Nigeria Launches National Textbook Ranking System for Schools

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the Federal Government's approval of the National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS) aimed at improving education quality in Nigeria. Effective from September 2026, this reform mandates that only textbooks that have undergone rigorous evaluation and ranking will be permitted in public primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools.

Dr. Alausa described the NTRS as a transformative policy aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The system will establish a transparent and merit-based framework for textbook approval, ensuring access to high-quality learning resources.

A National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee has been formed, comprising representatives from relevant education agencies and experts, to evaluate textbooks based on NERDC licensing requirements. Textbooks must achieve a minimum score of 70% and meet various academic standards to be approved.

Additionally, assessment and ranking fees have been reduced, with refunds for publishers who previously paid higher rates. Only approved textbooks will be authorized for use in public schools nationwide starting in September 2026.