NIGERIA: FG Introduces National Textbook Ranking System for Public Schools

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Federal Government has approved a National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS) aimed at improving the quality of learning materials used in public schools across Nigeria.

The new policy, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, will take effect from September 2026, making it mandatory for public primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools to use only textbooks that have been nationally evaluated, ranked and approved.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Education, Alausa described the initiative as a major education reform designed to improve learning outcomes, eliminate substandard textbooks and restore confidence in the country’s education system.

“The new system establishes, for the first time, a transparent, merit-based and quality-driven national framework that aligns Nigeria’s textbook approval process with international best practices while guaranteeing every learner access to credible, curriculum-aligned and high-quality learning resources,” the minister said.

According to him, the National Textbook Ranking System will strengthen curriculum implementation, promote equitable access to quality instructional materials and ensure that only the best learning resources are used in classrooms.

To implement the policy, the ministry has established a National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee made up of representatives of relevant education agencies and qualified experts. The committee will work with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to evaluate textbooks that have already met the council’s licensing requirements before recommending them for the minister’s approval.

Alausa explained that obtaining NERDC approval alone would 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,” he said.

He added that only the highest-ranked textbooks would be approved, with between six and ten titles selected for each subject, depending on curriculum requirements.

The minister also announced a reduction in assessment and ranking fees for publishers and authors.

According to the statement, the assessment fee has been reduced from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while the ranking fee has been lowered from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per title. Publishers who previously paid the old rates will receive refunds, with reimbursement details to be communicated by NERDC.

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

The ministry said implementation of the policy would be monitored by NERDC and other relevant regulatory agencies, warning that schools, publishers and authors who fail to comply could face sanctions, including blacklisting.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to providing Nigerian learners with quality instructional materials that support effective teaching, improve educational outcomes and strengthen the country’s education system.