The Federal Ministry of Education has unveiled a National Textbook Ranking System aimed at improving quality control and standardisation of learning materials across primary, junior and senior secondary schools.

Under the policy, which is set to take effect in September, only textbooks evaluated, ranked, and approved through a national process will be allowed for use in schools.

In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, said implementation would begin after the establishment of subject-based committees and the completion of an evaluation framework.

The initiative is intended to address the growing number of textbooks in circulation and ensure that only materials aligned with the national curriculum are used in classrooms.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the reform would strengthen the role of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, the body responsible for approving textbooks in the country.

Previously, schools could select from a broad list of textbooks approved by the council and submitted by publishers. Under the new system, however, the NERDC will rank textbooks through a national evaluation process and recommend a limited number for each subject and class level.

According to the ministry, only textbooks that emerge from this ranking process will be authorised for use in schools, regardless of any prior approval status.

The council is expected to set up Standing Subject Committees made up of experts to assess submitted materials based on academic and instructional standards.

Officials said the reform would also reduce the volume of textbooks in use while improving consistency in teaching and learning nationwide.

The ministry added that awareness campaigns would be conducted to ensure teachers and other stakeholders understand and comply with the new policy.