Nigeria’s Federal Government has introduced a national textbook ranking system for primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools, marking a significant shift in efforts to standardise learning materials and improve education quality nationwide.
The policy, announced in a statement dated April 26, 2026, by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, aims to curb the unchecked spread of textbooks and ensure only curriculum-compliant, high-quality materials are used in classrooms.
According to Maruf Tunji Alausa and Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, the new framework will work alongside the statutory approval role of Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
Under the arrangement, NERDC will continue approving textbooks, but approved titles must now pass through a structured national ranking process. Standing Subject Committees made up of specialists will assess textbooks using academic and pedagogical benchmarks. Only a limited number of top-ranked books will be cleared for classroom use.
Any textbook that fails to secure a ranking will not be permitted in Nigerian schools, even if it had previously received approval or licensing.
The government said implementation will begin in September 2026 after consultations with stakeholders and completion of the evaluation framework.
Ongoing Education Reforms
The reform builds on earlier education policies introduced in January 2026, when the ministry moved to standardise textbooks, lower costs for families, and improve learning outcomes. Measures included durable reusable textbooks designed to last four to six years, restrictions on frequent cosmetic revisions, and a ban on bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks.
Officials also previously reduced the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, citing global best practices and the need to reduce confusion for schools and parents.
The latest move comes amid broader education reforms that include revised admission guidelines for tertiary institutions, a curriculum overhaul for primary and secondary schools, tighter controls on SS3 admissions and transfers, and anti-malpractice measures for West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council examinations.
