The Federal Government has distanced itself from controversial school textbooks claiming that Ile-Ife—the ancestral home of the Yoruba people—was first settled by the Igbo before being taken over by Oduduwa.
This 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. Signed by the group’s National Chairman, Otunba Abayomi Odunowo, the petition was addressed to the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the National Assembly Committee on Education, and other relevant agencies.
The group raised alarm over two books—Standard History Studies for JSS 1–3 by Tony and Ijeoma Duru, and The Igbo: People, History and Worldview by Dons Eze and Chinedu Ochinanwata—accusing them of presenting false narratives that suggest the Igbo were the original settlers of Ile-Ife, later displaced by Oduduwa.
Reacting to the petition, the Federal Ministry of Education, through a statement by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, denied any link to the textbooks in question. It clarified that the materials were neither authored, commissioned, nor approved by the Ministry and are not listed among instructional texts sanctioned for public schools in Nigeria.
“The Ministry appreciates the vigilance of stakeholders and recognises the dangers posed by historical distortions that can misinform learners and incite ethnic tension,” the statement read.
It further assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and other agencies. “All necessary steps will be taken to address these anomalies and ensure a fair resolution that respects historical truth and national cohesion.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality and culturally sensitive education that fosters unity and national development.
