FME Commits To Quality Education For Nat’l Devt

The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed committment towards providing quality, inclusive, and culturally respectful education that fosters peace, understanding, and national development.

To this end, Instructional materials officially endorsed by the Ministry are carefully curated to meet national education standards to support effective learning in public schools, promote literacy, as well as ensure inclusive, equitable access to quality education throughout Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement by the
Director Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade in Abuja while clarifying issues surrounding 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, through its National Chairman, Otunba Abayomi Odunowo.

The petition raises concerns over alleged historical inaccuracies in a history textbook authored by Tony and Ijeoma Duru, and published by Tones Publishers.

The publication is said to contain claims regarding the founding of Ile-Ife that have been described as misleading and potentially harmful to national unity.

The Ministry of Education wishes to clarify that the said textbook was not authored, commissioned, or approved by the Federal Ministry of Education neither is it among the instructional materials approved for use in public basic education institutions across the country, and the Ministry is not in any way affiliated with the publication.

The Ministry, however, appreciates the vigilance and concern of stakeholders regarding the potential of such content to misinform learners and provoke ethnic tension.

It says that while these concerns are valid, it is important to note that the Ministry is not responsible for materials that fall outside its regulatory framework.

Nevertheless, given the sensitivity of the matter and its implications for education, cultural identity, and national cohesion, the Ministry is working closely with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and other relevant agencies to thoroughly investigate the issue.

The statement also stresses that all necessary steps will be taken to address the anomalies identified and to ensure a fair and timely resolution that respects historical truth and promotes unity.

PR/Nkiruka Okeke