The Federal Government has launched a new nationwide education policy aimed at cutting the cost of schooling for parents while improving teaching and learning standards across the country.
The newly released framework introduces sweeping reforms that include a single national academic calendar, restrictions on textbook practices, and stronger quality control measures for instructional materials used in schools.
New Policy Targets Cost Reduction and Better Learning Outcomes
According to the government, the policy is designed to reduce the financial strain on families while ensuring that students have access to reliable, high-quality learning materials.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Ahmed, who jointly issued the policy on Friday, said the reforms are part of a broader effort to reposition Nigeria’s education system and make it more efficient, equitable, and sustainable.
Durable Textbooks to Replace Disposable Learning Materials
A key feature of the new framework is the adoption of standardised textbooks built for long-term use. Under the policy:
- Approved textbooks are expected to last between four and six years
- Schools are advised not to bundle disposable workbooks with textbooks
The ministers explained that this approach will allow textbooks to be reused across multiple school sessions, shared among siblings, and passed on to other learners significantly reducing recurring expenses for parents.
Environmental Sustainability in Focus
Beyond affordability, the policy also addresses environmental concerns. By discouraging single-use learning materials, the government aims to:
- Reduce paper waste in schools
- Encourage responsible resource use
- Support sustainability within the education sector
Reusable textbooks, the ministers noted, align education planning with broader environmental goals.
Introduction of a Uniform Academic Calendar Nationwide
As part of the reforms, the federal government has approved a single academic calendar for schools nationwide.
The unified calendar is expected to:
- Promote consistency in teaching schedules
- Improve coordination between schools and education authorities
- Enhance planning and monitoring across states
This move seeks to eliminate disparities in school timelines that have historically affected learning continuity.
Graduation Ceremonies Restricted to Key Exit Classes
To further ease financial pressure on families, the government has also reviewed school celebration practices.
Under the new policy:
- Graduation ceremonies will be limited to learners completing Primary 6, JSS 3, and SSS 3
- Schools are discouraged from organising multiple, costly ceremonies for non-exit classes
The government said the measure is intended to curb unnecessary spending while maintaining meaningful academic milestones.
Stronger Oversight of Textbooks and Instructional Materials
The policy strengthens systems for:
- Textbook approval
- Quality assurance
- Assessment standards
- Use of instructional materials in classrooms
The ministers stated that the reforms respond to long-standing complaints about frequent but superficial textbook revisions, which often forced parents to buy new books annually without real improvements in content.
Structured Textbook Revision Cycles Introduced
Under the new rules:
- Textbooks can only be revised based on substantive content improvements
- Minor cosmetic changes such as font size, colour, or page layout will no longer justify new editions
This ensures stability in learning materials and protects parents from unnecessary expenses.
Limits Placed on Approved Textbooks per Subject
The policy also introduces a cap on the number of textbooks approved per subject and class level.
This decision aligns Nigeria with international best practices observed in countries such as:
- Japan
- Kenya
- Tanzania
Limiting textbook options helps improve quality control and reduces confusion for schools and parents.
NERDC Retains Central Quality Assurance Role
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to oversee:
- Evaluation of textbooks
- Curriculum alignment
- Quality assurance of instructional materials
The council will work closely with other education agencies to ensure that only approved, curriculum-compliant materials are used in schools nationwide.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Education Reform
The ministers reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to:
- Protecting education standards
- Promoting fairness and access
- Reducing the cost of education
- Ensuring nationwide availability of quality learning materials
They also commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), NERDC, and other technical partners for their roles in developing the policy.
What This Means for Parents and Schools
With these reforms, parents can expect:
- Fewer compulsory textbook purchases
- Reduced spending on school ceremonies
- More consistent academic planning nationwide
Schools, on the other hand, are expected to align fully with the new guidelines to ensure compliance and improved learning outcomes.
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