The unrated textbooks policy will take effect from September 2026 as the Federal Government moves to ban the use of unapproved and unranked instructional materials in primary and secondary schools across Nigeria, following the introduction of a national textbook ranking system.
The policy forms part of ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector aimed at improving the quality of teaching materials and ensuring uniformity in curriculum delivery across schools.
Over the years, concerns have been raised about the proliferation of textbooks with inconsistent standards, frequent revisions, and varying levels of curriculum alignment. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has been the statutory body responsible for approving textbooks for use in schools nationwide. The new framework introduces a structured ranking system designed to streamline textbook approval and ensure that only vetted and high-quality materials are adopted in classrooms.
Under the new directive, the Federal Government confirmed that unrated textbooks will no longer be permitted for use in schools beginning from September 2026.
The Ministry of Education stated that the implementation will follow consultations with stakeholders and the completion of evaluation processes led by education regulatory bodies. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue to oversee textbook approval, but the new system introduces Standing Subject Committees to assess textbooks based on academic quality, curriculum relevance, and pedagogical standards.
Only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved per subject, with authorities stating that this measure is intended to reduce duplication and ensure consistency in learning materials across the country.
Officials explained that the ranking system is aimed at improving learning outcomes by ensuring students have access to standardized and high-quality instructional resources. The policy also seeks to address concerns about the circulation of substandard materials and strengthen alignment with the national curriculum framework.
The ban on unrated textbooks is expected to significantly reshape the education publishing landscape in Nigeria. Publishers will be required to meet stricter evaluation criteria to gain approval for classroom use.
Schools will also have fewer textbook options per subject, which authorities say will simplify selection processes and improve teaching consistency nationwide. The reform may further influence textbook production cycles, as publishers adjust to new ranking requirements and quality benchmarks.
