The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the release of the final list of approved textbooks for use in Nigerian schools for the 2026–2028 academic session. This follows the completion of the first phase of the national textbook ranking exercise. The approved list covers textbooks for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1. The exercise was conducted under the guidance of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.
Each approved textbook has been assigned a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, containing key information such as the title, author(s), publisher, and year of publication. The codes were introduced to strengthen the identification, monitoring, and accountability of approved instructional materials. According to the ministry, the introduction of the tracking codes contributed to the time required to complete and validate the final list. This additional process aims to improve the monitoring and control of approved textbooks and enhance transparency in their selection, procurement, and utilization.
The ministry explained that the ranking exercise will be conducted in phases, with the second phase covering textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2, and SSS 2. The same identification and tracking measures will apply to the subsequent phase. The exercise is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure that learners and teachers have access to quality, relevant, and curriculum-aligned instructional materials. This initiative also aims to improve transparency and accountability in textbook provision.
The ministry urged publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies, and other stakeholders to consult and adhere to the approved list when selecting and procuring textbooks for the affected classes. The complete 2026–2028 ranked and approved textbook list, including the Ranking/QR Tracking Code for each approved title, has been made available by the ministry through its designated platform. This move is expected to promote the use of verified and relevant textbooks in Nigerian schools.
The Federal Government’s efforts to improve the quality of education in Nigeria include ensuring that learners and teachers have access to relevant and curriculum-aligned instructional materials. The textbook ranking exercise is a significant step towards achieving this goal. By introducing a tracking system, the government aims to monitor and control the use of approved textbooks, reducing the risk of substandard materials being used in schools.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, oversaw the exercise, which was conducted to ensure that only quality textbooks are used in Nigerian schools. The ministers emphasized the importance of this initiative in improving the overall quality of education in the country. The approved textbooks are expected to enhance the learning experience for students and support teachers in their instructional delivery.
The release of the final list of approved textbooks marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the quality of education in Nigeria. The government has encouraged stakeholders to access the list through the ministry’s designated platform and to adhere to the approved textbooks when procuring materials for the affected classes. This move is expected to promote transparency, accountability, and quality in the provision of textbooks for Nigerian schools.
Key points
- The Federal Government has introduced a Ranking/QR Tracking Code for approved textbooks to enhance monitoring and accountability.
- The textbook ranking exercise will be conducted in phases, with the second phase covering textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2, and SSS 2.
- The exercise aims to ensure that learners and teachers have access to quality, relevant, and curriculum-aligned instructional materials.
