By Prisca Sam-Duru

Accessible Publishers Ltd and a team of expert historians have formally debunked a viral social media video alleging that the Igbo nation was excluded from the Living History for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 1–3) series.

The controversy erupted following a post by a Facebook user who claimed the textbooks ignored Igbo history.

In a swift reaction, the publishers and authors—J. M. Itsekure, Mr. Olaitan Olukeye Olajide and Mrs. Taiwo Eucharia Taiwo—labeled the claims as false, malicious, and a product of poor reading comprehension.

“Ample Evidence” of Igbo History

The publishers maintained that the Igbo people are not only included but are central to the series’ narrative. An internal review of the books reveals extensive coverage across the three-volume set:
Demographics: Page 16 of Book One identifies the Igbo as one of Nigeria’s “dominant” groups, noting they account for approximately 18% of the national population.

Early Civilization: Pages 27–30 are dedicated to Igbo-Ukwu: Culture and Artefacts, detailing the archaeological excavations of Professor Thurstan Shaw as a cornerstone of early Nigerian civilization.
Origins and Governance: Book Two opens with a chapter on “Non-Centralized States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria,” focusing specifically on Igbo origins, political structures, and economic systems.

Authors Express “Shock and Disbelief”

Mrs. Taiwo Eucharia Taiwo, a co-author and professional historian with degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan, expressed dismay at the allegations.

“My first reaction was shock and disbelief because there is no way the Igbo would not have been mentioned,” Taiwo stated. She explained that the books follow the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) curriculum strictly.

Addressing the specific structure of the books, Taiwo noted: “The curriculum for JSS 1 ends with ‘Centralized States.’ Since the Igbo operated as a non-centralized state, their detailed political history is the opening focus of Book 2. You cannot understand people without knowing their location, space, and time.”

Potential Legal Consequences

The publishers characterized the video attack as a “mischievous” attempt to tarnish a reputable brand that has long contributed to Nigeria’s educational development.

Prominent entertainment lawyer Mr. Rockson Igelige weighed in on the matter, warning that the viral posts could constitute defamatory conduct and cyberbullying.

“Spreading unfounded statements with the intent to tarnish the esteem of a person, product, or company is both civilly and criminally actionable in Nigeria,” Igelige remarked.

Accessible Publishers Ltd has urged educators, parents, and the general public to read the full text of the Living History series rather than relying on social media snippets. They reaffirmed their commitment to producing resources that “inform, inspire, and respect Nigeria’s rich diversity.”