The Federal Government has introduced a new policy permitting the use of reusable and durable textbooks in schools across Nigeria, as part of measures to reduce education costs and improve the quality of learning.
The policy was unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaba Sai’d.
According to the ministers, the initiative is designed to ease the financial burden on parents, promote sustainability, and enhance the standard of instructional materials used in classrooms nationwide.
Under the new framework, schools are required to adopt standardised textbooks designed to last between four and six years. The policy also prohibits the attachment of disposable workbooks to textbooks, a practice that previously compelled parents to purchase new books every academic session.
With the new arrangement, textbooks can be reused by multiple students over several years, including siblings within the same household. This is expected to significantly reduce recurring expenses and minimise waste within the education system.
The policy further introduces additional reforms aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. A uniform academic calendar has been approved to ensure consistency in teaching schedules, learning periods, and school planning nationwide.
In addition, graduation ceremonies have been restricted to pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3, and Senior Secondary School 3. The move is intended to curb excessive spending associated with frequent graduation events.
The ministers explained that the policy was developed in response to persistent concerns over frequent textbook changes that offered minimal improvement in content while increasing costs for parents.
Going forward, any revision of textbooks must demonstrate clear enhancements in learning content rather than superficial changes in layout or design.
The policy also limits the number of approved textbooks per subject and class level, a step expected to improve quality control, reduce market congestion, and simplify textbook selection for schools.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue to oversee the review and approval of textbooks, working with relevant agencies to ensure that all materials meet curriculum standards and quality requirements.
