Ajibike olusola
The Federal Government has approved a new National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS) to improve the quality of learning materials used in public schools across Nigeria, with implementation set to begin in September 2026.
Under the new policy, only textbooks that have been nationally evaluated, ranked and approved will be permitted for use in public primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.
Announcing the initiative in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reform is aimed at ensuring that learners across the country have access to high-quality, curriculum-compliant instructional materials.
According to the minister, the policy introduces a transparent, merit-based framework that aligns Nigeria’s textbook approval process with international best practices while guaranteeing students access to credible and academically sound learning resources.
As part of the reform, the Federal Ministry of Education has established a National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee comprising education experts and representatives of relevant agencies.
The committee will collaborate with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to assess textbooks that have already obtained NERDC licensing before recommending them for final approval.
Alausa explained that obtaining a NERDC licence alone would no longer qualify a textbook for classroom use. Instead, every licensed textbook must undergo a national assessment, score at least 70 per cent, and meet prescribed academic, technical and quality assurance standards before it can be approved.
He added that between six and 10 of the highest-ranked textbooks would be selected for each subject, depending on curriculum requirements.
To encourage compliance and reduce costs for publishers, the Federal Government also announced a reduction in assessment and ranking fees.
Assessment charges have been lowered from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while ranking fees have been reduced from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per title. Publishers who previously paid the old rates will be refunded the difference.
The minister stressed that from September 2026, only textbooks approved under the National Textbook Ranking System would be authorised for use in public schools nationwide.
He further disclosed that approved textbooks would remain valid for a minimum of three years, warning that schools, publishers and authors who violate the policy could face sanctions, including blacklisting.
The Minister of Education said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to raising teaching standards, improving learning outcomes and ensuring that students across the country have access to quality educational resources.