FG Introduces National Textbook Ranking System to Enhance Learning Quality in Nigerian
The Federal Government has approved the National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS), a major reform aimed at improving the quality of education by ensuring that only rigorously assessed, nationally ranked and approved textbooks are used in public primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools across Nigeria from September 2026.
Announcing the initiative in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, described the policy as a landmark reform that will transform the selection and use of instructional materials in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Minister, the new system introduces a transparent, merit-based and quality-driven framework that aligns Nigeria’s textbook approval process with international best practice while ensuring learners have access to credible, curriculum-aligned and high-quality learning resources.
Dr Alausa said the National Textbook Ranking System is expected to strengthen curriculum implementation, improve learning outcomes, promote equitable access to quality instructional materials, eliminate substandard textbooks and restore public confidence in the country’s education system.
To oversee the process, the Ministry has established a National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee, comprising representatives of relevant education agencies and qualified experts. Working with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the committee will assess only textbooks that have already met NERDC licensing requirements before recommending the highest-ranked titles for the Minister’s approval.
The Minister explained that NERDC licensing alone will no longer qualify a textbook for classroom use. Every licensed textbook must undergo a rigorous national assessment and ranking process, achieve a minimum score of 70 per cent, and meet prescribed academic, pedagogical, technical and quality assurance standards before it can be approved.
He added that only the highest-performing textbooks will be adopted, with approved titles for each subject limited to between six and ten, depending on curriculum requirements.
FG Introduces National Textbook Ranking System to Enhance Learning Quality in Nigerian
Dr Alausa also announced a reduction in assessment and ranking fees for publishers and authors. The assessment fee has been reduced from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while the ranking fee has been cut from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per title. Publishers who previously paid the former rates will receive refunds, with reimbursement arrangements to be communicated by NERDC.
The Minister stated that, from September 2026, only textbooks evaluated, ranked and approved under the National Textbook Ranking System will be authorised for use in public schools nationwide. Approved textbooks will remain valid for a minimum of three years to ensure stability and consistency in curriculum delivery.
Implementation of the policy will be monitored by NERDC and other relevant regulatory agencies. Schools, publishers and other stakeholders are expected to comply fully, while the use of unapproved textbooks will attract sanctions, including the blacklisting of defaulting authors, publishers and schools.
The Ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing every Nigerian learner with world-class instructional materials that promote excellence in teaching and learning, improve educational outcomes, and strengthen the nation’s education system.
FG Introduces National Textbook Ranking System to Enhance Learning Quality in Nigerian
FG Introduces National Textbook Ranking System to Enhance Learning Quality in Nigerian
FG Introduces National Textbook Ranking System to Enhance Learning Quality in Nigerian