The Federal Government has unveiled a National Textbook Ranking System for primary, junior, and senior secondary schools in a bid to enhance quality and standardisation in Nigeria’s education sector.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the initiative was described as a strategic move to eliminate substandard textbooks and ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-compliant materials are used in schools.
According to the ministry, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue to perform its statutory duty of approving textbooks, while an additional ranking layer will be introduced to determine the most suitable materials for teaching.
The statement read, “Approved textbooks will now undergo a structured national ranking process to identify the most suitable options for each subject and level.”
As part of the process, the NERDC will set up Standing Subject Committees comprising experts to conduct thorough evaluations based on academic content and teaching effectiveness.
The ministry noted that only top-performing textbooks will be selected under the new framework.
It added, “Only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved, ensuring improved quality control and consistency nationwide.”
The new policy also makes it mandatory for all textbooks to pass through the ranking system before being used in schools.
According to the statement, “Under this policy, any textbook not ranked will not be permitted for use, regardless of prior licensing status.”
Implementation of the ranking system is scheduled to commence in September 2026, following consultations with stakeholders and the finalisation of the evaluation framework.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening learning outcomes and providing students with access to reliable and high-quality educational resources across the country.
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