FG Introduces National Textbook Ranking System in Nigeria (2026)
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a National Textbook Ranking System to improve the quality, consistency, and affordability of learning materials across primary and secondary schools.
This initiative will work alongside the role of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, which already approves textbooks used in schools.
👉 Going forward, only top-ranked textbooks will be allowed in classrooms nationwide.
Implementation starts: September 2026
Why This Policy Matters
The new system is designed to solve long-standing issues in Nigeria’s education sector:
- Poor-quality and inconsistent textbooks
- Frequent and unnecessary textbook changes
- High financial burden on parents
- Overloaded and outdated learning materials
“Only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved, ensuring improved quality control and consistency nationwide.”
How the Textbook Ranking System Will Work
- The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will still approve textbooks
- Experts will form Subject Committees to evaluate books
- Textbooks will be ranked based on:
- Academic accuracy
- Readability
- Curriculum alignment
- Teaching effectiveness
- Only top-performing books will be approved for use
Any textbook not ranked will not be allowed, even if previously approved
Key Reforms You Should Know
The ranking system is part of broader education reforms in Nigeria:
✔️ Durable & Reusable Textbooks
- Books will last 4–6 years
- Students can reuse them across sessions
✔️ Ban on Workbook Bundling
- Schools can no longer force parents to buy unnecessary workbooks
✔️ Reduced Textbook Changes
- Limits frequent updates that increase costs
✔️ Curriculum Improvement
- Simplified curriculum to improve understanding and modern skills
✔️ Exam Integrity Reforms
- Improved systems for exams like West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council
How Nigerians Can Benefit from This Policy
For Parents
- Spend less on textbooks
- No more yearly pressure to buy new books
- Children will use standard, high-quality materials
For Students
- Better understanding with clearer textbooks
- Improved academic performance
- Access to modern and relevant knowledge
For Teachers
- Easier lesson planning
- Consistent teaching materials nationwide
- Improved teaching outcomes
How to Be Part of This Opportunity
This reform is not just for schools—it creates opportunities for individuals too:
1. Become a Textbook Author
- Write curriculum-based textbooks
- Submit for approval through NERDC
- Focus on quality, clarity, and relevance
Learn more via official education body: 👉 https://nerdc.gov.ng
2. Start or Grow a Publishing Business
- Partner with schools and educators
- Invest in producing high-quality educational materials
- Align content with national curriculum standards
3. Work as an Education Consultant
- Help schools select approved textbooks
- Train teachers on effective use of materials
4. Explore EdTech Opportunities
- Create digital learning platforms
- Develop apps aligned with approved textbooks
- Provide online tutoring using standardised materials
What This Means for Nigeria’s Future
This policy aligns Nigeria with global best practices by:
- Improving education quality nationwide
- Reducing inequality in learning resources
- Preparing students for modern careers
- Supporting long-term economic growth
The introduction of the National Textbook Ranking System is a major step toward improving education in Nigeria.
It reduces costs for families, ensures quality learning, and opens new opportunities for authors, publishers, and education entrepreneurs.
Those who position themselves early—by learning, creating, or investing in education—will benefit the most from this reform.
