NERDC Launches Nationwide Textbook Review, Introduces Ranking System for Learning Materials
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has initiated a comprehensive nationwide review and re-evaluation of textbooks and other learning materials used in primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools across the country. This significant overhaul includes the introduction of a new ranking mechanism designed to enhance the quality assurance and standardization of educational resources. The initiative aims to ensure that Nigerian students have access to credible, high-standard, and curriculum-compliant instructional materials.
According to a public notice signed by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the 2026 Phase 1 textbook evaluation and ranking exercise is a crucial part of the Council's ongoing efforts to improve educational quality. This new framework mandates that all textbooks, including those previously approved, must be resubmitted for assessment due to updated standards, benchmarks, and ranking requirements.
The evaluation process will be conducted in three phases. Phase 1, commencing submissions on June 8, 2026, and closing on June 19, 2026, will cover textbooks and instructional resources for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1. Subsequent phases will address other class levels.
The introduction of a ranking system is expected to foster healthy competition among publishers, ultimately elevating the quality of teaching and learning resources. Under the new policy, Standing Subject Committees, composed of experts in relevant fields, will conduct rigorous reviews based on defined academic and pedagogical standards. Only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved for use in schools for each subject, effectively curbing the proliferation of materials and reducing confusion for teachers, students, and parents.
The federal government has emphasized that any textbook not ranked under this new system will be barred from classrooms, regardless of its previous approval status. This reform aligns with broader efforts to strengthen quality assurance and standardization in the education sector, addressing concerns over inconsistent quality and arbitrary book selections that have led to excessive financial burdens on families.
The evaluation and ranking of all submitted materials are scheduled to be concluded by July 31, 2026, with a list of approved and ranked learning resources to be made available for use in schools. The implementation of the National Textbook Ranking System is set to commence from the September 2026 academic session.
Critical stakeholders, including publishers, authors, printers, and distributors, are urged to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and new requirements available on the NERDC website to ensure compliance.
According to a public notice signed by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the 2026 Phase 1 textbook evaluation and ranking exercise is a crucial part of the Council's ongoing efforts to improve educational quality. This new framework mandates that all textbooks, including those previously approved, must be resubmitted for assessment due to updated standards, benchmarks, and ranking requirements.
The evaluation process will be conducted in three phases. Phase 1, commencing submissions on June 8, 2026, and closing on June 19, 2026, will cover textbooks and instructional resources for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1. Subsequent phases will address other class levels.
The introduction of a ranking system is expected to foster healthy competition among publishers, ultimately elevating the quality of teaching and learning resources. Under the new policy, Standing Subject Committees, composed of experts in relevant fields, will conduct rigorous reviews based on defined academic and pedagogical standards. Only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved for use in schools for each subject, effectively curbing the proliferation of materials and reducing confusion for teachers, students, and parents.
The federal government has emphasized that any textbook not ranked under this new system will be barred from classrooms, regardless of its previous approval status. This reform aligns with broader efforts to strengthen quality assurance and standardization in the education sector, addressing concerns over inconsistent quality and arbitrary book selections that have led to excessive financial burdens on families.
The evaluation and ranking of all submitted materials are scheduled to be concluded by July 31, 2026, with a list of approved and ranked learning resources to be made available for use in schools. The implementation of the National Textbook Ranking System is set to commence from the September 2026 academic session.
Critical stakeholders, including publishers, authors, printers, and distributors, are urged to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and new requirements available on the NERDC website to ensure compliance.
This article and image are AI generated. For informational purposes only.