There was nationwide outrage recently after a social media user raised the alarm in a viral video, claiming that a newly approved History textbook being used in schools completely excluded Igbo culture and history. According to the video, the book’s table of contents and pages made no reference to Igbo people, language or heritage.

The development triggered widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the rationale behind producing a History textbook for schoolchildren that appeared to omit one of the country’s major ethnic groups. Critics argued that such exclusion was unacceptable, especially given the significant political and economic contributions of the Igbo to Nigeria’s development.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other stakeholders condemned the textbook, reportedly titled “Living History for Junior Secondary School”, which was said to have been approved by the Federal Ministry of Education for Junior Secondary School (JSS) students. They demanded its immediate withdrawal from schools and circulation, describing the omission of Igbo content as a deliberate attempt to alienate young learners from their cultural roots and identity.

In response, the Federal Ministry of Education swiftly denied the claims, dismissing fears that the textbook had official approval. In a statement, the ministry clarified that the book was neither reviewed nor approved by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasised that education must be built on truth, while national unity depends on tolerance and mutual understanding. He stated that reports suggesting the approval of “Living History” and the exclusion of Igbo content were misleading.

“For the avoidance of doubt, ‘Living History’ is not an approved textbook in Nigerian schools and was never submitted to or endorsed by the NERDC,” the minister said, urging the public to verify the approval status of textbooks through official channels.

Investigations by Daily Sun revealed that the textbook was likely produced and marketed by an author or publisher unknown to both the NERDC and the Federal Ministry of Education. A senior NERDC official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the book was not listed among approved History textbooks for junior secondary schools.

The official explained that while education falls on the Concurrent Legislative List, textbook approval remains the responsibility of the NERDC, which develops, reviews and recommends instructional materials. However, the council lacks enforcement powers to monitor schools or ensure compliance.

The official suggested that the Federal Ministry of Education should mandate the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to investigate the matter and ensure that only approved textbooks are used in schools nationwide.

Educationist Sandra Weppo warned that such a textbook could promote ethnic division among children and called on the government to trace and sanction the publishers, as well as schools using unapproved materials.

Similarly, an Abuja-based Igbo community leader, Onyeka Ibeh, described the textbook as a threat to Nigeria’s fragile unity and demanded concrete action beyond official denials, including the withdrawal of the book and punishment of its author.

A parent, Ayuba Yohana from Kaduna State, stressed that Nigerian history would be incomplete without the Igbo people, highlighting their role in economic development and social integration across different regions of the country.