FG Opens 2026 Textbook Ranking Exercise, Orders Publishers to Resubmit Books Under New Education Policy
Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced the commencement of submissions for the 2026 Phase One assessment, reassessment and ranking of textbooks and instructional materials, following the introduction of a new Federal Government policy aimed at improving the quality of learning resources in schools.
The Council said the exercise forms part of ongoing reforms by the Federal Ministry of Education to strengthen textbook evaluation, standardisation and approval processes across the country.
In a Friday statement signed by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Professor Salisu Shehu, stakeholders in the book industry—including publishers, authors, printers, distributors and educational content developers—were directed to comply with the updated submission guidelines and quality requirements.
According to the Council, the new policy introduces a ranking system that will assess textbooks against revised quality benchmarks, curriculum alignment standards and instructional effectiveness indicators.
“Critical stakeholders, including publishers, authors, printers, distributors, and individuals in the book sector, are urged to take serious note of the guidelines and comply with the instructions and new requirements set out in the Book Quality Guidelines and Submission Procedure available on the NERDC website,” the statement said.
NERDC explained that the 2026 assessment exercise would be conducted in three phases to ensure comprehensive coverage of all class levels.
Under Phase One, textbooks for Primary One, Primary Four, Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) and Senior Secondary School One (SS1) will be assessed and ranked.
Phase Two will cover Primary Two, Primary Five, JSS2 and SS2, while Phase Three will focus on Primary Three, Primary Six, JSS3 and SS3.
The Council clarified that all textbooks, including previously approved titles, must be resubmitted for evaluation under the new framework.
According to NERDC, the requirement became necessary following the introduction of the ranking mechanism and enhanced assessment procedures designed to improve the quality and relevance of instructional materials used in Nigerian schools.
Submission of textbooks and instructional resources for Phase One will commence on June 8, 2026, and close on June 19, 2026.
The Council warned that materials submitted after the deadline would not be considered for assessment and ranking during the current phase.
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