Nigeria Moves to Rank School Textbooks in New Push for Quality Learning

Nigeria is taking a thoughtful step toward strengthening the quality of learning materials used in its schools. With the introduction of a National Textbook Ranking System, the Federal Government is working to ensure that students across primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary levels learn from carefully evaluated and curriculum-aligned textbooks.

The new framework introduces an additional layer of academic review to the textbook approval process already overseen by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). While NERDC will continue to approve and license textbooks, the new system will now rank approved books to identify the most effective options for each subject and class level.

To achieve this, Standing Subject Committees made up of academic experts will assess textbooks based on clearly defined academic and teaching standards. From this process, a select group of the highest-performing titles will be recommended for classroom use, helping schools focus on materials that best support effective learning.

The reform reflects a broader national effort to strengthen consistency, clarity, and quality across Nigeria’s education system. By narrowing the field to the most suitable textbooks, teachers will have clearer guidance on instructional materials, while parents will benefit from a more predictable and stable textbook system.

The initiative is expected to take effect from the September 2026 academic session, following consultations with stakeholders and the completion of the evaluation framework.

This policy builds on a number of recent reforms aimed at improving educational outcomes. Earlier in January 2026, the Ministry of Education introduced measures to standardise learning materials and reduce the burden of frequent textbook replacements. As part of this effort, durable textbooks designed to last four to six years were introduced so that materials can be reused across academic sessions.

Additional steps have included limiting the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, strengthening the alignment between textbooks and the national curriculum, and introducing safeguards to enhance the credibility of WAEC and NECO examinations, including improved supervision, question randomisation, and unique learner identifiers.

Together, these reforms signal a deliberate effort to ensure that Nigerian students are supported by learning materials that are not only accessible, but also academically sound and aligned with the country’s educational goals. By focusing on quality and consistency, the new textbook ranking system represents another practical step toward building a stronger learning foundation for millions of young Nigerians.