FG Moves to Cut Education Costs, Promote Sustainability with Reusable Textbook Policy

Abuja, January 9, 2026

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework aimed at reducing the cost of education for parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in schools through the adoption of reusable, high-quality textbooks and strengthened quality assurance mechanisms.
The policy, jointly issued by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, forms part of ongoing reforms designed to reposition Nigeria’s education sector while easing the financial burden on families.

According to the Ministers, the new framework prioritises the use of standardised and durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years. It also expressly prohibits the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools, a practice that has historically forced parents to make repeated annual purchases. The new approach ensures that learning materials can be reused across multiple academic sessions.

They explained that the initiative allows siblings to share textbooks, significantly lowers recurring education costs for parents, and reduces waste within the school system, thereby supporting environmental sustainability and responsible resource use.
As part of broader sector-wide reforms, the Ministers noted that the Federal Government has introduced a uniform academic calendar to promote consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across the country.
In addition, graduation ceremonies have been streamlined to curb unnecessary financial pressure on parents. Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.

The Ministers further emphasised that the policy strengthens the assessment, quality assurance, selection, and use of textbooks and instructional materials nationwide. The reforms respond to longstanding concerns over frequent but cosmetic textbook revisions, weak ranking standards, and practices that compel parents to purchase new textbooks annually without corresponding improvements in content or learning outcomes.

A key provision of the policy is the introduction of structured and meaningful revision cycles. Under the new framework, textbook revisions must reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination. This measure is intended to extend the lifespan of approved textbooks while ensuring better value for money.
The policy also introduces limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices observed in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania. This step is expected to enhance quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in the assessment and quality assurance of instructional materials, working closely with relevant education agencies to ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use in schools nationwide.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to education renewal and reform, commending the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), NERDC, and other technical partners for their contributions to the development of the new policy framework.

The Ministers reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and improved learning outcomes.