Federal Government Unveils Reusable Textbook Policy to Cut Education Costs, Improve Learning Outcomes
The Federal Government has unveiled a new policy framework designed to ease the financial burden on parents, improve learning outcomes, and promote sustainability in Nigeria’s education system through the adoption of reusable, high-quality textbooks.
The policy was jointly announced on Friday by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s education sector, Akahi News learnt.
Shift to Durable, Reusable Textbooks
According to the ministers, the new framework prioritises standardised and durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years. In a significant departure from past practices, the policy expressly prohibits the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools.
They explained that the approach is intended to ensure that learning materials can be reused across multiple academic sessions, allowing siblings to share textbooks, reducing recurring education costs for parents, and cutting down waste within the school system.
Akahi News gathered that the government views the policy as a practical step towards balancing quality education delivery with affordability for families already under economic pressure.
Uniform Academic Calendar and Streamlined Graduation Ceremonies
As part of the broader education reforms, the Federal Government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar to promote consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across the country.
In addition, graduation ceremonies have been streamlined to reduce financial strain on families. Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will be permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.
Education observers say these measures could significantly reduce unnecessary expenses that have become common in many schools, particularly private institutions.
Ending Cosmetic Textbook Revisions
The ministers noted that the reforms respond to longstanding concerns over frequent but largely cosmetic textbook revisions that compel parents to purchase new books annually without meaningful improvements in content.
A key provision of the policy is the introduction of structured and meaningful revision cycles. Under the new framework, textbook revisions must reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination.
“This will extend the lifespan of approved textbooks and ensure better value for money,” the ministers said.
Fewer, Higher-Quality Textbooks per Subject
The policy also introduces limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, aligning Nigeria with international best practices observed in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania.
According to the education ministry, this measure is expected to improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities.
Akahi News learnt that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in assessing and assuring the quality of instructional materials. The council will work with relevant agencies to ensure that only curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use in schools nationwide.
Commitment to Education Renewal
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to education renewal, the ministry commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), NERDC, and other technical partners for their contributions to the development of the new framework.
“The Federal Government remains resolved to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning outcomes,” the ministers said.
Analysts believe that if effectively implemented and monitored, the policy could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s textbook culture and help restore confidence in the education system, Akahi News reports.
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