The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has introduced a new textbook ranking system as part of a major reform of the country’s textbook approval process, directing publishers and other stakeholders to submit educational materials for fresh assessment and ranking.
The council said the initiative is designed to strengthen quality assurance in education and ensure that only high-standard instructional materials are used in Nigerian schools. Under the new textbook ranking system, all textbooks, including previously approved titles for affected class levels, must undergo re-evaluation based on revised quality benchmarks.
The reform was announced in a public notice issued by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Professor Salisu Shehu. According to the council, the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to improve educational standards and enhance the quality of learning resources available to pupils and students across the country.
NERDC, the agency responsible for curriculum development and educational research in Nigeria, oversees the assessment and approval of textbooks used in schools. The council stated that evolving educational needs and the introduction of new quality standards made it necessary to review existing procedures and establish a more rigorous evaluation framework.
The introduction of a ranking component marks a significant change in the assessment process and is expected to provide clearer distinctions between approved instructional materials.
According to the notice, NERDC has commenced the 2026 Phase 1 textbook assessment and ranking exercise, which will cover textbooks and instructional resources for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1.
The council stated that all textbooks intended for ranking must first pass through an enhanced assessment process based on newly approved quality benchmarks before they can qualify for placement under the textbook ranking system.
NERDC explained that the nationwide exercise will be implemented in three phases. While the first phase focuses on Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1, and SSS 1 materials, subsequent phases will cover textbooks and instructional resources for other class levels.
The council announced that submissions for Phase 1 will commence on June 8, 2026, and close on June 19, 2026. It warned that late submissions would not be accepted. “Assessment and ranking of books and other resources for the 2026 cycle shall be conducted in three phases,” the notice stated.
NERDC further directed publishers, authors, printers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the book industry to study and comply with the revised Book Quality Guidelines and Submission Procedure published on its official website.
According to the council, the assessment and ranking process for all submitted materials will be completed on or before July 31, 2026. Following the exercise, approved and ranked educational resources will be published for use in schools nationwide.
The introduction of the textbook ranking system is expected to increase competition among publishers while raising standards for educational content. Education stakeholders believe the initiative could improve transparency in textbook selection and encourage greater adherence to curriculum requirements and quality benchmarks.
The reform may also provide schools, teachers, parents, and education administrators with clearer guidance when selecting instructional materials, thereby strengthening learning outcomes across different levels of education.
