The Federal Government has introduced a new policy framework aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in schools through the use of reusable, high-quality textbooks.
The policy, unveiled on Friday by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, mandates the adoption of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years. It also bans the practice of bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools.
According to the ministers, the initiative will allow textbooks to be reused across multiple academic sessions, enable siblings to share learning materials, lower recurring education costs for families, and reduce waste within the school system.
As part of the reforms, the Federal Government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar nationwide and streamlined graduation ceremonies to ease financial pressure on parents. Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students in Primary 6, JSS3, and SSS3 will be allowed to hold graduation ceremonies.
READ ALSO: FG Unveils New Measures to Curb WAEC, NECO Examination Malpractice
The policy further strengthens textbook assessment and quality assurance processes, introduces structured revision cycles that prioritise meaningful content updates, and limits the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level in line with global best practices.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will oversee the approval of curriculum-aligned instructional materials, as the government reaffirms its commitment to improving education quality, promoting equity, and reducing costs for parents across the country.
