The Federal Government has unveiled a new policy framework aimed at reducing the cost of education for parents while improving learning outcomes and promoting environmental sustainability through the adoption 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, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id, is part of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector and ease financial pressure on families.
Under the policy, textbooks are to be standardised and produced with durable materials capable of lasting between four and six years. The Federal Government has also prohibited the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks, a practice that has compelled parents to purchase new learning materials every academic session.
According to the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, the ministers, said the new framework will enable textbooks to be reused across multiple academic years, allow siblings to share learning materials, significantly lower recurring education costs for parents, and reduce waste, thereby supporting environmental sustainability.
The government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar nationwide to promote 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 graduation ceremonies.
The policy further strengthens the assessment, selection, and quality assurance of instructional materials, addressing concerns over frequent cosmetic textbook revisions that offer no substantial content improvements. Structured revision cycles now require meaningful updates, while limits have been placed on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade in line with international best practices.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to lead textbook evaluation and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with the new standards.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to reforming the education sector, promoting equity, and ensuring access to high-quality instructional materials across the country.
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