FG Cuts Textbook Fees, Launches Reform to Improve Children’s Learning Outcomes
The Federal Government’s announcement to lower the assessment fee for textbooks and establish a National Textbook Ranking System has brought the issue of children’s right to quality education and access to effective learning resources back to the forefront.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) announced a cut in the assessment and ranking fees for textbooks and also intends to refund the publishers who paid the previous higher fees.
The move is designed to increase participation in the evaluation process in preparation for the new policy implementation.
In terms of children’s rights, access to quality learning materials is an integral component of children’s right to development because textbooks have an impact on learning outcomes, critical thinking and academic growth.
It has long been recognised that children need to have access to accurate, age-appropriate and curriculum appropriate materials to maximise the benefit of school.
The National Textbook Ranking System, which is expected to commence in September 2026, will mandate that textbooks used in Nigerian schools will be assessed and ranked by experts before they are approved for use in the classroom. The Federal Government stated the policy aims to prevent substandard materials being used and to enhance the quality of learning.
Stakeholders stress the need to strengthen educational resources as Nigeria works to tackle learning poverty to ensure children have the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
