The Federal Ministry of Education has distanced itself from a History textbook titled Living History, dismissing public claims and commentary about the book as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry stated that Living History is not an approved instructional material and has never been endorsed for use in any Nigerian school. The clarification follows widespread discussions suggesting the book had received official approval, alongside allegations that it excluded Igbo perspectives.
The Ministry stressed that the textbook was never submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the statutory agency responsible for evaluating and approving learning materials in line with the national curriculum. As a result, the book was neither reviewed nor listed among the officially sanctioned History textbooks.
Further checks with NERDC leadership and a review of the current catalogue of curriculum-aligned textbooks confirmed that Living History is not recognised for nationwide use in schools.
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The Ministry urged parents, teachers, school owners, administrators, and the general public to ignore speculation and emotionally driven narratives surrounding the book and to avoid adopting it for teaching purposes. It warned that the use of unapproved materials compromises curriculum standards and could harm the quality of education delivery.
According to the statement, all government-approved textbooks are designed to align with the national curriculum and reflect Nigeria’s diverse cultures, shared heritage, and core values, while promoting balance, inclusiveness, and national unity.
The Ministry also called for responsible public engagement, advising stakeholders to verify the approval status of educational materials through official channels before use. Those seeking accurate information were directed to consult NERDC, the body mandated to oversee curriculum development and textbook approval.
“Education is built on truth, and unity is strengthened through understanding,” the statement concluded.
