The Federal Government has approved the introduction of the National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS), a new policy aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning materials used in Nigerian public schools.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who revealed that the policy will take effect from September 2026. Under the new system, only textbooks that have been evaluated, ranked, and officially approved will be permitted for use in public primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools across the country.
According to the Minister, the National Textbook Ranking System is designed to establish a transparent and merit-based process for selecting instructional materials. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government's efforts to improve educational standards and ensure that students have access to high-quality, curriculum-compliant textbooks.
To oversee the process, the Ministry of Education has inaugurated a National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee, made up of representatives from relevant education agencies and subject experts. The committee will work with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to evaluate textbooks that have already obtained NERDC licensing.
However, the Minister emphasized that NERDC licensing alone will no longer be sufficient for classroom use. Every licensed textbook must undergo a national assessment, score at least 70%, and meet strict academic, pedagogical, technical, and quality assurance standards before receiving final approval.
To maintain quality, only the highest-ranked textbooks will be selected, with between six and ten approved titles per subject, depending on curriculum requirements.
Assessment Fees Reduced for Publishers
Dr. Alausa also announced a reduction in the fees charged to publishers and authors. The assessment fee has been lowered from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while the ranking fee has been reduced from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per textbook title.
Publishers who had already paid the previous rates will receive refunds of the excess amount, with NERDC expected to provide further details on the reimbursement process.
Approved Textbooks Valid for Three Years
From September 2026, only textbooks approved through the National Textbook Ranking System will be authorized for use in public schools nationwide. Each approved textbook will remain valid for a minimum of three years, providing stability in curriculum delivery.
The Ministry noted that compliance will be monitored by NERDC and other relevant regulatory agencies. Schools, publishers, and authors found using or promoting unapproved textbooks may face sanctions, including possible blacklisting.
The Federal Government said the initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening Nigeria's education system by ensuring learners have access to reliable, high-quality instructional materials that support better learning outcomes.
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