The government has been urged to take further steps in ensuring that the value of History is deeply embedded into future generations by making it a compulsory subject in the secondary school curriculum.
Over the years, History, once a cornerstone of secondary education, has slowly faded from the school curriculum. What was once a subject that defined national identity, passed down cultural values, and shaped the understanding of the past is now viewed as less relevant and, in some cases, entirely forgotten. This gradual decline has raised concerns among educators and experts who argue that without a solid understanding of History, young people risk losing touch with their heritage and national identity.
Professor David Fakeye, a renowned academic from the University of Ibadan, emphasized the crucial role History plays in retracing fading values and preserving cultural heritage across generations. He expressed concerns about the nation’s current grasp of its history, stating, “History has always had a way of repeating itself, but without proper knowledge of the past, the present and future of a nation are at stake.” He further emphasized that the history of a nation is more than just governance but a critical component of its identity and culture.
However, Professor Fakeye pointed out that the decline of History in schools began in the late 1970s when Social Studies was introduced as a replacement. Social Studies, which combined Civic Education, History, and Geography, often placed History in a secondary role within the curriculum. “The introduction of Social Studies as a single subject slowly diminished History’s importance in schools,” he explained. “This shift led to History being relegated to the background, while other subjects took precedence.”
According to Professor Fakeye, this change in the curriculum had a lasting impact on the importance of History in students’ education. “History is the bedrock of our identity,” he added. “When we lose touch with our history, we lose a part of ourselves. We need to ensure that it’s once again placed at the forefront of education.”
Professor Olukayode Ajitoni, Head of the Department of Art and Social Sciences at the Faculty of Education, also voiced concerns about the way History is taught in schools today. He pointed out that students often view the subject as “boring” and “unengaging,” which contributes to its decline in popularity. “History is often seen as a subject with long dates and facts that students find difficult to relate to,” he said. “In higher education, even students who study History as a major sometimes struggle to make the subject interactive and engaging.”
Professor Ajitoni emphasized that History’s gradual “death” in the school curriculum is largely due to its perceived lack of interactivity. He noted that without the right teaching methods to make the subject come alive, students lose interest. “It is crucial that we make History more engaging and interactive for students. This is a subject that is deeply connected to their identity, and we must find ways to make it relevant,” he stated. Teachers, according to Ajitoni, need to integrate storytelling, hands-on activities, and critical discussions into History lessons to make it more appealing to young minds.
Both experts agreed that the federal government must take responsibility for repositioning History as a core subject in the school curriculum. “The government needs to ensure that History is not just seen as a relic of the past but as a vital subject that shapes the future,” said Professor Fakeye. They also suggested that more resources be allocated to make the teaching of History more attractive, including offering scholarships for students to pursue History-related degrees and providing incentives for teachers to specialize in the subject.
Furthermore, they proposed introducing job security and insurance for History teachers, as well as creating more awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of the subject. “We must make the next generation see History not just as a subject, but as a pathway to understanding their past, their present, and their future,” said Professor Ajitoni.
These experts are hopeful that the government will take action to reinstate History as a central subject in schools, so that future generations will not only learn about their country’s past but also understand the profound impact it has on their lives today.
