FG Moves to Cut Education Costs with Reusable Textbook Policy
The Federal Government has announced a new policy aimed at easing the cost of education for parents while improving learning standards and promoting sustainability in schools. The policy, unveiled on Friday by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id, introduces the use of reusable, high quality textbooks across the country. It forms part of broader reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector and reduce the financial burden on families. Under the new framework, textbooks will be standardised and designed to last between four and six years. Schools are no longer allowed to bundle disposable workbooks with textbooks, a practice the government says has forced parents to buy new books every academic year. Officials explained that the move will allow textbooks to be reused by other pupils, shared among siblings, and passed on across academic sessions. Beyond cost savings, the policy is also expected to reduce waste and support environmental sustainability. The government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar nationwide to ensure consistency in teaching, learning and school planning. In addition, graduation ceremonies have been streamlined, with only pupils and students completing Primary 6, JSS3 and SSS3 permitted to hold such events. The policy further tightens the assessment and approval of instructional materials. Authorities said this is to address concerns over frequent cosmetic revisions of textbooks that do not improve content but compel parents to make fresh purchases. Going forward, revisions must show clear and substantive improvements, while limits will be placed on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade, in line with international best practices. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue to oversee textbook quality assurance. The Federal Ministry of Education said the reforms reaffirm the government’s commitment to equity, access and the provision of high quality learning materials for students across the country.
| 2026-01-09 11:54:18