FG okays reuse of textbooks, bans graduation ceremony For Pre-Pry 6, JSS3, SS3 Students

The Federal Government has launched a comprehensive policy framework aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in schools through the adoption of reusable, high-quality textbooks.

The initiative was jointly unveiled on Friday by Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, as part of ongoing reforms to reposition the nation’s education sector.

The policy prioritises durable, standardised textbooks designed to last between four and six years, while explicitly prohibiting schools from bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks. This approach allows textbooks to be shared among siblings, significantly lowering recurring education costs and reducing waste in schools.

Under the reforms, the academic calendar has been standardised nationwide to ensure consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning. Graduation ceremonies have also been streamlined, limited to pupils completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3), easing financial pressure on families.

The framework emphasizes structured and meaningful textbook revision cycles, ensuring that updates reflect substantive improvements in content rather than cosmetic changes. This is intended to extend the lifespan of textbooks, offering better value for money.

In addition, the policy limits the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, aligning 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 processes for schools and education authorities.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will maintain a central role in assessing and assuring the quality of instructional materials, ensuring that only curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for school use.

The ministers commended the Universal Basic Education Commission, NERDC, and other technical partners for their contributions, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure learners have access to high-quality instructional materials.

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