By Peter Omopo
The Federal Government has introduced a new policy aimed at reducing the cost of education for parents, improving learning outcomes and promoting environmental sustainability through the use of reusable, high-quality textbooks in schools nationwide.
The policy, jointly issued by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, forms part of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector while easing the financial burden on families.
Under the new framework, schools are required to adopt standardised and durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years. The policy also prohibits the practice of bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks, a measure intended to ensure that learning materials can be reused across multiple academic sessions.
The ministers explained that the initiative will enable siblings to share textbooks, significantly reduce recurring expenses for parents and minimise waste in the school system, thereby supporting environmental sustainability. They also announced the introduction of a uniform academic calendar nationwide to promote consistency in teaching, learning and school planning.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.
As part of efforts to curb unnecessary costs, the policy also streamlines graduation ceremonies. Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies.
The policy further strengthens the assessment, selection and quality assurance of textbooks and instructional materials across the country. It addresses long-standing concerns over frequent but superficial textbook revisions, weak ranking standards and practices that compel parents to purchase new textbooks annually without significant improvements in content.
A key feature of the framework is the introduction of structured and substantive revision cycles. Textbook updates must now reflect clear enhancements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination, a move aimed at extending the lifespan of approved textbooks and ensuring better value for money.
The policy also limits the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices observed in countries such as Japan, Kenya and Tanzania. According to the government, this will improve quality, reduce market saturation and simplify textbook selection for schools and education authorities.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to oversee the assessment and quality assurance of instructional materials, working with relevant agencies to ensure that only curriculum-aligned and high-quality textbooks are approved for nationwide use.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to sustained reforms in the sector and commended the Universal Basic Education Commission, NERDC and other technical partners for their contributions to the development of the policy. It also reiterated the government’s resolve to uphold educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents and ensure learners across Nigeria have access to quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning.
