By Nworisa Michael
The Federal Government has introduced a new policy aimed at reducing the rising cost of education for parents while improving learning outcomes across schools nationwide.
The policy, which focuses on the use of reusable and durable textbooks, was jointly issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, and made public in Abuja on Friday.
According to the ministers, the policy is part of ongoing reforms designed to reposition Nigeria’s education sector, ease the financial burden on families and promote sustainability within schools.
Under the new framework, schools are required to adopt standardised, high-quality textbooks designed to last between four and six years. The policy also prohibits the practice of bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks, a move the government says has unnecessarily increased education costs for parents.
The ministers explained that the reusable textbook approach would allow learning materials to be shared across multiple academic sessions, enable siblings to reuse textbooks, lower recurring expenses and significantly reduce waste, thereby supporting environmental sustainability.
As part of broader reforms, the Federal Government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar to promote consistency in teaching, learning and school planning nationwide.
In addition, graduation ceremonies have been streamlined to reduce financial pressure on parents. Only pupils and students completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three and Senior Secondary School Three will be permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.
The policy also strengthens assessment, quality assurance, selection and use of textbooks and instructional materials across the country. It addresses longstanding concerns over frequent cosmetic textbook revisions, weak ranking standards and practices that force parents to purchase new textbooks every year without meaningful improvements in content.
A key provision of the policy introduces structured and meaningful revision cycles, ensuring that textbook updates reflect substantial improvements rather than minor design or layout changes.
The ministers further disclosed that limits have been placed 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.
They added that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue to play a central role in assessing and approving instructional materials, working with relevant education agencies to ensure all textbooks align with the national curriculum.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to education reform, stressing its resolve to protect educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents and guarantee access to quality learning materials across the country.