references to Igbo history across the three volumes.
Book One introduces Nigeria’s ethnic composition, explicitly identifying the Igbo as one of the dominant groups. It provides demographic context and situates the Igbo within Nigeria’s broader cultural landscape.
The same volume dedicates several pages to Igbo-Ukwu civilisation, highlighting archaeological findings and artefacts linked to early Igbo society. These discussions are positioned within a chronological study of early Nigerian civilisations, including Nok, Ife and Benin.
Book Two addresses Non-Centralised States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria, categorising the Igbo as a significant example of decentralised political organisation in Africa. Topics include origin narratives, governance systems and economic structures.
Mrs. Taiwo Eucharia Taiwo, a co-author trained at the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan, said the curriculum framework determined the structure of the books.
“Igbo is not a centralised state, and the curriculum clearly separates centralised from non-centralised systems,” she explained. “We followed the curriculum strictly.”
Reading Culture and Public Reaction
The publisher attributed the controversy partly to poor reading culture and digital sensationalism. According to Taiwo, simplified language in junior-level textbooks does not equate to omission.
Observers note that the episode highlights tensions surrounding ethnic representation in Nigerian discourse. However, available textual evidence appears to undermine the exclusion claim.
Legal Perspective
Legal analyst Rockson Igelige warned that spreading unverified accusations online could constitute defamation, which carries civil and criminal implications under Nigerian law.
A Broader Lesson
While the controversy has drawn attention to the importance of cultural inclusion in education, it also underscores the need for careful review before amplifying allegations.
Accessible Publishers has invited educators, parents and the public to examine the books directly and compare them with the national curriculum.
In an era of viral information, the dispute serves as a reminder that academic materials — especially those developed under national guidelines — warrant scrutiny grounded in evidence rather than online speculation.
