By Elizabeth Uwandu

Stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to tread with  caution in the area of the commencement of the reintroduction of History in the curriculum. They argued that the absence of availability of trained History teachers and a formal curriculum may impede the decision by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu.

For Mrs Toyin Sode Idowu, an educationist, she said that the initiative would be a waste if the right teachers and standard text books for History is not put in place before the implementation of the new policy. Her words, “ I love this development , but hope the reintroduction does not begin this session. There is need to train History teachers and get standard textbooks before getting History back into the classrooms, else the essence of reintroduction  of History will be lost.

The Principal Consultant/CEO Leading Learning Limited, Dr Folasade Fisayo added that the next step education policymakers have to take in  the reintroduction of History was to formulate a curriculum that would better appreciate the diversity and richness of Nigerians. “ The curriculum is vital and I believe we will evoke  a History curriculum that will build appreciation and love for our country via its diversity and richness.”  added  Fisayo

A parent, Chioma Eke( not real names) on her part noted that History reinstallation into the curriculum should not be only a medium of extolation of past leaders but it should encompass also those the negative abuses of their authority, to enable future leaders learn from part mistakes.

“The history of the political leaders of Nigeria should include their deeds, their feats and of course their corrupt practices. Children in Nigeria should be able to read about corruption of leaders just as the world is reading about the evil deeds of Hitler.  This will evoke a heart of change for good deeds.  So, the move to bring back History is good.

Adeogun Kayode, a journalist  while noting that proper teaching and learning of History would raise a generation of young people  that will better appreciate the intricacies and intrique of leadership . He rejoiced that the three arguments for the earlier remover of History from the curricum are now history themselves. His words, “ The three arguments for removing History that included, the dearth of History teachers; lack of job for history graduates and students apathy to the subject lacked merit.