FG Bans Disposable Workbooks, Introduces Reusable Textbooks in School Reform Drive

FG Bans Disposable Workbooks, Introduces Reusable Textbooks in School Reform Drive

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

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

Under the new framework, schools are required to adopt standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years, while the practice of bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks has been expressly prohibited.

According to the ministers, the policy is designed to ensure that textbooks can be reused across multiple academic sessions, enabling siblings to share learning materials, reducing recurring expenses for parents, and minimising waste within the school system.

As part of the 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 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 allowed to hold graduation ceremonies.

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The ministers explained that the policy strengthens the assessment, quality assurance, selection, and use of textbooks and instructional materials across schools, addressing longstanding concerns over frequent but cosmetic textbook revisions that force parents to buy new books annually without meaningful improvements in content.

A key feature of the framework is the introduction of structured and meaningful revision cycles, requiring that any textbook update reflects substantial content improvements rather than minor changes in layout or pagination.

The policy also limits 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. This, the ministers said, would improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection for schools and education authorities.

They added that the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in evaluating and approving curriculum-aligned instructional materials, working alongside relevant agencies to uphold national standards.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to education reform, the ministers commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), NERDC, and other technical partners for their roles in developing the framework.

“The Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding educational standards, promoting equity, reducing costs for parents, and ensuring that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning,” the ministers said.

FG Bans Disposable Workbooks, Introduces Reusable Textbooks in School Reform Drive