The Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria has launched a QR-based tracking system for approved school textbooks. This initiative aims to strengthen oversight of instructional materials and enhance transparency in their selection, procurement, and distribution. The ministry announced this measure on September 28, 2026, while releasing the final 2026–2028 Ranked and Approved Textbooks list.
The QR tracking system is part of the ministry's efforts to improve the quality and relevance of instructional materials used in Nigerian schools. Every approved textbook will carry a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, along with information on the title, author(s), publisher, and year of publication. This tracking code will enable the identification and monitoring of approved textbooks, thereby strengthening accountability.
The first phase of the textbook ranking exercise covers textbooks for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1, and Senior Secondary School 1. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad. The final list was approved by Alausa.
The ministry's Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, stated that generating and assigning individual tracking codes to each ranked textbook added to the time required to complete and validate the final lists. The textbook ranking program is being implemented in phases, with the second phase covering Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS2, and SS2.
Publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies, and other stakeholders have been directed to rely strictly on the official list when selecting and purchasing textbooks for the affected classes. The ministry emphasized that this measure aims to ensure that teachers and pupils have access to quality, relevant, and curriculum-aligned instructional materials.
The ministry urged stakeholders to comply with the approved list when providing or using textbooks for the specified classes. The complete 2026–2028 list, including the unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code assigned to each approved textbook, has been made available by the ministry. This move is expected to promote transparency and accountability in textbook provision.
The introduction of the QR tracking system is a significant step towards ensuring that Nigerian students have access to high-quality educational materials. By monitoring and controlling the textbooks used in schools, the ministry aims to improve the overall quality of education in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Federal Ministry of Education introduces QR codes to track approved school textbooks.
- The QR tracking system aims to improve transparency and accountability in textbook selection, procurement, and distribution.
- The textbook ranking program is being implemented in phases, covering various classes.
