FG orders nationwide review of textbooks as new ranking system begins

The federal government (FG) has commenced a comprehensive review of textbooks used in Nigerian schools, introducing a new ranking system that will require fresh assessment of all previously approved learning materials.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) announced the policy shift in a statement issued by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, noting that all textbooks must undergo re-evaluation under updated quality standards.

According to the council, the new framework is part of efforts to improve educational quality and ensure that only properly assessed and high-standard instructional materials are used in classrooms across the country.

As part of the reforms, a ranking system has now been introduced into the textbook approval process, a move expected to reshape how publishers produce and submit educational materials in Nigeria.

NERDC stated that even textbooks that had been previously approved are no longer exempt, as all materials must now be resubmitted for fresh assessment in line with newly introduced benchmarks and guidelines.

The assessment exercise for the 2026 cycle will be conducted in three phases. The first phase will cover Primary 1 and Primary 4, as well as JSS 1 and SSS 1 textbooks and instructional resources.

Subsequent phases will extend to other class levels across the education system.

The council further disclosed that submissions for Phase 1 will open on June 8, 2026, and close on June 19, 2026, warning that late entries will not be accepted under any circumstance.

It explained that the review process will involve a stricter evaluation framework designed to ensure compliance with updated curriculum standards and improved learning outcomes.

NERDC added that all stakeholders in the publishing sector, including authors, printers, distributors, and publishers, are expected to adhere strictly to the revised Book Quality Guidelines and submission procedures available on its official platform.

According to the council, the full assessment and ranking process is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026, after which approved textbooks will be published and recommended for use in schools nationwide.

Prof. Shehu urged stakeholders to cooperate fully with the exercise, stressing that the initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education system and improving the quality of teaching and learning materials.

He added that the reform aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure effective implementation of the national curriculum and raise educational standards across all levels.