The Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria has released the final list of ranked and approved textbooks for use in primary and secondary schools for the 2026–2028 period. This development follows the completion of the first phase of the national textbook ranking exercise. The exercise was conducted under the guidance of the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.
The first phase of the exercise covers textbooks for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1), and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1). Each approved textbook has been assigned a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, alongside key information including the title, author or authors, publisher, and year of publication. This new QR-based tracking system aims to strengthen transparency and accountability in the selection, procurement, and utilization of approved instructional materials.
The ministry introduced the QR Tracking System to improve accountability in the management of approved textbooks. The Ranking/QR Tracking Code represents an important step towards enhancing monitoring and control of approved instructional materials. The codes will make it easier to identify and monitor approved textbooks at different stages, from selection and procurement to their use in schools.
The textbook ranking exercise is being implemented in phases. Following the completion and approval of the first phase, preparations will commence for the second round, which will cover textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS2, and SS2. The same identification and tracking measures will be applied to textbooks approved under the subsequent phase.
The Federal Ministry of Education has urged publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to consult the official approved list when selecting and procuring textbooks for the affected classes. Stakeholders are encouraged to adhere strictly to the approved list in the provision and use of textbooks for the specified class levels.
The exercise is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that learners and teachers have access to quality, relevant, and curriculum-aligned instructional materials. The process is also designed to strengthen transparency and accountability in textbook provision across Nigerian schools. The complete 2026–2028 ranked and approved textbook list, including the Ranking/QR Tracking Code for each approved title, has been made available through the ministry's designated online platform.
The national textbook ranking exercise guides the selection of instructional materials for schools by identifying textbooks that meet the relevant curriculum and approval requirements. For the 2026–2028 period, the ministry has added a tracking component to the approval process through unique Ranking/QR Tracking Codes assigned to approved titles. This development is expected to promote greater transparency in the selection, procurement, and utilization of textbooks.
Key points
- The Federal Ministry of Education has introduced a QR tracking system for approved textbooks.
- The ranking exercise was conducted for Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1 textbooks.
- The ministry urges stakeholders to adhere strictly to the approved textbook list.
