The Federal Government has approved the introduction of a National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS), a new policy aimed at improving the quality of education by ensuring that only rigorously evaluated and nationally approved textbooks are used in public primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools across Nigeria beginning September 2026.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, who described the initiative as a major reform designed to align Nigeria's textbook approval process with international best practices and improve learning outcomes across the country.

According to the minister, the National Textbook Ranking System will establish a transparent, merit-based framework for assessing instructional materials, ensuring that students have access to high-quality, curriculum-compliant textbooks while eliminating the use of substandard learning resources.

Dr. Alausa disclosed that a National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee has been constituted, comprising representatives of relevant education agencies and subject-matter experts. The committee will work with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to evaluate textbooks that have already met NERDC licensing requirements before recommending them for final approval by the Minister of Education.

He explained that NERDC licensing alone will no longer qualify a textbook for use in public schools. Instead, every licensed textbook must undergo a comprehensive national evaluation, score at least 70 per cent, and satisfy prescribed academic, pedagogical, technical and quality assurance standards before it can be approved.

Under the new policy, only the highest-ranked textbooks will be selected, with approved titles for each subject limited to between six and ten, depending on curriculum needs.

In a move aimed at supporting publishers and authors, the minister also announced a reduction in assessment and ranking fees. The assessment fee has been reduced from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while the ranking fee has been cut from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per title. Publishers who had previously paid the old rates will receive refunds of the excess payments.

Dr. Alausa further stated that only textbooks approved under the National Textbook Ranking System will be authorised for use in public schools nationwide from September 2026. Each approved textbook will remain valid for a minimum period of three years to ensure consistency in curriculum delivery.

The minister warned that schools, publishers and authors must comply with the new regulations, noting that the use of unapproved textbooks would attract sanctions, including the blacklisting of defaulting schools, publishers and authors.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria's education system by providing learners with world-class instructional materials capable of improving teaching standards, learning outcomes and overall educational excellence.