FG introduces national textbook ranking system for schools

The Federal Government has introduced a national textbook ranking system for primary, junior and senior secondary schools across the country, in a move aimed at improving quality control and standardisation in the education sector.

Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, announced the policy in a statement on Monday, saying it is designed to address the proliferation of textbooks in circulation and ensure that only curriculum-compliant and high-quality materials are used in classrooms.

Under the new framework, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue its statutory role of approving textbooks, but will now go further by ranking them based on quality, relevance, and suitability for different subjects and levels.

Alausa explained that the reform introduces a structured national evaluation process that will see textbooks assessed by Standing Subject Committees made up of subject-matter experts.

These committees will review submissions from publishers and rank approved textbooks based on defined academic and pedagogical standards, after which only selected materials will be recommended for classroom use.

According to him, the policy is expected to reduce the confusion caused by the large number of competing textbooks currently in use across schools, while also improving teaching and learning outcomes.

“The ranking system will introduce transparency, order and quality assurance into the textbook approval process while aligning Nigeria’s education system with international best practices,” he said.

He added that any textbook not ranked under the new system will no longer be permitted for use in Nigerian schools, even if it had previously been approved or licensed.

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The minister also said the government will engage teachers and other education stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and compliance.

Implementation of the new system is expected to begin with the September academic session, following the establishment of the subject committees and completion of the evaluation process.