Nigeria’s federal government has introduced a national textbook ranking system for primary and secondary schools, aiming to eliminate substandard materials and enforce stricter quality standards. Starting September 2026, only ranked textbooks will be permitted in classrooms, with unranked titles banned nationwide.
The Ministry of Education explained that the initiative is designed to tackle the proliferation of poorly regulated learning materials and ensure consistency across schools. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue approving textbooks but now subject them to a structured ranking process. Committees of subject experts will evaluate books based on curriculum compliance, teaching effectiveness, and academic rigor. Only a limited number of top‑ranked textbooks per subject will be allowed, with guidelines suggesting around seven titles to reduce confusion for teachers, parents, and students.
Parents and educators have welcomed the move, noting that frequent, costly changes in textbooks have long been a burden without adding real educational value. “This reform could finally bring stability and fairness to families who struggle with constant book replacements,” said one parent in Lagos. Teachers also expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that the ranking must remain transparent and free from favoritism. Rights advocates added that the policy could align Nigeria’s education system with international best practices, provided implementation is thorough and inclusive.
