FG Mandates Reusable Textbooks, Cuts Education Costs for Parents

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Federal Government has introduced sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, mandating the use of reusable and durable textbooks as part of measures aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in schools.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the new policy framework was unveiled over the weekend by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d. The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the government to overhaul and reposition the nation’s education system.

Under the policy, all schools are required to adopt standardized, high-quality textbooks designed to remain in use for a minimum of four to six years. 

In a significant departure from past practices, the Federal Government has also outlawed the bundling of textbooks with disposable workbooks—an approach that has long been criticised for compelling parents to purchase new books every academic session.

According to the ministers, the reforms will allow textbooks to be reused across multiple school years, enable siblings to share learning materials, drastically reduce recurring education expenses for families, and cut down on waste generated within the school system.

As part of the broader reforms, the Federal Government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar nationwide. 

OTN News observes that the move is intended to ensure consistency in teaching, learning, examinations, and school planning across all states of the federation.

In another major cost-saving measure, the government has rationalised graduation ceremonies. Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will be permitted to hold graduation ceremonies. 

This effectively ends the widespread practice of organising frequent and costly graduation events at every class level.

The ministers explained that the policy strengthens the assessment, quality control, selection, and utilisation of textbooks and other instructional materials across the country. 

It also addresses long-standing concerns over frequent but superficial textbook revisions that often force parents to buy new editions annually without meaningful improvements in content.

A key feature of the framework is the introduction of structured and substantive revision cycles. Under the new rules, textbooks can only be revised when there are clear and significant improvements in content, rather than minor changes to design, pagination, or cover appearance. 

The government said this approach would extend the lifespan of approved textbooks and ensure better value for money.

The policy further places limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, aligning Nigeria’s education system with international best practices observed in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania. 

Officials noted that this would improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection for schools and education authorities.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in evaluating and approving instructional materials, working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that only curriculum-compliant textbooks are used nationwide.

Reaffirming its commitment to sustained education reform, the Federal Government commended the Universal Basic Education Commission, NERDC, and other technical partners for their contributions to the development of the new framework.

The ministers, however, stressed that the reforms demonstrate the government’s resolve to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, lower costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality learning materials that support effective teaching and improved educational outcomes.