FG moves to cut education costs, introduces reusable textbook policy

…limits graduation ceremonies to primary 6, JSS3, SSS3

The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework aimed at reducing the cost of education for parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in schools through the use of reusable, high-quality textbooks and strengthened quality assurance mechanisms.

The policy was jointly issued by Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, and Suiwaba Sai’d, Minister of State for Education, according to a statement on Friday signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

The Ministers explained that the initiative forms part of ongoing reforms designed to reposition Nigeria’s education sector while easing the financial burden on families.

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Central to the policy is the prioritisation of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years. The framework expressly prohibits the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks, a practice that often forces parents to purchase new learning materials annually.

According to the Ministers, the adoption of reusable textbooks will allow siblings to share learning materials across academic sessions, significantly lowering recurring education expenses for parents. The policy is also expected to reduce waste in the school system, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals.

As part of the wider reforms, the Federal Government has introduced a uniform academic calendar to promote consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning nationwide.

The Ministers noted that this measure would enhance coordination across schools and education authorities.

In addition, graduation ceremonies have been streamlined to curb unnecessary financial pressure on parents. Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.

The policy also strengthens the assessment, quality assurance, selection, and use of textbooks and instructional materials across the country.

The Ministers said the reforms address long-standing concerns over frequent but cosmetic textbook revisions, weak ranking standards, and practices that compel parents to buy new textbooks yearly without corresponding improvements in content or learning outcomes.

A key provision of the framework is the introduction of structured and meaningful revision cycles. Under the new rules, textbook revisions must reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination, ensuring better value for money and extending the lifespan of approved materials.

The Ministers further disclosed that the policy introduces limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices observed in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania.

This measure is expected to improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection for schools and education authorities.

The ministry added that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in assessing and approving instructional materials, working closely with relevant education agencies to ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-aligned textbooks are used in schools nationwide.

Reaffirming its commitment to education renewal and reform, the Federal Ministry of Education commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), NERDC, and other technical partners for their contributions to the development of the policy.

The Ministers reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure learners across Nigeria have access to quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning outcomes.

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