Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi
Following the footsteps of its Oyo State counterpart, Ekiti State government on Wednesday ordered the reintroduction of History as an independent subject in public primary schools in the state.
The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Prof. Femi Akinwumi, gave the directive in Ado Ekiti, while monitoring the resumption of public schools in the state for the third term of the 2021/2022 session.
Akinwumi said: “Primary schools in the state have been directed to, henceforth, utilize at least one of the three periods allocated weekly for Social Studies to teach History.
“The move was to promote core principles of hard work, patriotism, honesty and other national values. The teaching of the subject would also promote the cultures and the traditions of the people of Nigeria and aid pupils’ understanding of the nation’s history.
“The reintroduction of the subject in schools’ curriculum was in line with the national policy on education which is also an integral part of the Fayemi administration’s strategy to promote core Ekiti and National values through a well-knitted values orientation programme in schools and the larger society.”
While reintroducing the subject, Oyo State Government had on Monday directed all public primary schools in the State to immediately implement the teaching of History as an independent subject starting from this term (3rd term) of the 2021/2022 academic session a directive which it complemented with the distribution of 4,950 History textbooks to the schools.
Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran had given the directive on behalf of the state government on Monday, while monitoring schools’ resumption in Ibadan.
Adeniran who applauded the massive turnout of pupils in public primary schools, said reintroduction of History is in line with the new education policy of the State Government.
He applauded the leadership of Universal Basic Education Commission, Abuja for the technical support received, as well as the supply of textbooks.
He said over 4,950 History textbooks are being distributed to public primary schools state-wide, adding that this will give pupils a proper understanding of the Nation’s history.
Also, he hinted that the curriculum would enable pupils to appreciate history as an instrument of national integration, adding that it would allow students to know the history of the country.
Adeniran, an Education expert, who dazzled OYOSUBEB staff members and teachers by teaching pupils, said he was optimistic that the curriculum would equip the younger generations with the knowledge of the past.
He said that the importance of history to nation building, patriotism and human development could not be overemphasized.
He equally appreciated the Heads of Public Primary schools across the State who have commenced academic activities immediately, saying idleness of teachers or pupils would not be tolerated.
Adeniran, who continued the monitoring exercise alongside other members of the board expressed satisfaction with the situation they met at some schools visited, compared to the turnout of pupils last week.
The Chairman, however, called on other parents, whose children are yet to return to schools to kindly ensure they do so without hesitation, as academic activities have commenced.
The Executive Chairman and his team monitored schools across Local Governments in Ibadan and Ibadan less city.
