The Federal Ministry of Education has disclaimed authorship or endorsement of a controversial textbook alleged to contain a distorted version of Yoruba history, saying the material is neither commissioned nor approved for use in the nation’s basic education system.

The Ministry also clarified that the book is not among the instructional materials sanctioned for public basic education institutions across Nigeria and affirmed that it has no affiliation whatsoever with the publication.

Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the clarification became necessary following the receipt of a petition titled “Petition to Defend Yoruba History from Ethnic Distortion in Nigerian Textbooks” by the ministry .

Boriowo explained that the petition raised alarm over alleged historical inaccuracies contained in a history textbook authored by Tony and Ijeoma Duru, and published by Tones Publishers.

According to her, the publication allegedly makes claims about the founding of Ile-Ife which have been described as misleading and potentially harmful to national unity.

The Ministry appreciated the vigilance and concern of stakeholders regarding the potential of such content to misinform learners and provoke ethnic tension noting that, while these concerns are valid, it is important to note that the Ministry is not responsible for materials that fall outside its regulatory framework.

She further explained that instructional materials officially endorsed by the Ministry are carefully reviewed to align with national education standards saying these materials are intended to support effective learning in public schools, promote literacy, and ensure inclusive and equitable access to quality education nationwide.