FG stops graduation for pre pry 6, SS3 pupils, orders reusable Textbook Policy to cut costs, launches nationwide uniform calendar
FG stops graduation for pre pry 6, SS3 pupils, orders reusable Textbook Policy to cut costs, launches nationwide uniform calendar
The Federal Government has introduced a new policy framework designed to ease the financial burden on parents, enhance learning outcomes, and promote sustainability in schools through the use of reusable, high-quality textbooks.
The policy was announced on Friday by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, as part of ongoing efforts to reform and reposition Nigeria’s education sector.
According to the ministers, the initiative places emphasis on standardised and durable textbooks with a lifespan of between four and six years, while banning the practice of bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools.
“This approach is intended to ensure that learning materials can be reused across multiple academic sessions,” they said, noting that the policy would enable siblings to share textbooks, significantly reduce recurring education costs for parents, and minimise waste within the school system.
In addition to the textbook reforms, the Federal Government has adopted a uniform academic calendar aimed at promoting consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across the country.
The ministers also revealed that graduation ceremonies have been streamlined under the new policy to reduce financial pressure on families. Under the revised guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will be allowed to organise graduation ceremonies.
They said the policy strengthens the processes for assessment, quality assurance, selection, and utilisation of textbooks and other instructional materials nationwide. The reforms, according to them, address long-standing concerns over frequent but superficial textbook revisions that force parents to purchase new materials annually without meaningful improvements in content.
A major feature of the framework is the introduction of structured and meaningful revision cycles. “Under the new framework, textbook revisions must reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination, thereby extending the lifespan of approved textbooks and ensuring better value for money,” the ministers explained.
The policy also limits the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, aligning Nigeria’s practices with international standards adopted in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania.
“This measure is expected to improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities.”
They further stated that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a key role in evaluating and assuring the quality of instructional materials, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to ensure that only curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use in schools.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to education reform, the ministry commended the Universal Basic Education Commission, NERDC, and other technical partners for their contributions to the development of the policy framework.
“The Federal Government remains resolved to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning outcomes,” the ministers said.
