By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has announced the return of History as a compulsory subject in all Nigerian schools, to be taught from Primary 1 to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) starting in the 2025/2026 academic session.
The newly released curriculum highlights specific topics that pupils and students must study to strengthen their understanding of Nigeria’s past and national identity.
Topics for Primary School (P1 – P6)
Pupils at the primary level will be introduced to:
- The origins of Nigeria and early communities
- Stories of national heroes and heroines
- Traditional rulers and cultural values
- Early political and economic systems
- Colonial rule and its impact on Nigerian society
- Nigeria’s independence and early nation-building efforts
Topics for Junior Secondary (JSS 1 – 3)
Students at the JSS level will study more advanced areas such as:
- Ancient African civilizations and empires
- Inter-regional trade networks across Africa
- European contact, exploration, and colonial expansion
- The 1914 amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria
- Struggles for independence and post-independence governments
- Nigeria’s democratic development and civic values
- The nation’s place in global history
Why It Matters
According to the Ministry of Education, the move is aimed at:
- Reinforcing national identity by reconnecting learners with their heritage
- Easing curriculum overload by restructuring subjects for depth and focus
- Equipping teachers with training and modern resources to deliver lessons effectively
Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the decision, describing it as a timely step towards building a generation of Nigerians who understand their roots and can contribute meaningfully to nation-building.