Nigeria Announces National Textbook Ranking System

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education has announced a National Textbook Ranking System for primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools, aiming to standardize teaching materials and curb the proliferation of substandard textbooks nationwide.

The policy, detailed in a ministry statement, requires the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council to evaluate and rank all approved textbooks through a national process. Only a limited number of top-ranked books per subject and grade level will be permitted in classrooms starting from the September 2026 academic session. Textbooks not included in the rankings will be barred from use, even if previously licensed by the council.

Implementation will follow the formation of Standing Subject Committees composed of academic and pedagogical experts. These panels will assess submissions from publishers based on criteria including curriculum alignment, clarity, and instructional quality. Ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo said the system addresses inconsistencies that have left teachers, students, and parents uncertain about reliable materials.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa and Minister of State Suwaiba Said Ahmad...