The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced a fresh nationwide review of school textbooks and instructional materials, introducing a new ranking system aimed at improving the quality of learning resources used in classrooms across the country.
The directive, issued by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, forms part of the council’s 2026 Phase 1 Textbook Assessment and Ranking Exercise, a major initiative designed to strengthen educational standards and ensure that only high-quality textbooks are approved for use in Nigerian schools.
According to a public notice released by the council, all publishers and stakeholders in the book industry are required to submit textbooks for assessment, re-assessment, and ranking under the newly established quality assurance framework.
NERDC explained that even textbooks previously approved for the affected class levels must undergo fresh evaluation due to the introduction of revised standards, benchmarks, and ranking requirements.
The council noted that the new ranking system represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s textbook approval process and is expected to encourage healthy competition among publishers while raising the standard of instructional materials available to students.
Under the new arrangement, the assessment exercise will be conducted in three phases. Phase 1 will focus on textbooks and instructional resources for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1.
Subsequent phases will cover other class levels in line with the council’s broader plan to review educational resources across the school system.
NERDC announced that submissions for Phase 1 will commence on June 8, 2026, and close on June 19, 2026, warning that late submissions will not be accepted.
The council emphasized that all books and instructional materials intended for ranking must first pass through an enhanced assessment process based on newly approved quality benchmarks.
Publishers, authors, printers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the book industry have been advised to study and comply fully with the revised Book Quality Guidelines and Submission Procedure available through the council.
According to NERDC, the assessment and ranking of all submitted textbooks and educational resources will be completed by July 31, 2026, after which a list of approved and ranked materials will be made available for schools and other education stakeholders.
Prof. Shehu urged all participants to adhere strictly to the new requirements, stressing that the initiative is intended to improve learning outcomes, promote quality education, and support the effective implementation of Nigeria’s national curriculum.
The latest reform underscores the council’s commitment to ensuring that students across the country have access to accurate, relevant, and high-quality educational materials that meet evolving academic and instructional standards.