Nigeria Report

December 5, 2025

This report examines over forty Nigerian textbooks for Grades 1‑12 in subjects including Civic Studies, Social Studies, History, Islamic and Christian Religious Studies, published between 2014 and 2024. Evaluated against UNESCO-based benchmarks, these texts frame peace and democracy as civic virtues, emphasize tolerance, and acknowledge historical interfaith harmony. Yet, contradictions arise, with endorsements of harsh penalties, corporal punishment, and omission of significant human rights issues. Nigeria’s pluralism is showcased through references to ethnic diversity, languages, and traditions, though smaller groups like the Isoko and Tiv remain underrepresented. Textbooks criticize British colonialism for cultural imposition while also advocating international cooperation, presenting a nuanced historical perspective. Gender representation emphasizes women’s roles but frequently frames equality within male authority, marginalizes girls, and condemns LGBTQ+ identities.

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