Bukola Afeni
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a National Textbook Ranking System for primary, junior and senior secondary schools, in a move aimed at improving the quality and standardisation of learning materials across the country.
The policy, announced by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, will see textbooks subjected to a national ranking process after initial approval.
According to the government, the initiative is designed to curb the proliferation of substandard books and ensure that only curriculum-compliant materials are used in classrooms.
“The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will retain its statutory role of approving textbooks. However, approved textbooks will now undergo a structured national ranking process to identify the most suitable options for each subject and level,” the statement said.
Under the new system, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will set up Standing Subject Committees made up of experts to evaluate textbooks based on academic and pedagogical standards.
“Only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved, ensuring improved quality control and consistency nationwide,” the statement added.
The government also made it clear that textbooks that do not pass the ranking process will no longer be allowed in schools, “regardless of prior licensing status.”
Implementation of the policy is scheduled to begin in September 2026 after consultations with stakeholders and the completion of the evaluation framework.
The government said the move underscores its commitment to improving learning outcomes and ensuring that students have access to high-quality educational resources.
