The Federal Government has rolled out a sweeping policy reform aimed at easing the financial burden on parents, enhancing learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in Nigeria’s school system through the compulsory use of reusable, durable textbooks.
The new framework was unveiled on Friday by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, as part of broader efforts to overhaul and reposition the nation’s education sector.
Under the policy, schools are required to adopt standardised, high-quality textbooks designed to remain in use for four to six years. The government has also outlawed the practice of bundling textbooks with disposable workbooks, a move long criticised for forcing parents to buy new learning materials every academic session.
According to the ministers, the reform will allow textbooks to be reused across multiple school years, enable siblings to share learning materials, significantly cut recurring education expenses for families, and reduce waste in schools.
As part of the wider reforms, the Federal Government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar nationwide to ensure consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across states.
In another cost-cutting measure, graduation ceremonies have been rationalised. Only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will now be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies, ending the practice of frequent and costly celebrations at every class level.
The ministers explained that the policy strengthens the assessment, quality control, selection, and use of textbooks and other instructional materials nationwide. It also addresses long-standing concerns over frequent but superficial textbook revisions that compel parents to purchase new editions annually without meaningful improvements in content.
A major feature of the framework is the introduction of structured and substantive revision cycles. Under the new rules, textbooks can only be revised when there are clear improvements in content, rather than minor changes in design, pagination, or cover appearance. This, the government said, would extend the lifespan of approved textbooks and guarantee better value for money.
The policy further places limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, aligning Nigeria with international best practices seen in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania. The move is expected to improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection for schools and education authorities.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will retain its central role in evaluating and approving instructional materials, working with relevant agencies to ensure that only curriculum-compliant textbooks are used in schools.
Reaffirming its commitment to education reform, the Federal Government commended the Universal Basic Education Commission, NERDC, and other technical partners for their roles in developing the new framework.
The ministers stressed that the reforms underscore the government’s resolve to protect educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and guarantee that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality learning materials that support effective teaching and improved educational outcomes.
