The federal government of Nigeria has introduced a National Textbook Ranking System to regulate and improve the quality of learning materials used in primary and secondary schools across the country. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Education through a statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations.
NERDC Retains Approval Role
Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad confirmed that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to approve textbooks as mandated by law. However, approval will now be followed by a structured ranking exercise to determine the most suitable textbooks for each subject and education level.
Expert Committees to Evaluate Textbooks
Under the new framework, NERDC will establish Standing Subject Committees composed of education experts. These committees will evaluate textbooks based on academic quality, curriculum alignment, and teaching effectiveness. Only top-performing textbooks will be ranked and recommended for use in schools. Any textbook not included in the ranking list will no longer be allowed for classroom use, even if previously approved.
Implementation Timeline
The federal government stated that full implementation of the policy will begin in September 2026, following stakeholder consultations and finalization of evaluation guidelines. The reform is part of broader efforts to improve educational standards and ensure students have access to reliable, high-quality learning resources.
The Ministry of Education emphasized that the initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education system and improving learning outcomes nationwide.
