The Nigerian Publishers Association has approached a Federal High Court in Ibadan seeking to stop the implementation of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council’s new textbook ranking policy.

The suit, marked FHC/IB/CS/117/26, names NERDC, the Minister of Education and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants.

The publishers are challenging the requirement for textbooks that have already been assessed, approved and certified for use to undergo a fresh compulsory ranking exercise before they can continue to be used, distributed, procured or sold.

The NPA is also contesting the mandatory fee attached to the ranking process and asking the court to determine whether regulations made under the NERDC Act can become effective without the required presidential approval and publication in the Federal Gazette.

The association said the central question before the court was whether NERDC had the statutory authority to impose an additional ranking requirement on textbooks that had already completed the prescribed approval process.

It also expressed concern over the possible consequences for publishers who decline to participate, arguing that previously approved textbooks could be removed from classroom use if they are not subjected to the new ranking exercise.

NERDC introduced the ranking framework as part of efforts to improve the quality of instructional materials and ensure that textbooks used in schools meet required standards and conform to the national curriculum.

The policy has, however, generated concerns within the publishing industry, particularly over the additional costs associated with assessment and ranking.

In response to some of the concerns, NERDC recently reduced the textbook assessment fee from N2,000 to N1,500 per page, while the ranking fee was lowered from N1 million to N750,000 per title. The council also announced arrangements concerning refunds for publishers who had already paid the former assessment rate.

Through the lawsuit, the NPA is asking the court to determine the legality of compulsory ranking, the requirement for participation and the fees imposed under the new framework.

Despite seeking judicial intervention, the association said it remained open to discussions with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.

The NPA said it was committed to finding a lawful and transparent textbook approval framework that would serve the interests of learners, teachers, publishers and the wider education sector.

The case is expected to clarify the extent of NERDC’s regulatory powers over textbooks that have already received approval, as well as the legal basis for additional requirements and fees under the new ranking system.