The Federal Government has launched a comprehensive policy framework to reduce the financial burden on parents and enhance sustainability in Nigeria’s education sector through reusable textbooks and a uniform academic calendar.
Okay News reports that the initiative was jointly announced by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed in Abuja on Friday.
The policy addresses escalating education expenses, frequent textbook changes with minimal content improvements, and declining learning outcomes in primary and secondary schools.
Core measures include mandating standardised, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years, allowing reuse across sessions and sharing among siblings.
Schools are prohibited from bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks, eliminating unnecessary annual purchases.
Textbook revisions must now follow structured cycles with substantive content improvements rather than cosmetic changes.
The number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level will be limited to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with best practices from countries like Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will maintain central oversight for assessment and quality assurance of instructional materials.
A uniform academic calendar will standardise teaching, learning, and planning nationwide.
Graduation ceremonies are restricted to Primary Six, Junior Secondary School 3, and Senior Secondary School 3 completers to ease parental costs.
The reforms build on recent efforts including curriculum review to reduce overload, new admission guidelines expanding access by 250,000 to 300,000 students annually, digital teacher registration portal, bans on SS3 transfers, and measures against examination malpractice.
The framework aims to promote affordability, environmental sustainability, and improved educational quality across Nigeria.
