The Federal Government has unveiled a new policy framework aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents, promoting sustainability, and improving learning outcomes in schools.
Announced by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, the initiative mandates the use of durable, reusable textbooks designed to last four to six years, explicitly banning disposable workbooks bundled with textbooks. This measure allows siblings to share textbooks, lowering recurring costs and reducing waste.
Under the new framework, graduation ceremonies are restricted to students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3), easing financial pressures on families.
The policy also introduces structured revision cycles, ensuring textbook updates reflect substantial content improvements rather than minor layout changes. Limits on approved textbooks per subject and grade have been established to simplify selection and reduce market saturation.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to assess and approve curriculum-aligned textbooks for schools nationwide.
“The Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding educational standards, promoting equity, and ensuring learners have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning outcomes,” the ministers stated.
