The Federal Ministry of Education has broken its silence on reports claiming that a history textbook “Living History” was approved for use in Nigerian schools.

The book has been trending lately over the alleged exclusion of the Igbo from the list of ethnic groups in Nigeria. But contrary to online claims, News Express learnt that the book, said to be in use in parts of the South-West, does, indeed, list the Igbo among Nigerian tribes.

The Federal Ministry of Education, however, disowned the controversial book in a statement issued in Abuja by its Director, Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.

A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Boriowo as saying that the book was neither approved nor recommended for use by the ministry. She disclosed that the textbook was never submitted to the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) for review and evaluation under the national curriculum.

Boriowo in the report published this Tuesday morning, February 3, 2026, said that consultations with NERDC leadership confirmed that the textbook was not among instructional materials endorsed for nationwide use.

According to her, the book is therefore not recommended by NERDC and does not appear on the official list of approved History textbooks.

She also urged parents, teachers, school proprietors and the public to disregard misinformation and refrain from using the book in schools.

The director warned that the use of unapproved instructional materials could undermine curriculum standards and negatively affect teaching quality and learning outcomes.

She added that all approved textbooks aligned with the national curriculum and reflected Nigeria’s cultural diversity, shared history and core national values.

Boriowo also called for responsible public discourse and advised stakeholders to verify textbook approval status through official channels, including NERDC.

Update news