Federal government to blacklist schools, publishers using unapproved textbooks

This measure is part of a reform initiative to enhance education quality across the country. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, revealed the new National Textbook Ranking System, which mandates that only nationally evaluated and approved textbooks be used in public primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools starting September 2026. The initiative aims to create a transparent, merit-based framework for selecting instructional materials, improve curriculum implementation, boost learning outcomes, eliminate substandard textbooks, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s education system.

A National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee, including representatives from relevant education agencies and experts, has been formed to oversee the process. Textbooks must undergo rigorous evaluation, achieve a minimum score of 70 percent, and meet academic, pedagogical, technical, and quality assurance standards to be approved. The number of approved titles per subject will be limited to between six and ten.

The minister also reduced textbook assessment fees from N2,000 to N1,500 per page and ranking fees from N1 million to N750,000 per title, with refunds for those who paid previous rates. Approved textbooks will remain valid for a minimum of three years. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council and other regu