FG Unveils National Textbook Ranking System to Standardise Learning Materials
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has introduced a National Textbook Ranking System for primary and secondary schools, in a major policy shift aimed at improving the quality, consistency, and standardisation of learning materials across Nigeria’s education sector.
The initiative is expected to streamline the wide range of textbooks currently in circulation, ensuring that only curriculum-compliant and high-quality materials are approved for use in classrooms nationwide.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, the new policy was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Suiwaba Sai’d Ahmad.
Under the framework, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will retain its statutory role of approving textbooks, but will now go further to rank them through a structured national evaluation system.
“This initiative is designed to ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-compliant learning materials are approved for classroom use,” the ministry stated.
To implement the reform, NERDC will establish Standing Subject Committees made up of experts who will rigorously assess textbooks based on academic and pedagogical standards.
Following the evaluation, only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved per subject and education level.
“This will significantly reduce the excessive number of textbooks currently in circulation, which often creates confusion for teachers, students and parents,” the statement added.
The government emphasised that any textbook not ranked under the new system will no longer be permitted for use in schools, regardless of previous approval status.
Officials noted that the reform aligns Nigeria’s education system with global best practices in instructional material standardisation, while also promoting transparency and quality assurance.
Implementation of the National Textbook Ranking System is scheduled to begin with the September 2026 academic session, following the establishment of evaluation committees and completion of the ranking framework.
“The reform is part of broader efforts to enhance learning outcomes and ensure Nigerian students have access to the best possible educational resources,” the ministry said.
