The Abia State government has announced that History and Igbo language will now be compulsory subjects in secondary schools across the state. This decision, which comes into effect immediately, aims to reinforce cultural identity and ensure students are more connected to their heritage.
The directive was confirmed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who explained that the inclusion of History in the curriculum would be accompanied by the development of a new syllabus specifically designed for the subject. Additionally, the government has made Igbo language compulsory for students from primary through to senior secondary school levels.
The decision to reintroduce History as a compulsory subject in secondary schools is seen as a significant move towards cultural revitalisation. History education is vital for teaching young Nigerians about their roots, the events that shaped their nation, and the people who have made significant contributions to the country’s development. In many parts of the world, History education is regarded as a key pillar of national identity, and Abia State appears keen to restore its importance in local schools.
Igbo language, which is one of Nigeria’s four major languages, has often struggled to maintain its position in the country’s education system. The decision to make it mandatory from primary to secondary levels is aimed at preserving the language and ensuring that future generations of Igbos remain fluent in their mother tongue. For many years, the Igbo language has faced challenges in Nigerian schools, with English being the primary medium of instruction. By making it compulsory, Abia State is seeking to reverse this trend and maintain the language’s prominence.
As part of the new policy, the state government will develop a fresh curriculum for History, which will better align with the state’s educational objectives and ensure that students understand the historical significance of their region and culture. This will also help students gain a deeper knowledge of Nigerian history, as many current educational materials often overlook the histories of ethnic groups such as the Igbos.
In addition to the curriculum changes, the Abia State government is set to hire 5,000 new teachers to cope with the rising demand for education services in public schools. The enrolment of students in public schools across the state has seen a dramatic increase, making it necessary for the government to expand the teaching workforce.
According to Okey Kanu, 29,797 applications were received during the recruitment drive for new teachers. The application period has now closed, and 9,371 applicants have been shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process. Of these, 5,000 teachers will eventually be hired to fill various teaching positions in the state’s public schools. This move is expected to boost the quality of education in Abia State and provide more resources to cater to the growing number of students.
The state government had earlier launched an online portal for prospective teachers to submit their applications. The portal was open for a specific period, and the deadline has now passed. With the closure of the application process, the government has shifted its focus to the next phase, which includes the shortlisting and final selection of the most qualified candidates.
The large number of applications received highlights the high level of interest in teaching positions in the state, a positive sign that Abia’s education sector is seen as a desirable place to work. The recruitment of 5,000 teachers will not only help to address the increasing number of students but will also provide job opportunities for many residents of the state, contributing to the local economy.
