The Federal Government has introduced a new policy framework 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.
The policy, announced on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Education, was jointly issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id, as part of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector.
According to the ministry, the policy prioritises the production and use of standardised and durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years. It also expressly prohibits the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks, a practice that has increased the financial burden on parents.
The ministers explained that the initiative would allow textbooks to be reused across multiple academic sessions, enable siblings to share learning materials, and significantly reduce recurrent expenses for families. They added that the approach would also minimise waste and support environmental sustainability.
The policy further introduces measures to strengthen quality assurance in instructional materials, addressing concerns over frequent cosmetic revisions of textbooks that compel parents to buy new editions annually without meaningful improvements in content.
Under the new framework, textbook revisions will follow structured cycles that require substantive content updates, while limits will be placed on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade, in line with international best practices.
The ministers also disclosed that a uniform academic calendar has been introduced nationwide to ensure consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning.
In addition, graduation ceremonies have been streamlined, with only pupils and students completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School Three (SSS3) permitted to hold such ceremonies.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to oversee the assessment, selection, and quality assurance of textbooks and other instructional materials.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education reform, equity, and improved access to high-quality learning materials across the country.
