Federal Government Approves National Textbook Ranking System

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has unveiled the Federal Government's approval of the National Textbook Ranking System, a significant reform aimed at enhancing the quality of education in Nigeria. This system ensures that only rigorously evaluated and approved textbooks are used in public primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools across the country, starting from September 2026.

Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Alausa emphasized that this initiative is a transformative policy that will revolutionize the selection and deployment of instructional materials. He stated that the new system establishes a transparent, merit-based, and quality-driven national framework that aligns Nigeria's textbook approval process with international best practices. This framework guarantees every learner access to credible, curriculum-aligned, and high-quality learning resources.

Key Benefits of the National Textbook Ranking System

• Strengthen curriculum implementation
• Improve learning outcomes
• Promote equity in access to quality instructional materials
• Eliminate the proliferation of substandard textbooks
• Restore public confidence in the nation's education system

According to Dr. Alausa, the Ministry has constituted a National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee comprising representatives of relevant education agencies and qualified experts. This Committee will work closely with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to assess textbooks that have successfully met NERDC licensing requirements. The Committee will then recommend the highest-ranked titles for the approval of the Honourable Minister of Education.

New Policy Requirements

Under the new policy, NERDC licensing alone will no longer qualify a textbook for classroom use. Every licensed textbook must undergo a rigorous national evaluation and ranking process, attain a minimum score of 70 per cent, and satisfy prescribed academic, pedagogical, technical, and quality assurance standards before it can be approved.

Selection of Approved Textbooks

Only the best-performing textbooks will be adopted, with approved titles for each subject limited to between six and ten, depending on curriculum requirements.

Relief for Publishers and Authors

Dr. Alausa announced that NERDC has approved a reduction in assessment and ranking fees. The assessment fee has been reduced from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while the ranking fee has been reviewed downward from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per title. Publishers who previously paid the former rates will receive refunds of the excess payments, with reimbursement arrangements to be communicated by the Council.

Implementation of the National Textbook Ranking System

Beginning in September 2026, only textbooks evaluated, ranked, and approved under the National Textbook Ranking System will be authorized for use in public schools nationwide. Approved textbooks will remain valid for a minimum period of three years to ensure stability and consistency in curriculum delivery.

Monitoring and Compliance

The implementation of the policy will be closely monitored through NERDC and other relevant regulatory agencies. Schools, publishers, and other stakeholders are expected to comply fully, while the use of unapproved textbooks will attract sanctions, including the blacklisting of defaulting authors, publishers, and schools.

Commitment to Quality Education

The Ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to providing every Nigerian learner with world-class instructional materials that promote excellence in teaching and learning, improve educational outcomes, and strengthen the nation's education system.