The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework to reduce the cost of education for parents, improve learning outcomes, and promote sustainability in schools.
To this end, it has adopted the use of reusable, high-quality textbooks and strengthened quality assurance mechanisms.
In a statement, the Director, Press and Public, Folasade Boriowo, explained that this is part of ongoing reforms to reposition the education sector and ease the financial burden on families.
According to the statement, the policy prioritises the use of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years.
It also expressly prohibits the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools.
The statement explains that the initiative makes it possible for siblings to share textbooks, hence lowering recurring education costs for parents.
It also reduces waste within the school system, thereby supporting environmental sustainability.
Uniform academic calendar
It also states that a uniform academic calendar has been introduced to promote consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across the country.
The statement highlights that the policy introduces limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices.
The measure it notes will improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities.
The new framework also mandates textbook revisions to reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination.
This extends the lifespan of approved textbooks and ensuring better value for money.
Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.
The statement emphasizes that the policy strengthens the assessment, quality assurance, selection, and use of textbooks and instructional materials nationwide.
It says the reform responds to longstanding concerns over frequent but cosmetic textbook revisions, weak ranking standards, and practices that compel parents to purchase new textbooks annually without corresponding improvements in content or learning outcomes.
The statement explains that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in the assessment and quality assurance of instructional materials.
It will continue to work closely with relevant education agencies to ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use in schools nationwide.
The statement reaffirms Federal Government’s resolve to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning outcomes.
