The Federal Government has unveiled a new education policy aimed at reducing the cost of schooling for parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability through the use of durable, reusable textbooks and stronger quality assurance standards.
The policy, jointly issued by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, is part of broader reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector and ease the financial burden on families, according to a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
Under the framework, schools are required to adopt standardised, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years, while the practice of bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks is prohibited. The ministers said the move would allow textbooks to be reused by siblings and across academic sessions, significantly cutting recurring costs and reducing waste.
“Our goal is to ensure that education is both qualitative and affordable,” the statement quoted the ministers as saying. “By transitioning to durable, reusable textbooks, we are lowering costs for parents while promoting sustainability in the school system.”
The policy also introduces a uniform academic calendar nationwide to improve consistency in teaching and planning, alongside reforms to graduation ceremonies. Only pupils in Primary 6, JSS3 and SSS3 will be allowed to hold formal graduations, a measure intended to curb the rising costs associated with frequent ceremonies.
The ministers said the reforms address longstanding concerns over frequent but superficial textbook revisions that force parents to buy new editions annually without meaningful improvements in content. Under the new rules, textbook revisions must reflect substantive changes, extending the lifespan and value of approved materials.
In addition, limits have been placed on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade, in line with international best practices, to improve quality and simplify selection for schools.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue to oversee the assessment and approval of instructional materials, working with education agencies to ensure compliance with curriculum standards.
The Federal Government said the reforms are designed to restore affordability, protect parents from exploitative practices, and ensure that learners across the country have access to high-quality materials that support effective teaching and learning.
