The Ministry said a wave of baseless commentary has recently surfaced on social media, accusing the textbook of distorting historical facts - particularly regarding the representation of historical figures and events. According to MoET, these claims risk creating public anxiety and undermining confidence in the quality of textbooks, as well as jeopardizing the broader educational goals set by the Party and the State.

A widely circulated allegation was that the Grade 5 textbook teaches only about Nguyen Anh (Emperor Gia Long) while omitting Quang Trung and the Tay Son movement - implying a deliberate revision of historical content.

MoET has since conducted a full review and confirmed that content related to Quang Trung and the Tay Son movement is comprehensively integrated into the curriculum across multiple grade levels: Grade 4 (History-Geography), Grade 7 (History), and Grade 8 (History). The Nguyen Dynasty is also taught as a historical period in a balanced and objective manner.

Nguyen Anh's appearance in the Grade 5 textbook, the Ministry explained, follows a logical historical sequence, and his role is covered appropriately in Grades 5, 7, and 8.

MoET emphasized that the organization and progression of content in the “Connecting Knowledge with Life” series are aligned with the logic of historical development and the cognitive abilities of each age group. It follows the guidelines of the 2018 National General Education Program, which stresses presenting history without idolization or moral judgment, while maintaining scientific accuracy and objectivity.

The Ministry strongly rejected claims that the textbook neglects or diminishes Quang Trung’s historical role, describing such statements as deliberate distortion and slander. Teaching the lesson “The founding of the Nguyen Dynasty” in Grade 5, it said, is historically appropriate and consistent with the broader curriculum framework that spans earlier and later grades.

In light of the issue, MoET has submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Public Security and other relevant agencies to investigate the individuals and motives behind the creation and spread of this misinformation. It also called for strict measures to address any violations that threaten political stability in the education sector.

The Ministry urged the public not to share or comment on these unfounded claims and to avoid contributing to further confusion or misinformation.

Thanh Hung