The Federal Government has introduced a new system to rank school textbooks across Nigeria, a move aimed at improving the quality of learning materials in classrooms.
Education officials say the initiative will help standardise content used in both primary and secondary schools while ensuring that only high-quality textbooks reach students.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will oversee the implementation of the new framework.
Under the system, the council will review, evaluate, and approve textbooks before they are recommended for use in schools.
This central role is expected to bring more consistency and credibility to the selection process.
Experts will assess each textbook using clear and measurable standards.
They will examine accuracy, clarity of language, and alignment with the national curriculum.
In addition, reviewers will consider how well each book supports effective teaching and student understanding.
After evaluation, textbooks will receive rankings based on their overall performance.
Only Top-Ranked Books to Be Approved
According to officials, only textbooks that meet high standards will be approved for classroom use.
As a result, poorly written or outdated materials may no longer be accepted in schools.
This step aims to reduce the circulation of substandard books that can affect learning outcomes.
Reform Targets Market Confusion
The government says the reform will address confusion caused by the large number of similar textbooks available in the market.
In many cases, teachers and parents struggle to choose the most suitable materials.
However, with a clear ranking system in place, decision-making is expected to become easier and more reliable.
Minister Highlights Benefits
Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the initiative will guide both teachers and parents in selecting better learning resources.
He noted that the system will also encourage publishers to improve the quality of their books.
Furthermore, he explained that increased competition among publishers will likely raise overall standards in the sector.
The government plans to introduce the system in phases.
Initially, it will focus on key subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Basic Science.
Later stages will expand the ranking framework to cover other subjects across the curriculum.
Officials say the long-term goal is to improve learning outcomes nationwide.
By ensuring that students use accurate and well-structured textbooks, the government hopes to strengthen foundational education.
Ultimately, the reform is expected to raise academic standards and support better performance in schools across Nigeria.
