FG Sets Up Committee to Reform Textbook Selection in Schools

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Committee on Book Ranking and Selection as part of efforts to improve the quality, affordability, and standardization of textbooks used in Nigerian schools.

The initiative is aimed at correcting long-standing weaknesses in the existing textbook approval process, which has allowed the circulation of poor-quality learning materials, a lack of uniform standards across subjects, and increasing financial pressure on parents and guardians.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the current system had failed to properly validate and rank textbooks before granting approval.

He explained that this gap had created a situation where some subjects had as many as 50 approved textbooks, with no clear criteria to distinguish between high-quality materials and those of minimal instructional value.

According to the minister, the absence of a structured ranking framework meant that textbooks with weak content and limited pedagogical relevance were placed on the same level as well-developed and carefully researched materials. He added that this practice had undermined teaching and learning outcomes in schools.

Dr. Alausa also raised concerns over the practice by some publishers of bundling workbooks and other consumable materials with core textbooks. He said this forced parents to purchase new books every academic year, even when the main textbooks were still usable, thereby placing unnecessary financial strain on families.

He noted that the newly inaugurated committee would drive reforms aimed at addressing these challenges by introducing a clear and transparent ranking system for textbooks.

The reforms, he said, would also place a cap on the number of ranked textbooks per subject, promote fairness in the selection process, and protect learners and parents from exploitative practices.

Describing the assignment as both timely and strategic, the minister charged members of the committee to conduct a critical review of existing textbook approval frameworks.

He urged them to recommend stronger assessment tools, develop credible ranking systems, establish clear and enforceable quality benchmarks, and propose measures that would ensure genuine improvement in content before new editions of textbooks are approved.

He further stated that the committee would look into issues of pricing transparency, edition control, and the clear separation of durable textbooks from consumable workbooks.

While regulatory agencies may continue to approve several textbooks, the minister explained that only seven books per subject would be officially ranked and recommended for selection by schools, particularly for use under programs of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Dr. Alausa emphasized that the committee must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and the long-term interest of Nigerian learners in carrying out its assignment.

He also called on the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to ensure that the reforms are well publicized to reassure parents and stakeholders that the Federal Government has taken their concerns seriously.

He disclosed that the committee would be chaired by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad. Other members include the heads of key education agencies such as NERDC, UBEC, the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), and the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC).

In her remarks, Prof. Ahmad assured Nigerians of the committee’s commitment to reforming the textbook approval and selection process in order to guarantee access to high-quality learning materials for students across the country.

She observed that under the current system, textbooks are often approved once they meet minimum standards, without any clear benchmark to determine whether they qualify as Grade A, B, or C in terms of quality.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

He said the move would end the arbitrary selection of textbooks for use in schools and ensure that only the most suitable and effective instructional materials are adopted nationwide.