FG reusable textbook policy to reduce school costs
Summary
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education has issued a policy that backs reusable, durable textbooks (lasting four to six years) and bans bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks. The same policy introduces a uniform academic calendar and limits graduation ceremonies to Primary 6, JSS3, and SSS3.
- Textbooks are to be standardised and durable, with a lifespan of four to six years
- Bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks is prohibited
- A uniform academic calendar is introduced for nationwide consistency in school planning
- Graduation ceremonies are limited to learners completing Primary 6, JSS3, and SSS3
- NERDC remains responsible for textbook quality assurance and oversight
- Textbook review cycles now require real content changes; frequent cosmetic revisions are targeted
FG Introduces Reusable Textbook Policy: 4–6 Year Durability Rule, Ban on Disposable Workbook Bundling, and New Graduation Limits
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has issued a policy framework aimed at reducing the cost of education for parents, improving learning outcomes, and supporting environmental sustainability in schools. The approach centres on reusable, high-quality textbooks and stronger quality assurance for instructional materials.
The policy is jointly issued by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id. The press release presents the policy as part of reforms intended to ease financial pressure on families.
Reusable textbooks and the ban on bundled disposable workbooks
The Ministers state that the policy prioritises standardised and durable textbooks designed to last four to six years. The same policy expressly prohibits bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks.
The press release links these points to practical outcomes: textbooks can be reused across academic sessions, siblings can share learning materials, and waste is reduced (a direct sustainability benefit set out in the release).
Uniform academic calendar and limits on graduation ceremonies
The press release states that the Federal Government has introduced a uniform academic calendar to promote consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning nationwide.
Graduation ceremonies are also restricted. Under the stated policy, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, JSS3, and SSS3 are permitted to hold such ceremonies.
Quality assurance, textbook selection, and revision cycles
The policy strengthens the assessment, selection, and quality assurance of instructional materials. The press release points to concerns about frequent cosmetic textbook revisions and practices that compel parents to buy new books annually without improved content.
Under the stated approach, structured revision cycles require substantive content improvements. The policy also places limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade; the press release notes that this aligns with international practice.
Role of NERDC and ministry position
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to lead textbook quality assurance. The Federal Ministry of Education also restates its commitment to education reform, equity, and access to high-quality instructional materials nationwide.
The press release is signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations.
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