In a landmark reform of Nigeria’s education system, the Federal Government has announced that History would once again be taught continuously from Primary 1 through Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), while Senior Secondary School students would take a newly designed subject, Civic and Heritage Studies.
The reform, unveiled by the Ministers of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, marks the first time in decades that History would run without interruption across the basic school curriculum.
Under the new arrangement, pupils in Primary 1–6 would learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance. Junior Secondary students would further study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, the 1914 amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values.
For Senior Secondary School (SSS1–3) students, Civic and Heritage Studies will integrate History with Civic Education, offering a broader understanding of governance, citizenship, and Nigeria’s historical foundations.
Describing the reform as a “priceless gift to the nation,” the Education Ministers said the move will reconnect children with their roots, foster pride in national heritage, promote unity, and strengthen commitment to national development.
The Ministry of Education also confirmed that a revised curriculum has been released. Plans are underway to retrain teachers, provide new learning resources, and strengthen monitoring to ensure effective implementation nationwide.
