The Federal Government has launched a reusable textbook policy aimed at reducing the cost of education for students and families, reinforcing efforts to improve access to learning materials amid rising academic expenses nationwide. The policy was announced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by the Ministry of Education, which said the initiative aligns with broader reforms designed to enhance equity and efficiency in the education sector.
Under the new policy, textbooks and instructional materials will be designed and procured so they can be reused across multiple academic cohorts. Officials said this shift is intended to lessen the financial burden on parents who have traditionally borne the full cost of purchasing books each school year, particularly in primary and secondary schools where textbook gaps are most acute.
According to the Ministry, the reusable textbooks will align with the approved national curriculum and be distributed to schools with clear guidelines for handling, storage, and accountability. Authorities said school administrators will be responsible for maintaining these materials to ensure they remain in good condition for longer use.
An official from the Ministry of Education stated, “The reusable textbook policy is designed to ensure that students no longer bear the full cost of purchasing new textbooks each academic year. This will enhance access to quality education for children across the country.”
Education analysts said that textbook costs have long been an obstacle to learning, particularly for low-income households. By promoting reuse, the government aims to reduce waste, conserve public resources, and enable reallocation of funds toward teacher training, classroom infrastructure, and digital learning tools.
The policy also incorporates measures to monitor usage, assess durability, and evaluate impact over time, with plans for periodic review and improvement. State education ministries and school boards are expected to play a role in implementation, working with federal agencies to ensure compliance and address challenges.
Parent-teacher associations, civil society organisations, and education advocates have welcomed the announcement, noting that sustained commitment and careful monitoring will be critical to the policy’s success. Some stakeholders have called for complementary interventions, such as increased funding for libraries and partnerships with private sector publishers, to further expand access to learning resources.
