Katsina TIMES: Abuja, Nigeria – June 11, 2025
The Federal Ministry of Education has disassociated itself from a controversial history textbook alleged to contain distorted narratives about Yoruba history, describing it as misleading and unauthorised.
This development follows a petition titled "Petition to Defend Yoruba History from Ethnic Distortion in Nigerian Textbooks", submitted by the Concerned Citizens of Yoruba Origin and Supporters of Truth. The group, led by its National Chairman, Otunba Abayomi Odunowo, expressed concern over historical inaccuracies in a textbook authored by Tony and Ijeoma Duru and published by Tones Publishers.
The publication allegedly makes claims about the founding of Ile-Ife that have been described as potentially harmful to national unity.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry clarified that the textbook in question was neither authored, commissioned, nor approved by the Federal Ministry of Education. It stressed that the publication is not part of the officially sanctioned instructional materials used in public basic education institutions across the country.
“The Ministry is not responsible for materials that fall outside its regulatory framework,” the statement read.
The Ministry also commended stakeholders for their vigilance and concern over the educational content that could misinform learners and provoke ethnic tensions. It assured the public that all officially approved instructional materials are carefully vetted to meet national education standards, promote literacy, and ensure equitable access to quality education.
Given the sensitivity of the matter and its broader implications for national cohesion, the Ministry announced that it would collaborate with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. It promised all necessary steps would be taken to address the anomalies and ensure a timely resolution that upholds historical accuracy and unity.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains fully committed to providing quality, inclusive, and culturally respectful education that fosters peace, understanding, and national development,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.
