The Federal Government has announced the introduction of a National Textbook Ranking System for primary, junior, and senior secondary schools, in a move aimed at improving quality and standardisation across Nigeria’s education sector.
In a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry of Education said the initiative would address the proliferation of substandard textbooks and ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-compliant materials are used in classrooms.
The government confirmed that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will retain its statutory responsibility for textbook approval. However, approved materials will now undergo an additional national ranking process to determine the most suitable options for each subject and educational level.
According to the ministry, the NERDC will set up Standing Subject Committees comprising academic and industry experts to conduct detailed evaluations based on academic and pedagogical standards.
“Only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved, ensuring improved quality control and consistency nationwide,” the statement said.
The new policy also introduces stricter compliance measures, stipulating that any textbook not ranked under the system will not be permitted for use in schools, regardless of its previous approval status.
Implementation of the ranking system is scheduled to begin in September 2026, following stakeholder consultations and the completion of the evaluation framework.
The Federal Government reiterated that the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to enhancing learning outcomes and ensuring access to high-quality educational resources nationwide.
