A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has urged South-East governors to demand the confiscation of a revised JSS1 textbook titled Living History, alleging that it excludes the Igbo ethnic group from Nigeria’s history.

Chief Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), also called for the dismissal of the Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Alausa, and the arrest and prosecution of the book’s author, J.M. Itsekuke.

The call followed the circulation of a viral video showing excerpts from the textbook, which Chief Eze described as “divisive, satanic and full of deceit”.

What the APC chieftain is saying

Reacting to the video, Chief Eze questioned how a history textbook for Nigerian students could omit what he described as one of the country’s major ethnic groups.

“I learnt that this divisive, satanic and deceitful revised edition of the book for JSS1 students, is even catalogued by the National Library of Nigeria, and yet we have Governors in the South-East.

“How could the South-East Governors keep quite over this national hatred and disgrace, which is deliberately championed by the President Bola Tinubu led APC government,” Eze queried.

He accused the author of deliberately promoting ethnic hatred.

“I condemn both the author and the Minister of Education for approving and embarking on such an idiotic voyage of hatred called ‘Living History’ of Nigeria without mentioning the third major tribe in Nigeria.

“That book is an exercise in futility, a wasted nonsensical effort, specifically authored to provoke the Igbo race; it should henceforth be withdrawn from further circulation as a matter of urgency.”

Calls for sanctions

Chief Eze demanded the removal of the education minister, warning that continued silence could be interpreted as official policy.

“At this point, I demand the removal of the Education Minister, Dr Morufu Alausa or else this will be counted as a policy statement by this administration to eradicate the Igbos from Nigeria’s history.”

He also called for the arrest and prosecution of the book’s author.

“While condemning the author for painstakingly exhibiting high level of hatred for the Igbos and ignorance by deliberately not mentioning the Igbo ethnic group in his jaundiced piece of garbage, Eze called for the arrest and prosecution of the author, J.M Itsekuke.”

Allegations against the Tinubu administration

Chief Eze linked the controversy to broader claims of political marginalisation.

“I’m not surprised that this kind of wickedness and hatred of the highest order, for the Igbos, can resurface during the administration of President Tinubu who is not concerned about what the Igbos are going through under his administration,” Eze said.

He added that the textbook reinforced perceptions in some quarters that the administration was hostile to the South-East.

What’s next

As of publication, the Federal Ministry of Education has not responded publicly to the allegations, while South-East governors are yet to issue a joint statement on the matter.

Education stakeholders say any review or withdrawal of the book would likely require formal assessment by curriculum authorities.

Promasidor Nigeria has restated its commitment to education and child nutrition, saying access to proper nutrition is essential to improving learning outcomes for Nigerian children.

The food and beverage company made the pledge while marking this year’s International Day of Education, an annual United Nations observance that highlights education as a fundamental human right and a driver of sustainable development.

Promasidor said its interventions focus on improving learning through nutrition, career guidance and academic enrichment programmes targeted at school-aged children.

Nutrition and learning

Speaking on the company’s approach, Promasidor Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Francois Gillet, said there is a direct link between what children eat and how well they learn.

“Proper nutrition is critical to helping children reach their full potential by providing the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive,” he said.

Mr Gillet explained that Promasidor’s dairy products are fortified with key nutrients, including calcium, vitamins and essential minerals.

According to him, these nutrients support bone development, cognitive function and overall well-being, which are necessary for effective learning.

He added that the company’s belief that improved nutrition leads to better educational outcomes continues to shape its product quality and social investment strategies.

School-based programmes

One of Promasidor’s flagship school initiatives is Ikun Milk Day, a programme that distributes dairy products containing essential nutrients to students across the country.

Ikun Milk Day Outreach.

The company says the initiative is designed to support healthy growth while reinforcing the importance of nutrition among young learners.

For nearly a decade, Promasidor has also run “Harness Your Dream”, a career guidance programme for Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) students.

The programme targets students at a critical stage when key academic and career decisions are made, helping them explore sustainable and fulfilling career paths.

Cowbellpedia and STEM focus

Promasidor’s educational investments also include over 20 years of mathematics development through the Cowbellpedia TV Quiz Show.

The 2025 edition of the competition, themed “Mega Minds”, has been expanded to include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

The company said the broader focus reflects changing educational interests and the need to prepare students for future careers.

Winners in the latest edition received prizes worth up to ₦100 million, including cash rewards, laptops, learning equipment and educational products.

Top-performing students were also awarded an all-expenses-paid educational excursion to South Africa.

What’s next

Promasidor says it will continue to expand its education and nutrition programmes, focusing on innovation, wider reach and long-term impact.

The company noted that collaboration between government, schools and the private sector remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s education standards.

About Promasidor Nigeria

Promasidor Nigeria’s brand portfolio includes Cowbell, Loya Milk, Miksi, Top Tea, Onga Seasoning, Twisco and Kremela.

The company says its consumer engagement strategy is built around initiatives that support learning, health and community development.

Rite Foods Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to education by supporting pupils in public primary schools across Lagos and Ogun states as part of activities to mark the International Day of Education.

The Nigerian food and beverage company said the initiative is aimed at improving access to basic learning materials while promoting environmental responsibility among young learners.

The outreach, carried out under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, involved the distribution of school bags and exercise books to pupils in underserved communities.

According to the company, the effort reflects its belief that education plays a central role in national development, social inclusion and long-term economic growth.

Recycling meets education

A key feature of the programme was the use of school bags produced from recycled post-consumer packaging waste.

The materials were sourced from Rite Foods’ product lines, including Fearless Energy Drinks, Bigi Soft Drinks and Water, as well as sausage packaging.

The company said the initiative aligns with its sustainability goals and its commitment to promoting circular economy practices in Nigeria.

During the school visits, pupils also took part in interactive learning sessions and demonstrations on recycling and environmental responsibility.

What the company says

Commenting on the initiative, Rite Foods’ Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, said education remains central to building sustainable societies.

“Education is the foundation upon which sustainable societies are built. At Rite Foods, we remain committed to supporting learning initiatives that not only improve access to education but also inspire responsible citizenship and environmental consciousness.”

He added that the company’s intervention goes beyond donating materials.

“Our approach to education goes beyond material support. It is about empowering young minds with the confidence, values, and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Why it matters

Nigeria has one of the world’s highest numbers of out-of-school children, according to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Experts say limited access to basic learning materials remains a major barrier to quality education, especially in low-income communities.

Education advocates argue that private sector involvement can help bridge gaps in funding, infrastructure and awareness, particularly at the primary school level.

Industry and public reaction

Corporate social responsibility initiatives in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector have increasingly focused on education and sustainability.

Industry watchers say programmes like this reflect growing pressure on companies to deliver measurable social impact alongside business growth.

Parents in beneficiary communities say access to school materials can reduce financial strain and encourage children to stay engaged in school.

What’s next

Rite Foods says it plans to continue its education and sustainability outreach in other communities where it operates.

As the International Day of Education is observed globally, the company says it hopes its approach will encourage broader collaboration between the private sector, government and civil society.