The Federal Government has announced the introduction of a new ranking system for textbooks used in primary and secondary schools across Nigeria, in a move aimed at improving quality assurance and standardisation in the education sector.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the initiative is designed to address the growing proliferation of textbooks and ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-compliant materials are used in classrooms.
According to the minister, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will retain its statutory role of approving textbooks. However, under the new policy, approved books will now undergo an additional ranking process through a structured national evaluation system.
“Beyond approval, textbooks will now be ranked to determine the most suitable and highest-quality options for each subject and level of education,” Alausa said.
He explained that the NERDC has been directed to establish Standing Subject Committees made up of experts across various disciplines. These committees will conduct detailed assessments of textbooks submitted by publishers, using clearly defined academic and pedagogical standards.
The minister added that the implementation of the new ranking system will commence from the September 2026 academic session, following the establishment of the committees and the completion of the evaluation framework.
He further noted that while the NERDC will continue licensing textbooks, any book that fails to secure a ranking under the new system will not be permitted for use in Nigerian schools, regardless of its previous approval status.
“Only a limited number of textbooks will be ranked and approved for each subject, ensuring improved quality control and consistency in teaching and learning materials nationwide,” he said.
Alausa emphasised that the reform would help reduce the excessive number of textbooks currently in circulation, which has often created confusion for teachers, students, and parents.
He added that the policy would bring greater transparency, order, and quality assurance into the textbook approval process, while aligning Nigeria’s education system with global best practices.
The minister also assured that the government would engage teachers, publishers, and other key stakeholders to ensure awareness and compliance ahead of the rollout.
The initiative, he said, forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen education delivery, improve learning outcomes, and provide Nigerian students with access to the best possible learning resources.
THESUN