Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, has denied claims that a history textbook titled Living History is approved for use in Nigerian schools.
Speaking further, Alausa said the federal Ministry of Education did not approve the book.
Alausa made this known in a post on X on Tuesday as public criticism mounted over claims that the book excluded Igbo history.
He also said the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) did not recommend it.
Ministry Rejects Approval Claims
First, Alausa dismissed reports suggesting that Living History is already in use in junior secondary schools.
He said the claim is false.
“Living History is not an approved textbook and has not been recommended for use in any Nigerian school,” he said.
He added that the book never entered the official approval process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the book was never submitted to the NERDC,” he said.
Igbo History Allegations Spark Backlash
Meanwhile, some Nigerians accused the education ministry of attempting to erase Igbo history from the school curriculum.
They argued that the absence of Igbo content in the book showed a deliberate policy choice.
However, Alausa rejected the allegation.
He said the ministry neither produced nor circulated the book.
Minister Urges Verification
Consequently, the minister urged Nigerians to verify information before concluding.
He warned against spreading misinformation that could deepen ethnic divisions.
“Education thrives on truth. Unity thrives on understanding,” Alausa said.
Alausa urged parents, teachers, school proprietors, administrators and the general public to ignore speculation, misinformation and emotionally charged narratives surrounding the book. He also warned schools against using it.
The minister said unapproved instructional materials weaken curriculum standards and damage teaching quality and learning outcomes.
He said approved textbooks follow the national curriculum and reflect Nigeria’s cultural diversity, shared history and core national values. According to him, such materials promote inclusivity, balance and unity.
Alausa also urged the public to support responsible discourse, reject divisive misinformation and verify the approval status of educational materials through official channels before use.
