FG Releases 2026–2028 Approved Textbooks, Introduces QR Codes for Tracking

FG Releases 2026–2028 Approved Textbooks, Introduces QR Codes for Tracking

The Federal Government has released the final list of approved and ranked textbooks for use in Nigerian schools from 2026 to 2028, covering selected classes in primary and secondary education.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the release followed the completion of the first phase of the National Textbook Ranking System, a new framework designed to improve the quality, relevance, transparency and accountability of instructional materials used in schools.

The first phase covers Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1) and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1).

The ministry said every textbook on the approved list has been assigned a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, alongside details such as the book title, author, publisher and year of publication.

The QR-based system is intended to make it easier for education authorities and other stakeholders to identify approved textbooks and monitor their use, while helping to curb the circulation of materials that have not passed the required assessment and ranking processes.

The exercise was carried out under the supervision of the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.

The government said the new system represents a shift from the previous approach, which focused primarily on textbook approval, to a process that also ranks books according to established quality and curriculum standards.

Under the new arrangement, only nationally ranked and approved textbooks are to be used in public schools for the affected classes.

The Federal Government has also indicated that the number of titles approved for individual subjects will be controlled, generally ranging from six to 10 textbooks, depending on curriculum requirements.

The policy is intended to reduce the proliferation of textbooks of varying quality and give schools a more manageable pool of materials from which to select.

READ ALSO:

• 24 Hours in Darkness: Iju Ishaga Residents, Businesses Count Losses as Ikeja Electric Fails to Restore Power
• TCAN Honours Dangote Cement Transport for Safety, Logistics Excellence
• Osogbo Food Bonanza Turns Nightmare as Discount Vendor Vanishes With Customers’ Millions

The government has further stated that ranked textbooks are expected to remain valid for at least three years, providing greater stability for schools, parents and learners and reducing the frequency with which families may be required to purchase new textbooks.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) is responsible for the assessment and ranking process.

NERDC had earlier explained that textbooks submitted for the affected classes would undergo assessment against prescribed standards. Previously assessed textbooks were also required to be resubmitted because the new process incorporates ranking in addition to approval.

The 2026 textbook ranking exercise is being implemented in three phases. While the first phase covers Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1 and SS 1, the second phase will cover Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2.

The third phase will cover Primary 3, Primary 6, JSS 3 and SS 3, completing the ranking process across the major class levels.

The government has also announced measures aimed at reducing the cost of participation for publishers. The textbook assessment fee was reduced from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while the ranking fee was reduced from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per title.

The textbook reforms are also linked to a broader government policy encouraging the production of more durable instructional materials.

The Federal Ministry of Education has promoted textbooks that can be reused over several academic sessions and discouraged the practice of bundling disposable workbooks with textbooks where this would increase costs for families.

The ministry has said the durability policy is aimed at making educational materials more affordable and sustainable, particularly for households with children in multiple school classes.

The introduction of QR tracking codes is also expected to improve traceability and accountability within the textbook supply chain.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), through the HOPE-EDU programme, is separately implementing a book supply-chain Track ‘N’ Trace system designed to improve monitoring of the distribution of learning materials from procurement to schools and learners.

The Federal Government has urged publishers, schools, education authorities and procurement agencies to consult the official 2026–2028 approved textbook list before selecting or purchasing books for the affected classes.

The ministry said the overall objective is to ensure that learners and teachers have access to quality, curriculum-aligned and properly assessed textbooks, while improving transparency in textbook selection, procurement and distribution across Nigeria’s education system.

FG Releases 2026–2028 Approved Textbooks, Introduces QR Codes for Tracking