The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that a History textbook titled “Living History” is not approved for use in Nigerian schools, dismissing claims circulating in public discourse that the book has official backing or that it deliberately excludes Igbo history.
In a press statement issued on February 2, 2026, and obtained by Dip Connect Online News, the Ministry said reports and debates surrounding the book were misleading and inaccurate.
According to the Ministry, “Living History” was never submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the statutory body responsible for reviewing, evaluating and recommending instructional materials in line with Nigeria’s national curriculum.
“As such, the book was neither reviewed nor recommended by NERDC and does not appear on the Federal Ministry of Education’s officially approved list of History textbooks,” the statement said.
The Ministry explained that consultations with NERDC leadership and a review of the current list of curriculum-aligned textbooks confirmed that “Living History” is not among the approved instructional materials for nationwide use.
It therefore urged parents, teachers, school owners, administrators and the general public to disregard speculation, misinformation and emotionally driven narratives surrounding the book, and to refrain from adopting or using it in schools.
The Ministry warned that the use of unapproved textbooks undermines curriculum standards and could negatively affect teaching quality and learning outcomes.
It reaffirmed that all approved textbooks strictly comply with the national curriculum and are designed to reflect Nigeria’s cultural diversity, shared history and core national values, while promoting inclusivity, balance and unity.
The public was encouraged to verify the approval status of educational materials through official channels, particularly NERDC, and to support responsible, fact-based discourse.
“Education thrives on truth. Unity thrives on understanding,” the statement concluded.
Elijah Adeyemi
