Breaking: Nigeria Reintroduces History in Schools, 13 Years After Removal

In a significant move, the Nigerian government has announced the reintroduction of history as a subject in the basic education curriculum, 13 years after it was removed. The decision was made public at a flag-off ceremony, where Education Minister Tunji Alausa emphasized the importance of history in understanding oneself and the world.

The minister acknowledged that the removal of history from the curriculum had eroded knowledge and information about the country's past, leading to a disconnection from its heritage. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, echoed this sentiment, stating that exploring and exploiting Nigeria's rich history is essential for nation-building.

History is not just a subject, but a foundation for understanding various disciplines, including arts, literature, religion, social and natural sciences, mathematics, and technology. It provides a sense of identity, instills patriotism and nationalism, and helps shape attitudes and intellectual minds.

The reintroduction of history in Nigerian schools marks a new chapter in the country's educational journey. As Nigeria's foremost statesman, Nwafor Orizu, once said, "Unless we know what we are and how we come about to be what we are, we shall be unable to know where and how to go further." With this move, Nigeria is taking a step towards reclaiming its history and forging a stronger sense of national identity.