The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a new National Textbook Ranking System aimed at improving the quality and standardisation of learning materials in schools across Nigeria.
In a press statement dated April 26, 2026, the ministry said the initiative will apply to primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools. The move is designed to address the widespread use of substandard and non-compliant textbooks by ensuring that only high-quality, curriculum-aligned materials are approved for classroom use.
Minister of Education Maruf Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad explained that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue to approve textbooks in line with its statutory mandate. However, a new ranking process will now be introduced to determine the best textbooks for each subject and level.
As part of the system, NERDC will set up Standing Subject Committees made up of experts to evaluate textbooks using clearly defined academic and pedagogical standards. Only a select number of top-performing books will be recommended for use nationwide.
The policy also states that any textbook not included in the ranking will no longer be allowed in schools, even if it had previously been approved.
Implementation of the ranking system is expected to begin in September 2026, following consultations with stakeholders and the finalisation of evaluation criteria.
The Federal Government said the reform underscores its commitment to enhancing learning outcomes and ensuring students have access to reliable and high-quality educational resources.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.