FG to ban unrated textbooks in schools from September 2026

The Federal Government's decision to implement a National Textbook Ranking System from September 2026 signals a significant commitment to elevating the quality of education in Nigeria. This proactive measure aims to tackle the persistent issue of substandard educational materials flooding the market, ensuring that Nigerian students have access to curriculum-compliant and high-quality learning resources.

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Approved textbooks will now undergo a structured national ranking process to identify the most suitable options for each subject and level.

The Ministry of Education, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, has outlined a clear strategy. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will spearhead the approval process, establishing Standing Subject Committees comprised of experts. These committees will conduct rigorous assessments based on academic and pedagogical standards, a crucial step in standardizing the evaluation of textbooks across the nation.

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Only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved, ensuring improved quality control and consistency nationwide.

This new policy directly addresses the proliferation of unrated and potentially inferior textbooks. By limiting the approved list to only the top-ranked materials, the government intends to enforce a higher benchmark for educational content. The stipulation that any textbook not included in this new ranking system will be banned, regardless of its prior approval status, underscores the seriousness of this reform.

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Under this policy, any textbook not ranked will not be permitted for use, regardless of prior licensing status.

From the perspective of The Punch, this initiative is a welcome development that aligns with the broader goal of improving learning outcomes. While the implementation is set for September 2026, allowing ample time for stakeholder consultations and framework completion, the clear directive is set. This move is expected to foster a more competitive environment among publishers, encouraging them to produce superior educational materials that meet the stringent standards set by the NERDC. It represents a crucial step towards ensuring that Nigeria's educational future is built on a foundation of reliable and effective learning tools.

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The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to improving learning outcomes and ensuring access to high-quality educational resources.